Mount Rinjani Trek

This was what I was looking forward to the most. Just the thought of looking into a volcanic crater captured my imagination long before the trek. And I did not have to wait too long.

Right from the ridge, where we had our first camp, I was mind-blown. The volcanic crater was right in front of us. It wasn’t just a crater, but a beautiful crater lake.

Right from day 1, we had this view constantly! At the end of day 2, we actually reached down and camped on the banks of the crater lake. It’s a difficult feeling to describe - almost like a long-awaited meeting with a friend.

From the summit too, I felt transfixed to see it in all its glory. What a view!

Each day of the trek is so different in terrain, flora and fauna that it feels like you are doing 3 different treks when climbing to Mount Rinjani.

Day 1 with its dry savannah grasslands and warm exposed ascent. Initially, you have well-defined trails through grasslands, which slowly change into a mix of pine and deciduous trees with sections of loose volcanic scree.

Day 2, where you have a long ridge walk, soft sinking volcanic soil, and a super cold and windy summit climb. When you start it is pitch dark, icy cold with howling winds. On the return from the summit, you see the breathtaking views of the ocean and other mountains on your right with the crater lake on your left. 

Day 3 and 4 feel like you are suddenly in a long-lost world with streams, hot springs, tall, lush trees and waterfalls. It almost has a Himalayan feel to it initially that gives way to a rich tropical forest.

I had never experienced a trek with so much variety before!

Mount Rinjani is a challenging trek. The trek to the summit is a tough one, but the feeling of accomplishment at the top is unbeatable. 

The 300 m last stretch to the summit is certainly a mental test as much as it is a physical one. You keep climbing, but the soft volcanic soil takes you a step back for every 2 steps forward. I could sense my mind playing tricks with me, almost convincing me to turn around, but something stronger pushed me further.

The views from Mount Rinjani are simply stunning. As you ascend, you see panoramic views of Lombok Island, the ocean, and, the surrounding volcanoes. Higher up, as you reach the rim of the crater, the beautiful Segara Anak Lake, located within the caldera of Mount Rinjani, takes your breath away!

Nothing can beat the sunrise as you make your way to the summit on day 2. Many feel they have seen it all once they behold this magnificent sight.

Just 5 minutes from the lake campsite on Day 2, are vast and pristine hot springs with different levels of heat in different sections. We sat in it and soaked our tired muscles. None of us wanted to get out of the hot springs. It was only after the stars came out in the inky blue darkness that we got out of the hot springs, feeling relaxed and recouped. This is the great reward awaiting everyone at the end of day 2 after the long summit day. An absolute treat!

The next 2 days, as you trek with almost no one else on the trail, you come across several hot springs and streams with crystal clear medicinal waters. Locals come here to gather water to heal themselves and consider it holy.

Lombok's indigenous people, the Sasak, have a unique culture. They have well-maintained traditional villages with community spaces and thatched-roof houses that you can visit. Their rich weaving techniques, pearl cultivation, and handicrafts instantly transport you to a distant past. There’s a saying among themselves that “a woman needs to be able to weave her own skirt to be eligible for marriage.” That’s how ingrained weaving is in their culture. 

On the other hand, their food is for adventurous taste buds. The Balinese and Sasak cuisines are interesting, delicious and very affordable.  I personally loved Pelecing kangkung, a local fiery salad made from water spinach, beansprouts and grated coconut. Rice and coconut-based curries were delicious - topped with a fried egg. If you are not into trying different stuff there are traditional Indian and Western restaurants with foods that suit every palate.

This is a must-do after your trek. Lombok has endless beaches that are not crowded or touristy. Just 45 minutes away (on a boat ride) are the famous Gili Islands: with restaurants, live music, good food, cycles that you can hire to get around and of course snorkelling and scuba diving!