How long is the Mt. Rinjani summit hike?

The summit hike on the 2 day route begins in Sembalun Village, which sits at roughly 1,150 meters above sea level. The first day covers the long approach through Sembalun’s open grasslands and a steady climb to the crater rim. The total distance from Sembalun to the Sembalun Crater Rim is about 9 kilometers, and most hikers reach camp in 6 to 7 hours. Along the way, the trail passes through several clearly marked stations. POS 1 is reached after around two hours of gentle climbing, followed by POS 2 about an hour later at a slightly higher elevation. The trail continues rising toward POS 3, where most groups stop for lunch before making the final push up the steeper volcanic slopes that lead to the crater rim at around 2,639 meters. This is where hikers rest for the night before attempting the summit.

The second day begins very early, usually around 2:00 in the morning, with headlamps lighting the way. From the crater rim, the route to the summit is roughly 5 kilometers, but the climb is very steep and slow because of loose volcanic sand and gravel. Most hikers take 3 to 4 hours to reach the peak, arriving just in time for sunrise. This section gains more than 1,000 meters of elevation in a short distance, which makes it one of the toughest parts of the entire trek. The footing is unstable, and the combination of altitude and deep sand requires steady pacing and good stamina.

After enjoying the summit view, the descent back to the crater rim usually takes between one and two hours. From there, hikers continue all the way down to Sembalun Village, which often takes another 4 to 5 hours depending on conditions. The descent is long but easier than the summit push, and the landscape gradually shifts from volcanic ridges back to rolling savanna near the bottom.

Overall, the 2 day summit hike covers a significant amount of distance and elevation in a short time. Day 1 involves the long climb to the rim, and Day 2 combines a steep summit ascent with a full descent to the village. This route is intense but rewarding, and a trained guide helps manage the pace so you can complete the summit safely and comfortably.