This is not a longer version of the treks above. It is a complete crossing of Gunung Leuser National Park from Bukit Lawang in North Sumatra to Kutacane in Aceh province. Seven days on foot, 72 kilometres, starting at river level and climbing to 2100 metres through moss forest on Mount Perkison before a long steep descent into Kutacane.
Day 2 passes through wild elephant territory. Day 5 reaches Terkicong Lake, a pristine highland lake at 1550 metres that almost nobody has ever visited. Day 6 enters the moss forest on the Aceh border, where rare orchids grow at altitude and the ecosystem is entirely different from the lowland jungle you began in.
Seven days is the minimum for a fit group moving at pace. Groups who want more time at altitude or a slower rhythm can extend to 8, 9 or 10 days. This is a serious undertaking for people who are genuinely fit, experienced with multi-day trekking, and ready to be far from anywhere for an extended period.
This trek is not for everyone
The Kutacane expedition requires good fitness, previous multi-day trekking experience, and a tolerance for long days in challenging terrain. Daily distances reach 14km with up to 7 hours of walking and significant elevation change. If you are new to jungle trekking, we recommend starting with a shorter trek first. Message us honestly about your experience level before booking.
Day by Day
Seven Days, One Crossing
1
Bukit Lawang to Mount Uning
Morning trek through cocoa and rubber plantations into orangutan territory. Observe orangutan behaviour, spot gibbons, hornbills and monitor lizards. Camp by the Landak River at the foot of Mount Uning (310m).
7 hrs14 km+260m
2
Wild Elephant Territory
Trek along the Bohorok River toward the Kuala Buluh junction. This stretch of forest is known wild elephant habitat. Camp near the river at 470m.
6 hrs12 km+550m / -400mWild elephant area
3
Into the Mid Bohorok River
Continue upriver crossing untouched lowland forest. Optional night trek to search for nocturnal wildlife. Camp beside the Bohorok River at 615m.
5 hrs8 km+250mOptional night trek
4
The Climb Begins
Begin the ascent into higher terrain. Trek through dense jungle and hidden valleys. Camp in remote wilderness at 1150m. The hardest day of the expedition.
7 hrs14 km+550m
5
Terkicong Lake
Trek to Terkicong Lake, a pristine and rarely visited highland lake. Cross into the northern part of Sumatra approaching Aceh province. Camp at 1550m.
5 hrs7 km+380mTerkicong Lake
6
Moss Forest on Mount Perkison
Reach 2100m on Mount Perkison. Rare orchids, unique high-altitude ecosystems, and the border of North Sumatra and Aceh. Begin descent and camp near the provincial boundary.
5 hrs7 km+620m / -230m2100m summit
7
Descent to Kutacane
Steep descent through dense jungle and river valleys. The trek ends in Kutacane, deep in the Bukit Barisan mountain range. Car transfer to meeting point.
6 hrs10 km-1700mCar transfer included
What's Covered
Included and Not Included
✓ Included
HPI-ITGA certified English-speaking guide
Jungle cook and camp crew
All meals throughout the expedition
All jungle camp accommodation (6 nights)
Drinking water at all camps
Car transfer from Kutacane on Day 7
✗ Not Included
National Park entrance fee: IDR 200,000/person
Hotel accommodation before and after
Transport to/from Medan
Personal travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Gratuities
Questions
FAQ
Demanding. 72km over 7 days with significant elevation gain reaching 2100m. Daily distances reach 14km with up to 7 hours of walking. Good fitness and previous multi-day trekking experience is strongly recommended. If you are new to jungle trekking, start with a shorter trek first.
In Kutacane, Aceh province. A car transfer back to the meeting point is included on Day 7. This is a one-way crossing, not a loop back to Bukit Lawang.
A pristine highland lake at 1550m on the border of North Sumatra and Aceh. Reached on Day 5. Very few trekkers have ever visited it. The surrounding area is undisturbed high-altitude forest.
Yes. 7 days is the minimum for a fit group moving at pace. Groups wanting more time at altitude, around Terkicong Lake, or a slower rhythm can extend to 8, 9 or 10 days. Discuss this when you get in touch.
Day 2 passes through known wild elephant habitat around the Kuala Buluh river confluence. Sightings cannot be guaranteed, but this is one of the more reliable locations in the park for elephant presence.
