All Carstensz Pyramid expedition dispatches

More good news from Carstensz Pyramid!

Garrett, Frank, and Fatima on the summit of Carstensz Pyramid!

More good news coming in from Carstensz Pyramid Base Camp… We’re happy to report that the rest of the Madison Mountaineering team successfully reached the summit today and are back in base camp safe and sound! That marks 100% summit success again for the team. While the celebration is already underway, the team looks forward to celebrating some more back in Bali!

This concludes the March, 2026 Carstensz Pyramid expedition. We’ll be back again this October… Reach out to our team to learn more and to join us on this exciting adventure!

Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checks in with this celebratory dispatch from the Yellow Valley Base Camp:

Hey! This is Garrett checking in for the Madison Mountaineering Carstensz Pyramid (4884m/16,024ft) Expedition – first one of 2026.

I’m happy to report that we’re all back in base camp (4285m/14,050ft) after a successful summit, 100% success! All six climbers, plus myself, and two local Indonesian guides made the summit this trip. So we are very stoked, very happy.

Half of our team made it down by helicopter to Timika (31m/103ft), and the other half of us, including myself, are hoping to fly out tomorrow morning down to Timika!

It’s been a grand adventure up here! Crazy weather today. We got some snow, some rain, some sun, some good views. We’re looking forward to getting down and being reunited with our climbers, and heading back to Bali (0m/0ft) for some celebrating. Woohoo! 100% success.

Onwards and upwards.

Fatima ascending up fixed lines in wintery conditions

Fatima ascending up fixed lines in wintery conditions

Crossing the famous tyrolean traverse.

Crossing the famous tyrolean traverse.

Fatima on the summit!

Fatima on the summit!

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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First team of climbers summits Carstensz Pyramid!

Summit photo atop Carstensz Pyramid!

It comes with great excitement to share that the first of our climbers have safely and successfully topped out on the highest peak in Oceania, Carstensz Pyramid! Meanwhile, the second half of our team was able to helicopter up to base camp and enjoyed technical skills review on the lower mountain while basking in the sunshine. With good weather ahead, the team plans to make their summit push soon! Congratulations to todays summiteers. Fingers crossed for more summits in the coming hours! Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checks in with this dispatch from Carstensz Pyramid:

Hey! This is Garrett checking in for the Madison Mountaineering Carstensz Pyramid (4884m/16,024ft) expedition – first one of 2026.

We made it up to base camp (4285m/14,050ft) today! Our team is together. And actually, first half of our team went for the summit today, and made it to the top and all the way back down. So congrats to Frank, John, and Mickey!

The second half of the team with myself, will be going up tonight! That’s Fatima, Denisa, and Pratyay. Fingers crossed for good weather, and some good views. We’ve done our training here on the wall and the climbing route, practicing ascending, descending fixed lines, and just enjoying the nice views up here in the Yellow Valley Base Camp on Carstensz Pyramid.

Wish us luck tonight on our climb! We’ll check in soon.

Crossing the famous tyrolean traverse

Crossing the famous tyrolean traverse

Climbing through the clouds towards the summit

Climbing through the clouds towards the summit

High up on Carstensz Pyramid

High up on Carstensz Pyramid

Carstensz Pyramid summiteers: John, Mickey, and Pratyay.

Carstensz Pyramid summiteers: John, Mickey, and Frank.

The team together in base camp!

The team together in base camp!

All smiles in the sunshine!

All smiles in the sunshine!

Technical skills review on lower sections of the climbing route.

Technical skills review on lower sections of the climbing route.

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

 

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Making moves to Yellow Valley Base Camp!

Landing in the Yellow Valley Base Camp

The Madison Mountaineering Carstensz Pyramid expedition team is making moves up to the Yellow Valley Base Camp at the foot of the peak! Those that were able to fly enjoyed a spectacular flight before touching down in camp, settling in, and then going out for some training. The rest of the team is awaiting their flight in Timika, with hopes that they’ll be able to fly and come together again tomorrow! Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checks in with this dispatch from Timika:

Hey! This is Garrett checking in for the Madison Mountaineering Carstensz Pyramid (4884m/16,024ft) expedition, first one of 2026.

Well, today was a good day! We got two helicopter loads of our climbers and gear into base camp (4285m/14,050ft). And doing some training and getting ready for the summit attempt. We’re going to acclimatize probably a day or so up here at base camp.

The rest of us are still down in Timika (31m/103ft), hoping to fly in tomorrow. Fingers crossed for good weather, and we’ll all be up there soon! Alright.

Beautiful flight up from Timika to base camp!

Beautiful flight up from Timika to base camp!

Getting systems dialed before going out onto the mountain for some technical skills review.

Getting systems dialed before going out onto the mountain for some technical skills review.

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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First Carstensz climb of 2026 has begun!

March, 2026 Carstensz Pyramid expedition team

Here we go! Another Madison Mountaineering Carstensz Pyramid expedition has gotten underway in Bali. Not a bad place to start a climbing expedition if you ask us! The team gathered together, conducted a gear check, orientation and welcome dinner before setting off as they continue their journey to the highest peak in Oceania, and one of the famed ‘seven summits‘. The team is en route to Timika where they’ll then wait for their helicopter flight up to the Yellow Valley Base Camp. More to come! Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checked in with this dispatch from Indonesia:

Hello! This is Garrett checking in for the Madison Mountaineering Carstensz Pyramid (4884m/16,024ft) expedition – our first of 2026.

Our team has assembled in Bali, Indonesia (0m/0ft); beautiful paradise to begin the climbing expedition. And we are now en route to Papua, in Timika (31m/103ft), where we will meet up with our local outfitter and spend a day or two before hopefully, helicoptering up to the Yellow Valley Base Camp (4285m/14,050ft)!

All six climbers, plus myself, arrived with all of our gear. We’re happy to be here and looking forward to the experience. Hopefully we’ll have some good weather and conditions ahead! We’ll check in soon.

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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Another perfect season on Carstensz Pyramid!

Summit photo atop Carstensz Pyramid!

The Madison Mountaineering Carstensz Pyramid expedition team wrapped up another successful climb on Oceania’s highest peak over the weekend with 100% summit success! This marks the end of another perfect season with all of our climbers topping out. The team moved swiftly and efficiently while climbing the route, making good time to the top and being rewarded with excellent views upon reaching the summit! Now the team is all off of the mountain and making their way home safe and sound. Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Carstensz Pyramid:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Carstensz Peak (4884m/16,024ft) expedition – today is November 15th.

Today we left base camp on our summit push at about 2:45 a.m. and we stepped onto the summit of Carstensz Peak just a little over four hours later! We had a great climb. As we left base camp, there was some stars in the sky, but some fog came in as we approached the first and second terraces – the big ledges on the way up the route, the Heinrich Harrer route, which is the normal route here on Carstensz Pyramid. And then, as we got to the summit ridge, it was just overcast, cloudy skies. But as we stepped onto the summit, the sun came out and gave us some great views of the highlands around us, really magnificent limestone landscape. And over toward the Freeport Mine, which is an amazing feature of a Carstensz Pyramid climb – one of the largest open pit gold mines in the world, just a couple of miles from the summit of Carstensz Pyramid. We could also see down into the lush forests of New Guinea.

We came back down to base camp, had a good lunch, and now we’re relaxing before dinner. We’re hoping to fly out tomorrow, weather permitting, and then continue our way back to Bali.

So, yeah, it was a great, great climb, 100% success, really successful, wonderful day here on Carstensz Pyramid! We’ll be in touch tomorrow.

Summit photo atop Carstensz Pyramid!

Summit photo atop Carstensz Pyramid!

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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At the Yellow Valley Base Camp!

Our climber, Bob, approaching the first terrace (photo by Terray Sylvester)

Hello, from Carstensz Pyramid! The Madison Mountaineering team has arrived at the foot of the peak, settled into their camp for the night, and eyes a potential summit push as soon as tomorrow! After arriving in Timika a few days ago, the team called off one helicopter flight to camp due to cloudy weather, but made the most of their time by taking a boat trip down the river to a nomadic fishing community. Their patience paid off as the flight up to their base camp today was perfect! After arriving in camp and getting on the lower sections of the route, the team is fueling up and off to bed, prepared to wake up early tomorrow and go for the summit if weather allows. Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Carstensz Pyramid:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Carstensz Pyramid (4884m/16,024ft) expedition – today is November 14.

Today, we flew to Yellow Valley Base Camp (4285m/14,050ft) at the foot of Carstensz Pyramid! We left our hotel about 5 a.m, headed to the airport. Skies were clear! So, two heli trips took the entire team up here to base camp. It’s really nice for all of us to be here together in one go! And we had a beautiful, scenic flight in. Really nice views of the Sudirman Range and our pilot took us right in over the massive open pit of the Freeport Mine, so we had really spectacular views of the mine itself – one of the largest gold mines in the world!

After we landed, we went for an acclimatization hike up the lower portion of the route, and went to the first ledge – to the first major ledge of the terrace system on the climbing route, then descended back to base camp as the rain was starting for the day. (We) just had lunch and now we’re relaxing until dinner. We will try for the summit tomorrow morning if the weather is good enough when we wake up.

Yeah, it’s been a really good trip so far! We arrived in Timika (31m/103ft) two nights ago. Yesterday, we tried to fly to base camp, but it was too cloudy. So instead, we went down to the river delta south of Timika and took a riverboat down to the edge of the Arafura Sea to visit a community of nomadic fishing people there. That was really spectacular, really beautiful on the river! We had a lot of fun at the village, saw a dugout canoe being being carved out.

And then, yeah, woke up and flew to base camp this morning. So the team is doing really well, and we’ll be in touch tomorrow!

Flying into the Sudirman Range (photo by Terray Sylvester)

Flying into the Sudirman Range (photo by Terray Sylvester)

Our climbers, Raj and Louis, relaxing on the First Terrace, partway up the standard Heinrich Harrer route on Carstensz Pyramid (photo by Terray Sylvester)

Our climbers, Raj and Louis, relaxing on the First Terrace, partway up the standard Heinrich Harrer route on Carstensz Pyramid (photo by Terray Sylvester)

Our climbers, Bob and Chuck, preparing to fly to base camp.

Our climbers, Bob and Chuck, preparing to fly to base camp.

Guide Terray Sylvester with our guests Bob and Chuck near the Arafura Sea.

Guide Terray Sylvester with our guests Bob and Chuck near the Arafura Sea.

With kids in Amamapare Village

With kids in Amamapare Village

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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Another Carstensz Pyramid team has arrived in Bali!

The team together in Bali awaiting their flight to Timika.

Another Madison Mountaineering Carstensz Pyramid expedition team has gathered together in Bali! It’s been a leisurely start to the expedition relaxing and swimming in the sunshine at our beachfront hotel. Now the team is in Timika awaiting their helicopter flight to the Yellow Valley Base Camp! Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this inaugural dispatch from Bali:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for Madison Mountaineering Carstensz Pyramid (4884m/16,024ft) expedition – today is November 11th.

Late last night, our team arrived here in Bali. We spent last night and all of today relaxing in our beachfront hotel in Sanur (0m/oft.) It was a really nice day, sunny weather, went for swimming in the pool and went for some nice runs along the waterfront. And then an hour ago, we came to the domestic airport here in Denpasar (4m/13ft) and we’re about to board our flight to Timika (31m/103ft) over on the island of New Guinea in Indonesian province of West Papua.

So we’re excited to get this expedition underway! We’ll land in Timika and then wait for our helicopter flight up to Yellow Valley Base Camp at the foot of the highest peak in Oceania.

Everything’s going well so far, and we’ll be in touch tomorrow from New Guinea!

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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Successful summits of Carstensz Pyramid on three straight days!

The final Madison Mountaineering team on the summit of Carstensz Pyramid!

Back to back to back! The Madison Mountaineering Carstensz Pyramid expedition team successfully reached the summit on three straight days. Each member of the team topped out on the highest peak in Oceania, one of the famed seven summits! Challenging logistics caused the team to have to climb on different occasions, but couldn’t stop them from having a great time, reaching the summit, and coming home safely! Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checks in with this final dispatch from Carstensz Pyramid:

Hello! This is Garrett checking in for the Madison Mountaineering Carstensz Pyramid (4884m/16,024ft) expedition.

Today is October 22nd and we have concluded our climbs. All six climbers made the summit, along with myself and some of our local guide friends. Over the course of three days, we climbed over three days because of the helicopter schedules and acclimatization, so three different summit days. Everyone made the summit between the three days! A special congrats to Art Muir, who became the oldest person to climb Carstensz Pyramid and finish the seven summits at age 79 and a half. Way to go Art!

So now we’re just waiting for helicopters here at Carstensz Pyramid Base Camp (4285m/14,050ft). Hopefully we’ll get to fly down to Timika (31m/103ft) soon and back to Bali and homeward bound. Fingers crossed!

The team back together in the Yellow Valley Base Camp.

The team back together in the Yellow Valley Base Camp.

Crossing the airy Tyrolean Traverse high on Carstensz.

Crossing the airy Tyrolean Traverse high on Carstensz.

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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More summits on Carstensz Pyramid!

Art, Kristin, and Garrett on the summit!

It comes with great excitement to share that another Madison Mountaineering team has successfully reached the summit of Carstensz Pyramid – the second team in two days! This time, the team included expedition leader, Garrett Madison along with climbers, Art Muir and Kristin Harila. It’s been a memorable expedition so far, and we’re not done yet! With good weather ahead, a third team plans to go for the summit tomorrow. More updates to come from the highest peak in Oceania! Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checks in with this dispatch from Carstensz Pyramid:

Hello! This is Garrett checking in for the Madison Mountaineering Carstensz Pyramid (4884m/16,024ft) expedition.

Today is October 21st and we had our second group of summiteers on Carstensz Pyramid with myself, it was Art Muir who became the oldest we believe to summit Carstensz Pyramid at age 79 and a half and to complete the seven summits – congratulations, Art! Also Kristin Harila of 14 8,000-meter peaks speed record fame. So, a wonderful climb today along with local Indonesian guide [Pexi?]. Great views from the top and looking forward to another climb tonight with Kevin Walsh and Kevin Downs! So, fingers crossed for good weather.

We’re having a good season so far here on Carstensz Pyramid and we’ll check in soon!

Clear skies and a beautiful sunrise while climbing Carstensz Pyramid!

Clear skies and a beautiful sunrise while climbing Carstensz Pyramid!

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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Summit Success on Carstensz Pyramid!

Summit photo atop Carstensz Pyramid!

Exciting news from Papua New Guinea! The Madison Mountaineering Carstensz Pyramid expedition team successfully reached the summit of the highest peak on the continent and have safely returned back down to their base camp. More members of our team will fly into camp shortly, and with good weather, will be making their summit attempt soon! Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checks in with this celebratory dispatch from the Yellow Valley Base Camp at the foot of Carstensz Pyramid:

Hello! This is Garrett checking in for the Madison Mountaineering Carstensz Pyramid (4884m/16,024ft) expedition.

Today, October 20th, our first team summited! Myself with David Concannon and Chris Lind, along with local guide, Viri summited Carstensz Pyramid at 7:00 AM. We were the only ones up there, beautiful, sunny weather! We’re back in base camp (4285m/14,050ft) here with some of our other members. Hopefully, our last two members will fly in tomorrow by helicopter and the second wave of our team can go for the summit in a few days time! Fingers crossed for bluebird skies.

All is well here in Papua New Guinea on Carstensz Pyramid!

Climbing fixed-lines in the early morning hours on October 20.

Climbing fixed-lines in the early morning hours on October 20.

Crossing the famous Tyrolean Traverse on Carstensz Pyramid!

Crossing the famous Tyrolean Traverse on Carstensz Pyramid!

Our team on the summit!

Our team on the summit!

High on the mountain with our base camp far below.

High on the mountain with our base camp far below.

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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