When considering Lonely Planet’s list of the world’s ten most beautiful hikes, one might describe the experience as enduring hardship in exchange for something truly epic.
This story recounts the journey of two climbers who tackled Mount Rinjani on April 2026. Based on their experience, we have gathered key insights and practical tips to help you prepare for your own ascent.
Day 1: The Ascent Begins
The journey starts with a 7-hour climb, gaining 1,500 meters in elevation. The guide picks you up from your hotel at 7:00 AM to begin the hike. The first 5 km to Position 2 (Pos 2), where you’ll stop for lunch, is the easiest section of the trail. To save energy for the tougher stages, you can opt for a motorcycle taxi (ojek) up to this point.
After lunch, the real challenge begins as you trek toward the campsite at 2,600 meters. This first night can be grueling; the mountain is often shrouded in thick fog or rain. With no electricity or internet and nearly 100% humidity, the camp feels damp and biting cold, making sleep difficult.
Day 2: The Summit and the Lake
This is the most demanding day. The summit push starts at 2:30 AM, involving an 1,100-meter vertical climb. The loose volcanic gravel makes every step a struggle; even at a brisk, non-stop pace, it takes about 3 hours to reach the top. After sunrise, you descend back to camp for breakfast.
Around 9:00 AM, the trek continues with a 600-meter descent to Segara Anak Lake. This section is technically challenging. Note: On the 3D2N Sembalun-to-Senaru route, hot springs are typically accessible only in July and August. In April—the tail end of the rainy season—the water flow is often too strong and dangerous for soaking. However, you can go fishing; our porters caught fresh fish and fried them for a delicious dinner.
After lunch, you’ll face a steep
3-hour climb (some sections at a
60-degree angle) to reach the second crater rim campsite. The effort is rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of Segara Anak Lake at night.
Day 3: The Long Descent
The final day is a continuous 1,500-meter descent taking roughly 5.5 hours. The first two hours consist of difficult, gravelly terrain, followed by a much easier trek through the lush forest toward the finish point.
Observations & Recommendations
Based on this account, we observed that the thin sleeping bags were likely standard rental gear. While the climbers faced heavy rain, the mornings fortunately remained clear. Their route (Sembalun-to-Senaru) bypassed the accessible hot springs. For those prioritizing a soak, the
Sembalun-Torean route is a better alternative, as it offers multiple hot spring spots during the descent.