Ascent of Welirang & Arjuno Volcanoes

Recommended for hikers with excellent physical fitness

The route starting from Sumber Brantas / Cangar is attracting more and more walkers. Located at approximately 1,700 meters altitude, it is the highest starting point for reaching the region's volcanoes. This route is suited to those who wish to organize their ascent of Welirang and/or Arjuno efficiently, by limiting low altitude climbing sections.
From this departure point, you progress directly toward a pass located between the Kembars peaks. Once at the top of the pass, you have a choice: head left (north) toward Mount Welirang, or right (south) to reach Mount Arjuno.

Sumber Brantas is located 11 kilometers from Selekta.

The hike begins from the village (1,655 m) or slightly further, around 1,750 m, just before the road descends toward Cangar Air Panas (hot spring sources located at 1,628 m). You start by following an agricultural path that crosses carrot and potato crops, offering a first glimpse of local life.

From 1,950 meters, the trail enters a forest zone and leads successively to Posts 1 (2,056 m), 2 (2,357 m) and 3 (2,570 m).

Post 2, recognizable by a large boulder, is a possible camping point for hikers who started the ascent later in the day. In clear weather, you can already see the Kembars peaks from this area.

Post 3 remains nevertheless the most suitable place to set up your camp. It is also from this point that you choose your direction: left toward Welirang, or right toward Arjuno.

In the middle of the night, you head towards the Kawah Jero crater area of Welirang, up to its highest point at 3,156 meters.

The trail, relatively flat and pleasant, allows you to progress in good conditions while offering beautiful views over the western slope, particularly of Mount Anjasmoro. Further on, a small path branches off to the left: this is the route used by sulfur collectors. You can spot them near a secondary crater, enveloped in fumes, surrounded by bags filled with sulfur blocks.

The route to the summit of Welirang then bifurcates slightly to the right. You pass near an old crater now covered with vegetation, then cross a rocky plateau. On these expanses of volcanic sand, many local hikers have left messages formed using stones, adding a unique touch to the landscape. You finally reach the summit crater, Kawah Jero, from which sulfur fumaroles escape. It is possible to circle it in about thirty minutes.

From the two highest points of the crater, the view opens onto Mount Penanggungan and, when conditions are favorable, onto other surrounding peaks, from Mount Lawu to the west to Raung, hidden behind Argopuro to the east. At the first light of day, if the weather is clear, this panorama offers an extensive view of Java's volcanic landscape.

Heading towards Arjuno, you will encounter, shortly after Post 3, hot steam emerging from beneath rocks in the middle of a pine forest (2,620 m). This forest ends at 2,875 m and a magnificent panorama begins to unfold before you. The trail soon reaches the summit of the pass (2,911 m) between the Kembars peaks, which is also an excellent camping spot. It is known as Lembah Lengkean.

The first peak, to the south, is Kembar Dua (Kembar 2 - the southernmost and slightly higher, at 3,113 m) and from there you can enjoy a fantastic panorama over many other volcanoes, both near and far. You can observe shallow grassy craters and numerous sulphur vents. Care should therefore be taken not to inhale the gases. From this peak, it is not easy to reach the Arjuno summit directly, as the path is very steep and has dangerous areas. It is therefore better to go around the eastern foot of Kembar 2, in order to take the safest and most frequently used route.

It is a long ascent on the slopes of Arjuno, but the views are incredible – Gunung Butak to the right, Gunung Penanggungan to the left and Welirang behind (to the north).

The first summit you will reach on the flanks of Arjuno is marked by a regional marker (3,315 m). The trail then descends slightly before reaching a broader summit. This "western summit" is at a very similar height to the final summit located a little further on - which most hikers consider to be the true summit – as it is probably at an altitude a meter or two higher.

From the summit of Arjuno volcano, Mt Semeru is visible just ahead of you. The last peak, a little further to the east, is very narrow, impressive and strewn with rocks. It is actually the true summit of Arjuno (3,339 m), although the previous summit can also be considered as the highest point. This narrow eastern peak is known as "Ogal Agil" by local hikers.

Return to Post 3 mid-morning, then descent back to Sumber Brantas.

Ascent from Sumber Brantas

Walking time Between 5 and 8 hours per day

Elevation gain/loss +/- 1,685 m