An immersive 17-day adventure into the heart of Papua
Climbing Carstensz Pyramid (4,884 m) through the Sugapa route is more than a journey it’s a story you’ll tell for the rest of your life. This path takes you from tropical beaches, through tribal highlands, into deep wilderness, all the way to one of the world’s Seven Summits. With Adventure Carstensz, every step is supported by local expertise, certified guides, and a warm Papuan welcome.
Day 1: Touchdown in Bali – The Beginning of the Journey
Your adventure begins the moment you land in Bali. Our team greets you at the airport and brings you to the hotel where the whole group gathers. The day is relaxed time to breathe, explore Bali a bit, and shake off the long flight.
As evening arrives, everyone comes together for a welcome dinner and briefing. Gear is checked, stories are shared, and the excitement starts to build. Tomorrow, the journey keeps moving east.
Day 2: One More Warm Day in Paradise
Before heading to Papua’s wild mountains, you get one more full day in Bali. You’re free to explore the island, enjoy the culture, and savor the sun while you can because soon the environment will shift to deep highlands and freezing temperatures.
By night, the team regroups and prepares for the flight to Timika.
Day 3: Arriving in Timika – Gateway to Papua’s Highlands
You arrive in Timika early in the morning. The air feels different; Papua greets you with a raw, untamed atmosphere.
The team heads to the hotel, conducts the final gear check, and ensures every climber is fully ready. Tonight is your last sleep before entering the remote side of Papua.
Day 4: Into the Highlands – Flight to Sugapa
Morning comes early as you board a small Cessna for the stunning flight from Timika to Sugapa airstrip. Mountains rise around you, clouds drift beneath you, and suddenly the world becomes quiet and wild.
At Sugapa, porters and local Moni guides welcome the team. A short motorbike ride leads to a homestay surrounded by forest a simple but beautiful place that marks the beginning of the real adventure.
Day 5: Trek to Ugimba – Entering Moni Tribal Land
The trekking journey officially begins. You move through Galunggama and Gamagae, gradually leaving civilization behind.
By afternoon, you arrive at Ugimba, home of the Moni tribe famous for their warm hospitality, traditional coffee farms, and the Wabu River.
You’ll stay at Adventure Carstensz’s homestay, meet the Moni chief, and experience the culture that has shaped this region for generations.
Day 6: Ugimba to Putigapa – Into the Wilderness
Today, the trail transforms dramatically. Forests thicken, moss carpets the ground, and orchids appear along the path. From here onward, you’ll be sleeping in tents, surrounded by pure Papuan wilderness.
Putigapa is quiet, cool, and peaceful perfect for resting before the bigger climbs ahead.
Day 7: Putigapa to Bihugu – Climbing Higher
The elevation rises and the vegetation shifts. You’ll begin to feel the altitude in your breath. Birimbo remains one of the iconic stopping points, known for its open valleys and dramatic ridges.
This is where the team begins to fully bond sharing meals, jokes, and the spirit of adventure.
Day 8: Bihugu to Bale-Bale Gelapa and Gua Maximus
This section combines deep valleys, small rivers, and limestone corridors. By late afternoon, you arrive at Gua Maximus, a natural cave shelter often used by Adventure Carstensz teams.
It’s a surreal place quiet, raw, and surrounded by untouched nature.
Day 9: Arrival at Carstensz Base Camp
The final approach to Base Camp feels like stepping onto another planet. Massive limestone walls rise around you, glaciers hang in the distance, and the air turns sharp and cold.
The team sets up camp, builds a fire, and conducts the summit briefing. Everyone sleeps early tomorrow is the big day.
Day 10: Summit Day – Standing on the Roof of Indonesia
Before sunrise, you begin the ascent in complete darkness. Headlamps illuminate the wet limestone, and the climb gradually becomes more technical steel cables, vertical sections, and the famous Tyrolean traverse.
After hours of effort, you finally step into the sky.
You are now standing on the highest point of Indonesia, one of the Seven Summits of the world.
The descent back to Base Camp feels long, but your heart will be full.
Day 11: Rest and Descent to Bale-Bale Gelapa
After a well-earned sleep, the team begins the journey back. The body is tired but the spirit is high summit stories fill the trail.
Day 12: Returning to Bihugu
You continue retracing the trail, now with a sense of familiarity and victory. The landscapes that once felt intimidating now feel like old friends.
Day 13: Back to Putigapa and Ugimba
Today is a celebration. Villagers welcome you back with smiles and congratulations. You’ve completed one of the most challenging treks in Southeast Asia.
Day 14: Return to Sugapa
The final trekking day brings you out of the wilderness and back into Sugapa. The trek is donebut the adventure isn’t over yet.
Day 15: Flight to Timika
A special flight picks you up and carries you back to Timika. Hot shower. Soft bed. Big food. You earned it.
Day 16: Return to Bali
Back in Bali, you have time to relax, unwind, and enjoy the comfort of civilization once again.
Day 17: Farewell and Flight Home
With a heart full of memories and a mind filled with Papua’s untamed beauty, you head to the airport.
The adventure ends, but the story of Carstensz stays with you forever.