Summit sunrise
Sun over the highlands and Sinabung.
swifant — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Kenrick — CC BY-SA 3.0 · MULAI ADIL SARAGIH — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Sylphar — CC BY-SA 4.0
A volcano overlooking the town of Berastagi, whose last eruption was over a century ago, though its geothermal activity is plain to see: steam vents, a small crater lake discoloured by sulphurous gases, and yellow sulphur crystals on the rocks. It is one of the easiest volcanoes to climb in Sumatra and has drawn visitors since colonial times. Most visitors climb before dawn to reach the summit at sunrise, watching the sun rise over the highlands with Mount Sinabung on the horizon. The ascent from the end of the paved road takes about an hour and a half to two hours, on steps and rocky paths. At the foot are sulphurous hot springs where climbers relax after the descent. Entry is a token fee of about ten thousand rupiah, and a local guide is advised, especially for the dawn climb, as mist can hide the path. The hot-spring pools charge small fees. Wear suitable shoes and bring a jacket and a torch, as the summit is cold before sunrise, and keep away from the steam vents. Climbing in heavy rain is not advised.
Sun over the highlands and Sinabung.
Sulphur and a coloured crater lake.
Relaxing after the descent.
Above Berastagi, Karo highlands
Moderate, suiting anyone reasonably fit, as most of it is steps and clear paths. The hardest parts are the cold and dark before dawn, hence the advice to take a guide.