Papua: expedition to the mythical Carstensz Pyramid (helicopter version)
Papua's Extreme Highlands 8 days rustique

Papua: expedition to the mythical Carstensz Pyramid (helicopter version)

Join one of the mythical summits in the heart of the equatorial glaciers of Papua.

From€10,295per person
27 years of local expertise4.91/5 (88 reviews including 81 Google)

Duration

8 days

From

€10,295/pers.

Ideal seasons

Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Style

Guided tour

Comfort

rustique

Travelers

Solo, With friends, Couple, groupe

The spirit of travel

At 4,884 m, the Carstensz Pyramid (or "Puncak Jaya" for Indonesians) is the highest peak in Indonésie and Oceania. As such, it is part of the "7 Mythical Summits" that every mountaineer dreams of climbing.

Located in Indonesian New Guinea, this mountain was discovered in 1623 by the Dutchman Jan Carstenszoon, but was not truly approached until the early twentieth century. Very difficult to access at the time, the Carstensz was first climbed in 1962 (during an expedition led by mountaineers Heinrich Harrer, Philip Temple, Russel Kippax and Albertus Huizenga) and remains one of the rare peaks in this equatorial region that is covered with glaciers.

This version of the Carstensz expedition is offered with helicopter transport to base camp, in order to avoid the inconveniences of a ground approach through the Papua jungle.

The stages of your journey

D1
JakartaIbis Styles Airport
D2
TimikaHotel
D3–4
Carstensz PyramidNuit en bivouac
D5–6
Carstensz PyramidNuits en Bivouac
D7–8
Carstensz PyramidHotel

Highlights

Mythical Summit of Oceania
Helicopter transport to camp
Glaciers in Equatorial Zone
Spectacular technical climbing
Experienced mountain guide
Alpine Prestige Expedition

Day-by-day itinerary

Jour 1
D1

Welcome to Jakarta

Welcome at Jakarta international airport and transfer to your hotel nearby so you can enjoy a good rest after a long flight.

Evening transfer to the airport and flight to Timika, in Indonesian Papua.

Ibis Styles Airport
Jour 2
D2

Welcome to Timika

Airport pick-up at Timika early in the morning and transfer to your hotel.

First briefing in early afternoon to describe the upcoming expedition in more detail and provide you with the best advice. Time is also dedicated to the logistical preparation of the expedition (documents, equipment, etc.).

HotelLunchDinner
Jour 3
D3

Yellow Valley Base Camp

Transfer shortly before dawn to the airport and helicopter flight to the "yellow valley" (4,300 m).

After being welcomed by your guide and settling into the base camp, the rest of the day, free time, is dedicated to acclimatization.

Nuit en bivouacBreakfastLunchDinner
Jour 4
D4

Acclimatization

Another acclimatization day, during which you will perform some climbing exercises.

You will in particular do a simulation at the foot of Carstensz Peak.

Possibility to climb Nggapulu Peak (Sukarno Summit) as well.

The rest of the day is free.

Hiking 4-6h

Nuit en bivouacBreakfastLunchDinner
Jour 5
D5–6

Ascension

In the middle of the night, after equipping yourself, you begin – around 2am – the ascent of the Carstensz Pyramid. You reach the summit late in the morning, and, back at base camp in the afternoon, you deserve a well-earned rest.

Hiking 13-14h

Nuits en BivouacBreakfastLunchDinner
Jour 7
D7

Return to Timika

Helicopter return to Timika. The rest of the day is free, but a celebration dinner will be offered to you to end this journey beautifully.

HotelLunchDinner
Jour 8
D8

See you very soon in Papua!

Free time until transfer to the airport. Flight to Jakarta or Bali.

End of services.

NOTE: Plan for 2 buffer days to anticipate bad weather and other contingencies.

Breakfast

Price per person

1-3 pers.€11,495/pers.
4-5 pers.€11,250/pers.
6-7 pers.€10,775/pers.
8-10 pers.€10,295/pers.

Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.

This trip can be tailored to your preferences

This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.

Not included

  • International and domestic flights
  • Travel Insurance & Assistance
  • Visa(s) and possible airport taxes
  • Excess baggage
  • Necessary climbing equipment
  • 1 sitting harness
  • 1 Jumar (Ascender)
  • 1 figure-eight descender
  • 4 Screw-lock Carabiners and 2 Non-locking Carabiners
  • 1 Climbing helmet
  • 3 Prusik
  • Double braid (cow tail)
  • 1 Headlamp
  • Crampons and ice axe for crossing glaciers
  • Sleeping bag & ground mat
  • Satellite Phone Usage Fees for Personal Use
  • Snacks, food and additional beverages
  • All expenses related to any delays or advances in shipping
  • Personal Equipment & First Aid Kit
  • Private carriers

Included

  • Professional and experienced high mountain guide (English-speaking)
  • Team of porters (15 kg per person) & cook
  • Private vehicle transfers with air conditioning
  • Helicopter round-trip flight to base camp (yellow valley - payload: 350 kg)
  • Accommodation in B&B in Jakarta
  • Full board accommodation in Papua
  • Camping equipment (shared dome tent – 2 people per tent – or private tent)
  • Kitchen equipment, food and beverages during the expedition
  • Satellite phone (emergency and SMS only)
  • First aid kit
  • Permits & climbing certificate

Practical Information

Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.

The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.

See our specific terms of sale for full details.

In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:

  • More than 60 days before departure: 40% of the total price (deposit retained)
  • Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
  • Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price

We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.

The information below concerns tourists entering Indonesia. Entry requirements may change, and we recommend verifying the information with the official authorities of your country of residence and with the Indonesian embassy or consulate before your departure.

Passport

To enter Indonesia, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your entry date and must contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).

Tourist stay without visa

Depending on your nationality, you may be eligible for a visa exemption for tourist stays in Indonesia. Entry requirements vary by nationality and should be verified with the Indonesian embassy or consulate of your country of residence.

The authorities may also request:

  • an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),

  • proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.

Formalities on arrival

Before your arrival, it is recommended to complete the online arrival declaration via the official Indonesian customs and immigration portal (e-CD, Electronic Customs Declaration).

This form allows you to transmit to the authorities certain information necessary for entry into the territory:

  • passport information

  • flight details and itinerary

  • address of first accommodation in Indonesia

  • declaration of goods and currency carried

A confirmation QR code may be requested when passing through customs and immigration controls.

Health and vaccinations

No vaccine is mandatory to enter Indonesia, except in case of transit through a country at risk of yellow fever, in which case an international vaccination certificate may be required.

As a precaution, it is advisable to consult a doctor or vaccination center before departure. Vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid and rabies are commonly recommended for stays in Indonesia. Antimalarial treatment may also be recommended depending on the regions visited (particularly outside Bali and major cities).

Travel with children

Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.

In some countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to exit the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.

Entry requirements by nationality

Entry conditions vary depending on nationality. Travelers should consult the Indonesian embassy or consulate of their country of residence for specific requirements.

To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.

Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, find out about coverage and rates, follow the link below.

CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!

Choose the plan that suits you best:

  • Explorer'Multirisque

  • Explorer'Annulation

  • Explorer'Assistance

  • Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire

Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the agreement detailing all coverage and the procedures for filing a claim are available on the insurer's website.

Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for reporting any claim. The participant must therefore keep this agreement with them for the entire duration of their trip.

Chapka — Cap Explorer

Our insurance partner

Travel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.

Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insurance

Frequently asked questions

A Visa on Arrival (35 USD) is required upon arrival, valid for an initial stay and extendable once. You can also obtain an e-VOA online before departure. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Before booking, check the conditions applicable to your nationality with the consular authorities of your destination.

Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.

You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.

For a quality tailored trip, plan between 140 and 230 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. The archipelago allows you to combine beaches, volcanoes, jungle and culture at attractive rates.

Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.

Absolutely. We tailor each circuit to the travelers' profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories.

It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you get the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.

In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.

Payment is generally made in two installments.

Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.

Dominic, Photographer of Indonesian volcanoes and trails
27years of expertise

Let's talk about your adventure — Papua Raja Ampat

Photographer of Indonesian volcanoes and trails, based in Yogyakarta

Before drawing up an itinerary, you have to observe, walk, listen to the locals and understand the place. Only then can an adventure trip remain authentic.

Dominic

APST Guarantee Secure Payment 24/7 Assistance4.91/5