High in the Papuan highlands, around 4,000 meters above sea level, there is a mountain lake that many climbers talk about but only a few have seen up close. Its name is Lake Larson, a quiet and stunning alpine lake hidden along one of the trekking routes to Carstensz Pyramid.
For those coming from Ugimba Village, the trail first passes two small unnamed lakes that local people call Lake One and Lake Two. After climbing higher, Lake Larson appears on the left side of the route, wider and more dramatic than the lakes below it. The surface of the water reflects the surrounding limestone peaks, creating a scene that feels almost unreal in the middle of Papua’s rugged landscape.
No one knows for sure how the lake got its name. Some people believe it might have been discovered by a climber named Larson, but there is no confirmed history. What is clear is that Lake Larson is easier to reach if you start your journey from Ilaga, which gives trekkers a more direct approach to this hidden mountain lake.
According to Maximus Tipagau, founder of Adventure Carstensz and one of Papua’s leading ecotourism figures, places like Lake Larson are a reminder of how special Papua truly is.
“Papua’s nature is incredibly beautiful. We have mountain lakes on top of the world that many people never even knew existed,” Maximus said in an interview with detikcom.
Lake Larson is one of those places. Calm, untouched and surrounded by towering cliffs, it offers a rare moment of silence and wonder before the final push to the Carstensz region. Many climbers say that reaching Lake Larson feels like discovering a secret that Papua has guarded for centuries.
If you plan to visit Carstensz, take your time to explore Lake Larson along the way. The summit is a great goal, but moments like standing by the still waters of this alpine lake are what make the journey unforgettable.