Carstensz Pyramid (Puncak Jaya), 4884m (16,024 ft) Carstensz Pyramid, is the highest mountain in the Pacific Basin, and is considered the highest peak of the seventh continent (Australia/Oceania) for climbers attempting the Seven Summit. The peak is located in the Sudirman Range composing the western central highlands of West Papua. (island of New Guinea). It is the highest point between the Himalayas and the Andes and the highest island peak in the world. Puncak Jaya is also called Carstensz Pyramid, after Dutch explorer Jan Carstensz who first sighted the glaciers on the peak of the mountain in 1623. The peak was first climbed in 1962 by Heinrich Harrer, Temple, Kippax and Huizenga. Much of Sudirman Range is characterized by easy terrace, surmounted by severe rock walls. Carstensz Pyramids North face is comprised of sheer 10,000 foot cliffs which embrace an extensive ice wall glacier. The route on Carstensz Pyramid follows a series of gullies up the north face for 500m (1,640 ft) of solid rock before breaking out on the ridge. Riddled with notches, the summit ridge undulates for half a kilometer. The descent requires rappels and down climb most of the way. The rock is extremely good, rarely loose, and always provides good friction even in wet weather. The rock climbing difficulty on Carstensz is up to 5.10 for short steeps. Temperatures can range from -3ºC to 15ºC (25-60º F) with occasional sunshine in the mornings, then rainfall or snow in the afternoons and evenings. Winds are variable but can be strong.
Posted on: Mon, 09 Jun 2014 12:45:08 +0000