Sumatra: climbing Mount Kerinci
Climb the highest volcano in Indonésie and contemplate the archipelago from the 3,691 meters of Mount Kerinci.
Duration
4 days
From
€275/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
rustique
Travelers
Solo, With friends, Couple, groupe
The spirit of travel
Mount Kerinci is Indonesia's highest volcano and the highest Indonesian peak except for those in West Papua (formerly Irian Jaya). Most of the Kerinci Seblat National Park is located in Jambi Province, but the volcano sits on the border with West Sumatra. Despite its altitude, Kerinci is not as difficult to climb as one might think, and the views from the summit are magnificent. The nearest airport is Padang, from which you should allow 6 to 8 hours of driving to reach the closest accommodation to the start of the ascent, namely at Kersik Tuo (1,519 m).
Although it is possible to reach the summit and return in one very, very long day (allow a minimum of 12 hours of walking round trip), it is recommended to spend one night on the volcano's slopes, at shelter 2 (3,045 m), or even at shelter 3 (3,306 m), which is more exposed. The summit is generally surrounded by clouds from mid-morning onwards, and if you want to enjoy the view, it is better to plan to reach the summit at dawn on the second day before descending back to Kersik Tuo.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Climb departure from Kersik Tuo
The trail begins approximately 5 km west of Kersik Tuo, through tea plantations, passing a very visible tiger statue. At the end of the road, at 1,755 m altitude, you will see a dilapidated signpost on the edge of chili pepper and potato fields. The trail passes a forest guard post and climbs into the forest (Pintu Rimba).
After 30 minutes, you reach Post 1 of Bangku Panjang (1,915 m) and, after a further 30 minutes, Post 2 of Batu Lumut (2,020 m). At Post 3 of Pondok Panorama (2,211 m), you will find a shelter and an unreliable water source. Shelter 1 (2,520 m) follows and some sections of the trail are steep, muddy ravines that can be problematic when it rains, but in general, there are no technical difficulties.
Climb to Shelter 2
Shortly after reaching 3,000 meters altitude, a small trail descends towards shelter 2 (3,045 m) on your left. It is the best place to camp, as it offers some protection against the wind and there is often a water source in the nearby ravine.
Final ascent to the summit
It then takes 3 hours to reach the summit, which means you should start the ascent around 3 am if you wish to see the sunrise from the top. You can also camp higher up, beyond the forest, at Shelter 3 (3,306 m), which will save you an hour in the morning. This one is much more exposed but you'll be able to observe the neighboring Gunung Tujuh and its lake from your tent!
From the forest's edge onwards, the trail is steep and numerous shallow rockslides will need to be negotiated. It is advisable to wear gloves and equip yourself with a headlamp. You will then pass a monument (Tugu Yudha, 3,690 m) in memory of a hiker lost before the tiny summit area suddenly appears.
The summit is marked by a cairn and a flag situated between two rock outcrops. Below, on the right, the smoking crater is steep and on the left lies the Indian Ocean. The panorama is vast – in good weather, you should be able to see Gunung Tujuh on your right, Gunung Raya and Gunung Masurai to the south, not to mention Gunung Talang, Marapi and Singgalang to the north.
Descent to Kersik Tuo
After celebrating your arrival at the summit of Indonesia's highest volcano, it is time to head back down to Kersik Tuo.
Walking time: between 12 and 14 hours round trip
Elevation gain +/-: 2,050m
To Kersik Tuo
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International & Domestic Flights
- Insurance & assistance
- Visas & possible airport taxes
- National park entrance fee (IDR 150,000 on weekdays and IDR 225,000 on weekends) to be paid directly at the park entrance
- Beverages, Personal Expenses & Tips
- Everything that is not mentioned in "Inclusions"
Included
- English-speaking guide and team of porters/cook
- Full board accommodation in a guest-house (2 nights) in Kersik Tuo
- Tent accommodation (1 night) with full board on the slopes of the volcano
- Land transfers to/from Padang
- Tent, mattress and sleeping bag
- Mineral water
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of the total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns tourists entering Indonesia. Entry requirements may change, and we recommend verifying the information with the official authorities of your country of residence and with the Indonesian embassy or consulate before your departure.
Passport
To enter Indonesia, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your entry date and must contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Depending on your nationality, you may be eligible for a visa exemption for tourist stays in Indonesia. Entry requirements vary by nationality and should be verified with the Indonesian embassy or consulate of your country of residence.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Formalities on arrival
Before your arrival, it is recommended to complete the online arrival declaration via the official Indonesian customs and immigration portal (e-CD, Electronic Customs Declaration).
This form allows you to transmit to the authorities certain information necessary for entry into the territory:
passport information
flight details and itinerary
address of first accommodation in Indonesia
declaration of goods and currency carried
A confirmation QR code may be requested when passing through customs and immigration controls.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Indonesia, except in case of transit through a country at risk of yellow fever, in which case an international vaccination certificate may be required.
As a precaution, it is advisable to consult a doctor or vaccination center before departure. Vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid and rabies are commonly recommended for stays in Indonesia. Antimalarial treatment may also be recommended depending on the regions visited (particularly outside Bali and major cities).
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to exit the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Entry requirements by nationality
Entry conditions vary depending on nationality. Travelers should consult the Indonesian embassy or consulate of their country of residence for specific requirements.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, find out about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the agreement detailing all coverage and the procedures for filing a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for reporting any claim. The participant must therefore keep this agreement with them for the entire duration of their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A Visa on Arrival (35 USD) is required upon arrival, valid for an initial stay and extendable once. You can also obtain an e-VOA online before departure. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Before booking, check the conditions applicable to your nationality with the consular authorities of your destination.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailored trip, plan between 140 and 230 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. The archipelago allows you to combine beaches, volcanoes, jungle and culture at attractive rates.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each circuit to the travelers' profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you get the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Sumatra
Photographe des volcans et sentiers indonésiens, based in Yogyakarta
Before drawing up an itinerary, you have to observe, walk, listen to the locals and understand the place. Only then can an adventure trip remain authentic.
— Dominic
