• Written by:  Heinz von Holzen
• Date Posted:  January 9th, 2012
• Category:  Java
• Comments:  No Comments »

Central Java and the area around Yogyakarta without Gunung Sumbing and Gunung Sindoro would be a little like New York without the Empire State Building and The Statue of Liberty or Paris without the Arc de Triumph and the Eifel tower. Regardless of which volcanoes in central Java you climb these two perfectly cone shaped husband and wife volcanoes offer a magnificent back drop.  Legend has it that on the summit in Sumbing’s crater lies the tomb of one of the holy men who brought Islam to Java. Therefore it comes as no surprise that both mountains are sacred and worshiped by villagers. For centuries, especially during the Majapahit period countless important buildings, shrines and temples were centered on these two volcanoes. Majapahit was based in Central Java, from where it ruled a large part of what is now western Indonesia. The remnants of the Majapahit kingdom shifted to Bali during the sixteenth century as Muslim kingdoms in the western part of the island gained influence. At the end of Ramadan, Idul Fitri is celebrated when thousands of devotees make their way to the top of these massive mountains. Not only during festivals but also throughout the year both mountains offer the perfect sanctuary for people to meditate in order to gain back the strength to cope with the everyday challenges of life.With so much mythology around two magnificent volcanoes one can only expect the very best from climbing these very picturesque twin mountains.

Summary Gunung Sumbing

• Elevation: 3371 meters
•  Kledung Pass: 1404 m,  -7.341015, 110.031509
• Summit: 3371 m,  -7.384939, 110.072408
• Location: Approximately 90 km West of Jogyakartaon:
• Difficult Grade V2:  The trail is rather steep but relatively straight forward.
• Physical Challenge V3: Physically rather demanding. Good fitness level required
• Hiking time: 5 hours up, and 4 hours down
• Water source: Limited, 4.5 liters recommended
• Guide:  Not essential once you are on the main trek.
• Permits: Available in Kledung Pass
• Transport: Yogyakarta – Simen – Muntilan – Mungkid – Magelang – Secang – Kranggan – Bulu – Kledung. Plenty of public busses available
• Accommodation:  Easy available in Kledung

Direction to Gunung Sumbing

The ascent

Detailed trekking description and more photos will be added by late March

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  On indovolcano.com we present a collection of stories from our never ending desire to reach every mountain top in Indonesia, that is over 2500 meters. Every journey to these peaks lead us into different parts and regions of Indonesia which offer completely unique cultural aspects and traditions. Never would I leave home without bringing at least one camera to document this journeys visually, which resulted in thousands of great images from these rugged escapes.

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