Carstensz Pyramid, called Puncak Jaya by some, and Puncak Jaya Kesuma or only Jaya Kesuma by others, is located to the west of the central highland called Jayawijaya and Sudirman Mountains. It is the tallest mountain in Australia and Oceania. Technically this means that Carstensz Pyramid is the tallest mountain between America and the Himalayas.

Carstensz Pyramid is the highest mountain in Australia and Oceania. It is the eight summit in the Seven summits project (7 summits on 7 tallest mounatins on 7 Continets). Carstensz Pyramid is situated in west Papua (now named Papua province Indonesia). This Indonesian Province was called Irian Jaya till 2005. It lies in New Guinea, which is the world’s second largest island.

Height:

4884 m
(16023 ft)

Coordinates:

S 04°04.733
E 137°09.572

Locality:

New Guinea
west Papua

CLIMATE

The climate of the Carstensz Pyramid, and its nearest surroundings, are quite diverse. During the day the temperature rises from 12°C (53, 6 F), up to 37°C (98, 6°F). At night the temperature near the Base Camp decreases to k –8°C (17, 6°F). The temperature on the summit of the Carstensz Pyramid might decrease even to below –10°C (14°F). Usually it rains for several hours during the day.

HOW TO REACH CARSTENSZ PYRAMID

The first option is a several days long trekking from the north (from Illaga) via the New Zealand Pass, or from a different airport near the Carstensz Pyramid. The second alternative is a flight with a helicopter directly to the camp in Zebra Whal (3800 m, 12467 ft). The trip via Freeport of Indonesia is not possible anymore, because the management of the company refused to issue permits to climbers for passing the mine.

There are several travel agencies in the world, which organize the climbing of the Carstensz pyramid with the support of helicopters. From time to time, one of the individuals tries to organize a trekking expedition.

WHAT TO SEE AROUND CARSTENSZ PYRAMID

Trekking in the Carstensz Pyramid surroundings, is some of the most beautiful in the whole world. To say the truth, we don’t know of a more beautiful place. There are tropical forests, snow covered summits, endless forests of gigantic ferns, jagged walls, alpine massive, pure rivers, sky-blue lakes, and lovely white glaciers.

You can also see:

- Gigantic ferns and Kembalo Plato

- The lake scenery

- The Snow Mountains and the New Zealand Pass

- Carstensz Pyramid (Puncak Jaya) and the Descent to the Lake Valley



CLIMBING PERMITS

For climbing the Carstensz Pyramid, you need many permits from Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, and several other permits from Jayapura, the capital of Papua province of Indonesia. Getting any of the permits is very tough. It is necessary to get a permit from BAIS – Indonesian secret police (similar to the U.S. FBI or Russian KGB), from the army, from the ministry of foreign affairs, from the ministry of tourism, from federal police, and many more. From similar authorities, it is necessary to get provincial permits in Jayapura. These permits are issued based on permits from Jakarta. Without a permit from Jakarta, you won’t get a permit from Jayapura. On the other hand, authorities in Jayapura are not obliged to issue you a permit even if you already have one from Jakarta.

Source: www.carstenszpapua.com