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Mount Semeru (Mahameru)

Mount Semeru (Mahameru) - Java’s highest, an active volcano with the beautiful Ranu Kumbolo lake camp

Difficulty 5/5 · Very hardExpeditionOut-and-backExpedition volcano (camp)
Distance
~40 km return
Max elevation
3,676 m
Elevation gain
~2,700 m
Duration
3-4 days
expeditionhighest javaactive volcanocrater lakeactivity dependent
Plan this hike
Adventurers trek on a scenic trail with lush mountain views in Mount Merbabu, Central Java, Indonesia.

The route

The line through East Java (Bromo Tengger Semeru), Indonesia - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.

Ranu PaniMahameru summitTrailhead → Summit · sketch (no live map key)
Elevation profile3,676 m (Mahameru, Java’s highest)
0 km20 km

Waypoints

  1. 1
    Ranu PaniTrailhead
    ~2,100 m0 km

    Start

  2. 2
    Ranu KumboloCamp
    ~2,400 m10 km~4 h

    Lake camp

  3. 3
    KalimatiCamp
    ~2,700 m15 km~4 h

    High camp

  4. 4
    Mahameru summitSummit
    ~3,676 m20 km~8 h

    Loose-ash summit; active crater

Season & conditions

Best season

Apr-Nov (dry season)

Weather risks

Cold nights, the loose-ash summit, volcanic gas near the crater

Dry-season only; access depends on volcanic ACTIVITY and permits - it frequently closes; verify. Confirm.

On the trail

Terrain & surface

Forest, the idyllic Ranu Kumbolo lake, savanna, and a brutal loose-ash summit night

Technical & exposure

Non-technical walking/hiking; confirm any exposed or scrambly sections locally

Navigation & waymarking

Marked/waymarked route; navigation generally straightforward - carry a map and confirm locally

Accessibility & group fit

Suitable for reasonably fit hikers; not wheelchair accessible - confirm specifics

Crowds & solitude

A popular, well-known route - busier in peak season

Variants & turnaround

Trek to Ranu Kumbolo lake only (when the summit is closed)

Getting there & staying

Trailhead access

Ranu Pani, from Malang

Shuttle & transport

Out-and-back/loop - no shuttle needed

Huts, camping & refuges

Camping (Ranu Kumbolo, Kalimati); porter-supported

Gear, water & connectivity

Layered outdoor kit, sturdy footwear, sun/rain protection, ample water; patchy mobile coverage - carry a map/PLB where remote

Facilities

Services in Malang / Ranu Pani; limited or none on the trail

Guide & crew

Guide required; permits and activity-dependent access

Permits & safety

Active-volcano risk (gas, sudden activity) - access depends on the official alert level; verify before going; a park permit, health check and guide are required; often closed for eruptions. Confirm.

Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.

Hazards

Active-volcano danger (gas, ejecta - deaths have occurred), the loose-ash summit, altitude, cold

Emergency exits & rescue

Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote

This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.

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Walk Mount Semeru (Mahameru) with your group
Manta plans the route, the huts and the easy alternatives so a mixed crew all get a great day.
Plan this hike