The Carstensz Pyramid is the highest peak of the JaYawijaya Mountains, West Papua, Indonesia. The Jayawijaya Mountains were formed by the collision of the Australia and Pacific plates. It has a number of peaks, namely East Carstensz Peak (4400 masl), Yamin Peak (4535 masl), Idenberg Peak (4673 masl), Trikora Peak (4730 masl), Mandala Peak (4760 masl), Carstensz Pyramid (4884 masl).

See also: Fun Facts About Mount Carstensz

Carstensz Pyramid is the highest mountain peak between the Himalayas and the Andes. In the list of Seven Summits, Puncak Jaya represents the continent of Oceania. The snow-capped mountain peaks in the tropics are indeed famous for their very extreme climbing routes and paths. If you want to try to explore Carstensz Pyramid, you must know some of the following paths and climbing routes to Carstensz Pyramid.

Route To Carstensz Pyramid

1. Freeport Indonesia Company Line Travel Route

The journey to Carstensz through the Freeport Indonesia Company mining area is very fast and only takes a few hours. First of all, head to Timika. From Timika, continue by car for two hours to Tembagapura. After that, take the tram to Grasberg and continue by car for 20 minutes to Bali Dump. Bali Dump is the final boundary of Freeport Indonesia Company’s territory. Finally, walk for approximately two hours from Bali Dump to arrive at the Lakes Basecamp.

Freeport Indonesia Company

However, this path is risky for health. The altitude of Timika is only a few hundred meters above sea level while the Lakes Basecamp is at an altitude of 4261 meters above sea level. Sudden changes in altitude can trigger Accute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Climbers are advised to acclimatize by traveling gradually towards the Carstensz Pyramid.

See also: Cost Required to Climb Mount Carstensz

2. Sugapa Route Travel Route

route via Sugapa (photo: monkeystale.ca)

If the Freeport line only takes a few hours, it is different with the Sugapa line. The journey to Puncak Jaya via Sugapa will take days. It is less risky because the change in altitude is experienced slowly, but it costs more. However, this will certainly pay off with the beautiful scenery and wild adventures in the style of Jurassic Park that can be enjoyed during the trip.

route via Sugapa (photo: monkeystale.ca)

Sugapa is one of the sub-districts or districts which is also the capital of Intan Jaya Regency. Intan Jaya Regency itself has 8 districts and 97 villages or villages. Sugapa actually has its own potential as a tourist destination because of its natural potential. This area is surrounded by the Bula Pigu Mountains, Mbulu-Bulu Pigu, and Jogo Pigu. There are also two valleys, namely the Dugindoga Valley and the Kemadoga Valley. In addition, there are hot springs, salt rivers, and rivers that can be used for rafting sports such as the Wabu and Dogabu Rivers.

To climb the Carstensz Pyramid via Sugapa, you first need to travel to Timika or Nabire. Only then it was continued by using a pioneer plane to Bilogai Airport in Bilogai Village, Sugapa District. This is because there is no land route to the district. After that, you can choose to continue your journey through Ugimba or Soagama.

3. Travel Route via Ilaga

The second gate to Carstensz other than via Sugapa in Intan Jaya Regency is through Ilaga in Puncak Regency. Puncak Regency is the result of the expansion of Puncak Jaya Regency and is located to the east of Indah Jaya Regency. Puncak Regency consists of 25 sub-districts and 206 villages or villages with Ilaga as its capital. Located at an altitude of 2286 meters above sea level, it is the highest district in Indonesia. To get there, it is necessary to take a pioneer plane from Timika or Nabire to Ilaga Airport for 25 minutes. The number of flights to Ilaga usually reaches at least 20 times per day, depending on weather conditions and fleet availability.

Ilaga Airport

From Ilaga continue to walk through Pinapa Village then through the forest to then arrive at Larson Lake, Blue Lake, New Zealand Pass, then finally arrive at the Lakes Basecamp. The total trip is estimated to reach six days of travel from Ilaga.