2020 Carstensz Pyramid Xpedition via Normal Route (also known as Harrer’s Route)

Carstensz Pyramid 4,884m (16,024ft) is the highest peak in Oceania – Australasia continent, making it one of the Seven Summits. It is an imposing and elusive limestone monument, rising out of the dense jungle of Western Papua (formerly Irian Jaya), Indonesia. An expedition to this remote area is not only a challenging climbing venture, but a journey into a remarkable and rewarding corner of the world.

Western Papua lies in Far East Indonesia, bordering Papua New Guinea. Carstensz is just one of the otherworldly peaks that reach forever skyward from the Maoke Mountain range. The surrounding landscape boasts a long ridge of snow- capped mountains, dense jungle, sweeping rivers and humble stone-age settlements. The tribespeople of this area, the primitive Dani, are related to Australian Aborigines, the Papuans and the Polynesians and inhabit this most fascinating country.

We are excited to announce that will be accompanied on this expedition by Graham Hoyland who has climbed Everest, Denali, Aconcagua, Erebus and Kilimanjaro and is hoping to climb the remaining two summits. He is also hoping to complete a voyage across the Seven Seas.

Graham has worked on all seven continents for the BBC, C4, Discovery, the Travel Channel and NBC, from the shores of Antarctica to the peaks of the Himalayas - https://www.grahamhoyland.com/.

Difficulty

Most people consider the difficulty to be moderate. For the Normal Route, the climb is rated with an average difficulty of 5.4/VD, with most of the difficulty incurred just below the summit which is rated 5.7/HS. The climb ascends a 600m/2,000ft wall, with a very steep final section. Just below the ridge and along the jagged cliff, there are fixed ropes to protect our climb.

Fortunately, the rock is good and rarely loose. In total, the ascent and descent take from 12 to 15 hours.

Itinerary

Fri 22-May - Arrive Bali. Inna Bali Beach Garden Hotel
Sat 23-May — Depart Bali for Timika. We will be met at the airport on arrival and transferred to the Emerald Hotel. We will go to the Immigration office for permits.
Sun 24-May — Rest day and preparation. Short tour around Timika city. Overnight at Hotel.
Mon 25-May — Drive from hotel to Airport early. Take a 30 min helicopter flight to the Yellow Valley Base Camp 4,250m/13,944ft. Free time in basecamp. Hike up to the middle ridge for acclimatization.
Tues 26-May — Rope training before summit push tomorrow morning. Overnight at Basecamp.
Wed 27-May — Summit day 12 - 15 hours round trip. Overnight at Basecamp.
Thurs 28-May — Spare day in case of bad weather/ helicopter flight delays.
Fri 29-May — Spare day in case of bad weather/ helicopter flight delays.
Sat 30-May — Weather permitting helicopter pick up from Yellow Valley Basecamp to Timika. Transfer to your hotel in Timika. If possible, continue journey home. If not, overnight in Timika
Sun 31-May — Depart Timika for Bali
Mon 1-Jun — Depart Bali for home

Cost

$12,000 per person

Service Included in Summit Xperience Cost

Pick up and drop off service in Bali and Timika airport
Three nights’ accommodation Hotel in Timika (two night before & one night after climb)
Round trip helicopter flight from Timika to Carstensz Pyramid base camp
All meals during climb
Personal tents, dining/mess tent
Experienced climbing guide and field assistant
Fixed ropes
Luggage not more than 15kgs/33lbs per person for helicopter flight
All permits for climbing Carstensz Pyramid
Satellite phone for emergencies only
Radio communication support in the basecamp

Services not included

International flight tickets to and from Bali
Domestic flight from Bali to Timika return ($550/£450)
Visa on arrival
Personal equipment for climbing and camping
Personal insurance & cost for emergency evacuation
Personal excess baggage on domestic flights
Personal expenses (laundry, phone call, mini bar in the hotel)
Meals in Timika
Costs for delays or extending a trip due to bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances
Costs associated with you leaving an expedition early
Costs associated with an expedition finishing early
Tip for guide and field assistants

Insurance

It is a requirement that you have travel and rescue insurance. This link is a great resource for travel insurance: https://www.mountainiq.com/resources/trekking-insurance/

Accomodation

The hotel in Timika is a 3-star hotel, basic but are still very comfortable. Hotels are based on a single room basis. Single tents are provided at base camp along with a communal mess tent for dining.

Baggage

We will be restricted to 15kg/33lbs on the helicopter. Some items can be left at the hotel for our return.

Altitude

With the helicopter approach to base camp you jump altitude very quickly. Timika is almost at sea level and basecamp is at 4,250m/14,000ft. You must drink plenty of liquid to stay hydrated. It is important in the first two days of your arrival at base camp to take things easy and to not over exert yourself while your body is adapting to the change in altitude.

Local Costs

Meals are included whilst on the mountain. Individuals are responsible for drinks throughout as well as lunches and evening meals while in the towns. You will need to obtain local currency on arrival allowing around $200/£165 maximum.

Getting to Carstensz Pyramid

The nearest airport to Carstensz is Timika (TIM) in Papua - Indonesia. Garuda Indonesia operates only one direct flight to Timika on daily basis from Bali (DPS). The cost is approximately $550/£450. We will book these flights on your behalf to ensure the whole team is on the same flight.

Tips

Tipping is generally expected and part of everyday life in Indonesia. Budget $50/£40 each team member for tipping our climbing guide and $30/£25 for our city staff.

The local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). You can take British Pounds or US Dollars to change opposite the hotel in Bali. (Make sure dollars are in perfect condition, printed after 2007 with no creases or tears.)