Mount Kerinci 3 Day 2 Night Package

Mount Kerinci trekking is designed to explore the National Park of Sumatra. Here’s a detailed breakdown of a 3-day, 2-night Trek to Mount Kerinci, the highest volcano in Indonesia (3,805 meters or 12,484 feet), located in Kerinci Seblat National Park, Sumatra. This itinerary is typically suited for trekkers who are reasonably fit and prepared for a physically demanding adventure.

mount kerinci

The trek will take you through dense rainforests, montane terrain, volcanic slopes, and ultimately, to the summit of Mount Kerinci, offering stunning views and a real adventure.

Below is a day-by-day breakdown of what to expect.

Day 1: Arrival & Travel to Basecamp.

Destination: Kersik Tuo Village to Basecamp

  • Morning: Arrival at Sungai Penuh or Padang: Most treks start from Sungai Penuh, the nearest town to Mount Kerinci. Depending on your arrival, you may arrive in Padang (the closest major city) first and then take a car or bus to Sungai Penuh.
  • Transfer to Kersik Tuo Village: From Sungai Penuh, you must take a 2-hour drive (approximately 50-70 km) to Kersik Tuo Village, the basecamp area for Mount Kerinci trekking.
  • Afternoon: Check-in to Basecamp: Upon arrival at Kersik Tuo, you’ll check into your pre-arranged accommodation or camp. Here, you’ll meet your guide and trekking team.
  • Briefing and Preparation: The guide will give you a safety briefing, explain the route, and check your equipment. You’ll also have time to purchase or rent any last-minute supplies.
  • Acclimatization: You’ll have some time to rest and acclimate to the village’s higher altitude (around 1,500 meters) to avoid altitude sickness later on.
  • Evening: Dinner and Rest: The evening will likely be spent resting, enjoying a local dinner, and preparing mentally and physically for the trek ahead. Getting a good night’s sleep before the strenuous climb is essential.

Accommodation: Local guesthouse, homestay, or camping (depending on the operator).

Day 2: Trek from Basecamp to Rimba Camp (Camp 1)

Distance: 6–8 km
Elevation Gain: 2,200 meters to 2,600 meters
Duration: 6-7 hours

  • Early Morning:
    • Breakfast and Pre-Trek Preparation: Start early (usually around 7:00 AM). After breakfast, you’ll begin your trek from Basecamp towards Rimba Camp (Camp 1).
    • Starting the Ascent: The trail begins through the dense rainforest, where you’ll likely see a variety of plant species and local wildlife like monkeys, exotic birds, and butterflies. The first few hours are moderate, but the trail will progressively get steeper as you ascend through different vegetation zones (from lowland forest to montane).
  • Midday:
    • Breaks & Lunch: You will take short rest breaks, including a lunch stop at a designated spot on the trail. Your guide will provide packed meals, or you may rest at intermediate locations.
    • Steeper Sections: After lunch, the trail becomes steeper and more physically demanding. The terrain can be rocky, and the air will begin to feel thinner at higher elevations. Make sure to pace yourself and stay hydrated.
  • Afternoon:
    • Reach Rimba Camp: After a tiring climb, you will arrive at Rimba Camp, which lies at around 2,600 meters. This is the main resting point for climbers.
    • Setting up Camp: Set tents (if not pre-arranged), have a warm meal, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The temperature here can drop, so bring a warm jacket.
  • Evening:
    • Dinner & Rest: Enjoy a dinner of local food and get plenty of rest. The elevation at Rimba Camp will help with acclimatization, so sleeping well is essential.

Accommodation: Camping in tents at Rimba Camp (Camp 1).

Day 3: Summit Attempt & Descent to Basecamp.

Distance: 5–6 km (up and down)
Elevation Gain: 2,600 meters to 3,805 meters (summit)
Duration: 12-14 hours (including ascent and descent)

  • Early Morning:
    • Pre-Dawn Start: You’ll begin the summit push very early, usually around 2:00–3:00 AM, to reach the summit by sunrise. The trail at this point is steep, and the final climb involves volcanic scree, loose rocks, and often foggy or chilly conditions.
    • Using Headlamps: The ascent is typically done in the dark with headlamps, as most trekkers aim to reach the summit at dawn. The trail can be physically taxing, so take your time, watch your footing, and take breaks if necessary.

Summit:

Summiting Mount Kerinci (3,805 meters): The summit of Mount Kerinci offers a spectacular sunrise over the surrounding valleys and volcanoes. You’ll have about 30-45 minutes to take in the view, rest, and take photos.

The summit area is often covered with volcanic rocks and sulfur vents, so be cautious, especially if there’s any residual volcanic activity.

mount kerinci summit

Descent:

Descending Back to Rimba Camp: After reaching the summit, you will descend the same path to Rimba Camp for a break and to eat lunch. The descent can be challenging on your knees due to the loose volcanic terrain.

  • Afternoon:
    • Continue Descent to Basecamp: After a brief rest at Rimba Camp, you’ll continue your descent back to Basecamp. This will take several hours, and the terrain can be slippery, so keep an eye on your footing.
    • Depending on the length of the summit and descent, you may arrive at Basecamp by late afternoon or early evening.
  • Evening:
    • Return to Sungai Penuh: After packing and cleaning, you’ll return to Sungai Penuh for a rest. Some trekkers choose to have a celebratory meal at a local restaurant.

What You’ll Need for Mount Kerinci Trekking:

Clothing:

  • Base Layer: Moisture-wicking T-shirt and pants.
  • Mid-Layer: Fleece jacket or light sweater for warmth.
  • Outer Layer: Waterproof coat (in case of rain) and windproof jacket.
  • Hiking Boots: Good-quality, ankle-supportive boots for volcanic and rocky terrain.
  • Gloves and Hat: Beanie or balaclava for summit night and gloves to protect from cold.
  • Extra Socks: At least two pairs for the hike.

Camping Gear:

  • Tent: Provided by the operator or rented.
  • Sleeping Bag: Rated for cold weather, temperatures can dip below freezing at higher elevations.
  • Sleeping Mat or Pad: For comfort while camping.
  • Headlamp: With extra batteries for the summit attempt.
  • Trekking Poles: Useful for both the ascent and descent.

Food & Hydration:

  • Water: Carry at least 2-3 liters of water (you can refill along the way).
  • Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, chocolate, and other portable, high-energy foods.
  • Meals: Provided by the trekking company (lunch and dinner at Rimba Camp and Basecamp). If you prefer, you can bring additional snacks for energy.

Personal Items:

  • Sunscreen & Lip Balm: Essential for sun protection, even at higher altitudes.
  • First Aid Kit: Small, including band-aids, antiseptic, pain relievers, and altitude sickness medication (if required).
  • Camera/Phone: For photos at the summit.
  • ID & Permits: Carry identification; your guide will handle park permits.

General Information of mount Kerinci trekking:

  • Difficulty Level: The 3-day trek is moderate to challenging, requiring good physical fitness. The summit day can be grueling, and altitude sickness is a concern above 2,500 meters, so take it slow and stay hydrated.
  • Permits & Regulations: To enter the Kerinci Seblat National Park, you will need a trekking permit, which can be arranged through local trekking operators. Trekking with a licensed guide is mandatory.
  • Weather: The weather is unpredictable. Temperatures drop significantly at higher altitudes, and rain is common. Be prepared for cold temperatures on summit night.
  • Wildlife: The region is home to diverse wildlife, including Sumatran tigers, orangutans, and elephants, though rarely seen on the trek. Keep a lookout for exotic birds, monkeys, and other creatures.