Monte Carstensz

Trip Overview:

Timika – Yellow Valley – Carstensz Summit – Yellow Valley – Timika

Why travel there?

We now offer helicopter flights to the Carstensz Pyramid Base Camp! The Carstensz Pyramid (sometimes called Puncak Jaya) is a mountain in the Sudirman Range, in the western part of the central highlands of Papua Province, Indonesia. Standing at 4,884 meters above sea level, the Carstensz Pyramid is the highest mountain in Indonesia, the highest mountain on the island of New Guinea, and the highest peak in Oceania (Australia).

Climbing the Carstensz Pyramid is arguably the most technically challenging of the Seven Summits. However, for experienced mountaineers with basic climbing skills, the expedition is quite manageable. The standard route leads almost vertically up the North Face and continues along the summit ridge, which consists entirely of solid rock.

The sharp limestone blocks provide a pleasant ascent to nearly 4,900 m in height, near the equator. The most difficult sections are secured with fixed ropes, and the largest gap on the summit ridge is crossed via the famous zipline traverse. Despite the nearby large gold mine, the area remains difficult to access for climbers and the public. A helicopter flight to the base camp is required, or alternatively (if safe), a 100 km trek that typically takes four to five days each way. The island also offers the unique opportunity to step back into the Stone Age, as the traditional lifestyle of most inhabitants has changed very little over the last few millennia.