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Papandayan, a mountain for beginners
Hard path: Climbers trek along a stony path near the slope of an active sulfur crater known as the gate of Mount Papandayan in Garut, West Java
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span class="inline inline-none">Hard path: Climbers trek along a stony path near the slope of an active sulfur crater known as the gate of Mount Papandayan in Garut, West Java.
Are you interested in mountaineering? If you are going to climb a mountain for the first time, Mount Papandayan is the right choice for beginners.
Mount Papandayan is a volcano 2,665 meters in height, which is located in Garut regency, West Java.
Its terrain is not particularly rough, although topographically it lies in a steep, hilly and mountainous zone with deep slopes, making Papandayan hospitable. Besides, the presence of paths for safe climbing makes it easier for inexperienced climbers to reach its summit.
The amazing charms of Papandayan were already noticeable from the climbers' station at the foot of the mountain. Climbers started their ascent from Camp David, trekking past an active sulfur crater that emitted gusts of sulfur smoke with its very sharp smell.
The white sulfur gas discharged from the crater rose to the sky before changing course in the direction of the wind. Occasionally, the smelly sulfur gas blocked their path, but climbers kept walking to reach the next destination.
'Mountaineering has lately become a favorite travel activity for youths, while only a few communities were engaged in this sport before 2010,' said G. Wisnu Wiryawan, Deputy Secretary General of the Indonesian Mountaineering Federation, who was at the peak of Papandayan to accompany beginners in their 'Tents Parade' outing.
After passing the crater, trailing along a winding path and going up and down, climbers crossed a lane over a small river with very clear water originating from a mountain spring and fit for direct consumption, before following another path covered by Cantigi trees (Vaccinium Varingiaefolium).
It was getting dark in the camping area of Mount Papandayan. As night fell, climbers remaining outside their tents felt a chill in the air. They were gathering in their respective groups, having conversations with only their headlamps for light.
When dawn arrived, favorable weather offered a magnificent view of Mount Papandayan along with the rising sun lighting up the earth from the eastern horizon.
Photos by PJ Leo
