7 Days Wild Adventure

7-Days Trek from Bukit Lawang to Kutacane

500 Euros Per Person (Group Size: Minimum 2 Persons) | 3 To 5 People 450 Euros/person

This challenging seven-day trek takes you from Bukit Lawang to Kutacane, following the course of the Bohorok River. Along the way, you’ll traverse diverse landscapes, including lowland forests home to orangutans and wild elephants, as well as the mossy jungle atop Perkison Mountain.

Preparation and Considerations

  • Fitness Level: The trek is physically demanding. Ensure you are in good health and prepared for long days of hiking.
  • Weather: The trek can be affected by weather conditions. The seven-day allowance accounts for possible delays.
  • Porters and Guides: Experienced porters will accompany you, equipped with machetes to clear the path when necessary.

This trek is ideal for those seeking an immersive experience in one of Indonesia’s most remote and pristine natural environments.

Highlights

  • Wildlife Spotting: Orangutans, monkeys, wild elephants, nocturnal animals (otters, porcupines, wild pigs, snakes).
  • Flora: Rafflesia, pitcher plants, orchids.
  • Terrain: Lowland forest, moss forest, river courses, and mountain ascent.
  • Remote Adventure: No roads, motorbikes, or houses. The route is infrequently used, mainly by smugglers.

Day-by-Day in the jungle

Day 1: Bukit Lawang Exploration and Start of Trek
  • Morning: Depending on weather and fitness, explore the area near Bukit Lawang to spot orangutans.
  • Afternoon: Begin the trek along the Bohorok River, entering lowland forest territory.
Day 2-3: Lowland Forest and Wildlife
  • Continue trekking through the lowland forests.
  • Look out for orangutans, monkeys, and possibly wild elephants.
  • Nights may include optional night treks to see nocturnal animals such as otters, porcupines, wild pigs, and snakes.
Day 4-5: Ascent to Perkison Mountain
  • Ascend through the forest towards Perkison Mountain.
  • Encounter diverse plant life, including the world’s largest flower, the rafflesia, and unique pitcher plants.
  • Reach the mossy jungle at the top of Perkison Mountain.
Day 6: Moss Forest Exploration
  • Spend the day exploring the moss forest.
  • Spot various orchid species and enjoy the unique ecosystem at this altitude.
Day 7: Descent to Kutacane
  • Descend from the mountain towards Kutacane.
  • The trek culminates as you arrive in the middle of the Bukit Barisan mountain range, far from civilization.

Included

Meals and Camping Equipment
  • Day 1: Lunch, dinner, and camping equipment provided.
  • Day 2-6: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and camping equipment provided.
  • Day 7: Breakfast and lunch provided.

Guiding and Assistance

Throughout: Services of an expert guide and assistants for the duration of the trek.

Transport

Transport of excess baggage by road to Kutacane is included.

Package excluded

Permit entrance to the Gunung Leuser National Park, camera tax 10 Euros/ person for normal day and 13 Euros/ person in Sundays or red days, payable to the national park office).

  • Day 1: Breakfast not included.
  • Day 7: Dinner not included.

Accommodation and Optional Travel:

  • Hotels before and after the trek.
  • Optional onward travel to Berastagi, Ketambe, or Medan (transport for this is chargeable if required).

What to bring

Clothing:
  • Quick-drying clothes (polyester, not cotton) for layering and re-wearing
  • Lightweight long-sleeved shirts and long pants for sun and mosquito protection
  • Shorts and short-sleeved shirts for hot weather
  • Lightweight jacket or fleece for cooler nights (around 22°C)
  • Underwear and socks (quick-drying)
Footwear:
  • Lightweight walking shoes or sandals (Teva river shoes recommended)
  • Avoid Gore-Tex waterproof shoes
  • Ensure shoes are broken in to avoid blisters
Personal Items:
  • At least one large (1.5L) water bottle per person
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Sunblock
  • Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap)
  • Towel (quick-drying travel towel recommended)
  • Basic first aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, any personal medications)
Other Essentials:
  • Backpack (lightweight, comfortable, and large enough for personal items)
  • Plastic bags or dry bags to keep items dry
  • Camera or smartphone for photos
  • Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
  • Lightweight sleeping bag or sleeping liner (optional, depending on provided gear)
  • Hat and sunglasses for sun protection
Optional Items
  • Additional Gear:
    • Trekking poles
    • Gaiters for extra leg protection
    • Gloves for handling rough terrain
  • Comfort Items:
    • Travel pillow
    • Earplugs
    • Lightweight book or journal
Important Considerations
  • Packing Strategy:
    • Pack light, aiming for a total backpack weight of no more than 10-12kg.
    • Use dry bags or plastic bags to keep clothes and electronics dry.
    • Plan to wear and wash clothes multiple times during the trek.
  • Footwear:
    • Ensure shoes are well broken in to prevent blisters.
    • Choose footwear that dries quickly and is comfortable when wet.
    • Avoid slippery sandals; ensure they provide good grip and stability.
  • Wildlife Precautions:
    • Do not feed or touch orangutans and other wildlife to prevent the spread of human illnesses.
  • Restrictions:
    • This trek is not suitable for young children or inexperienced walkers due to challenging conditions.
    • Be prepared for high heat and humidity, which can make the trek more difficult than expected.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Bukit Lawang to Mount Uning
  • 9:00 AM: After breakfast, depart from Bukit Lawang.
  • Route: Hike through rubber and cocoa plantations for half an hour, then enter orangutan territory.
  • Wildlife: Observe orangutans, monkeys, siamang (black gibbon), white-handed gibbon (wau-wau), hornbills, monitor lizards, and snakes.
  • Camp: Set up camp below Mount Uning, on the Landak River at an altitude of 310m.
  • Distance: 14km
  • Altitude Gained: 260m
  • Altitude Lost: 50m
  • ime Walking: 7 hours
Day 2: Mount Uning to Kuala Buluh Confluence
  • Route: Follow the river ridge.
  • End Point: Confluence of Bohorok River and Kuala Buluh in wild elephant territory. Camp at 470m.
  • Distance: 12km
  • Altitude Gained: 550m
  • Altitude Lost: 400m
  • Time Walking: 6 hours
Day 3: Kuala Buluh Confluence to Mid Bohorok River
  • Route: Continue trekking up the Bohorok River.
  • Camp: Set up camp at 615m.
  • Distance: 8km
  • Altitude Gained: 250m
  • Altitude Lost: 50m
  • Time Walking: 5 hours
Day 4: Mid Bohorok River to Bohorok Tributary
  • Route: Follow one of the tributaries of the Bohorok River.
  • Camp: Set up camp at 1150m.
  • Distance: 14km
  • Altitude Gained: 550m
  • Altitude Lost: 30m
  • Time Walking: 7 hours
Day 5: Bohorok Tributary to Lau Terkicong
  • Route: Trek to Lau Terkicong (Terkicong Lake) in preparation for entering Aceh.
  • Camp: Camp at 1550m.
  • Distance: 7km
  • Altitude Gained: 380m
  • Time Walking: 5 hours
Day 6: Lau Terkicong to Aceh Border Peak
  • Route: Reach the peak near the North Sumatra-Aceh border, then start descending towards Kutacane.
  • Camp: Camp at 2100m.
  • Distance: 7km
  • Altitude Gained: 620m
  • Altitude Lost: 230m
  • Time Walking: 5 hours
Day 7: Final Descent to Kutacane
  • Route: Continue the descent towards Kutacane, where the trek concludes.
  • Meeting Point: Met by a car on the road near Kutacane.
  • Distance: 10km
  • Altitude Lost: 1700m
  • Time Walking: 6 hours

This trek offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the remote wilderness of Sumatra, with rich biodiversity and challenging landscapes.

Lets get in touch

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Our Contact info

Phone/WhatsApp

German & English

+49 1624 798 611

Bahasa Indonesia

+62 8527 0407 280

Location

Address

Jalan Orangutan, Bukit Lawang, Sumatera Utara 20774, Indonesia.

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