Merapi is an active Volcano situated near Yogyakarta. It is one of the 129 active volcanoes in Indonesia. Stratigraphic analysis reveals that eruptions in the Merapi area began about 400,000 years ago. Typically, small eruptions occur every two to three years, and larger ones every 10–15 years or so. The summit is 2968 m high. The name Merapi could be loosely translated as the Mountain of Fire.
We were picked up in the night from Yogyakarta and close to midnight got dropped in a local’s house at the base. Had a cup of coffee and met with other trekkers in our group. I was little worried as i twisted my ankle earlier the same day. A German guy gave me lot of confidence saying don’t worry about your ankle it’s not that difficult climb and the summit view is something to die for. Typically the climb is divided into three phases first would be a steep climb with proper routes then it will be a rocky patch and final phase would be full of ash sediments until you reach the summit.
We started the trek around midnight, it was very cold and as we climbed up the wind speed was getting heavier and heavier. After sometime it even started to rain a bit. At one point couple of them dropped the plan to climb any further decided to take shelter in a small cave midway until we returned. Rest of us continued our trek but it became very challenging. I started losing energy and one trekker gave me an energy bar but again i started slowing as my ankle started paining. And now people were asking me to rethink once again will my ankle have enough strength to make it up and then back. Told them I’m doing ok and come what may need to reach the summit!!!!!!!!!!
As we entered the rocky patch, I climbed very slow and used a stick for support. My head torch stopped working suddenly and became difficult to see. I accidentally hit against a small rock and my head torch flew from my head and fell on the rock. Know what the torch started working!!!!! Having that beam of light seemed a luxury now…
We were nearing the summit. A girl in our group started crying since the weather was harsh and started feeling difficult to climb. Somehow we convinced her and asked her to continue the trek. Slowly and truly we reached the ashy part and it was the last phase of climb. It seemed little difficult as my feet was constantly getting stuck in the ash sediments.
After all the struggle we are here. The risk i took climbing with bad ankle didn’t go in vain. It took close to 7 hours in slightly tough conditions to reach the summit. Literately we had to crawl at the mountain top, it felt like the wind would blow us down if we stand. It was cold and wind was extremely strong.
The color of mountain top, amazing view of crater and the oozing sulphur smoke all these were nothing but experience. No words to express the joy. I would always rate this hike as one of the best.
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