Carstenz

Abstract

Itinerary

You must purchase return tickets that allow for changes as a result of delays. (The weather is not the only uncertain quatity in Indonesia)

Trip description

Carstensz Pyramid is the highest summit in Australasia. The access is either by a 5 day jungle trek or by helicopter to the base camp. In either case be prepared for wet and cold (expect snow on the summit). For background information see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puncak_Jaya.

The mountain presents an extremely impressive limestone North Face, reminiscent of the dolomites. The normal climbing route follows a series of gullies to reach the summit ridge in 15 or so rope lengths. The summit ridge (a further 10 or so rope lengths) is mostly easy scrambling with three notches to traverse, the first of which normally provides the 6m crux of the route. (F6a, or rope tricks). In 2007 the route was fully equipped with fixed ropes.

For this expedition you should be comfortable and able to move quickly on moderately difficult ground and familiar with the use of ascenders and descenders.

Expedition price

The expedition price includes the following;
all transport and accommodation from and back to Denpasar as per program
Tents, food & fuel while in the field
UIAGM qualified trip leader
Group climbing gear
first aid kit.

Not included
International flights to Bali
Domestic flight from Bali to Timika
Airport tax and entry visa
taxi from airport to hotel
Excess baggage on internal flights
Holiday Insurance (must include cancellation)
Medivac (Medical & Emergency Evacuation) Insurance
personal climbing kit and clothing;
Gratuities for hotel staff
telephone, beverage and laundry bills

Payment, Cancellation and Refund
To register for this expedition please contact us. Please insure your expedition against cancellation for medical and/or personal reasons.

Insurance

For this trip you must have medical evacuation and trip cancellation insurance. If you purchase them separately we recommend IHI for medical emergencies http://www.ihi.com/.
We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation and travel insurance. Travel insurance must provide coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, travel delays, loss of baggage and travel documents, baggage delay,

Visas and permits

Please ensure you meet any visa requirements for entering. Most nationals will be able to obtain their visa on entering Indonesia at Denpasar airport. Expedition permits will need to be arranged a minimum of 2 months before the expedition. For this we will need a JPG scan of your passport  biota page.

Essential kit list

Kit must be light and functional. Heavy, unsuitable and excess kit will only hinder your ascent of the mountain:

Travel
passport + photocopy + spare passport photographs
credit cards + cash
copy of insurance certificate

Bivouac
sleeping bag (good to -10C)
sleeping bag liner
thick sleeping mat

Sun protection
sun hat (cricket style is good)
glacier glasses
glacier cream and lip salve

Clothing
ski hat
weather proof outer-shell jacket
leather gloves (gardening gloves are good)
leather palmed ski gloves
2 pile or fleece jackets
capelene or similar long sleeve shirt
weather proof outer-shell pants or sallopettes
pile or fleece pants
lighty trekking pants
thin and thick socks
stout trekking boots or light mountain boots
trainers


Hardwear
climbing helmet
headtorch with fresh batteries
light water bottle (local plastic bottle is good)
60 l (min) rucksack
Weather proof kit bag
harness
3 locking krabs
2 non-locking krabs
1 long sling (120cm)
2 ascenders (Camp or Petzel are good)
8 mm dia cord 3m long
large umbrella

First Aid
personal medical supplies
blister kit
spare glasses/lenses (for the myopic or hyperopic)

Optional Extras;
gps
camera

Guide

The team will be led by UIAGM  guide Victor Saunders. (Climbed Carstensz in 2007).

Food

Food will be purchased locally, and we will have a cook in the field,  but bear in mind that our essential philosophy on mountains is that “Food is fuel”. Please let us know well in advance of any special dietary requirements. 

Medical examination

It is imperative that expedition members are fit and strong and in good
health. Please ensure that you have seen your doctor and provide us with a medical certificate that you are fit for the expedition. We must be informed of any medical conditions that may affect you during the course of the expedition. We will treat the information with full confidentiality.

Safety communications and expedition First Aid

On this expedition we will be carrying a small satellite phone and/or two way radios. We will also provide a basic expedition medical kit. You should bring your own personal first aid kit.