The “Demons’ Marketplace”
After enjoying the sights, smells, and senses of dreamy Gupak Menjangan, climbers head out to Pasar Dieng, literally the “Market of the Gods”. Alternatively known as Pasar Setan or “Demons’ Marketplace”, this mystical spot contains arrangements of large stones spread out through the area, mixed with seemingly random stones. The whole scene looks like an abandoned marketplace with stalls… Think Stonehenge, but different.
Visitors into the Pasar Dieng spot are prohibited from moving, let alone picking up, the stones in the area. Firstly because this is an official archeological site and further research is required, secondly because there is a strong belief among locals that doing so will bring severe misfortune, even death, to the perpetrator.
After passing through Pasar Dieng, climbers will enter a path with four fights of stairs heading towards the Hargo Dalem. This spot is believed to be the spot where the last king of Majapahit, Prabu Brawijaya V, achieved his moksha. In other words, this is where he willingly and intentionally left all his worldly ties and bonds, so to allow his soul to enter the path of reincarnation.
Now, Hargo Dalem has become much more mundane. It is now a site of dining stalls located on the highest altitude in Indonesia, the most famous of which is Warung Mbok Yem. They are all located at an altitude of 3,150 m asl, a mere 260 meter before the peak of Mount Lawu.
After a brief rest at Hargo Dalem, climbers generally want to rush to Hargo Dumilah, the Peak of Mount Lawu. Located at an altitude of 3,265 m asl, it is frequently covered in delicate fog. It is reachable through a rocky, steep path up from Hargo Dalem, within 30 minutes.
Hargo Dumilah proper is marked with 2-meter stone posts. Here, you can see the tops of the mountains in the Central Java/East Java borders: Mount Liman, Mount Kelud, Mount Arjuno-Welirang, and even Mount Semeru. They make the rough 9 kilometer trek from Candi Cetho worthwhile.
When you have your fill of the Peak, if you have enough energy, walk 200 meters towards the Geger Boyo (“Crocodile Spine”), the peaks of Mount Lawu’s lesser slopes. It’s equally beautiful and more cheerful here, somehow.
Interested in climbing Mount Lawu for your weekend escape? Other than physical and psychological readiness, you will need an open trip operator to guide and take care of you. “Egadventure will never leave a tired climber behind. This is in line with our principle at APGI,” Ega said. You might want to call him and organize a climb – his number is 081295259298. (Freddy Wally)