Climbing Mount Rinjani requires careful planning, especially when traveling from Lombok. Here’s a step-by-step itinerary to guide you through your journey from Lombok to the summit of Mount Rinjani.
Day 1: Arrival in Lombok
- Flight to Lombok (LOP – Lombok International Airport)
- Book a flight to Lombok International Airport (LOP). You can fly directly to Lombok from major Indonesian cities such as Bali, Jakarta, or Surabaya.
- If you’re traveling from abroad, fly into Bali (DPS) or Jakarta (CGK) and take a connecting flight to Lombok.
- Transfer to Senaru or Sembalun Village
- Senaru and Sembalun are the two main gateway villages for Rinjani treks. Most trekking operators will arrange transport from the airport to your accommodation.
- The drive from Lombok Airport to Senaru takes about 3-4 hours, and from Lombok Airport to Sembalun, it’s roughly 3 hours.
- Check-in at Accommodation
- Stay in Senaru or Sembalun for a night to acclimatize and rest. Many trekking packages include a stay at a guesthouse or lodge.
- Meet Your Trekking Guide
- Your trekking guide will brief you on the climb, including the itinerary, safety measures, and what to bring for the trek.
Day 2: Trekking Day 1 – Start from Senaru or Sembalun
- Early Morning Pickup
- Your trekking adventure begins early, usually around 6-7 AM. The trekking operator will provide breakfast and pack necessary supplies such as water and food.
- Trekking Routes Overview
- Senaru Route: You’ll start from Senaru Village at an elevation of 600 meters, trekking through the lush tropical rainforest. The first camp is usually at Senaru Crater Rim (2,641 meters).
- Sembalun Route: This is the most popular route for reaching the summit. Starting from Sembalun Village (1,156 meters), you’ll trek through savanna landscapes to Sembalun Crater Rim (2,639 meters).
- First Camp (Senaru Crater Rim or Sembalun Crater Rim)
- Reach the crater rim by late afternoon. Set up camp here, with stunning views of Segara Anak Lake and the summit. Your guide and porters will handle setting up tents and cooking meals.
Day 3: Trekking Day 2 – Summit Push & Crater Exploration
- Summit Climb
- Start Early: The summit trek begins around 2 AM to ensure you reach the peak for sunrise.
- Final Ascent: From the Sembalun Crater Rim, it takes about 3-4 hours to reach the summit. The climb is steep and can be challenging due to loose volcanic scree.
- Sunrise at the Summit (3,726 meters): Enjoy breathtaking views of Lombok, Bali, and even the Gili Islands. This is the highlight of the trek.
- Descent to Crater Rim
- After spending some time at the summit, descend back to the crater rim for breakfast.
- Trek to Segara Anak Lake
- After a short rest, continue your trek down to Segara Anak Lake (2,000 meters). The descent takes around 2-3 hours. Relax by the lake, visit the hot springs, and enjoy lunch by the water.
- Camp by the Lake
- Set up camp by Segara Anak Lake for the night. Your guides will prepare dinner while you enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Day 4: Trekking Day 3 – Return to Senaru or Sembalun
- Trek Back to Senaru or Sembalun
- After breakfast, start your trek back. If you’re on the Senaru Route, you’ll trek through the rainforest back to Senaru Village. If you’re on the Sembalun Route, you’ll head back through the savanna to Sembalun Village.
- Arrive in Senaru/Sembalun
- The descent usually takes 5-6 hours. Once you reach the village, you’ll have time to rest and refresh before your transfer back to your accommodation.
- Return to Your Hotel in Lombok
- Most operators provide transport back to your hotel in Lombok or to Lombok Airport if you’re flying out.
Day 5: Departure from Lombok
- Relax in Lombok
- Spend your last day in Lombok relaxing on the beach or exploring local attractions such as the Gili Islands, Kuta Beach, or Sasak Villages.
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Flight Out of Lombok
- Depending on your schedule, you can catch a flight back to Bali, Jakarta, or your next destination.