Carstensz Pyramid Ascent – Helicopter Approach Expedition
Climb the highest peak in Oceania; Carstensz Pyramid (4,884 m), with a helicopter approach that gets you straight to the mountain.
11 Days
Feb, Mar, Sep - Nov
High
Advanced
Highlights
- Helicopter approach directly to Yellow Valley Base Camp (4,250 m); no jungle trek.
- Technical alpine rock climb to the 4,884 m summit of Carstensz Pyramid.
- Expert local logistics and support team with fixed ropes, full board, and camp setup.
Description
Located deep in the Papuan highlands of Indonesia, Carstensz Pyramid (also known as Puncak Jaya) is the highest point in Oceania and a coveted tick on the Seven Summits list. Its remote limestone summit ridge requires solid alpine rock climbing skills, and its isolation demands serious expedition logistics.
This expedition is designed for climbers who want a direct, efficient route to the mountain. You’ll arrive in Timika, then fly by chartered helicopter to Yellow Valley Base Camp at 4,250 m, skipping the notoriously difficult jungle approach. From base camp, you'll spend a few days acclimatizing and preparing for the summit push via fixed ropes along the ridge.
The terrain includes scrambling, rappelling, ascending fixed lines, and negotiating a few notches with significant exposure. The rock is solid, the setting is surreal, and the experience is unforgettable. With experienced local guides, comfortable mountain logistics, and built-in contingency days, this expedition offers a streamlined and supported approach to one of the world’s most unique alpine challenges.
Send us your request today to reserve your seat on the helicopter and stand atop the roof of Australasia.
Price includes
Price details
- What’s Included:
- Airport transfers in Timika
- 3 hotel nights in Timika (2 before, 1 after)
- Roundtrip chartered helicopter: Timika ↔ Yellow Valley Base Camp
- All meals during the mountain expedition
- Personal sleeping tent, dining/mess tent with table & chairs
- Experienced climbing guide and assistant (guide will cook)
- Fixed ropes on Carstensz Pyramid
- Permits for climbing
- Satellite phone (emergency use)
- Base camp radio communications
- RTB cost (USD $800–$1,000 per person) included
- What’s Not Included:
- Visa on arrival
- International flights to/from Timika
- Personal climbing and camping gear
- Travel insurance (including emergency evacuation coverage)
- Meals in Timika
- Personal expenses (e.g., laundry, minibar)
- Costs due to delays, early departure, or early finish
- Tips for guides and assistants
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Timika
Arrival at Timika Airport. The guide team will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel.
Day 2: Rest and Final Preparation
Visit to the immigration office for final permit formalities. Time to pick up any last items in town.
Day 3: Timika – Carstensz Pyramid Base Camp
Early breakfast at the hotel. Helicopter flight to Yellow Valley Base Camp (4,250 m). Free time to rest and acclimatize.
Day 4: Acclimatization & Rope Training
Second acclimatization day. Rope practice and summit briefing in the evening.
Day 5: Summit Day
Wake-up at 01:00 AM. After a light breakfast, begin the approach to the wall at 02:00 AM. The route follows a ridge with multiple fixed lines, rappels, and exposed climbing. Expect 10–11 hours round trip.
Day 6: Base Camp – Timika
Pack and prepare for helicopter pickup at 06:00 AM (weather permitting). Return flight to Timika and hotel transfer.
Day 7: Timika – Bali/Jakarta
Check out from hotel and board direct flight to Bali or Jakarta (departure at 11:20 AM).
Day 8 to 10: Contingency Days
Held in reserve for helicopter delays or poor weather.
Day 11: Departure Home
Details
Accommodation
Hotel accommodation in Timika (2 nights before + 1 night after expedition) Tented accommodation at Yellow Valley Base Camp (1 tent per person, dining/mess tent provided)
More info
Skill and Fitness Level Required
- Confident movement on rock with exposure
- Experience using fixed ropes, rappelling, and basic rope systems
- Excellent physical conditioning for a long summit day (10–11 hours round trip)
- Comfortable operating at ~5,000 m elevation
Additional Information
- All permits for climbing Carstensz Pyramid are arranged by the operator.
- Helicopter luggage limit: 15 kg per person
- All meals provided while on the mountain
- Satellite phone service available for emergencies
- Field guides also serve as cooks at base camp
FAQs
Do I need prior climbing experience?
Yes—technical rock movement, rappelling, and fixed-line use are essential.
What’s the helicopter luggage limit?
15 kg per person.
What happens if the helicopter can’t fly?
Contingency days are included for weather-related delays.
Are meals included?
All meals are included on the mountain; meals in Timika are not.
How should I handle acclimatization and altitude upon arrival at base camp?
The helicopter takes you directly from sea level to base camp at 4,250 m, which is a rapid gain in altitude. It’s critical to hydrate frequently and take the first two days at base camp very slowly to allow your body to acclimatize. Avoid overexertion and listen to your guide’s recommendations.
For an optimal acclimatization, we recommend a 5-day acclimatizaztion climb to Mount Rinjani (3,726 m) in Lombok, Indonesia.
How much money should I bring for local expenses?
While meals are included during the mountain portion of the trip, you’ll need money for drinks, tips, and meals while in town. Plan on bringing approximately $150–$200 USD in local currency for your time in Timika.
What currency is used in Papua, and what should I bring?
The local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). You can exchange British Pounds, Euros, or US Dollars upon arrival. Make sure US dollars are in perfect condition, printed after 2007, with no tears or creases.
Is tipping expected?
Yes, tipping is part of local culture and expedition etiquette. Please budget around $100 USD for tipping the climbing guide, and an additional $30 USD for city staff and drivers.
About the guide
What people are saying about Explore-Share
Man
Climbing with guide Guillaume was absolutely a highlight of my 2-week Europe vacation. Originally, we were planning on climbing in the Calanques, but the park was closed due to wind and fire danger. Guillaume chose another amazing location (Pic de Bretagne) based on my climbing abilities and preferences and kindly offered train station pick-up and hotel drop off, which I appreciated very much. The multi-pitch route we did was not only fun but also the right amount of challenge, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The communication from the team (Gauthier) was prompt and clear—highly recommend!
Maxine
Luis Silva was a great climbing guide and belayer! He taught me how to do moves that were difficult and encouraged me to try routes that were challenging for me! Because of his encouragement, I managed to complete these routes! I really enjoyed the climbs and completed 8 routes in the Sesimbra/Azoia area. The weather was perfect, no direct sun and cool enough to enjoy the climbs. Explore-Share made booking an outdoor climbing experience in Lisbon extremely easy. Luis, our guide, was fantastic, and the platform’s organization was flawless.
Valeriya
You’re simply the best!!! :))) Explore-Share made everything easy and stress-free. Will definitely use again.
Joshua
We had Léo as a guide for our day climb in Fonty. We were blessed with a knowledgeable, warm, and instructive guide. Communication with Léo and Ivan was smooth and swift. Explore-Share was excellent in arranging everything for our day climb. The communication was quick, and the platform was easy to use, making our adventure stress-free.
Cami
Patrick was a great guide. He took us on an intermediate Via Ferrata at Passo Sella. Renato was quick to respond with any outreach on the Explore-Share platform. The booking process was straightforward, and once Patrick was confirmed, all went well. It was a wonderful experience, and I’d highly recommend the platform.
4.8
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