Hello Mountaineers...?!
Do you remember the first time you climbed a mountain?
First time wearing mountain shoes, wearing a carrier bag, and getting to know travel gear for the first time?
Yup! I want to tell you about my first time climbing a mountain.
2016, October.
October in Indonesia is rainy season. Me, Ari, Teh Meli, and Wak Yuta have decided to climb Mount Gede via the Cibodas route. Named Gede-Pangrango mountains because the location of these two mountains is parallel and has the same path.
Only separated at the intersection to the top of the Gede and Pangrango. There are two routes that can be used, via Cibodas and Via Gunung Putri.
The usual route used by climbers is to go up via Cibodas and go down via Gunung Putri.
However, we will choose to go up and down the same route, via Cibodas.
Online Registration
Gede-Pangrango National Park has set the registration for SIMAKSI (Permit to Enter Conservation Area) online on the website that has been provided. The number of climbing members is a minimum of three people and must include a health certificate from a doctor.
Checking for registration equipment at Cibodas basecamp is open from 09.00 am - 05.00 pm. Hikers are not advised to take night tracks.
The Adventure Begins!
After finishing the SIMAKSI business, we started the journey. Ari and I took the first step followed by Teh Meli and Wak Yuta.
After an hour, we arrived at the Telaga Biru post.
TELAGA BIRU (blue lake)
in this post climbers can rest while enjoying the view of the blue lake and the swift and clean water flow. This blue lake will change its color according to the algae that live in the lake.
RAWA GAYANG AGUNG
Rawa Gayang Agung is the next post after Telaga Biru. At this post, climbers will cross a wooden bridge over 500 meters. From here the peak of Mount Gede is visible.
PENYANGCANGAN KUDA
After passing the 200-meters stone stairway, climbers will arrive at the Penyangcangan Kuda post. Here there are roofed buildings for climbers to take shelter.
From this post there are two paths to choose, the downhill path to the Cibereum waterfall, and take the straight uphill path to the top of Gede-Pangrango.
The track after the Penyangcangan Kuda post continues to climb, the track is rock and dirt. The trees in the forest of Gede-Pangrango National Park grow big and dense, climbers can still hear the sounds of birds and monkeys in the air.
HOT WATER SOURCE
At this post, climbers must carefully pass through the hot springs. On the left is a cliff, and on the right is a very deep chasm. There is a strong strap provided for grip. It is not recommended to go through this track at night.
After crossing the cliff, climbers will pass a small bridge. On the edge of this bridge, many climbers decide to rest and take a warm bath because it is not too deep.
KANDANG BATU (stone cage)
Actually, the Cibodas trail has two campsites; Stone Cage and Kandang Badak (Rhino Cage). Most climbers will choose the Kandang Badak because the camp area is large.
However, because we arrived at Batu's stable, it was late, we finally decided to spend the night here. There are only two tents that spend the night in the kandang batu.
KANDANG BADAK (Rhinoceros Cage)
After spending the night at Kandang Batu, we continued our journey to the top of Gede. After going uphill for quite a while, we arrived at the kandang badak.
INTERSECTION
After the Kandang Badak, climbers will arrive at the intersection. Go left to the top of Pangrango, and to the left to the top of the Gede.
The track from here continues uphill. Big trees are starting to disappear. Replaced with edelweiss and cantigi/manisrejo trees.
The higher you go, the more intense the smell of sulfur from the crater. The sky was getting cloudy and the air was getting colder. This boulders track becomes more and more difficult as the rain begins to fall.
STORM IS COMING!
The cobblestone and uphill track is complete. We arrived at the rim of the crater. Heavy rain came. We decided to wear raincoats. From here to the big peak monument only half an hour if the weather is sunny. However, this time we had to meet the rain.
After a short break and charging with snacks and drinks, we continued our journey. It was still raining heavily. Our left side of the cliff leading to the crater of Mount Gede-Pangrango. The right side of the gorge leads to the mountainside. Plants in this area are filled with Edelweiss and Cantigi/Manisrejo.
The rain was getting heavier and the wind was getting stronger. Visibility in front of us was only about two meters. On this track, it was just me and my friends, no other climbers in front or behind us.
Every now and then, when the wind is very strong, we stop for a while. There is a large wire that runs along this path. Mounted on the left side to protect climbers from falling into the crater.
The smell of sulfur stings the nose. We decided to keep going even though it was raining heavily.
THE STORM STOPS!
ten minutes before the Gede peak, the rain stopped, the wind returned to normal but the fog was still thick. If it's sunny, we should be able to see the peak of Pangrango from here, and see the beautiful charm of friends.
We continued walking because the peak monument was already visible.
The rain stopped, we took off our raincoats. The Gede Peak Monument! I'm coming!
Thank you God, the universe,my dearest friends. My first trip was very memorable.
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