Everest 2006
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Highlights of Carstensz Pyramid and West Papua (Irian Jaya)
Climb the highest peak in the Austral-Asian region
Update: Again they have opened Carstensz from several approaches now. From Sugapa and Beoga for trekking in. Legally thruough the Freeport mine and via helicopters from Nabiri/Enartoli/Timika. We are one of the first companies to offer trips after this recent change to the Carstensz approach route. We now meet in Bali, fly direct to either Timika or Biak/Nabiri/Enartoli, with trekking/truck/helicopter support to the Zebra Wall area near base camp, or if the high altitude helicopter is not available we fly to Sugapa Village for the 3 to 4 day approach to base camp. We then have 3 to 5 days to climb, then back out to Nabiri/Timika and Bali. This allows a roundtrip in possibly 12 to 14 days with high-altitude chopper or truck, and 16 to 18 days without High Alt chopper. (We also have alternative arrangements in the event helicopter support is not available). We advise everyone to take advantage of this now while this access remains open. The Indonesian government is currently not allowing any foreign access through the “old” Illaga access route due to activities of the OPM separatist movement. This combined with a very reliable agent to secure the expensive and difficult Police and Army travel permits necessary to be in this area provide a reliable and secure infrastructure to climb the mountain.
Bali: Our all Carstensz trips meet in beautiful Bali, the ultimate beach resort of the region. Excellent accommodations and the opportunity to extend the trip and enjoy this area make this a great combination. Bali is mostly Buddhist, which keeps us away from current issues with Muslim extremists in Jakarta and Java. After a night here we take domestic flights to Timika, Irian Jaya.
Timika/Nabiri: The Asmat people live here in the shadow of the massive Freeport mine that supports a large number of people in the area. Here we meet our Indonesian Army escort that we have join our expedition as armed guards, a necessary part of securing permits for travel into the Base Camp area.
Trekking Access or Helicopter to Zebra Wall (Now Included): We have worked out an arrangement to use the local police and Indonesian Army helicopters based in Timika for access to the Zebra Wall area below Carstensz Base Camp. Zebra Wall is a great camp, close to the famous Freeport mine. We spend a couple nights here to acclimatize before continuing to base camp. A truly spectacular area with large lakes situated in a solid limestone rock valley. Expect lots of rain in the afternoons!
Carstensz Pyramid climb: Once at base camp we plan a couple days to first acclimatize by scrambling up a few local peaks, then summit Carstensz. The climb is mostly scrambling, almost all on rock, with several 5th class sections up to 5.7 in difficulty, the upper part is exposed scrambling along a long ridge with a couple steep rock sections (depending on conditions at the time). There are fixed lines in place to protect the steep sections. At this altitude it will be slow going and exposed to the wet cold weather of the area. Plan a long day! On our way down we'll have at least 4 rappels to get past steeper rock sections, the rest is scrambling.
Back to Nabiri/Timika: From base camp we trek back to Zebra Wall and fly to Nabiri/Timika. We may have extra time here to see more of the surrounding region or we catch our flights onwards to Bali and back home. If you would like to spend a few days after our trip we can help organize a short cultural trek to one of several villages near Timika to visit the Asmat villages or you can fly to the north and visit the Wamena area to see the Dani tribe area.
Asmat and Dani people of the Southern Coast and Central Highlands: We will be among the Asmat and Dani people, a local tribe that lives as they have for thousands of years along the south coast. Known for years as a fierce cannibalistic warrior tribe that caused a lot of tension earlier in history. Now they are a proud and artistic tribe living in one of Earths most remote and resource rich areas. Literally still in the stone age. The influence of the modern world is slowly impacting this remarkable culture. We try to remain as culturally sensitive as possible while traveling with the Asmat and Dani areas.
Fly to Bali: After the trip, depending on your international ticket you can plan a longer layover in the tropical Island of Bali or one of many other SE Asia destinations: Thailand, Singapore or ? A great way to end a quite exotic adventure! 2 vacations in one!
Included: Helicopter transport Nabiri/Timika to Zebra Wall or Singha Village, transfers, lodging in Bali (2 nights) and Timika (2 nights), airport transfers, all permits (both Police and Army), park fees, all ground transportation, local porters, food in Timka, during trek and at base camp, group camping and climbing equipment, American and local guides. In 2001, armed Indonesian Army guards were required for travel into Carstensz, we arrange this as well.
Not Included: Airfare USA to/from Bali/Nabiri/Timika, food and lodging during any airline delays, food in restaurants in Bali, any emergency rescue costs, overweight baggage fees, personal equipment, gifts, visas, and departure taxes, bottled water, soda, alcohol. Expenses if trip returns to Timika and Bali earlier than scheduled.
Important Note: Please note that this is a volatile area. If we cannot reach the mountain due to political reasons or weather delays for flying that do not allow us to reach our goal there will be no refunds. It’s a very expensive trip and we cannot cover the costs of refunds if things change that are out of our control.
Length: 14 to 18 days, Bali to Bali. We may be back possibly a week early depending on weather and chopper availability.
Difficulty: High altitude scrambling, moderate rock climbing to 5.7 difficulty. Jummaring and rappelling skills required. Expect difficult hot, humid, wet, muddy trekking through the jungle. One day can be summer conditions, the next can be extreme winter conditions! Read this again!
Altitude: Carstensz summit is over 16,000 ft., so time to adjust to the higher altitude, especially if you opt to fly into base camp.
Trip Price: Please see schedule for current prices and departure dates.