Carstensz Pyramid Expeditions
Carstensz Pyramid Expeditions with Rangga TrailsA True Adventure to the Summit of Oceania's Highest Peak
Carstensz Pyramid, also known as Puncak Jaya, is the highest summit in Oceania, towering at 4,884 meters (16,024 feet). Located in the remote region of West Papua, Indonesia, this peak stands as part of the famed Seven Summits, representing the highest mountain on each of the seven continents. What makes Carstensz Pyramid unique isn’t just its height but also the challenging terrain that has made it one of the most technical climbs in the world.
Nestled deep within Papua’s lush and dense rainforest, Carstensz Pyramid is distinct for its striking limestone cliffs and glaciers, which are rare sights in the tropical belt. The mountain is part of the Sudirman Range, and despite its remote location, it draws experienced mountaineers from around the globe, eager to conquer its jagged rock faces and unpredictable weather conditions. The approach to the summit itself is quite an adventure, with climbers often trekking through thick jungles before reaching the more technical rock sections.
What truly adds to the allure of Carstensz Pyramid is its rich cultural surroundings. The indigenous tribes of West Papua, who have lived in the region for centuries, offer a glimpse into the traditional ways of life that have remained largely untouched by modernity. For adventurers seeking more than just a physical challenge, the journey to Carstensz Pyramid also provides an opportunity to explore the diverse and vibrant culture of Papua.
The Expedition Leader
Brury 'Bui' Sondakh, The Expedition Leader
Born and raised in Manado, North Sulawesi, Brury “Bui” Sondakh has dedicated his life to adventure, environmental advocacy, and community service. His journey into the world of exploration began early—actively involved in environmental initiatives and the Indonesian Red Cross since middle school, a commitment he still holds today.
Bui’s passion for the outdoors took shape through competitive sports. He was a key member of the Indonesian National Rafting Team that competed at the 2001 World Whitewater Rafting Championships on the Gaulley River in West Virginia, USA. During his high school and university years, he was a regular competitor in Manado’s climbing wall championships, further honing his mountaineering skills.
In 1997, he graduated from Sam Ratulangi University, majoring in Social Science. In 2009, he continued to deepen his expertise by completing courses with the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) in Asheville, North Carolina—an internationally respected credential in the guiding community. Bui has since become one of Indonesia’s most accomplished high-altitude expedition leaders.
Since 2010, he has successfully summited Carstensz Pyramid an impressive at least 53 times and the number is grrowing to this day, leading climbers from all over the world on this demanding ascent. His deep knowledge of Papua’s rugged landscapes, combined with decades of technical experience and cultural sensitivity, make him an invaluable asset on any expedition.
The Expedition Details
Carstensz Pyramid Trekking Expedition via Sugapa
Duration: 15 DAYS / 14 NIGHTS
START/FINISH: BALI
Grade: VERY CHALLENGING
DAY 01: ARRIVAL BALI
Day 01: Arrival in I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali.
Picked up by our team then directly transferred to Hotel in Bali, free program.
DAY 02: BALI - TIMIKA
About 01.00 am check out from the hotel and drive to airport. We will fly to Timika by Garuda Indonesia. Arrive at Mosez Kilangin Airport then go to Grand Tembaga Hotel to stay overnight. This is a free time to take a long rest or re-check your equipment.
DAY 03: TIMIKA – BILOGAI AIRSTRIP/SUGAPA REGION – SOANGGAMA
Today, fly to Bilogai Airstrip, Sugapa using chartered flight, Avia Star or Susi Air. At 2.300 m above sea level, Bilogai becomes a perfect place for acclimatization. We will drive for about 15 minutes to Mamba village by motorcycle then continue by trekking approximately 2 hours to Soanggama region (Titigi – Tadipa village).
DAY 04: SOANGGAMA – DIBASIGA / CAMP 1 (2300 m)
This day, after breakfast, we will trek to Honai, and it will take about 6 to 7 hours. We will walk through sinuous slope of hills and go along riverside. We will set up tent and stay overnight at Dibasiga / Camp 1.
DAY 05: DIBASIGA / CAMP 1 – ENDASIGA – ENDATUGAPA (3200 m)
This morning, our trekking route will go steadily upward until we reach Endatugapa camp. It will take about 7 hours. We will set up tent and stay overnight.
DAY 06: ENDATUGAPA – EBAI / VIEW CAMP (3400 m)
Start our challenging trekking, we attempt to get to View Camp by walking through meadow fern, savannah and swamp, here we already able to see Sudirman Mountain from a distance. It will take about 7 - 9 hours walk. We will set up tent and stay overnight.
DAY 07: EBAI (VIEW CAMP) – NASIDOME (3700 m)
Today, the challenging trekking will be continued to Nasidome by crossing swamp, meadow fern and savannah. The view will be no longer monotonous because Ngga Pulu peak and Puncak Jaya peak can be seen from here. It will take about 7 hours. We will set up tent and stay overnight.
DAY 08: NASIDOME – DANAU DANAU VALLEY (BASE CAMP – 4250 m)
Have breakfast and then we will trek through the edge of Hugayugu Lake or Discovery Lake on altitude of 3.900-meter asl. Hike up 300 meters to Larson lake and continue ascending through New Zealand pass on altitude of 4.700 meter asl then descending to Danau-Danau valley base camp on altitude of 4.250 meter asl. We will set up tent and stay overnight. Total time is about 7 hours trekking.
DAY 09: SUMMIT DAY (4884 m – CARSTENSZ PYRAMID)
Wake up at 12.30 am. Take breakfast and prepare for climbing equipment. At about 2 am start to reach the summit. After summit, return to base camp and stay overnight. Normal time to reach the summit is about 7 – 8 hours.
DAY 10: DANAU DANAU VALLEY – NASIDOME
After breakfast we will return to Nasidome through New Zealand pass and Larson Lake. We will set up tent and stay overnight.
DAY 11: NASIDOME – ENDATUGAPA CAMP
This morning, after have breakfast we will go back to Endatugapa Camp. We will set up tent and stay overnight.
DAY 12: ENDATUGAPA CAMP – SALT WATER CAMP
Early morning, we will go back to Salt Water Camp. We will set up tent and stay overnight.
DAY 13: SALT WATER CAMP – MAMBA – BILOGAI AIRSTRIP – NABIRE
This morning, we will trek back through Soanggama to Mamba then by motorcycle proceed to Bilogai village. After lunch we will fly to Nabire by domestic flight, accommodation will be provided at Hotel in Nabire.
DAY 14: NABIRE – MAKASSAR
After breakfast we will continue by domestic flight to Hasanuddin Airport, accommodation will be provided at Hotel in Makassar.
DAY 15: MAKASSAR - BALI
Today, directly transfer to airport to catch a flight to I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali. END OF EXPEDITION
Carstensz Pyramid Expeditions
Day 01: Arrival in I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali.
Picked up by our team then directly transferred to Hotel in Bali, free program.
Day 02: BALI - TIMIKA
About 01.00 am check out from the hotel and drive to airport. We will fly to Timika by Garuda Indonesia. Arrive at Mosez Kilangin Airport then go to Grand Tembaga Hotel to stay overnight. This is a free time to take a long rest or re-check your equipment.
Day 03: Timika - Yellow Vallery
- On early morning if weather is good flight to the Yellow Valley.
- Acclimatization.
Day 04: Yellow Valley
Acclimatization while light trekking to the Hill of East Carstensz
Day 05: Yellow Valley
Rock climbing practice at the wall of Carstensz pyramid
Day 06: Summit Day
Wake up at midnight and prepare for the summit attempt. There will be hot drinks and light meals. At 2 am we start climbing to the summit. It will take approximately 9 - 10 hours to the summit and back to base camp
Day 07: Yellow Valley - Timika
Flight back to Timika
Day 08: Timika - Bali
Flight out from Timika and end the expedition in Bali
Note:
You must have 3 extra days in case the weather situation or other things happen.
Tour Price
Price Per Person: $USD 2,350 – 2,750 (based on 2 participants)
Single Supplement: +$400
Custom quotes available for private or smaller group departures.
Included:
- Airport transfers & private ground transport
- All accommodations (7 nights)
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Experienced local birding guide
- All park entrance fees & permits
- Whale Shark boat and snorkeling gear
- Daily mineral water & refreshments
Excluded:
- International flights
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Guide gratuities
Payment Terms & Conditions
To secure your reservation, a deposit of at least 50% of the total trip cost is required. Please note that your booking will remain tentative until this payment is received. We will hold your reservation for up to 7 days from the time of booking to allow time for the deposit transfer. If payment is not received within this period, we reserve the right to release the booking without further notice.
Booking Amendments:
Date changes may be accommodated after a deposit has been made, depending on availability at the time of the request.
Cancellation & Final Payment Policy
- Deposit: Non-refundable under any circumstances.
- No Show: Will incur a 100% cancellation charge.
- Final Payment: The remaining balance is due no later than 30 days before your scheduled arrival date.
- All payments must be made in full and free of any bank or transfer fees, which are the responsibility of the sender.
Tour Inquiry
Terms & Conditions
Booking & Deposit
- To confirm your reservation with Rangga Trails, a minimum deposit of 50% of the total tour cost is required at the time of booking.
- Reservations will be held for up to 7 calendar days to allow time for payment. If the deposit is not received within this period, the booking may be automatically released.
Final Payment
- The remaining balance must be paid in full at least 30 days prior to the tour start date.
- For bookings made less than 30 days before departure, full payment is required at the time of booking.
- All payments must be net of transfer fees or bank charges, which are the responsibility of the guest.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
| Cancellation Period | Refund / Charge |
|---|---|
| More than 60 days before tour | Full refund of deposit minus fees |
| 30–59 days before tour | 50% of deposit retained |
| Less than 30 days before tour | Deposit is non-refundable |
| No Show or Same-Day Cancellation | 100% of total cost charged |
Refunds (if applicable) will be processed within 30 days of cancellation notice and may be subject to service or bank charges.
Changes & Modifications
- Requests to change tour dates, names, or services are subject to availability and may incur an administrative fee.
- Rangga Trails will do its best to accommodate reasonable changes.
Minimum Numbers & Tour Cancellation
- Some tours have a minimum participant requirement. If this is not met, Rangga Trails reserves the right to cancel or propose alternatives.
- In case of cancellation, all payments will be refunded in full. Rangga Trails is not responsible for related travel or accommodation costs.
Travel Insurance
- All guests are strongly encouraged to obtain comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, cancellations, accidents, delays, personal belongings, and high-risk activities.
- Proof of insurance may be required for certain adventure tours.
Health & Fitness Requirements
- Participants must ensure they are physically fit and medically cleared for the activities in the tour.
- Any relevant medical conditions, allergies, or dietary needs must be disclosed during booking.
- We reserve the right to decline or remove a guest from a tour if their participation endangers themselves or others.
High-Risk Activities
- Tours involving white water rafting, mountain climbing, paragliding, and similar activities carry inherent risks.
- Guests agree to follow all safety instructions provided by guides or partners.
- Participants may be asked to sign a waiver of liability before joining high-risk activities.
Equipment
- Rangga Trails provides standard equipment where specified.
- Participants are responsible for the care of provided equipment. Damage or loss due to negligence may incur replacement costs.
Changes to Itinerary
- Rangga Trails reserves the right to modify itineraries due to weather, local conditions, or safety concerns.
- We will strive to provide equivalent alternatives where possible.
Liability Disclaimer
Rangga Trails, its employees, guides, and partners are not liable for any injury, illness, accident, loss, or delay caused by circumstances beyond our control, including:
- Natural disasters
- Strikes or labor disputes
- War, terrorism, civil unrest
- Government restrictions, health protocols
- Transportation failures or delays
- Force majeure
Photography & Media Use
- Photos/videos taken during the tour may be used for Rangga Trails’ marketing and promotional purposes.
- Guests who do not wish to appear in media must notify us in writing before the tour.
Code of Conduct & Environmental Responsibility
We expect all participants to respect local cultures, traditions, and communities.
Minimize environmental impact and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Governing Law
These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of the Republic of Indonesia.
Any disputes will be handled under the jurisdiction of Indonesian courts.
Wildlife Sightings Disclaimer
- While Rangga Trails designs its birding, wildlife, and nature tours based on in-depth knowledge of local habitats, species behavior, and the best seasonal conditions, we cannot guarantee sightings of specific wildlife.
- Wildlife encounters depend on many factors beyond our control. Our team will always use its expertise, local connections, and best practices to maximize your chances for sightings.