OVERVIEW

A unique landscape in the depth of Papua jungle, The Middle Mountain Range is the backbone of the island. It stretches thousands of kilometers along the island and rises above 4,000 meter above sea level. This is the highest mountain range lie on an island. Among this towering mountain range is Carstensz Pyramid (4,884m), the highest point in Australasian continents and also one of the Seven Summits. On this mountain range, equatorial glacier exists. One of three places in the world, where snow exist in equator area. The whole mountain range itself actually carved by glaciers. Several peaks are snow-capped, or used to. The glaciers are now retreating in an alarming state because of global warming. It will be gone soon.

Crest-shaped Carstensz itself not covered in snow. It is the highest that makes Carstensz summit become the goal for climbers. It’s a technical mountain. You need to know well about ascending and descending on a rope, as well rock-climbing technique. The most popular approach for Carstensz now is using helicopter to fly in and out from Base Camp. It is quicker and safer. Trekking to base camp will be an exotic climb. From jungle to meadow and towering rocks, plus cultural experiences. But meet up with the resistance army is in the risk, that can abort the expedition and even put the life in danger. Most of the time, trekking permit is close and can’t be predicted when to get one.

ITINERARY

DAY 1

Bali - Timika
You have to arrive Bali today before midnight, because our flight to Timika today will be at midnight. Upon arrival, our guide will pick you up at the airport. We will provide hotel also today for you to rest while waiting our flight to Timika. Welcome dinner from us and after that we go to airport and fly to Timika.

DAY 2

Timika
Arrive at Timika early in the morning. Transfer to hotel and rest. Final packing for tomorrow flight to base camp.

DAY 3

Timika-Yellow Valley (Base Camp)
We go to the airport early in the morning. If weather is good, we fly by helicopter to Yellow Valley (4,200 masl). Set the camp and relax to acclimatize. We can walk around a little bit, going up to the middle ridge for better acclimatization.

DAY 4

Yellow Valley (Base Camp)
Acclimatization day. Today we will do some training on the rope. Prepare for summit day tomorrow. Early dinner and rest.

DAY 5

Summit Day
Wake up at midnight and prepare for the summit attempt. There will be hot drinks and light meals. At 2 am we start climbing to the summit. It will take approximately 5-7 hours to the summit.

DAY 6

Yellow Valley (Base Camp) - Timika
If the weather is good, we will fly back to Timika by helicopter. Stay overnight.

DAY 7-8

Spare day
Spare day in case of bad weather.

DAY 9

Yellow Valley (Base Camp)
Flight to Bali. End of expedition.

PREPARATION

Carstensz Pyramid is a technical mountain. At least you need to know quite well about rope skills. Practice using ascender and descender several times before going on this expedition. Even if you already used to, it’s always good to refresh your skills. Rock climbing training also needed. Aim to climb routes at 5.8-5.9 grade, and try using your mountaineering boots. You can do these training at the rock-climbing gym in your hometown.

Pre-trip acclimatization is recommended since we will fly straight to 4,200m from sea level. If you have time and all the resources to do it, then please do it.

For physical conditioning, you can do running two to three times a week for 45 minutes to an hour per session. Running on a route that have elevation gain will be a lot better, or use treadmill if there’s no such terrain in your hometown. You can change one of your running sessions in a week with cycling or swimming and especially you need to do also stair climbing with at least 10kg pack. It will be a good cross training. Besides that, muscle training is advisable. Strengthen your upper and lower body muscle, as well core muscle. You can do it at the gym or do your own set of push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, plank, etc. Good physical condition can help with the acclimatization also.

Training 6 month prior to the expedition will be fantastic, or at least spare 2-3 month before for your training. Having good preparation will be the key for success, and we believe you can enjoy your expedition more.

GEAR LIST