Climbing to Carstensz Pyramid with Helicopter

PAYMENT POLICY
A deposit of $5,000 is due at time of registration to reserve a space on the expedition.
A full payment is due 60 days prior to the expedition start date.

CANCELATION POLICY
Refunds will not be issued for cancellations made less than 60 days prior to the scheduled date.

Indonesia (Papua), Carstensz Pyramid (4884m), Mountaineering

Trip overview

Timika - Yellow Valley - Carstensz Peak - Yellow Valley - Timika

Why go there?

We now offer to fly to Carstensz Pyramid BC by helicopter! 

The Carstensz Pyramid, also known as Puncak Jaya, is a dramatic and challenging peak located in the Sudirman Range of Papua, Indonesia. With an altitude of 4,884 meters above sea level, Carstensz Pyramid is the highest mountain in Indonesia, the highest on the island of New Guinea, the highest of Oceania (Australia).

The Carstensz Pyramid offers climbers an extraordinary mix of cultural immersion, physical challenge, and breathtaking natural beauty, making it one of the most unique peaks in the world.

Here are the key highlights of this iconic mountain:

1. Tallest Peak in Oceania

• Standing at 4,884 meters (16,024 feet), Carstensz Pyramid is the highest peak in Oceania and one of the Seven Summits.

2. The Only Tropical Glacier

• It is home to one of the few tropical glaciers in the world, although the glacier is retreating rapidly due to climate change.

3. Unique Location

• The mountain is situated in a remote, dense rainforest region, adding logistical challenges to reaching the base of the climb. The terrain transitions from tropical jungle to rocky alpine conditions.

4. Technical Difficulty

• Among the Seven Summits, Carstensz Pyramid is notable for its technical rock climbing requirements.
  • Climbers must ascend steep rock faces with grades up to 5.8 (YDS) and navigate exposed ridges, making it suitable for experienced climbers.

5. Cultural Significance

• The region is home to the indigenous Dani and Amungme tribes, who have deep cultural and spiritual ties to the land. A visit often includes opportunities to interact with local communities.

6. Accessibility Challenges

• Reaching the mountain is notoriously difficult due to its remote location and political and logistical hurdles.
  • Access often requires special permits and a journey through mining areas controlled by the Grasberg Mine, one of the largest gold mines in the world.

7. Adventure and Beauty

• The approach to the climb offers a unique adventure, with breathtaking views of Papua's rugged, untouched wilderness.
  • The climb itself is a mix of thrilling rock climbing and stunning panoramas from the summit.

8. Rarely Attempted

• Carstensz Pyramid is one of the least-climbed Seven Summits due to its remote location, cost, and technical nature, making it a highly prestigious accomplishment.

9. Climbing Season

• The best time to climb is typically during the dry season, from March to November, although weather conditions can be unpredictable due to its equatorial location.

10. A Contested Summit

• Its inclusion in the Seven Summits is sometimes debated. Some climbers opt for Kosciuszko (2,228 meters) in Australia as the highest peak in Oceania. However, Carstensz Pyramid is widely recognized as the true representative due to its prominence and difficulty.

Tips guidelines (important information!)

You entrust your life, health, your time and money to the guides. And the guides take this responsibility for you and for the success of the whole trip. They are doing this 24 hours per day. 15-20 USD per day is expected as the normal amount of tips for the Guides and the staff of the program. If you liked everything about the trip, please don't forget to thank them. You can give the tips directly to the Main Guide and he will distribute it among the staff; additionally, you can thank specific staff members.

Necessary travel papers (documents)

- Passport with 6 months validity after the return flight
- Copy of the passport
- Make sure to ask our manager if you need a visa to entry the country

By air and by land

- Flight Timika to Base Camp and Base Camp to Timika
- All group transfers

Accommodation

- Hotel accommodations in Timika
- Tents in Base Camp (2 people per tent)
- Mess tent with tables and chairs

Meals

- Breakfasts in Timika
- All meals during the climb

Staff

- Guide from 7 Summits Club
- Local guides. Ratio 1:3
- Cook in a Base Camp

Health and medical insurance

Climbers should possess basic rock-climbing skills and be physically and mentally prepared to deal with strenuous situations at high altitude. Climbers also need to be in excellent physical condition. We encourage you to contact us so that we may assist you in developing a training program that meets your needs.

Weather

The weather in Carstensz mostly rainy and temperatures can range from 28 to 60 degrees F. Sunny weather mostly in the mornings and rainfall in the afternoon and evenings. Snow and inclement weather may occur.

Extra expenses

- Tips for guiding services
- Opportunity to stay in Bali after the expedition

Internet, phone

Satellite phone

Possibility of renting personal equipment

All personal gear and clothing you must bring, no options for renting

Personal gear

GEAR LIST
General Information

Each item on the list below is required unless specified to be optional
If seasonal fluctuations impact the requirement for an item on your list, it will be specified
All other items are required regardless of the forecast to ensure your well-being, as weather and conditions can change quickly in the mountains


TRAVEL ITEMS

- Backpack
Climbing backpack 45 - 55 L
This pack can be used as a carryon bag for the trip and then for the climb.

- Expedition Duffel Bag
An approximately 150-liter expedition-ready duffel bag used to transport all gear. All items need to fit securely into the duffel bag.

- Casual Travel Clothes
We recommend wearing clean clothing while traveling and before and after your trip. It's a good idea to pack a comfortable variety of outfits, including some t-shirts, swimsuits (optional).

TECHNICAL CLOTHING

- Short Underwear
2-3 pairs of synthetic or wool fabrics. No cotton.

- Baselayer Bottom
Lightweight and medium weight. Fabric: wool, wool blend, synthetic or polyester. No cotton.

- Baselayer Tops
Long sleeved tops: light weight or medium weight. Fabric: wool or synthetic. No cotton.
Or 1 sun hoodie, preferably light colored.

- Trekking Pants
A pair or two of lightweight trekking pants. Zippered pockets are good and thigh vents can be useful on hot days. We also recommend synthetic fabrics.

- Softshell Pants
Non-insulated, stretchy softshell pants that should fit comfortably with or without your baselayer bottoms.

- Hardshell Pants
These must fit over your thermal under layers and softshell pants. These must be non-insulated, lightweight, waterproof and have full zips on the side.

- Midlayer Top
A midweight, lightweight fleece layer for use over baselayers. Hoods are optional but recommended. Very light down jackets can also suffice as a midlayer.

- Softshell Jacket
This breathable, wind-and-weather resistant jacket is a key part of a mountaineering layering system. A hooded model is highly recommended. This layer must fit well over your midlayer top and baselayer top.

- Hardshell Jacket
A non-insulated, fully waterproof shell jacket with a hood. This layer must fit comfortably over your baselayer, midlayer, softshell, and potentially a lightweight insulated layer. Helmet-compatible hoods are required.

- Lightweight Insulated Jacket
You may use this as a layering piece or as stand-alone insulation when appropriate. Down or synthetic insulation. Down is more packable and lighter weight, and synthetic insulation will retain warmth when wet.

- Insulated Synthetic Jacket
A medium weight insulated synthetic jacket with a hood. Synthetic insulation handles moisture well over this type of trip.

HANDWEAR

- Lightweight Liner Gloves
Lightweight wool or synthetic liner gloves.

- Softshell Gloves
Midweight, lightly insulated gloves. Leather-palm construction is recommended.

- Leather Climbing Gloves
Gloves like Black Diamond Crag Glove will be suitable for this trip. Gloves will be weared for rope handling, or for climbing.

HEADWEAR

- Buff Neck Gaiter
- Sunhat
- Wool or Synthetic Ski Hat
- Sunglasses
These must be high quality dark lenses.

- Headlamp
200-300 lumens and extra batteries.

FOOTWEAR

- Wool or Synthetic Socks
3-4 pairs of medium to heavy hiking socks.

- Technical Mountaineering Boots
Models like La Sportiva Trango Tech, La Sportiva Trango Cube, Scarpa Ribelle HD.

- Light Trekking Shoes
For any approaches across dry trails. Light weight, high comfort, plenty of room in the toe box, and good ankle support.


CLIMBING EQUIPMENT

- Trekking Poles
- Locking Carabiners 5 items
- Standard non-locking carabiners 2 items
- Climbing Helmet
- Belay Device With 1 Locking Carabiner
- Ascender
- Rappel Device
We do highly recommend a figure 8 style rappel/ belay device.

- Double Length Sewn Runner (48 inches)

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT

- 20 F Sleeping Bag
Sleeping bag should be rated to 20°F or warmer and should be down-filled or synthetic.

- Inflatable Sleeping Pad
- Foam Pad
- Water Bottles
2 one-liter wide-mouth hard-sided water bottles.

- 1 Liter Stainless Steel Thermos
- 0.5 Nalgene Bottle (Optional)
- Pee Bottle
Collapsible or hard-sided 1 liter Nalgene models.

- Pee Funnel For Women
Optional. Practice is needed for the use of this item.

- Sunscreen
Should be with a high zinc content and sweat resistance. This must be 30 spf or higher.

- Lip Balm with SPF 30+
- Water purification: Iodine tablets, filter or UV treatment
- Altitude Watch (Optional)
- Small Pocket Size Camera (Optional)
- Solar Panel (Optional); Power Bank
- Medical Kit
Should include: blister kit, low dose aspirin, Band-Aids, wound closure strips, triple antibiotic ointment, basic repair kit, scissors, Diamox (acetazolamide, 125mg) for AMS, nifedipine (for pulmonary edema, time release), dexamethasone (for cerebral edema, 4mg), antacids, NSAIDs such as aspirin or ibuprofen, anti-diarrheal, duct tape, ear plugs, Antibiotics (upper respiratory such as Azithromycin and a gastro-intestinal such as Ciprofloxacin), melatonin, Asthma medication if you use it (Advair), cold and flu medication. Prescription medications in consultation with your doctor.

- Toiletry Bag
Should Include: toilet paper, hand sanitizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, shampoo,
trek towel (compact and quick drying), and any personal medications or prescriptions. Choose a quantity appropriate for the length of your trip.

- Insect Repellent
- Personal Utensils: mug, plate, spoon.
- Snacks
We recommend assortments of hard candies; chocolate; dried fruits; special athletic foods such as energy gels (Gu); electrolytes (Nuun); Clif Shot Bloks; energy bars; protein bars; trail mix nuts.

1. We have the biggest record of orginizing many commertial technical and altitude expeditions.
2. Our guides are highly experience with guide work on many serious climbs all over the world.
3. We offer the best accommodation and food conditions. Your personal needs any special kinds of food will be considered.
4. You can contact your personal advisor in the gear issue for free consultation. Plus free delivery of your personal rented gear to base camp.
5. We offer the scheme of discounts for loyal clients.