Trekking Up Mt. Semeru

Last weekend I went with a group of friend to hike Mt. Semeru. At 12,060 feet, it's that tallest peak on the island of Java and is also still an active volcano. I knew the trip was going to be a 2-day hike, but had no idea what I was getting myself in to. It was definitely one of the most physically challenging thing I've done, but well worth it! The 22-mile trail to the peak was different terrain every few miles. We went from farm land, through jungle, passed a lake, through grasslands, through woods and up the steepest part passed treelines that was entirely volcanic rock and ash. It was incredible! But words can't describe it as well as pictures :)


On the way to Mt. Semeru we took a bathroom break...meaning we stopped at a random person's home and asked if we could use their bathroom. Indonesians are so gracious! Carolyn, just finishing up :)



The girls on our team...I wish I had a before and after picture of us. Those smiles would be wiped off our faces and we'd be covered in dust haha. It was a team bonding experience none the less!

About 3 hours into the hike, we came up to a lake where a lot of people decide to camp at. It was gorgeous!

After the lake came the grasslands....I kept waiting for a lion to pop out or something. I definitely didn't feel like I was in Indonesia!

After 6 hours of hiking, we made it to base camp! We'd "sleep" here and leave for the hike to the top at 1:30 AM. We never really slept.

At 1:30AM, Lisa, Carolyn and I set out for the summit. We had to leave that early, not only to see the sunrise, but because you're not allowed to be at the top past 9AM--the volcano starts to puff throughout the day. The first hour was through woods and was steep, but not too bad. Once we got passed the treeline, though, it took 2 1/2 hours to climb 1 km. Because it was completely ash and small rocks, we'd take 3 steps forward and slide down 2. Not exactly my favorite part, but it was well worth it!!

I made it up to the top of the mountain at 5AM just in time for sunrise!!

Some friends I made at the top so I didn't have to go down alone. They were pretty hilarious...they all brought their graduation gowns to change into and take pictures, all had on uniforms, and even brought pictures of their girlfriends to pose with at the top!

 

When I usually watch the sunrise on my roof, Mt. Semeru is the mountain I look out to...it was awesome being on that side and being at the top of what I usually see.



Perfect Sunrise!! I was so thankful it was a clear morning!

 

The 360 view from the top was amazing. This is the view from where we came from and hiked through.

I loved that you could see the shadow of the peak on the clouds...but my favorite part of this picture is the guy strewn out on the ground...that captures how all of us were feeling hahaha. poor guy.

Our friend, Mas Sam, who I met up with on the way down. Always has his smile on!

Hiking back from base camp, looking back at Mt. Semeru(the white cloud is what puffs from the volcano)