Lawu Mountain, Active volcano in East and Central Java, Indonesia
Lawu Mountain is a volcano straddling the border between East and Central Java in Indonesia, rising to 3,265 meters above sea level. It divides into three peaks named Hargo Dalem, Hargo Dumiling, and Hargo Dumilah, each surrounded by thick pine forests and alpine meadows.
Hindu and Buddhist communities revered the mountain during medieval times, and religious structures made of megaliths and stone appeared on its slopes. The last known eruption took place in 1885, after which it became dormant and has shown only geothermal activity beneath the surface.
The name translates from Javanese as "mountain of beauty," and climbers often pause at small shrines scattered along the trails to leave offerings. These sites remain in regular use by both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims who consider the slopes a place for quiet contemplation.
Five hiking routes lead up to the summit, with the Cemoro Sewu path considered the easiest and requiring about seven hours to reach the top. Temperatures can drop sharply at higher elevations during the night, so pack warm clothing and gear for changing conditions.
At 3,100 meters near the Hargo Dumilah peak, Mbok Yem runs a small food stall that ranks among the highest in all of Indonesia. Hikers can get hot drinks and simple meals there, even when the outside air is freezing.
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