Mount Ramelau

Infobox Mountain
Photo=Tatamailau2.jpg
Photo size = 200px
Name=Mount Ramelau
Elevation=2,963 metres (9,721 ft)
Location=Ainaro District, flag|East Timor
Range=
Prominence=2,963 metres (9,721 ft)
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pushpin_label_position = right
pushpin_map_caption =
pushpin_mapsize = 200
coordinates_ref=
latd= 8|latm= 54|lats= 23|latNS=S
longd= 125|longm= 29|longs= 35|longEW=E
Coordinates = coor d|8.9063889|S|125.4930556|E|type:mountain
First ascent = | Easiest route = Hike
Listing = Ultra

Mount Ramelau is the highest mountain in East Timor at 2,963 metres. The mountain is located approximately 70km south of the capital Dili in the district of Ainaro. In Portuguese colonial days it was considered the highest mountain of Portugal. During the Indonesian occupation it was referred to as Mount Tatamailau. The mountain is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and the subject of an annual pilgrimage commemorating the "Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary", on or around March 25.

Ramelau can be climbed from the town of Hato Bulico 3km to the northeast or from the village of Aimeta 6km to the north; there is about 3,500' of climbing from either. The track from Hato Bulico to the summit is very well formed having originally been cut to create a pilgrimage trail to the Virgin Mary figure on the summit and was once negotiable by four wheel drive vehicle. A map is not required once on the track. The track is now very severely degraded with massive washouts requiring major detours to negotiate. Because the track was cut for vehicular access the constant gradient is monotonous, the poor engineering has caused major environmental damage and the route affords few views of note. The route from Aimeta is via a network of goat herders' tracks, it does not appear on current maps and a local guide is needed. However, the Aimeta track is varied, traverses unspoilt country, is extremely interesting with many unfolding mountain views and consequently presents by far the most enjoyable climb. A fit person should allow four hours from Hato Bulico to the summit, six hours from Aimeta, nine hours from Aimeta to Hato Bulico. Assume no water is available en route. There is no human habitation above Hato Bulico or Aimeta. It is possible to camp on the saddle below the summit in the dry season and experience the sunset and sunrise from the same location. The summit can freeze in the dry season; in the wet season the summit can be sufficiently cold, wet and windy to pose a risk of hypothermia.

Hato Bulico is a 1½ - 2 hour drive from Maubisse on a sealed road but requires a four wheel drive. In the wet season it can be dangerous and periodically impassable but never for long. There is an excellent pousada at Hato Bulico close to the start of the track.

Aimeta can be reached from Letefoho in about 1½ hours. Shelter, but not food, may be negotiated at Aimeta with local assistance but it is advisable to arrive entirely self sufficient. The nearest accommodation is at the [http://www.bakhita.org/ Bakhita Centre] , Eraulo, via Vila Ermera and an excellent, easy walk is to be had from there to Aimeta in about four hours. Horses for baggage can be hired at Aimeta and this is useful if camping on the summit or to assist stragglers. Aimeta can be a logistical challenge, which is why almost all summit bids are launched from Hato Bulico but it is possible, with care, for supporting transport to drive from Aimeta directly to Hato Bulico if the road is navigable otherwise, in the Wet season, via Gleno and Aileu in about five hours. An ideal route is to do the summit from Aimeta to Hato Bulico taking in both sides of the mountain; local assistance is essential for those without fluent Tetum and local knowledge.