Written by Anna Rizka Ilmi Primasti Salsabila.
With bags on our backs, a bottle of mineral water in our hands, we
continued our hiking carefully and slowly on this hill with an altitude of 2.194
masl. Aulia pulled my hand to help me stay strong to conquer the difficulty of
this hike. "I need to stop and rest again, I can't stand it anymore,"
I said to Aulia that I was really tired, but still, we tried to continue our
hiking.
It was my first hiking experience at Mongkrang Hill about
six months ago with two of my friends, Aulia and Novi. The three of us were
beginners who didn't have good hiking skills. But, at least, we had a strong
intention to reach the top. We had to hike using masks, as one of the health
protocols that must be applied due to COVID 19 has not disappeared. Yes, you
can imagine how stuffy it is to hike using a mask.
Hike in Mongkrang Hill with views of Mount Lawu.
That morning, we departed from Kebakkramat around 8 am.
The trip from Kebakrramat to Mongkrang Hill took about two hours because we
were beginners and had to look around for the location. The journey to the
location is not easy. The road is uphill, but it seems meaningless because as
far as the eye can see, you will only see the expanse of mountains and the
beauty of the natural scenery of the Tawangmangu. You have to be careful to
pass the road to Mongkrang Hill, as we know that the road in the mountains is a
bit scary. The road is indeed winding and uphill, but don't worry, the road is
well paved, not potholed, and safe to pass even for a car or tourist bus.
Mongkrang Hill is located on the south side of Mount
Lawu. The location is in Gondosuli Village, Tawangmangu, Karanganyar, Central
Java (For the exact location, you can google it now). The hill that has a height of 2194 meters above sea level is very
suitable for beginners who are learning to hike. This place is one of the
perfect hiking destinations for those of you who are new to physical training
and warming up or trying out the sensation of hiking. Maybe for some people,
the name of Mongkrang is still not familiar. However, try to come here. With
the natural beauty that is no less beautiful than other mountains, Mongkrang
Hill will not disappoint you.
Hiking terrain and tickets.
As I mentioned earlier, the terrain for hiking to the top
of Mongkrang is not as scary and difficult as other mountains. The hill terrain
for hiking is easy. Hikers will not get lost here. So, it is suitable for beginners.
The estimated time for reaching the peak is not too
long. It only takes about an hour for hikers to reach it. So if you want
a tektok or want to hike in a day without staying overnight
or making camp, of course, you can do it here. You can also set up a tent
around the peak if you wish. Hikers also don't need to worry about the cost of hiking
at Mongkrang Hill because the cost is very affordable. To hike Mongkrang Hill,
you only have to pay an entrance fee of around Rp. 15.000 (stay/camp).
Meanwhile, the payment fee at the retribution post and parking fee is only IDR
10.000. The operating hour for the tek-tok counter is 07.00 am - 2 pm,
while the camping counter is from 07.00 am - 10 pm. The first sight that you
will find when you enter Mongkrang hill is a stretch of garden with various
kinds of vegetables and fruit and several stalls selling food and drinks. After
passing through the scenery, you can see the hiking trail leading to Mongkrang
hill and you will find the registration post. I was very impressed when I first
stepped into Mongkrang. The expanse of vegetable and fruit fields and the
towering hills in front are God's blessings that cannot be denied.
Grassland.
Mongkrang Hill is filled with grass and weeds in several
locations. This spot is perfect, especially for selfie hunters. In the rainy
season, a stretch of green grass and weeds will accompany your hiking journey
to the top. While in the dry season, the grass and weeds will be yellow and
brown. It is still amazing although it
is not accompanied by a stretch of green weeds. In addition, on a sunny day,
the view of Mount Lawu from a distance is very pleasing to the eye. Look at the
following picture! The tall yellow grass and weeds are very beautiful for the
photo background, right? A little advice from me, when hiking, please wear long
pants. It will protect your feet from grass and weeds that might hurt your
feet.
Pic 6 & 7: The grassland in a dry season
Hilltop and camping activities.
After several breaks and almost
giving up, my friends and I finally reached the top of Mongkrang Hill. From the
top of the hill, the view of Mount Lawu and the beauty of the Tawangmangu
Regency look so wonderful. The breeze and cold air immediately felt on our
skin. That was my first time being at an altitude of 2194 masl and I felt so
happy and touched. For the information,
the last hiking field when almost to the top is more uphill than before. After reaching the top hill, I felt
satisfied. I could see that around the peak many hikers set up tents there. The
hikers who do not want to miss the beautiful view of the sunrise in the morning
from the top of the Mongkrang Hill choose to camp around the peak. I bet the
landscape of the sunrise from the top is very fantastic. Camping, however, is
much more exciting than tek-tok,. Unfortunately, my friends and I had to
go straight down and not go camping. For those who want to go camping, I
suggest wearing warm clothes because the weather is cold. Also, don't make a
bonfire because grass and weeds are flammable so it would be very dangerous.
Pic 8,9, and 10: The top and camping activities
Of course, my hiking skill is still far from good but, at least, I'm very happy to reach the top of this Mongkrang hill. For me, hiking not only has a goal to enjoy the view above the peak, but it also teaches me not to give up, to be careful, and most importantly, to teach me the importance of helping friends. What do you think about hiking? Do you like hiking?
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