Status: We could not confirm that Adventureiro Azula Outdoor still runs the Five Summits tour (checked October 2026). The peaks can also be climbed separately with local guides.
The Five Summits is an eight-day guided trek to Timor-Leste’s five highest mountains: Ramelau, Matebian, Maubohilau, Kablaki and Datoi-Tapo. It was created by the Timorese operator Adventureiro Azula Outdoor (AAO), inspired by the international Seven Summits challenge, and is promoted by the official tourism site as the country’s flagship adventure route.
The five peaks
| Peak | Height | Municipality | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ramelau (Tatamailau) | 2,963 m | Ainaro | Highest point in Timor-Leste; statue of the Virgin Mary; pilgrimage each October |
| Matebian | 2,376 m | Baucau–Viqueque border | Sacred “mountain of souls”; Christ the King statue; former resistance stronghold |
| Maubohilau | 2,312 m | Aileu | Forested; about three hours to the top; the easiest of the five |
| Kablaki | 2,062 m | – | Twin rocky peaks, Kaikas and Berlaka; steep, demanding climb |
| Datoi-Tapo | 1,941 m | Bobonaro | Green in the wet season, dry and rocky in the dry season |
Heights are from the official Five Summits page, except Ramelau: that page gives 2,967 m, while the official trekking page and this site use 2,963 m. Older sources give Matebian as 2,316 m.
The peaks in more detail
Ramelau is the best-known climb: a two-to-three-hour hike from Hatu Builico, usually started before dawn to reach the summit for sunrise. See our Mount Ramelau guide.
Matebian has strong cultural and religious significance. It sheltered FALINTIL fighters and civilians during the Indonesian occupation, many of whom suffered hunger there. Climb it with a local guide.
Maubohilau has no shrine at the top but rises through lush forest, and the climb is gentler than the higher peaks.
Kablaki is for fit, experienced hikers: the route to its twin summits crosses steep, rocky ground. On the pilot tour, AAO cleared a path to the Kaikas peak, which is marked by a large white cross.
Datoi-Tapo, in Bobonaro, is the lowest of the five. Local people hunt wild boar on its slopes.
The pilot tour
AAO director Joel Manuel Freitas Soares ran the first tour with experienced Timorese trekkers who helped shape the package, after consulting local authorities about routes. Local communities hosted the group along the way, and the trip ended with a rest at the seaside village of Com in Lautém after the climb of Matebian. The tour was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic under the national #HauNiaTimorLeste campaign, which encouraged Timorese people to travel in their own country. AAO also said it wanted to create guiding work for local people and to raise awareness about litter on the mountains.
Planning a Five Summits trek
- Season: go in the dry season, roughly June to October, for safer trails and clearer views. See weather and seasons.
- Fitness: expect long days on rough mountain roads plus steep climbs; Kablaki and Matebian are the hardest.
- Respect: several summits are sacred sites. Follow your guide’s lead and take all rubbish with you.
- More detail: trail grades, gear lists and day-by-day stages are in our hiking guide.