Trekking peaks

Mount Sibayak (Gunung Sibayak) is the other hikable volcano outside Berastagi beside Mount Sinabung (2,450 m). From the distance, Sibayak is less impressive than the perfect-cone Sinabung, but the hike to the crater is less strenuous and can be done leisurely in a couple of hours. The smelly volcano crater has two peaks, Puncak Antene (2,057 m) and Tapal Kuda (2,101 m). Both can be reached with a bit of scrambling and you will be rewarded with spectacular views, but don't underestimate the danger, for the cliffs are sheer and the rim is narrow. The highest peak on Sibayak mountain is Pintau (2,212 m) but it's remote, forested and inaccessible. The are several routes to the crater but some of them, if not all, can be a bit difficult to find at the start, so ask around. If you take the route down on the backside, you will pass the hot springs at Semangat Gunung (also known as Raja Berneh). Though Sibayak is considered to be one of the most accessible volcanoes to trek in Indonesia, people still get lost or hurt - an information displayed on a rusty sign at the bottom - so take care.

There are two volcanos near Berastagi that can be trekked; Sibayak (2,212 m) and Sinabung (2,450 m). The latest being the tallest one with the best view. The start of the trail can be difficult to find, but else fairly easy to follow to the top, where the stunning views are waiting. There are steep sections, where the use of hands is necessary. The trek can be done in one day from Berastagi town, but remember to get down from the summit in time before dark. Keep in mind that Mt. Sinabung is an active volcano, which can erupt anytime.

The highest point on Isle of Man is Sneafell Mountain (621 m). Most visitors reach the summit with the railway from Laxey which takes about 30 min. There is a cafe at the summit, where you can seek shelter from the every changing weather. The mountain scenery is windswept and bare with grazing sheep. The views from both the railway and the summit are breathtaking, and on clear days you can see as far as Northern Ireland.

Not many associate Jamaica with mountains, but the eastern tip of the island is dominated by the Blue Mountains. The Peak is Jamaica highest point with its 2256 m. The most popular trek in Blue Mountains is, of course, to the top, but other treks are also possible. Though the peak can be done as a long daytrip without guide (if you can find and get to the trail start) it’s recommended to that and other hikes with a guide.

The volcano Fujisan is the icon of Japan and something you have to at least see, but even better hike. Its symmetrical cone is easily visible from Tokyo on a clear day and it's only getting more impressive the closer you get. The trek to the summit is fairly easy (though cold) and there are huts and tea houses along the routes that are open in the season (1st July to 27th August). It's probably the most trekked mountain in the world with more than 200,000 trekkers per year, but it only adds to the pilgrim experience to do it in crowds.

Mount Kenya (5,199 m), second only to Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) in Africa, actually consists of several peaks, the third highest (Point Lenana, 4,985 m) of which can be scaled without ropes. The park is stunning, with a wide variety of habitats. There are a number of approaches, with the slightly longer Chogoria being the most beautiful. Sirimon is a good alternative, and the two can be combined for a 5/6-day walk. The walking begins around 3,000 m, and if you are coming from Nairobi (1,500 m), be sure to take the high altitude into account. The summit is best experienced at sunrise; the peak of Mt Kilimanjaro can be seen on clear mornings. The hike is tough, and many visitors have to turn back before they reach the top. Hiring porters and a guide will increase your chances of success, and decrease the risk of getting lost. Also beware of the weather – the top of Mt Kenya has a permanent glacier, and temperatures on the mountains fall well below freezing on most nights. Too much rain or snow can make the experience unpleasant and dangerous. On a clear day, however, there are few places that can claim to be more beautiful.

The Nimba Range is a mountain ridge right where the borders of Liberia, Guinea and Côte d'Ivoire congregate. The range is also the highest point of all three countries, which Liberians living in the mountain range's vicinity will inevitably boast loud and proudly. They've even convinced the Lonely Planet. The only problem is that "Mount Nimba" refers to the entire range. Mount Nuon-Fa, the single Liberian peak, is either 1,362 m or 1,151 m high, depending on sources. Thus making it Liberia's second-highest peak after Mount Wuteve (1,440 m) in the north. Whether you dare to tell the locals, that's up to you – we didn't. Geographical bickering aside, the peak still makes a splendid outing; a full day's hike through pristine forest from the mining town Yekepa. Alternatively, approach the peak via the mining operation's roads. It's possible to drive almost all the way to the top with a 4x4. And try not to visit during the rainy season were the supposedly fantastic views out over Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire and the higher peaks of Mount Nimba will be obscured by clouds.

One thing that makes Mt. Kinabalu stand out from other mountains is the fact that it is possible to take in its full scale. On a clear day you can splash around in the South Chinese Sea along Borneo's shore and see Mt. Kinabalu's grey dome rise dramatically above the green and lush jungle less than 50 km inland. Today, no skills are required to trek it and the tracks are well marked. It can be done in a very long day, but two days are strongly recommended. This way you can get some rest in one of the huts below the bald granite, before heading for Low's peak, which is the highest point, in total darkness to watch the sunrise light up Borneo.

Climbing Mt. Santubong is a great thing to do if you feel like doing 'something active'. The mountain isn't particularly high, only 810 m, but you have to scale all 810 metres since you start at sea level. There are several starting points at the base, but as you ascend, the trails merge into one. At first, it's just a modest ascent, but then steep sections with roots come up. Fixed ropes are available, to pull yourself up over the biggest steps. Then, some modest up-down-and-more-up trail through the jungle before the real fun starts. Vertical jungle has to be climbed with the use of fixed rope ladders and exposed roots. None of the sections are particularly high or dangerous, but they just keep coming. The ascent will take about 3 to 5 hours and the descent about the same - it takes longer time to climb down rope ladders than up. Surprisingly, the view isn't as pretty as you might expect, but the adventurous journey is totally worth it.

With its 2469 m is Galdhøpiggen not only Norway's highest mountain, but also Scandinavia's. It's possible to hike the peak and there are several options. The easiest, but not the shortest, is from Spiterstulen Mountain Lodge. A return hike is estimated to be 9 hours. There is a shorter route from Galdhøpiggen Sommerski Center, but that involves traversing a glacier, which requires a guide. A return hike one this route is estimated to be 7 hours. But even if you are not interested in scaling Galdhøpiggen, a visit to the Sommerski Center is an adventure itself. You zig-zag your way up to 1850 m, where you have amazing views over the surrounding mountains and glaciers (if the clouds permit). There is snow at the ski lift, if you want to fool around.