Merapi, beetween fire and ashes | REFERENCE - AZY004

Being one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia, Mount Merapi (2911m above sea level) has always been considered as legendary.

This hike focuses on observing the effects of the Merapi’s impressive eruption of 2010 ... And allows us to realize the huge destructive power of Mount Merapi...

Detailed Schedule – Yogyakarta – Kalitengah - Babadan –Yogyakarta

We leave from your hotel at 8am to the village of Kalitengah, on the east flank of Merapi.

This route allows us to approach Mt. Merapi and observe closely the chain of disasters caused by the eruption of October-November 2010. From a view point located 1200m above sea-level, we enjoy an idyllic panorama of this majestic volcano, which nonetheless, possesses such an incredible destructive power. Along the Gendol River, we see the devastation left after the passage of hot clouds hurtled down towards the villages at 200km/hr. Today, in the midst of a moon-like landscape, volcanic fumes at the bottom of the river still remind us of the important event.

We make a brief analysis of the global geological activity before heading to the Merapi Museum. After this captivating observation walk, we  transfer to the west flank of the mountain and contemplate the sunset from the Volcanic Observation Post of Babadan.

Finally, on the road back to Yogyakarta, we pass through the village of Muntilan, where the recent « lahar » lava flow was particularly destructive.

6 hours of transfer – 3 hours of walk

Uphill : 300m / Downhill : 300m

Meals : Lunch

Personal items to bring

• Running shoes
• Flask
• Hat and light spare clothes
• Raincoat (during the rainy season, October to April)
• Day pack & camera
• Sun block, sun glasses &  your good mood

Additional Information

The schedules are given as rough guide only. The itineraries are subject to change due to volcanoes or weather conditions.

Level – Easy

3 to 4 hours walk mostly on well-beaten paths and slopes with moderate inclination.

Those who usually enjoy walking will be absolutely delighted; as for the beginners, they will discover   all the physical and mental benefits of this activity, in an unusually charming environment.

Carry-on luggage

Bring only what you need for the day.

Included

• Azimuth local guide fluent in English
• Transfer in private and air-con vehicle
• Trekking permit
• Lunch
• Sites entry tickets and trekking permit
• Mineral water & snacks (fruits, biscuits…)

Not-Included

• Travel insurance & assistance
• Personal expenses and tips
• Everything that is not mentioned in “included”

• Description: ’Easy’ trips require a certain level of fitness,  with some walking (2 to 4 hours) on generally well-marked tracks. They include some ascent and descent without major difficulties.
• Individuals who enjoy going for walks on a regular basis will be delighted on these trips and on short sightseeing tours. If you are new to this, you will soon notice their benefit on your body and soul. 
• Preparation: A weekly two-hour long walk is recommended! An excellent exercise.

• Description: Both long and short trips require a longer personal investment than trips graded ‘easy’. You trek half or full days (between 4 and 6 hours). Ascents and descents  are regular in terms of effort (variation in height ranging from 400 m to 700 m, with the exception of  hikes to reach volcanoe summits). 
• If you enjoy all-morning or full-day hikes, or if you have enjoyed mountain hiking in the past, you will truly love our short or long moderate trips.
• Preparation: Whatever your profile, you should take long walks (four hours) once a week starting two months prior to departure, and practice another physical activity on a regular basis (swimming, biking…).

• Description: These trips include  practically full-day walks (six hours, with successive ascents and descents and a variation in height ranging from 700 m to 1000 m). Some trekking on wild unmarked tracks, an exclusivity of Azimuth adventure Travel Ltd.
• If you enjoy trekking over several days in challenging natural surround or if you practice a sport on a regular basis, you already meet the requirements for this type of trips. If you have enjoyed and have had no difficulty on trips rated ‘moderate,’ you will know what to expect.
• Preparation: Experienced trekkers and novices need to be in good shape. Two months before departure, start to exercise on a weekly basis: long-distance jogging and swimming and/or biking.

• Description: These include challenging full-day treks (averaging a minimum of six hours) on sometimes unmarked tracks. Variation in height may reach 1000 m, and even more on the final ascent of volcanoes.
• If you find long adventurous hikes in the heart of nature exciting and if you enjoy physically testing environments, you will definitely be enthused by these treks. If in the past you have enjoyed hikes graded ‘strenuous’ and have experienced no difficulty, you have an edge on these treks.
• Preparation: To benefit the most from your trip, exercise rigorously! Two to three months before leaving, start joggin (10 km per week). We also recommend an additional regular exercise, including long-distance swimming (1 km) and biking (40 km).

• Description and preparation: These are challenging treks, within the sphere of high-level mountaineering expeditions. Solid experience and the steady practice of an intensive physical activity over a very long period of time are an absolute a must..

• A daypack: Ideally large enough to pack all you need for a day’s walk (rain gear, water bottle, sunglasses, camera, packed food, warm clothes…). You will need at least a 25litres  pack for a full day, but a 30 to 40 -litre pack is preferable. Our experience shows that a larger pack is more comfortable.
• Trek bag/travel bag, both with padlocks: Our porters and vehicles bring daily your luggage to our overnight accommodations.
• Headgear: A sun hat and a scarf or bandana will efficiently protect you against dust and an irritant sulphuric atmosphere (they also protect your neck from sunburns).
• Clothes: Long hiking shorts (for mountain climbing), lightsweat pants, T-shirts, a warm sweater (also in cool weather in mountainous regions), a raincoat.
• Footwear: Hiking boots  and light shoes to wear indoors (sneakers or sandals).
• Other useful items include: spare shoe laces, needles and thread, a towel, night clothes, spare clothes, swimming trunk/bathing suit, toilet paper, a lighter, wet wipes and/or antibacterial gel, biodegradable soap/shampoo, lip balm, sunscreen, sunglasses, a water bottle, a small knife, plastic bags (to pack and protect some of your belongings), sleeping bag and a bedsheet. 
• First aid kit: throat lozenges, medication, insect and mosquito repellent, anti-diarrhoeal treatment (Imodium, Oralite). Your guide will carry along a sterile medical kit including a range of useful drugs. 
• In a small envelope or a pouch hanging around your neck or hidden under your clothes, carry a photocopy of your identity papers, your insurance contract, and your credit cards