Overview
Carstensz Pyramid (4884m) is the highest peak in Oceania, named after the Dutch navigator Jan Carstens, who first described it in 1623. In Indonesian it is called Puncak Jaya, meaning "victory peak". Carstensz Pyramid belongs to the famous Seven Summits, the highest mountains of the respective continents. Besides, it is the highest mountain located on an island.
Your ascent is combined with the bureaucratic obstacles of a trip to Papua and is not easy in terms of climbing technique. With our expertise in expeditions, climbing and efficient teamwork, we invite you to join us on this exotic journey and climb Puncak Jaya with us.
Trek & Climb - Expedition
Puncak Jaya adventure: the breath-taking journey to Carstensz Pyramid takes us back in time. You will experience the Dani natives, undertake the adventurous trekking through the original tropical mountain world of Papua and ascend the "victory peak" Puncak Jaya - with its 4888m the highest peak of Oceania and one of the Seven Summits.
Important note: The political uncertainties in Papua, especially high in the region around Carstensz Pyramid, mean that there is an increased risk that the itinerary may have to be changed due to extraordinary circumstances. The bureaucratic obstacles on site (such as registration with police and military), discussions with the Dani people and finally the tropical weather (rain, storms) can lead to unavoidable delays. The travel plan is subject to flexible and spontaneous changes.
Itinerary Carstensz
Departure to Indonesia: Well prepared you should be on your way to join our expedition.
Arrival in Denpasar/Bali. Welcome by our representative and transfer to the hotel. Completion of important formalities for the travel permit. Rest of the day at leisure. Hotel, B&B.
Free day in Bali for acclimatization. In Jakarta our team takes care of the last formalities necessary for the travel permit to Carstensz (for this, the stamped entry visa to Indonesia is required). Hotel, B&B.
Shortly after midnight / very early in the morning flight to Timika, Papua. Arrival around 6am. Pick-up and transfer to hotel Komoro. Final preparations for the expedition. In the afternoon, joint preparation of the charter flight. Hotel, full board.
In the morning, transfer to the airport, charter flight (about 40 min. flight time), planned with whole group with luggage and provisions. We camp in the village of Pinapa in the Illaga Valley. Organisation with porters and completion of all necessary visits to the authorities. Camping, full board.
We start as early as possible and beginn our hike towards the base camp. A long and exhausting distance brings us to the camp after climbing the ridge behind Illaga. Camping, full board.
On our 2nd trekking day we often hike up and down. The tent camp is located in a beautiful river valley with tree ferns. Camping, full board.
The 3rd trekking day takes us over a huge plateau into a rustic forest area in the afternoon. There we set up our camp with a view on the pyramid region. Camping, full board.
We cross beautiful high moor landscapes with some lakes and several rivers. In case of high water, crossing these waters can be complicated! Tent camp at the end of the Larson Drainage near the Latolampege Cave. Camping, full board.
On the 5th trekking day we have to cross the New Zealand Pass and it is important that we take the shortest route! If the weather is fine and the trail conditions are good, we reach the so-called "Yellow Valley" around noon, where we set up our base camp in the area of the middle lake, the starting point for all tours. Camping, full board.
Full day at the base camp. Today we also want to reach the north wall at the foot of the Carstensz Pyramid in order to prepare and explore the start of the climb. Camping, full board.
Summit day: we climb to the top of Carstensz pyramid!
This is a reserve day for our Carstensz ascent.
We take the same route back to Illaga that we already know. Altogether 4 days of trekking are planned; we could cut this to have more reserve to climb.
Charter flight back to Timika. Transfer to hotel Komoro.
Reserve day in Timika
In the morning transfer to the airport and flight to Denpasar/Bali. Transfer to the hotel and the rest of the day at leisure. Hotel, B&B.
Transfer to the airport, flight back home.
Prepare
Note on changes and implementation
The political uncertainties in Papua, especially high in the region around Carstensz Pyramid, mean that there is an increased risk that the itinerary may have to be changed due to extraordinary circumstances. The bureaucratic obstacles on site (such as registration with police and military), the security situation around the Freeport/Grasberg mine, and last but not least flight operations in tropical weather (rain, storms) can lead to unavoidable delays or changes.
Participation requirements
Requirements for the ascent are the necessary climbing skills and a good physical condition. You should have experience in alpine multi-rope routes up to IV grade UIAA (French 4a) and experience in trekking. Giving up comfort, flexibility, and tolerance are also necessary for this expedition/climbing trip.
Technical requirements: Climbing - experience in belaying techniques, climbing on fixed ropes, independent abseiling, and climbing skills up to UIAA grade IV (climbing as a second) are necessary. The normal route leads over about 700m, mostly with easy climbing in grades II to III to the exposed summit ridge.
Physical requirements: Little comfort during trekking in hot and humid climate should be taken into account: we start at +30°C and it rains a lot. Physical fitness and good health are necessary. The ascent of Carstensz (summit day) will take 10-14 hours. You should have the appropriate fitness and mountain experience.
Testimonials
Costs & Services
Carstensz Pyramid participation: we only offer "full service" option for this trip. Complicated logistics on site, highly-bureacratic permit process and demanding organisation of Dani porters only allow a uniform structure of the trip. "Full service" means everything included from/to Bali. Experienced roped parties and groups can ask for special requests. Due to the Indonesian bureaucracy for Papua, we need your binding confirmation and a copy of your passport at least three months before the start of your trip. On confirmed dates, you can also take part in Carstensz expedition at shorter notice if there are still places available. Early registration will secure your place and make our work much easier.
Full Service
- Organization of the entire expedition
- Expedition leader (min. 6 participants)
- Guide for the ascent
- Permits required by police, military, the Indonesian ministries
- Airport transfers on Bali
- 3x Hotel*** on Bali: overnight stays with breakfast
- Scheduled flight DPS to Timika and back (economy, flex)
- 30kg free baggage allowance and hand baggage - 2x Hotel in Timika, Komora Hotel with full board
- Charter flight from Timika to Illaga
- Trekking to base camp (and back) with full board
- overnight stay in a double tent during the trekking and in the base camp
- 3 meals a day (breakfast, packed lunch or lunch, dinner)
- coffee and tea mornings/evenings - Team taking care of all group material (tents, food, etc.)
- Porter for personal luggage - up to 15 kg
- Return flight from Illaga to Timika
- Emergency equipment
- International flights (economy, recommendation: flexible ticket)
- Personal equipment
- Meals on Bali (we usually go out together)
- Private expenses, such as alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, snacks, telephone calls, etc.
Book now
Travel experiences from our blog
-
07.09.2023Expeditionen und Bergreisen nach der Pandemie
2022-2023 war eine Zeit der Transition aus der Pandemie hinaus zu extremer Inflation, gerade im Bereich der Reisen, zurück in den normaleren Trekking- und Expeditionsalltag. Viele Bergtouren, Expeditionen und Gipfelgänge später finden wir endli
-
05.02.2022Mera Peak – Summit, Nepal Saison
Gratulation an unser Lokalteam Nawang, Pemba und Dilif und Teilnehmer Linus für die geglückte Besteigung des Mera Peak, 6500m, Nepal. Einer der schönsten Ausblicksberge
