West Papua boasts some of the highest mountains peaks in Indonesia, making it an attractive destination for climbers. Peaks such as Puncak Jaya and Mandala Summit are located within the Jayawijaya Mountains. These mountains are not only famous for their height but also for their unique natural environment, including rare tropical glaciers. The stunning natural beauty and extreme climbing challenges make the Jayawijaya Mountains a favorite spot for adventurers.

The Jayawijaya Mountains were formed by a long and complex geological process. This process occurred around 15 million years ago, during the Middle Miocene Epoch, when the Australian Continental Plate collided with the Pacific Plate. The collision caused the Earth’s crust to rise significantly, forming a series of towering mountains.

List of Highest Mountains in West Papua

1. Cartenz Pyramid (4,884 masl), Central Papua Province

Cartenz Pyramid, the Mountain in West Papua and in Indonesia, is covered in snow and reaches a height of 4,884 meters above sea level. As one of the World’s Seven Summits, this mountain is a dream destination for true climbers from Indonesia and around the world.

There are four official climbing routes. The Ilaga route is often chosen by climbers, offering a journey through Ilaga Village followed by trekking through dense forests. The Sugapa route is popular, starting from Sugapa Village and traversing challenging terrain to the summit. The Timika-Sugapa route begins with a flight from Timika to Sugapa, followed by a motorbike ride and trekking. Lastly, the Suanggama-Jambusinga Camp route involves 8 hours of trekking.

See also: Fun Facts About Mount Carstensz

2. Mandala Summit (4,760 masl), Papua Pegunungan Province

The second-highest mountain in West Papua is Mandala Summit, with an elevation of 4,760 meters above sea level. It is located in the Jayawijaya Mountains, specifically in the Pegunungan Bintang Regency, Papua Pegunungan Province.

This peak, also known as Juliana Top, has a challenging climbing track with steep and snowy terrain. Due to the extreme conditions, only experienced and skilled climbers have successfully conquered this peak.

The climbing route starts by passing through Dime Village and continues to the north side of the Jayawijaya Mountains. Climbing Mandala Summit requires careful planning and preparation, including proper equipment, permits, sufficient supplies, and logistics.

See also: Route Options to Climb Carstensz Pyramid

3. Trikora Summit (4,750 masl), Papua Pegunungan Province

The third-highest mountain in West Papua is Trikora Summit, with an elevation of 4,750 meters above sea level. Trikora Summit, also known as Mount Wilhelmina, encompasses several forest areas, including Ericaceous Forest, Montane Forest, and Dipterocarp Forest. The starting point for climbing Trikora Summit is in the Dani town of Wamena in the Baliem Valley.

See also: Cost Required to Climb Mount Carstensz

4. Ngga Pilimsit Summit / Idenburg (4,717 masl), Central Papua Province

Another highest mountain in West Papua is Ngga Pilimsit Summit, geographically located in the Maoke Mountains, which stretch from West Papua Province to Papua Province.

This mountain, also known as Idenburg (during the colonial era), has a height of 4,717 meters above sea level. Interestingly, the closest peak to Ngga Pilimsit is Cartenz Pyramid, located about 13 miles to the northwest.

The climbing tracks on Ngga Pilimsit vary in difficulty, from easy to challenging. During the climb, climbers are treated to beautiful views of the well-preserved trees and vegetation on the mountain.

5. Yamin Summit (4,535 masl), Papua Province

Located in the Bintang Mountains, the next highest mountain in West Papua is Yamin Summit. The peak, also known as Prins Hendrik Top, reaches a height of 4,535 meters above sea level. In the past, Puncak Yamin had ice, but it has since melted and disappeared.

Many locals refer to Yamin Summit as Oslo Vamin or Mount Lim. This mountain, which also has limestone contours, is administratively located in two regencies, Pegunungan Bintang and Yakuhimo Regency.

See also: The Disappearance of West Papua Eternal Snow in 2025