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Chinese Looking for something adventurous for your next holiday trip? Mount Rinjani summit tour itinerary can be a great idea. It is a perfect journey for both experienced climbers and beginners as long as they have strong physical fitness. Such solid conditions are a must if you plan on climbing the mountain, which has challenging trekking routes.
Indeed, at 3,726 metres, that mountain is a physically demanding destination. Besides, it has rapid weather changes, which can be extremely cold near sunrise. However, many outdoor lovers put that mountain on their bucket lists, citing its amazing scenery, unique wildlife, and mesmerising panorama at the peak. This article shares useful information which can guide you in preparing for the trip. Stay tuned!
How many days are needed for a full Mount Rinjani summit tour itinerary?
Two days and one night (2D1N) is the most popular Mount Rinjani summit tour itinerary option among experienced travellers with limited time. That route offers the shortest trek and focuses on reaching the summit. Usually, the trekking routes start from Sembalun highland valley on the eastern side of the mountain.
On the first day, the climbers will hike to the crater rim. On the following day, they will start ascending to the summit and then will go back to Sembalun after sunrise. To take that route, you need to be fit, as the last summit ascent over a loose volcanic scene requires high energy to get through. The 2D1N is not the only option available. Check other alternatives in the details below!
3 days 2 nights (3D2N)
This Mount Rinjani summit tour itinerary centres on the peak and Segara Anak lake. This option is recommended if that is your first-ever experience. Given its longer duration, that option is also great for nature lovers or photographers seeking more natural views. Below are highlights of the plan:
Day 1: Departing from Sembalun village to Sembalun crater rim.
Second day: Enjoying the summit sunrise and exploring Segara Anak lake.
Day 3: Ascending to Senaru crater rim and returning to Senaru village.
4 days 3 nights (4D3N)
If you have more holiday days, this Mount Rinjani summit tour itinerary is the perfect choice. Also known as the complete Rinjani experience option, you can immerse yourself in the experience as the walking pace is slower than the previous ones. See the trip highlights below:
Day 1: Start from Sembalun village to Sembalun crater rim.
Second day: Take the summit trek to catch the sunrise and then return to the crater rim.
Day 3: Have breakfast at the crater rim, then descend to Segara Anak Lake and explore the natural hot springs.
Final day: Enjoy the panoramic view from the Senaru crater rim, then return to the Senaru village in the afternoon.
Three unique challenges in climbing Rinjani mountain
As previously hinted, spending outdoor activities around the Rinjani summit comes with unique challenges. The destination offers an extraordinary hiking experience unlike other volcanoes in Indonesia. In terms of height, it is the country’s third-highest mountain after Jayawijaya and Kerinci. That fact alone suggests solid physical endurance each climber must have.
Thus, it is not sufficient to say that completing the Mount Rinjani summit tour itinerary requires strong motivation and discipline. For example, it is easy to become discouraged when the trails seem endless. You might also have to face your own fear of climbing steep slopes. Let’s dive deeper into the topic in the following details!
Loose volcanic gravel and sand
Many consider this what makes the final summit push particularly difficult. Often, climbers’ feet sink and slide backwards with each step as they encounter this geographical feature. Moreover, they must deploy extra energy to pass it through. The progress can be slow despite continuous climbing. No wonder some say this particular section of the entire Mount Rinjani summit tour itinerary drains their physical and mental strength.
Drastic temperature changes
Throughout the trip, you can experience multiple weather changes rapidly. When you are in the savanna, the weather is sunny and warm. As you enter the crater rim, expect to feel strong wind. During the summit push, be ready to feel cold temperatures, even freezing ones, nearing sunrise. Due to these facts, don’t forget to wear clothing layers as you prepare for the Mount Rinjani summit tour itinerary.
High altitude effects
Other than the loose volcanic gravel and sand, reaching the summit comes with other challenges. The higher you climb, the lower the oxygen level is. As a result, you may experience shortness of breath and headaches. You may also feel tired quicker than in normal trekking trips. That makes each hiker need to control their breath and pace rather than speed.
10 items you shouldn’t forget to bring for Rinjani climbing
Equally essential in the Mount Rinjani summit tour itinerary is making a list of key items during the trip. Those items are crucial to ensure your safety and security as the destination is located in a remote area with unpredictable weather conditions. Besides, proper equipment and clothing help you feel comfortable during a multi-trek journey.
For instance, you need to wear clothes with breathable, quick-drying, and insulating materials. Such fabric qualities will comfort your body despite constant exposure to hot sun, sweat, cold temperatures, winds, and possible rain. For the full list of the items, see the explanations below!
Hiking boots: Choose a pair of boots with a strong-grip outsole and ankle supports to improve your walking stability.
Jackets: An insulated jacket is recommended as it gives you warmth during the coldest temperatures.
Gloves: This one is really important as you begin ascending to the summit, which usually happens between 2 and 3 A.M.
Headlamps: This tool is crucial in the Mount Rinjani summit tour itinerary. During the final push, you will ascend in complete darkness, making the tool the light bringer.
Trekking poles: Descending from the mountain peak can be harder than ascending. These poles can help reduce strain on your knees and keep your feet balanced.
Rain jacket: This item is crucial for protecting your body against rain and strong wind.
Sunscreen: Sunscreen will keep you away from potential sunburn as the UV radiation is very strong at the high-altitude mountain.
Personal medication: This includes a pain reliever for headaches, oral rehydration salts, plasters, bandages, and private altitude medication as prescribed by a doctor.
Camera: Bring a portable camera with high-quality visuals to capture every breathtaking view and moment along the way.
Snacks: Energy bars, chocolates, dates, or dried fruits will supply quick power during the tiring long adventure.
Three useful tips to optimise Mount Rinjani summit tour itinerary
Despite the various challenges as said above, trekking around the mountain is highly possible. It can even be a rewarding experience with proper planning and preparation. The first thing to do is prepare your body condition. For example, you can take long walks or hikes between two and five hours.
Alternatively, you can practise stair climbing, squats, and lunges. All of these exercises are beneficial to train your legs and endurance so you are ready to embark on the difficult trekking routes. For other essential tips, read more in the details below:
Pick the route according to your climbing experience.
The Mount Rinjani summit tour itinerary can generally be divided into two categories. The first is for experienced climbers who tend to take rushing 2D1N climbs. Meanwhile, first-timers are recommended to take the 3D2N option so they can experience better acclimatisation and pacing. More precisely, they can walk slower according to their body abilities.
Walk slowly but consistently.
The Mount Rinjani summit tour itinerary needs to consider slow and steady walking as the ideal strategy, as it brings two benefits. You can truly absorb the views along the way, such as grassland and forest. Besides, it saves your energy. Your body won’t feel fatigued or run out of breath. Conversely, if you walk too fast, you will lose stamina easily.
Excel in the final summit push tactic
To reiterate, the summit climb is the hardest one as it consists of loose sand and gravel. To make the Mount Rinjani summit tour itinerary a successful story, you need to especially master the particular technique to “conquer” this section. One of them is by taking small steps and following a zigzag path. Be patient as you walk step by step. Use trekking poles as you take two steps forward and slide one step back.
How hiring professional tour guides enhances your hiking trip.
The above details can suggest that hiking on Rinjani mountain requires diverse preparation. From physical training to equipment, you need to do a lot of research to ensure your trip is safe and enjoyable. However, this independent initiative may not be an easy thing to do if you are new to this experience or have limited time.
That is why hiring top tour guides is highly recommended. In the scheme of a Mount Rinjani summit tour itinerary, these professional guides are important to tackle key sides. You can rely on their knowledge and expertise for navigation, route decisions, and camping. Check the details below!
Providing safety and emergency assistance
The tour guides can recommend safe trekking trails, so you can avoid getting lost if you rely on your own knowledge. Besides, they can organise help in case you feel tired or in need of medications. If there are issues regarding the routes, they will also inform you at once and suggest safe solutions.
Logistics handling
In the Mount Rinjani summit tour itinerary, logistics include permits, food preparations, and camping tools. With the help of the tour guides, you can just focus on hiking. They will arrange the entrance permit and prepare all tools for camping. They can even cook food for you. At last, your experience will be less stressful and more pleasant.
Rinjani Trekking Center, Your Ultimate Partner for Getting the Most Out of the Mountain
Planning to climb Rinjani mountain this year? Rinjani Trekking Center is ready to welcome you on board! Since 1997, we have been the trusted name for local and global adventures, creating special moments with families and friends around this destination. We are proud locals and have extensive knowledge and experience dealing with the different needs for tours.
We can arrange your Mount Rinjani summit tour itinerary according to your holiday length and number of travellers. All permits and logistics will be taken care of so that you can enjoy the holiday. What are you waiting for? Get in touch with us today to book your place!