Hiking Mount Kerinci [4D3N]

Trekking up its forested slopes, protected within the Kerinci Seblat National Park, is particularly challenging as there are no switchbacks. It is just straight up to the top along a ridge trail. But the vistas at the top are truly unbeatable, making the struggle and sweat to the summit more than worth it.

Mount Kerinci forms part of the Barisan Mountains, a chain of volcanoes from the Northwest to the South East of Sumatra. The formation of the Barisan ranges is associated with the land mass movement that resulted in the shape of the Himalayas 70 million years ago.

As the landmass of India rammed into the mainland of Asia, a resultant thrust also caused the Barisan range to buckle upward in Sumatra. Over the past 25 million years, the region’s continued mountain building and volcanic activity have resulted in the fields as they are seen today.

The plateau around Mount Kerinci saw its first settlements 10,000 years ago by the Kecik Wok Gedang Wok tribes. The first known ascent to the peak was in December 1877 by Arend Ludolf van Hasselt and Daniël David Veth.

The tallest volcano in Indonesia is increasingly gaining popularity not only for its spectacular views from the top but also for the comparatively shorter and simpler trail compared to the more high mountain ranges. Which can take several days to trek in inhospitable conditions. However, that does not make it an “easy” summit to negotiate. It is also far less crowded than other popular trekking destinations.

Leave your accommodation in the morning to begin your Mount Kerinci climb. On the way to the trailhead, do not forget to look at the stunning view of the beautiful Kayu Aro tea plantation, rice fields, the Rawa Bento wetlands, and Mount Tujuh off in the distance.

Once in the forest, look for Yellow-handed Mitered Langurs, lizards, and birds. You’ll hear the enchanting song of Siamang gibbons, and if you are lucky, you might spot a family of them. Make camp after about 8 hours of hiking, and prepare yourself for a chilly night and early morning.

On the second day, before dawn, scramble an additional two hours up the scree and rubble until you reach the crater. Bask in the view above the clouds as the sun rises, flooding the valley below with light. If you are lucky, you will see lava bubbling far below in the bottom of the crater, and on a clear day, you can see all the way to the Indian Ocean to your west. Congratulations, you are now the tallest person in Sumatra!

Eventually, make your way back down the mountain, emerging from the jungle after about six hours in the mid-to-late afternoon. After climbing Mount Kerinci, expect a few days of sore legs to follow!

Itinerary

Day 1
08.00 AM – 04.00 PM Pick up at Minangkabau International Airport (Flexible pick up time). Travel to homestay at Kersik Tuo (Overnight at homestay)
* Accomodation: Homestay provided for the night

Day 2
07.00 AM – 08.00 AM Breakfast and hiking preparation
08.00 AM – 09.00 AM Hiking safety briefing and health check
09.00 AM – 12.00 PM Hiking to Pos 3 Pondok Panorama
12.00 PM – 01.00 PM Lunch break
01.00 PM – 05.00 PM Hike to Shelter 2 Gunung Kerinci (Overnight at campsite)
* Accomodation: Tent provided for the night
* Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3
02.00 AM – 03.00 AM Breakfast and hike to Mount Kerinci summit preparation
03.00 AM – 07.00 AM Hike to Mount Kerinci peak
07.00 AM – 08.30 AM Enjoy Mount Kerinci ’s views
08.30 AM – 11.30 AM Hike back down to campsite
11.30 AM – 01.30 PM Lunch break
01.30 PM – 03.30 PM Hike to Shelter 1 Gunung Kerinci
* Accomodation: Tent provided for the night
* Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4
06.00 AM – 07.00 AM Breakfast and hiking down preparation
07.00 AM – 11.30 AM Hike down to Jungle Gate
11.30 AM – 12.30 PM Hike down to Base Camp
12.30 PM – 02.30 PM Lunch break and clean up
03.30 PM – 09.30 PM Travel back to Minangkabau International Airport
* Meals: Breakfast and lunch