Seven Summits

Climb Carstensz Pyramid

Adventure to the
world’s highest island.

Carstensz Pyramid
Expedition

Carstensz Pyramid, or Punack Jaya, as it’s known to locals, is the highest island peak in the world. Rising 4,884m above the lush Indonesian jungle which covers much of New Guinea, it’s also the highest point in Australasia, and one of the Seven Summits. The altitude may not be particularly high, but the rough, hard rock and technical climbing sections make this a tricky mountain to climb. Furthermore, the remoteness and occasional political instability in the region can make the trip a challenge - but one that Elite Exped are uniquely qualified to help you meet.

Country

Indonesia

Duration

12 days

grade

Strenuous 4C

Max Altitude

4884 m
16024 ft

Daily activity

Approx
4 - 7 hrs

Season

Spring

Dates Available

Enquire for dates

Starting from

USD $17,000

Aimed at climbers who’ve made ascents of significant peaks elsewhere. You must be proficient in rock climbing techniques and have mastered basic mountaineering skills.

Adventure to the world’s highest island

Elite Exped’s record of operating in the most extreme environments on earth speaks for itself.
Our leaders, Nimsdai and Mingma David and Mingma Tenzi, famously led the first team ever to climb K2, aka ‘the Savage Mountain’, in winter, in January 2021. Nimsdai summited all of the world’s 8,000m peaks in record time in 2019, and Mingma David became the youngest to reach all 14 that same year. Perhaps more importantly, when working together, the pair have a 100 percent safety record.

Each of the Seven Summits presents its own, unique challenges, and Carstensz Pyramid, although it’s the lowest of the seven, is no exception. Named for the Dutch explorer Jans Carstenszoon, the first European to see the glaciers from his ship in 1623, the mountain requires technical mountaineering ability, but also rock climbing skills. The remoteness of the mountain, which was off-limits to outsiders between 1995 and 2006, and the need to secure government permits makes this an adventurous expedition. 

Elite Exped’s Carstensz Pyramid expedition plan allows for 12 days from arrival into Bali airport, including a day for acclimatization. Given that you’re effectively ascending from sea level, there’s a significant amount of altitude gain, so taking time is essential.

Wherever in the world we operate, Elite Exped adopts a similar approach to expedition planning and logistics, developed by Nims and Mingma David and fine-tuned and tested in the most challenging conditions on the planet.

We oversee every aspect of the expedition, making sure that nothing is left to chance. Our guaranteed 1:1 guide to client ratio, with four guides constantly on standby if needed, ensures that we can respond rapidly in rescue situations.

Elite Exped’s hugely experienced guiding team is made up not just of record-breaking mountaineers, but experts who are qualified in the latest rescue and recovery techniques. We have helicopters on standby, and evacuation plans in place in case of emergency.

Climbing the Carstensz Pyramid might feel like an afterthought in an attempt to complete the Seven Summits, but no mountain should ever be underestimated. We’re here to make sure that you’re prepared for all the challenges this adventurous expedition presents. 

From our clients
Jeff Evans
Mera 2017

You can trust them with the safety and satisfaction of clients. Elite was nothing less than a 10/10 in every aspect of how they executed the expedition.

Steve Davis
Manaslu 2019

Manaslu was my first 8,000er and first time with Elite. They exceeded my expectations at every level and stage.  I would have no hesitation in booking with them again! Highly recommended!!!

Amy McCulloch
Aconcagua 2018

I often felt they went above and beyond to ensure we had a successful expedition. Excellent judgments throughout the expedition led us to reach the summit safely in extreme conditions. Highly recommend!

This tried and tested itinerary is informed by decades of mountaineering experience. As with all adventurous activities of this type however, circumstances may arise where Elite Exped is forced to make alterations, possibly at short notice. While making every effort to adhere to this published schedule, we kindly ask for your patience if the weather, or other naturally occurring circumstances, intervene.

Your daily schedule

  • Day 01

    Arrival in Bali. Our representative will pick you up at the airport and bring you to the hotel where we will conduct the briefing on the expedition, equipment check and then welcome dinner

  • Day 02

    Sightseeing in Bali, obtain permits and final preparation

  • Day 03

    Fly to Timika

  • Day 04

    Fly to Cartensz basecamp. Acclimatize day

  • Day 05 - 07

    Climbing period

  • Day 08 - 09

    Contingency Days

  • Day 10

    Helicopter flight form basecamp to Timika, overnight stay in hotel

  • Day 11

    Fly to denpasar, stay overnight in Bali. Extra day

  • Day 12

    Transfer to Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali to depart back to home

Training

Developing your skills to achieve a new possible

Our tailored approach to training will help you improve as a climber, developing the mental and physical skills you need to achieve your dreams. Learn more

Environment

Protecting our mountains

We believe the mountains are there for all to enjoy, but must be respected, and protected. We are the voice, carers and keepers of these sacred places for future generations. Our environmental policy ensures we do no harm, and leave no trace. Learn more

Above + Beyond + Adventure

Practical info

Frequently asked questions

The following frequently asked questions may help answer any queries you have about Elite Exped, what this expedition involves, and what is required. If your question isn’t answered here please check our dedicated FAQ support page, otherwise don’t hesitate to get in touch..

What skillset and fitness level are required?

All Elite Exped expeditions are within extreme high altitude environments, with differing requirements for ability. Due to the nature of these operational landscapes it is essential you provide concise, honest descriptions of relevant experience and current fitness levels. Upon receipt we will review your experience and respond accordingly. At this point if we consider there to be any shortfalls, we can collectively discuss the opportunities and/or provide a training support plan to achieve your goals.

What equipment is provided?
Will the expedition cost include travel?
Will I need to arrange my own insurance?

Why choose
Elite Exped?

Unparalleled
leadership

Nimsdai Purja, Mingma David Sherpa’s and Mingma Tenzi’s mountaineering groundbreaking records speak for themselves, but our leaders are more than just supremely talented climbers.

While some choose to direct operations from back office, our three directors lead from the front. Their experience in every aspect of guiding and climbing — from fixing ropes to organising logistics — is unparalleled. It's no surprise that they have the industry-leading success rate when it comes to summiting 8,000m peaks.

Beyond this, our handpicked team of guides have also chalked up dozens of successful summits between them.

Safety through
self-sufficiency

If it’s controllable we control it: this is key to attaining and maintaining our industry-leading strategy for success and safety.

We maximise our options, agility and responsiveness by running self-sufficient expeditions that don’t rely on any other teams to achieve our objectives.

Our team is capable of setting up our own fixed lines (with a proven track record on all 8,000m peaks) and has backups to cover all scenarios. These include everything from secondary oxygen supplies to the ability and experience to operate our own rescue missions if the situation arises.

A unique
perspective

With his Nepalese roots and UK residency, our co-founder Nimsdai Purja brings a unique perspective and an unparalleled ability to bridge the gap between Western and Himalayan climbing cultures.

We can assemble trusted teams and networks anywhere in the world, but our founders’ roots are a particular advantage when it comes to summiting the world’s very highest peaks.

An intimate knowledge of how things work on the ground ensures that everything runs smoothly when you’re 8,000m above sea-level.

Your adventure
Ready to take on
the challenge?
Enquire Now
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