- Address: Gondosuli, Tawangmangu, Karanganyar Regency, Central Java, Indonesia
- Height above sea level: 3,265 m
- Exceedance: 3 118 m
- The last eruption: 1885.
Stratovulkan Lavu is located on the island of Java in Indonesia . The volcano is in a dormant state, the last activity was recorded on November 28, 1885. Today, Lava is one of the most interesting places for climbing. Also, pilgrims gather here every year, which makes this mountain something average between a religious shrine and a popular tourist site.
What is interesting about Love?
The volcano is notable for its beauty. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that it has a form unusual for stratovolcano and represents a whole mountain complex consisting of several peaks, craters and plateaus. Near Lava looks also attractive, as well as from afar.
The reward for tourists who have overcome the long way to the top of Khargo Dahlem will not only be a magnificent view of the famous volcanoes Merbabu and Merapi, but also a visit to the functioning Buddhist temple . There are always pilgrims. They pray in modest buildings that are located next to the temple. According to the legend, the place where the temple is located is the place of enlightenment of one of the rulers of the kingdom of Majapahita. Therefore, the tops of Kharg Dalem and Kharga Dumiling are considered sacred. Muslims believe that Dahlem helps to reveal the inner abilities of a person.
Climbing the Lava
The climb to the stratovolcano takes place to the peak of Khargo Demak, which is 3170 m in height. There are three routes:
- From the temple of Cheto. At the very beginning of the path there is a waterfall. Climbing will take up to 8 hours.
- Cemaro Kandang. Tourists reach the summit in 4.5-5.5 hours.
- Cemaro Sewu, where there are always a lot of people. Here, high stone steps are laid, so this route is excellent for descent, but it is difficult to climb. Climbing will take about 5 hours, descent - 3.5.
Usually the routes pass through two paths: one climbs to the top, and the other - descends. The most popular route is Cheto-Chemaro Kandang. Between its two points is not more than 1.5 km, so this option is perfect for those who came to Lava by car. Get to the parked car can be fast enough.
Climbing passes through the most equipped places, in some areas even stone steps are found. Local entrepreneurs have opened small varungi, traditional Indonesian cafes, where you can drink hot tea and have a snack. At some of them there are rest rooms where it is possible to have a rest and lie down. The ascent program is sure to include the meeting of the dawn - it's a terrific sight. In the winter months, the temperature at the top is below zero, which can immediately be seen from the ice crusts on the puddles in the craters. To the meeting of the dawn is prepared: take with you an extra warm clothes and a thermos with hot tea.
Where to stay?
Next to Lava, there is a small mountain town of Tavangamangu where you can rent accommodation. Climbing the mountain usually begins early in the morning, so tourists rent a house in the town for a day, or even two before traveling to Lava. In addition, Tawangamang also has interesting sights : temples, waterfalls and a traditional bazaar. Visiting the town becomes a pleasant bonus to travel.
Of the major cities, Surakarta is closest to the stratovolcano, just 23 km away. In it you can rent a room in a good hotel or in a more modest hostel.
How to get to the volcano?
You can get to Lava from the western direction by rail, for this you need to get off at the station "Solo Jebres" or by bus - terminal "Tirtonadi". From the station and the terminal you should get to Tawangmanga by shuttle bus. From the town to the volcano can be reached by bus, the ticket price does not exceed $ 1.3.