Getting To Know The Peak Of Carstensz And Its Climbing Paths

Illustration of the Carstensz Peak (Unsplash)

YOGYAKARTA Some people may have just recognized Puncak Carstensz after the tragedy of the deaths of two female climbers, namely Elsa Laksono and Lilie Wijayanti Poegiono. The peak of Carstensz itself is one of the highest mountains in Papua. To get more information regarding Carstensz, see the following article.

The peak of Carstensz or Puncak Jaya is one of the highest peaks that is part of the Sudirman Barisan Mountains in Mimika Regency, Central Papua Province. The name Carstensz itself was taken from the name of a seafarer from the Netherlands who first saw the peak, namely Jan Carstenszoon.

Although popular known as the peak of Carstensz, the spot has several names such as Nemangkawi (Amikkal Language), No "Ngga" means mountain, and so on.

The peak is at an altitude of 4,884 meters above sea level (mastn) which makes Carstensz the highest peak in Indonesia. Meanwhile, in Southeast Asia, this peak is in 7th place and is one of the seven highest peaks in the world. Not only that, but Carstensz is also the most challenging peak to climb.

One of the highlights is that Carstensz is the only mountain in Indonesia that has eternal snow. The snowy peak of Carstensz was successfully climbed for the first time by Dutch explorer Hendrikus Albertus Lorentz.

In early 1909, Hendrikus Albertus Lorentz along with six people from the Kenyanese who he worked for from Kayan's Aahu in North Kalimantan managed to climb the summit.

Among climbers, Mount Carstensz is very popular. In fact, this peak is one of the series of Seven Summits in Indonesia, so many climbers both nationally and internationally aspire to explore this peak.

However, climbers who are really professional and mature are allowed to climb. Climbers are required to take care of various licensing processes that are not easy to complete. After the entire licensing process is successfully completed, then the climbing can be carried out.

The Carstensz hiking trail is quite long. As a start, climbers must pass through the lane with a duration of 7 to 10 days of travel. The route passes through residents' villages, forests, and rivers with unpredictable weather conditions. If at this stage successful, climbers will arrive at the base camp of the Yellow Valley which is the beginning of their journey to the summit.

After that, climbers still have to continue their journey for up to 12 hours to get to the top. Climbing is also quite difficult, especially the air temperature factor that can reach below 0.00$C. Extreme weather is also one of the obstacles because it can rain, fog, sunny, and ice storms.

Apart from getting to know Puncak Carstensz, visit VOI.id to get more interesting information.