The popularity of the Carstensz Pyramid is really widespread. It is one of the recommended places to visit within the region and gain a reputation beyond the country’s borders. People consider it a natural beauty of West Papua because of its view and rich biodiversity. The exotic peak certainly earns that title for good reasons.
The Geographic Details of Carstensz Pyramid
This peak is located within the Sudirman Range. To protect the area and its biodiversity, the government established what would be the Lorentz National Park in 1919. The peak is enclosed within this national park. There are other tall peaks nearby, such as Ngga Pulu and Sumantri.
Carstensz Pyramid is the tallest peak in Indonesia. Its height is known to be 4,884 meters above sea level. Globally, the peak takes ninth place for the tallest peak according to its topographical prominence. Its prominent features include glaciers on its slopes, although the volume decreases over the years.
The discovery of this peak is tied to an exploration of the central highland of West Papua by a Dutchman in the 1600s. This exploration was momentous because the man claimed to see a glacier on a mountain’s peak, though Indonesia is an equatorial country.
The Seven Summit Challenge
For any avid mountain climber, tackling all of the Seven Summits might be their lifetime dream. The ability to tackle all of these tall peaks worldwide indicates the person’s talent and hard work in mountain climbing. Therefore, as Carstensz Pyramid is a part of the Seven Summits, it becomes an infamous destination.
Tall mountains tend to offer their specific challenges. Carstensz Pyramid definitely has its own characteristics. Professional climbers rate its technical difficulty level as moderate. Here are some skills that the climbers need to be equipped with:
- Rock scrambling due to its topography
- Rock climbing (noted to require a 5.6 skill level)
- Utilizing fixed rope for fixed-line travel
- Rappeling.
It is necessary to note that although the elevation among the other summits in the challenge is on the lower side, people need to be extremely careful not to get hurt. Due to the mountain’s structure, evacuation by helicopter is nearly impossible. Injured people need to get to the basecamp on foot.
Common Route to Get to the Peak
Generally, it takes more or less 3 hours to reach the peak from the basecamp. Climbers are suggested to start their journey before dawn. During the afternoon, the elevated humidity in the area would make climbing more difficult.
The first part of the route is a slow and steady climb for 100 meters until the climber reaches the first pass. From there, the climber needs to walk the path and pass several lakes. The lakes within the route have gorgeous blue colors that would entice anyone to stop and take pictures.
After this brief walk, the climbing task starts. The climber needs to be able to use fixed rope as it is instrumental in helping them to climb the route towards Carstensz Pyramid. Upon climbing the rock section, the climber would witness West Papua view both from Ngga Pulu and Carstensz Pyramid.
Preparation to Climb Carstensz Pyramid
There are many things to prepare when it comes to climbing a mountain, including the Carstensz Pyramid. Here are some of them:
- The necessary mountaineering equipment (based on the field)
- Personal medicines
- Communication tools
- A tour guide who understands the surrounding area
- Paperworks from the government for clearance to climb the mountain
- Camping equipment for the stay in the basecamp.
People who want to see what West Papua has to offer always dream of visiting the Carstensz Pyramid. The charming peak provides an exotic peek of this beautiful region. Additionally, people can visit nearby Bailem Valley to see its infamous festival while on their Carstensz journey.
