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7D/6N WILD ADVENTURE
Remote Cross-Sumatra Expedition
7 Days / 6 Nights Wild Adventure
Cross remote rainforest from Bukit Lawang towards Kutacane on one of our most demanding expeditions. Follow the Bohorok River, search for orangutans and other wildlife, climb from tropical lowland forest into high moss forest, and spend six nights camping far from roads and settlements.
Duration7 days / 6 nights
Departure09:00 from Bukit Lawang
AccommodationSix jungle camps
FinishNear Kutacane
Wild Adventure Highlights
Seven days across remote Sumatran rainforest
This challenging through-trek combines orangutan habitat, wild elephant territory, rivers, steep mountain terrain, high-altitude moss forest, rare tropical plants, six nights in basic camps, and a dramatic descent towards Kutacane.
Wild Orangutans
Search responsibly for critically endangered Sumatran orangutans and other primates in lowland rainforest.
Elephant Territory
Travel through forest where wild Sumatran elephants may be present and look for tracks and other signs.
Mountain Crossing
Climb from the Bohorok river system towards high forest near the North Sumatra–Aceh border.
Moss Forest
Explore a cooler high-altitude ecosystem with moss-covered vegetation, orchids, and pitcher plants.
Six Jungle Nights
Sleep in simple expedition camps beside rivers and in remote mountain forest far from settlements.
Rare Flora
Look for extraordinary tropical plants including rafflesia, pitcher plants, and forest orchids.
About the Expedition
Our most remote and physically demanding trek
The 7 Days / 6 Nights Wild Adventure is a genuine rainforest crossing from Bukit Lawang towards Kutacane. The route follows the Bohorok river system through lowland orangutan habitat, valleys, tributaries, elephant territory, mountain slopes, and high moss forest near the provincial border.
There are no hotels or permanent facilities along the trekking route. You will walk for approximately five to seven hours on most days and sleep in basic camps prepared by the expedition team. Experienced guides, assistants, and porters accompany the group and may clear overgrown sections when required.
Possible wildlife includes orangutans, Thomas’s langurs, macaques, siamangs, white-handed gibbons, hornbills, monitor lizards, snakes, otters, porcupines, wild pigs, and signs of wild elephants. Wildlife lives freely, so sightings cannot be guaranteed.
- Approximately 72 kilometres of expedition trekking
- Six nights in simple wilderness camps
- Experienced guide, assistants, and porter support
- Meals and camping equipment during the trek
- Road transfer of excess baggage to Kutacane
Sample Itinerary
Seven-day route from Bukit Lawang to Kutacane
The distances, altitudes, walking times, camps, and route below are indicative. Weather, river levels, trail conditions, group fitness, fallen trees, and safety considerations can require significant changes or delays.
Day One
Bukit Lawang to Mount Uning
09:00 — Depart Bukit Lawang
After breakfast, meet the expedition team and begin with a short walk through rubber and cocoa plantations.
Enter Orangutan Territory
Continue into lowland rainforest while looking for orangutans, monkeys, siamangs, white-handed gibbons, hornbills, monitor lizards, and snakes.
Camp Below Mount Uning
Set up camp beside the Landak River at approximately 310 metres above sea level.
Daily Profile
Approximately 14 km • 7 hours walking • 260 m ascent • 50 m descent.
Day Two
Mount Uning to Kuala Buluh
Follow the River Ridge
Trek deeper into the rainforest along the ridge above the river, crossing uneven and humid terrain.
Wild Elephant Territory
Reach the confluence of the Bohorok River and Kuala Buluh, an area where signs of wild elephants may be found.
Second Jungle Camp
Camp near the confluence at approximately 470 metres above sea level.
Daily Profile
Approximately 12 km • 6 hours walking • 550 m ascent • 400 m descent.
Day Three
Kuala Buluh to Mid Bohorok River
Continue Up the Bohorok River
Follow the river system farther into remote forest, watching for wildlife, tracks, nests, calls, and feeding signs.
Optional Night Exploration
When conditions allow, a short night walk may reveal nocturnal wildlife such as porcupines, otters, wild pigs, frogs, insects, and snakes.
Third Jungle Camp
Camp beside the river at approximately 615 metres above sea level.
Daily Profile
Approximately 8 km • 5 hours walking • 250 m ascent • 50 m descent.
Day Four
Mid Bohorok to Mountain Tributary
Leave the Main River
Follow one of the Bohorok River tributaries as the route begins climbing into higher and cooler forest.
Changing Vegetation
Observe how the rainforest changes with altitude and look for unusual plants, orchids, and pitcher plants.
Fourth Jungle Camp
Camp in the mountain forest at approximately 1,150 metres above sea level.
Daily Profile
Approximately 14 km • 7 hours walking • 550 m ascent • 30 m descent.
Day Five
Mountain Tributary to Lau Terkicong
Climb Towards Lau Terkicong
Continue through mountain rainforest towards Lau Terkicong, also known as Terkicong Lake, while approaching the Aceh border region.
Rare Rainforest Plants
Search for rafflesia, pitcher plants, orchids, and other species adapted to the cooler mountain environment.
Fifth Jungle Camp
Camp at approximately 1,550 metres above sea level.
Daily Profile
Approximately 7 km • 5 hours walking • 380 m ascent.
Day Six
Lau Terkicong to the Aceh Border Peak
Enter High Moss Forest
Climb through cooler forest covered with moss and explore a distinctive high-altitude ecosystem.
Reach the Border Region
Reach the high point near the North Sumatra–Aceh border and begin turning towards the Kutacane side of the mountains.
Final Jungle Camp
Camp at approximately 2,100 metres above sea level, the highest overnight point of the expedition.
Daily Profile
Approximately 7 km • 5 hours walking • 620 m ascent • 230 m descent.
Day Seven
Final Descent towards Kutacane
Begin the Long Descent
Leave the high forest and descend through the Bukit Barisan mountain landscape towards the Kutacane region.
Finish the Rainforest Crossing
Complete the through-trek and meet the arranged vehicle on the road near Kutacane.
Continue Your Journey
Optional onward transport to Kutacane, Ketambe, Berastagi, or Medan can be arranged separately according to your travel plans.
Daily Profile
Approximately 10 km • 6 hours walking • 1,700 m descent.
Six Nights in the Wilderness
Simple expedition camps from river valleys to high forest
The camps are practical rainforest shelters rather than permanent accommodation. Locations can change according to weather, water levels, route conditions, and the judgment of the expedition leader.
River and Mountain Camps
Sleep at different elevations beside rivers, tributaries, and remote mountain forest as the expedition crosses towards Aceh.
Life Far from Settlements
Eat freshly prepared meals, wash in the river when safe, and experience six evenings surrounded by the natural sounds of the rainforest.
Meals & Expedition Support
Food, camping equipment, guides, and porter assistance
The team provides and carries the included meals and basic camping equipment. Please advise us before booking about allergies, vegetarian meals, or other dietary requirements.
Day 1
Included: Lunch, dinner, and camping equipment.
Please eat breakfast before departure from Bukit Lawang.
Days 2–6
Included each day: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and camping equipment.
The expedition team prepares simple meals in the jungle.
Day 7 & Baggage
Included: Breakfast and lunch.
- Dinner after the trek is not included
- Excess baggage is transported by road to Kutacane
- Guide and assistant services throughout
Prepare Carefully
Important information before booking
This is a serious wilderness expedition for fit and experienced walkers. Open the sections below for packing, footwear, health, weight limits, wildlife, and weather guidance.
Essential packing list
- Lightweight backpack suitable for several days
- Quick-drying clothes for layering and re-wearing
- Light long-sleeved shirts and long trousers
- Shorts and short-sleeved shirts for hot conditions
- Light jacket or fleece for cooler nights
- Underwear and quick-drying socks
- At least one 1.5-litre water bottle per person
- Mosquito repellent and sunscreen
- Quick-drying towel and personal hygiene items
- Personal medication and a small first-aid kit
- Headlamp or torch with spare batteries
- Camera or phone with waterproof protection
- Dry bags or strong plastic bags
- Hat and sunglasses
Backpack weight and packing strategy
Pack light and aim to keep your personal backpack at approximately 10–12 kg or less. Clothes and electronics should be protected in dry bags. Plan to re-wear and wash clothing during the expedition rather than carrying a fresh outfit for every day.
Footwear
Wear lightweight, quick-drying walking shoes or secure river sandals with reliable grip. Footwear must be well broken in before the trek. Avoid flip-flops while hiking and avoid heavy waterproof Gore-Tex footwear, which may remain wet once water enters.
Fitness and suitability
This trek is physically demanding and requires good health, endurance, balance, and experience walking on natural terrain. Expect heat, high humidity, steep climbs, a major final descent, mud, roots, river crossings, and long days. It is not suitable for young children or inexperienced walkers.
Optional personal equipment
- Trekking poles
- Gaiters for additional lower-leg protection
- Light gloves for rough terrain
- Sleeping liner or lightweight personal sleeping bag
- Travel pillow and earplugs
- Small book or journal
Responsible wildlife rules
- Never feed or touch orangutans or other wildlife
- Maintain the distance requested by the guide
- Do not call, chase, or attract animals
- Keep food packed securely and remove all rubbish
- Follow the expedition leader’s instructions
- Tell us before departure if you are feeling unwell
Weather and delays
Rain, swollen rivers, fallen trees, landslides, difficult trail conditions, and the group’s pace can affect the route. The seven-day schedule allows some flexibility, but delays are possible. Follow-up travel plans should leave a reasonable margin after the expedition.
Wildlife sightings
All wildlife lives freely in the national park. Orangutans, elephants, nocturnal animals, and other species may be encountered, but no sighting can be guaranteed. Responsible distance and animal welfare always come before photographs.
Package Details
What is included?
The price includes the seven-day expedition team, six jungle nights, meals listed below, basic camping equipment, and road transport of excess baggage to Kutacane.
Included
- Expert jungle guide for the full expedition
- Guide assistants and porters as required
- Six nights in simple jungle camps
- Basic camping and sleeping equipment
- Day 1 lunch and dinner
- Days 2–6 breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Day 7 breakfast and lunch
- Transport of excess baggage by road to Kutacane
- Vehicle meeting near Kutacane at the end of the trek
Not Included
- Gunung Leuser National Park entrance permit
- Any applicable camera fee
- Breakfast before departure on Day 1
- Dinner after the trek on Day 7
- Hotels before or after the expedition
- Optional onward travel to Kutacane, Ketambe, Berastagi, or Medan
- Personal trekking clothing and equipment
- Travel insurance and personal expenses
- Tips for guides, assistants, and porters
National Park fees: The website currently lists €10 per person on normal days and €13 per person on Sundays or Indonesian public holidays. These fees are payable separately to the National Park office and should be reconfirmed before departure.
Who Is This Expedition For?
Experienced Trekkers
Wildlife Enthusiasts
Remote-Nature Seekers
Designed for experienced wilderness travellers
Choose this trek only when you are comfortable with long hiking days, basic camps, changing weather, steep terrain, limited facilities, and spending a full week far from normal tourist infrastructure.
A demanding point-to-point route with approximately 72 kilometres of rainforest, river, and mountain terrain.
More time to search for orangutans, primates, birds, nocturnal wildlife, and signs of wild elephants.
Six nights away from settlements, roads, permanent buildings, and the busy trails around Bukit Lawang.
Ready to cross the Sumatran rainforest from Bukit Lawang towards Kutacane?
Contact Bukit Lawang Travel to discuss your fitness, trekking experience, equipment, onward transport, dietary requirements, and availability for the 7 Days / 6 Nights Wild Adventure.