
Under the direction of IMG's Greg Vernovage, we are planning for 2019 another expedition to the most elusive of the Seven Summits!
We have now conducted eleven successful Carstensz trips, via five different routes (from the mine, via helicopter from both Enarotoli and Timika, via Ilaga trek and via the Sugapa trek approach).
In addition, we have conducted guided climbing expeditions to other Papuan high peaks including Idenberg, Trikora, Mandala, Ngga Pulu, Semantri, and East Carstensz.
This is a great trip for climbers with solid rock climbing skills and the ability to adapt to the altitude when flying in by helicopter.
This is real "adventure travel" so for 2019 we have added several additional contingency days to the Carstensz Expedition itinerary, for extra flexibility dealing with the challenges inherent in this expedition.
If these extra days prove to be unnecessary, then you can have a couple days on the beach in Bali on the way home!
Our team will meet in Denpasar (Bali), then fly to our jump off location in Papua (likely Timika).
From here our helicopter charter will fly to the Carstensz area.
Our actual drop off point is dependent on a number of factors that we are accustomed to working with including the ever changing weather, the situation with the helicopter, and the local porters.
If possible, we will fly into the Nasidome Camp, which is slightly lower (12,200 feet) and will provide a bit more acclimatization before we make the one-day approach hike to the Yellow Valley Base Camp.
If we need to fly directly into Yellow Valley (13,700 feet) then we will take extra time acclimatizing and training before we make our summit attempt (we have flown into Yellow Valley twice and have a 100% success rate when doing this).
Either way we go, it is prudent to take Diamox and move slowly for the first couple days, since it is a big jump in altitude!
Once we arrive to Yellow Valley Base Camp we will have an opportunity to train for the summit climb by trekking to the beginning of the route to familiarize ourselves with the first few pitches of rock climbing.
This is incredibly beneficial because when we head up on our summit rotation it will be dark and having already been on the beginning of the route in the daytime will make our movements more efficient.
For Carstensz you need to be confident moving on moderate (3rd, 4th and easy 5th class) rock terrain, on fixed ropes, rappelling, clipping in and out of anchors, etc.
Up on the summit ridge there are several precipitous notches to cross (with fixed ropes).
These days the biggest notch is now fixed with a cable Tyrolean Traverse.
It is not unusual to get rain or snow during the climb, but the temperatures are not extreme.
Don't forget leather gloves to protect your hands from the rough rock!
After the climb, the team will spend the night at BC before flying by out by helicopter (normally early in the morning for the best weather).
We have used this Hybrid itinerary on our recent expeditions, and it has worked very well.
It's good to know that there is still some real "Adventure Travel" left in the world!
Monday, October 14 - Fly to Papua from Bali
Tuesday, October 15 - Organization day
Wednesday, October 16 - Helicopter to Nasidome and setup camp
Thursday, October 17 - Acclimatization hike
Friday, October 18 - Move to Carstensz Base camp
Saturday, October 19 - Contingency
Sunday, October 20 - Climb Carstensz
Monday, October 21 - Helicopter from Yellow Valley after climb
Tuesday, October 22 - Contingency
Wednesday, October 23 - Contingency
Thursday, October 24 - Contingency
Friday, October 25 - Contingency
Saturday, October 26 - Depart Papua to Bali
- Guides (IMG senior guide(s) along with our IMG Indonesian guides)
- Cooks
- Porters
- Group equipment
- Domestic flights from Bali to/from jump off city
- Helicopter to/from Carstensz
- Ground transfers in jump off city
- All climbing permits
- All food while climbing (climbers should bring some extra snack food)
- Accommodation on program is based on double occupancy and includes two nights of hotel in Papua before the climb begins and all accommodations during the climb.
- Costs not included in trip fee:
- International airfare to/from Denpasar (Bali) Indonesia
- Indonesian visa on arrival (now free for many countries, including USA)
- Taxis
- Food and lodging, should you arrive early or if delays require more than two hotel nights in jump off city before the climb begins
- All expenses after returning to the jump off point by helicopter
- Alcoholic beverages during the trip
- Personal shopping, snacks, sat phone use
- Emergency medical/evacuation
- *Required Travel Insurance
- Tip pool ($400 USD) for the local staff (drivers, porters, cooks, etc.)
- If the helicopter is unable to make it to Nasidome or Yellow Valley due to bad weather en route and is forced to return to Timika, there will be an extra charge for the additional flying time.
- If you would like to provide some additional tip money to your IMG guide, this is up to you!
Carstensz Pyramid is famous for tough logistics due to instability in the region. IMG and lead guide Jason Edwards knocked this one out of the park, with 100% summit success and no issues whatsoever
- $26,500
- October 8 - 13 Days

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