CARSTENSZ PYRAMID

4884 Meters | Indonesia

21st Feb 2026

DIFFICULTY

Moderate

DURATION

10 Days

BEST TIME

April - Nov

COST

USD 14,500

overview

The Carstensz Pyramid is one of the most unique climbs in the world and the highest point in Oceania. Unlike traditional Himalayan peaks, this mountain is a pure technical rock climb, involving exposed limestone ridges, vertical sections, and fixed ropes.

Though the altitude is moderate at 4,884 m, the technical difficulty, remoteness, and logistical complexity make Carstensz one of the most demanding Seven Summits challenges. The climb requires strong rock-climbing skills, rope confidence, and mental focus.

Reaching the summit is a rare and prestigious achievement, combining adventure, technical climbing, and extreme remoteness.

 

Note: Prices mentioned are applicable for Indian passport holders. For foreign passport holders, the cost may vary. Please connect with the Boots & Crampons team for clarity.
Note: An indemnity document will be shared before the expedition. Signing it is mandatory.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Bali
On arrival in Bali, we transfer to our hotel. The rest of the day is free to rest and recover from travel. In the evening, we meet the expedition team for introductions, a briefing, and final preparations. After dinner, we transfer to the airport for our late-night flight to Timika. Overnight travel.

Day 2: Arrival in Timika
We arrive at Timika Airport and transfer to our hotel. After some rest and lunch, the remainder of the day is free to relax, organize equipment, and regain energy after travel. This day also allows time to adjust to local conditions. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Timika – Carstensz Pyramid Base Camp (Yellow Valley, 4,300m)
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport and board a chartered helicopter flight to Yellow Valley Base Camp. Upon arrival at base camp, we settle in and have free time to rest, hydrate, and begin acclimatization at altitude. Overnight at Base Camp.

Day 4: Acclimatization at Base Camp
Today is dedicated to acclimatization. We take short walks around base camp and hike up to the middle ridge before returning. Rope training and technical refreshers are conducted to prepare for the summit day. The rest of the day is spent resting and hydrating. Overnight at Base Camp.

Day 5: Summit Push – Carstensz Pyramid (4,884m)
We wake around midnight and prepare for the summit attempt. The climb begins at approximately 2:00 AM. The route involves scrambling, traversing exposed sections, rappelling, and using fixed ropes with ascenders on technical terrain. After reaching the summit and spending brief time at the top, we descend back to Base Camp. The total round trip takes approximately 9 to 10 hours. Overnight at Base Camp.

Day 6: Base Camp – Timika
Weather permitting, a helicopter picks us up from Yellow Valley Base Camp and flies us back to Timika. On arrival, we transfer to our hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax and recover after the summit climb. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7–8: Reserve Summit / Weather Days
These days are kept as contingency in case of bad weather, helicopter delays, or if an additional summit attempt is required. Please note that, depending on weather conditions, more than two reserve days may occasionally be necessary.

Day 9: Timika – Bali
After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for our flight to Bali, departing at approximately 11:30 AM. We arrive in Bali around 2:30 PM and transfer to our hotel. In the evening, we gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful expedition. Overnight in Bali.

Day 10: Departure
After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for onward flights, marking the end of the Carstensz Pyramid expedition.

INCLUSIONS

  • Pick up and drop service from airports. 
  • Domestic flights from Bali-Timika-Bali.
  • A round trip-chartered helicopter from Timika to the Yellow Valley BaseCamp. 
  • Two nights Hotel in Bali (one night before & one night after treks/climb). 
  • Two nights Hotel stay in Timika (one night before & one night after treks/climb). 
  • All meals during your climbing. 
  • RTB fee (return to base). 
  • Tents, dining tents, tables, chairs, and cooking utensils. 
  • Experienced Climbing Guide and field assistant. 
  • Fixed rope on Carstensz Pyramid wall. 
  • Luggage not more than 15kgs/person for Helicopter. 
  • All complicated permits for climbing Carstensz Pyramid. 
  • Satellite phone service is only for emergency situations. 
  • Radio communication support in the base camp.
  • Participants will get an exclusive 15% discount on all Fast&Up products.

EXCLUSIONS

  • International flight to Bali.
  • Personal equipment for climbing and camping. 
  • Personal insurance & cost for emergency evacuation. 
  • Personal excess baggage on domestic flights (luggage allowance is usually 20kgs/person). 
  • Personal expenses (laundry, phone call, mini bar in the hotel). 
  • Your meals in Timika. 
  • Costs for delays or extending a trip due to bad weather or other circumstances. 
  • Costs associated with you leaving an expedition early.
  • Costs associated with an expedition finishing early. 
  • Tips for guide and field assistants.

PREPARATION GUIDE

Please read carefully before registering

At Boots & Crampons, preparation is not optional. The level of training required depends on the duration, altitude, and technical difficulty of the trek or expedition you are signing up for.

  • Prior trekking experience is strongly recommended.
  • You must be exercising regularly for at least 3–4 weeks before the trek.
  • Build cardiovascular endurance—jogging is the best way to improve stamina.
  • Train your body with uphill walking or stair climbing while carrying a weighted backpack.
  • Focus on lower body and core strength using squats, lunges, planks, crunches, and cycling.
  • High altitude demands patience—listen to your body and respect acclimatization days.
  • Strong legs are essential to comfortably handle long ascent and descent days.
  • Proper preparation increases not just your chances of success, but also your safety and enjoyment in the mountains.

THINGS TO PACK

For Your Head:

  • Woolen warm cap to protect against cold winds
  • Balaclava for extra warmth
  • Bandana (can be used as a sweatband or to cover your face from dust)

For Your Feet:

  • 4-5 pairs of regular socks
  • 1-2 pair of thick woolen socks for warmth
  • Trekking boots with ankle support and good grip
  • Extra pair of comfortable sneakers or shoes to wear at the Tea House

For Your Hands:

  • 1-2 pairs of warm inner gloves
  • 1 pair of waterproof gloves to keep your hands dry
  • Hand warmers (optional, but useful in very cold weather)
  • A pair of fleece gloves for extra insulation

Clothing: The Armor of the Adventurer:

  • 1 pair of thermal innerwear (top and bottom) for base warmth
  • 2 pairs of lightweight, quick-dry trekking pants
  • 1 pair of windproof and waterproof Gore-Tex trousers
  • 1 Gore-Tex or waterproof jacket for wind and rain protection
  • 1 poncho (optional) for sudden rain
  • 1-2 fleece jacket for light warmth
  • 3–4 full-sleeve dry-fit T-shirts for layering
  • 1 heavy down or padded jacket (800-900 Fills) for extreme cold

Navigational & Survival Gear:

  • 20-30L Backpack (for water, snacks, fleece, etc.)
  • 50-60L Backpack / Duffle Bag
  • 1 trekking pole (or 2 for better balance)
  • Filter water bottle (2 bottles of 1 Ltrs)
  • Thermos flask (for warm water or tea)

Personal Care Compact:

  • Toothbrush & toothpaste
  • Face towel, tissues & wet wipes
  • Hand sanitizer & lip balm
  • Moisturizer (optional but helpful in dry climate)
  • Personal medication kit
  • Sunscreen (SPF 50+)

Illumination & Eye Protection:

  • Headlamp with extra batteries – a must-have for night treks and early morning starts
  • Sunglasses – Polarized, Category 4 with 100% UV protection and a wrap-around fit to guard your eyes from harsh sun glare and snowy reflections. Carry a backup pair just in case.

Soul Nourishment:

  • Camera – capture the beauty and magic of the mountains
  • Music player or earphones – enjoy peaceful moments with your favorite tunes
  • Books or playing cards – perfect for downtime and relaxing at camp
 

*Rental Gears Required*
Visit our Contracted Business Partner website – Summit Yak
for details on trek-specific rental gears and rates.

Frequently asked questions

The route features steep rock faces, fixed ropes, mixed rock and jungle terrain, scree slopes, and exposed climbing sections. This is a technical rock climb, not a walk-up trek.

The summit elevation is 4,884 m (16,024 ft), and while altitude is moderate, the challenge lies in the technical rock climbing, steep exposure, and jungle approach.

Yes. Carstensz Pyramid involves rope work, fixed lines, rock climbing, and exposure, often on vertical sections. Participants must be confident with:

  • Basic rock climbing techniques
  • Use of harness, helmet, and ropes
  • Movement on steep, sometimes slippery rock

This is not a beginner expedition.

The climb is best undertaken during dry/weather-stable months. Conditions can change rapidly due to tropical weather patterns, so flexibility and contingency planning are essential.

The itinerary includes:

  • Jungle approach and trekking
  • Establishment of basecamp
  • Technical climbing days
    Overall duration is typically 8–12 days, depending on logistics, weather, and route conditions.

Participants must have:

  • Good cardiovascular endurance
  • Experience with rock climbing and exposure
  • Ability to handle long days on rugged terrain
    This climb is best suited for those with prior technical climbing or mountaineering experience.

➡️ Refer to the Preparation Guide for detailed fitness and conditioning recommendations.

Essential gear includes:

  • Mountaineering/approach boots
  • Helmet, harness, belay/rappel device
  • Climbing hardware (carabiners, slings, chalk, etc.)
  • Gloves for rock climbing
    A detailed gear list is included in the Preparation Guide.

Water sources on the jungle approach and basecamp must be treated before drinking. Bring enough water or purification tablets/filters, and follow the team’s guidance on safe water usage.

Preparation should involve:

  • Cardiovascular training
  • Technical climbing practice (rock climbing & rope handling)
  • Strength and endurance conditioning
    ➡️ Please review the Preparation Guide.
  • A WhatsApp group will be created for all registered participants so you can post questions about preparation and logistics.
  • Zoom briefing sessions will be conducted to:
    • Walk through the itinerary
    • Set expectations for approach, climbing, and logistics
    • Address queries in a live Q&A session
  •  

Carstensz Pyramid is a unique and demanding technical climb combining jungle trekking with steep rock climbing. Proper preparation—physically, technically, and mentally—is essential for a safe and successful expedition.

WHY CHOOSE US

01

Trustworthy​

We always prioritize customer confort and satisfaction. thats why we only accept the best.

02

Success Rate

We always prioritize customer confort and satisfaction. thats why we only accept the best.

03

Customized

We always prioritize customer confort and satisfaction. thats why we only accept the best.

04

Experience

We always prioritize customer confort and satisfaction. thats why we only accept the best.

05

Eco-Friendly

We always prioritize customer confort and satisfaction. thats why we only accept the best.

06

Variety of Destination

We always prioritize customer confort and satisfaction. thats why we only accept the best.

SAFETY MEASURES

Boots & Crampons staff of highly trained professional guides is here to make your journey as safe and secure as possible. All of our trekking guides are medically certified and have abundant experience using their training in mountainous environments.

Our safety standards are based on the experiences of our founder, managing risk in some of the world’s most hostile environments.

While we advise our trekkers to carry light, our guides are always prepared with:

  • Medical Kit containing High Altitude Emergency Medicines and Life Saving Drugs
  • Oximeter to measure pulse rate and oxygen saturation in blood while on the trek
  • Back-Up Oxygen Cylinders (or they are stationed in High Camps

Still have questions?

Be it queries about the trek, customization or anything else, our team is eager to assist you.

Need your questions answered right away?

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