Mt Sonder

Mount Sonder, also known as Rwetyepme in the Aboriginal language, is the fourth highest mountain in Northern Territory, Australia standing at 1,380 metres (4,530 ft) AHD. It is located 130 km (81 mi) west of Alice Springs and is part of the West MacDonnell National Park. Mount Sonder marks the beginning/end of the renowned Larapinta Trail that stretches to Alice Springs covering a distance of 223 kilometres (139 mi).

The mountain has a distinct double peak which is easily recognizable from the surrounding plains, but its relative heights are somewhat unclear from the summit. Mount Sonder is visible from the western segment of the Larapinta trail, up to Ormiston Pound, but is obscured from that point onward.

Explorer Ernest Giles named the mountain in honour of German botanist Dr. Otto Wilhelm Sonder.

The western side of the mountain features a clearly defined walking track that is about 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) long. The carpark also provides access to water tanks, located 50 metres (160 ft) beyond. A direction plate at the summit offers a clear idea of the panoramic view from the top. It is important to note that the plaque at the summit is not located at the actual peak, but has been erected for safety reasons. The true summit is located 750 metres (2,460 ft) beyond this.

The view from the top of Mount Sonder is enthralling; visitors will enjoy a spectacular view of the West MacDonnell Range to the east, Glen Helen (a nearby resort) to the east, Gosses Bluff to the south-west and the taller Mount Zeil to the west. Mount Sonder is undoubtedly