Description

Climbing Gunung Kerinci on the island of Sumatra is one thing, but just getting there is another.  The bus journey from Padang can be anything between six and nine hours, and crosses the spine of Sumatra.  Be prepared for an arduous, but hilarious time!  You usually arrive in the village of Kersik Tua after dark, but the dawn brings extensive views of well-manicured tea plantations and the peak it’self – cloud permitting.  Rain and hailstorms are not uncommon here as you are already at 1500m.

Sitting in the Kerinci Selat National Park, the peak is approached down a long plantation road, before you break into dense jungle.  Thankfully little logging is allowed here and much of the canopy is untouched.  Gibbons can be seen swinging through the trees .

There are a number of campsites high on the peak, (remnants from Dutch colonisation), from where we set off in the dark for a sunrise summit.  The vegetation soon ends with slopes of dusty pumice, before you reach the craters rim and hear the dull roar below.  The air will be filled with the smell of sulphur and all of Central Sumatra will be laid before you.

Photo: Rob Woodall

• International flights from London (Flight inclusive package)
• A British expedition team leader. Small groups may use a local leader. 
• Permits, charges, importation taxes and levies payable to the Local Authorities in connection with the expedition. 
• Food, fuel and cooking equipment whilst on the mountain.
• Hotel and other valley/town accommodation on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
• All tents and other communal equipment necessary for the climb. 
• Medical safety equipment and supplies
• 90-120 litre kit bag for expedition members for UK based clients. A logoed top will be substituted for all clients residing outside of the UK and for returning clients
• 24 hour back up and support from UK staff
• 15% off the RRP on clothing and equipment purchases from Adventure Peaks shop

• Travel to and from UK airport
• Personal climbing clothes and equipment
• Personal insurance, visas, departure tax and inoculations
• Drinks and hotel or guest house meals, unless specified
• Personal medical supplies
• Personal use of communication equipment
• Excess baggage
• Tips for porters and local guides.
• Costs associated with an expedition finishing early
• Costs associated with you leaving an expedition early
• Costs associated with extending a trip due to bad weather or other circumstances

It is vitally important that you have adequate travel insurance for your trip with Adventure Peaks. We recognise the complexity and variety of choice in the insurance market and know that many of you either have your own preferred insurer or have annual multi trip cover in place already. If this is the case, please ensure that your insurer is aware of your Adventure Peaks itinerary and can agree to cover the activities being undertaken.

Adventure Peaks do not provide any advice on travel insurance, although it is a requirement of our booking conditions that you have travel insurance which covers the activities which you are likely to be undertaking on your holiday. Cover must include emergency medical, helicopter evacuation, repatriation and rescue expenses.

It is strongly recommended that suitable cancellation insurance is purchased at the time of booking as all deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Suggested insurance companies include:

Expeditions or Treks

• HCC Medical Insurance Services LLC  Tel: +1-800 605 2282
• Travelex Insurance Services  Tel: +1-800 228 9792
• True Traveller Insurance Tel: 0333 999 3140 for treks including over 4500m
• Austrian Alpine Club (UK) Tel: +44 (0)1929 556870
• Snowcard  Tel: +44 (0)1295 660836
• The B.M.C.  Tel: +44 (0)161 445 6111 (please note the BMC cannot cover Mt Damavand)
• Dogtag  Tel: 0800 036 4824 (UK residents only)
• World Nomads  (up to 6000m)
• Insure for Less  (Australians only)

Treks only:

• Campbell Irvine  Tel: +44 (0)207 938 1737
• Rothwell & Towler  Tel: +44 (0)845 908 0161
• J S Insurance  Tel: +44 (0)844 848 1500