Indonesia: No It Did Not Burn Down XI – Lombok: Unreal Climb Up Rinjani
Keep in mind that the temperature can go well below zero here. Therofore, dress appropriately. Today we are going to conquer Rinjani’s summit. You need gloves here. Take water, cookies and grape sugar with you. This should give you enough energy.
According to our guide we are supposed to set off at 2.30 in the morning. Unfortunately, we got only couple of ordinary cookies without any filling. And warm tea. Had we not the rest of our supplies with us including grape sugar we wouldn’t reach the top.
First, you walk through all tent cities built along the edge of the crater. Then you find yourselves in volcanic dust. It raises due to other people walking in front of you, therefore, it is better to wear a mask. These conditions don’t change much later. The worst section (as for swirling volcanic dust ) is the first one. This is a steep climb from the camp to the ridge which takes you then to the top. And also the last section. The trail is really long and very difficult. It takes lot of energy to walk in volcanic sand. Being hungry and freezing doesn’t help your experience much. Therefore, reaching the top requires superhuman stamina.
Upon the first steep section the trail continues along the ridge. Terrain is better there and not that steep. It is pleasant, however, it gets worse and worse. During the first two hours you don’t even need to take beaks. Later, we felt more fatigue due to high altitude. Walking in volcanic terrain where you make two steps forth one back is really difficult.
Unfortunately, the sunrise began when we were still below the summit. The climb takes more than 3,5 hours. Therefore, it is better to set off earlier. And the climb is really difficult. However, outdo oneself is great reward. And the view is amazing! The vista of the lake on the bottom of the crater, other craters and volcanoes around is wonderful!
While climbing Rinjani be careful because stepping even half-a-mater to the side might be very dangerous; mainly during night climb. While getting back from the top it was sometimes breathtaking experience (during the daylight).
It took about two hours to get back to Crater Rim camp. We had breakfast which consisted of a mini pancake, fried bananas – these were really delicious but there were only a few of them. However, your experience might be different with better food.
We fell asleep immediately for about thirty minutes right after we finished our breakfast. Then we packed our things. We were informed that the following night would be at a camp down by Anak lake (2 000 m). We were looking forward to take swim in that beautiful lake.
To be continued…
GPS: 8°24'08.4"S 116°27'26.3"E
Text and photos: Martina Brožková
Discussion at the article (0) |
Related Articles
Indonesia: No It Did Not Burn Down I – Java: Mt Muria – The Holy Mountain
Indonesia, Sumatra – To Orangutans Living in the Free
Indonesia, Nusa Penida – Mysterious Cave and Hidden Beach
Indonesia, Nusa Penida – Untouch Paradise Near Bali
Indonesia, Flores Island and Komodo NP – A Cruise to See Lizards
Indonesia: No It Did Not Burn Down VIII – Bali: Perfect Scenery at Batur Mountain
Indonesia: It Did Not Burn Down VI – Java: Blue Flames, Sulfur Bearers on Ijen Volcano
Indonesia: No It Did Not Burn Down V – Java: To the Edge of Ijen Volcano and Discovering Its Mystery
Indonesia: No, It Did Not Burn Down II – Java: Karimunjawa National Park
Indonesia: No It Did Not Burn Down IV – Java: Getting Up to Bromo Volcano and the Madakaripura Waterfalls
Indonesia: No, It Did Not Burn Down III – Java: Sandy Bedrock of a Crater and Famous Bromo Volcano
Indonesia: No It Did Not Burn Down XII – Lombok: The Night at the Anak Lake and Mountain Descend
Indonesia: No It Did Not Burn Down X – Lombok: Climbing to Crater Rim Camp
Indonesia: No It Did Not Burn Down IX – Lombok: Meet Rinjani
Indonesia: No It Did Not Burn Down VII – Bali: Selamat Datang di Bali (welcome to Bali)
Indonesia: No It Did Not Burn Down XIII. – Lombok: Farewell to Rinjani
Related Photogallery
Indonesia - The Land of Islands
Related Videos
Indonesia: Islands Untouched by the Fire II
Indonesia: Islands Untouched by the Fire I.
Guide:
Important Information:
Information and warnings on travelling abroad is to be found HERE.