A Remote and Exotic Seven Summits Peak

Carstensz Pyramid

Possibly the most exotic mountaineering location on earth, Carstensz Pyramid in Western Papua is a large limestone escarpment jutting out of the rainforest. Coveted as the highest peak in Australasia, Carstensz Pyramid is the most remote of the Seven Summits.

Whilst travel in this region of the world is often problematic, the rewards of the adventure into this wild corner of the globe are substantial. Unlike any other peak you climb, this expedition will enable you to redefine adventure.

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Difficulty Level High ?
Fitness Level Very High ?
Duration 11 days
Elevation 4,884M / 16,023FT
Large view

We fly by helicopter to Base Camp, allowing us to start the climb fresh - Mike Roberts

Large view

Carstensz offers varied limestone rock climbing - Mike Roberts

Large view

Exciting exposure on Carstensz's 3 wire bridge crossing - Mike Roberts

Large view

Rope refresher and training prior to the climb - Mike Roberts

Large view

Topping out onto the summit ridge - Mike Roberts

Large view

AC team on the summit - Mike Roberts

From Aug 07 to Aug 17, 2023
Departs from Bali, Indonesia *NOT OPERATING
$26,900 USD $
From Oct 23 to Nov 02, 2023
Departs from Bali, Indonesia *NOT OPERATING
$26,900 USD $
From Feb 26 to Mar 07, 2024
Departs from Bali, Indonesia
$26,900 USD $
From Aug 05 to Aug 15, 2024
Departs from Bali, Indonesia
$26,900 USD $
From Oct 21 to Oct 31, 2024
Departs from Bali, Indonesia
$26,900 USD $
  • Overview

    • Equatorial mountaineering adventure
    • Exhilarating rock climbing
    • A remote and exotic Seven Summits peak


    Adventure Consultants has been operating expeditions to Carstensz Pyramid since 1990, climbing the North Face in a long day from Base Camp.

    Carstensz appears as a mysterious and relatively unvisited climbing objective, flanked with glaciers and rising like a shark’s fin out of the mist of the jungle.

    This expedition has the attributes of a classic rock climb combined with a rare cultural experience. It is a journey of discovery and achievement, and most likely your best chance of experiencing this part of the world and standing on the summit of this exotic peak.

  • Why AC?

    Adventure Consultants is renowned for the quality of its service and strategy applied to high altitude expedition climbing. Our reputation is attributed to meticulous planning and experienced logistics coordination. We have a philosophy of investing in every expedition to offer our climbers the best possible chance of success.

    We employ strong and specialised Expedition leaders and support staff, whom are some of the most pre-eminent in the industry. We pride ourselves on operating with small teams and the best back-up and support available. This includes nutritious and ample quantities of food, comfortable base camp facilities, reliable communications systems and the necessary medical back up.

    Many of our expedition members come to us because they have seen us in action on a previous trip and decide to opt for our level of service and proven experience. Others return because they know we do our very best to make expeditions safe and successful.

  • Dates & Prices

    Dates 2023

    Trip 1: February 27 to March 9    NOT OPERATING
    Trip 2: August 7–17    NOT OPERATING
    Trip 3: October 23 to November 2    NOT OPERATING

    Dates 2024

    Trip 1: February 26 to March 7
    Trip 2: August 5–15 
    Trip 3: October 21–31 

    Pricing Schedule 2023/2024

    The cost of the expedition is US$26,900 per person ex Bali, Indonesia.

  • Payment Conditions

    Inclusions

    This fee includes the following:

    • All flights from Denpasar (Bali) to Western Papua and return
    • Return helicopter flights between Timika and Base Camp
    • Accommodation (twin share) ex Bali
    • All meals after departing Timika and before arriving back in Timika
    • Tents and group climbing equipment
    • All expedition organisational requirements
    • All climbing permits
    • All supplies necessary to make a strong and safe bid for the summit
    • All expedition staff including qualified western mountain guide(s) and local support staff
    • Up to two nights’ accommodation and meals in Papua prior to the climb and one night following the climb (in case of delay)
    • Transport of 20kg personal equipment from Timika to Base Camp and return by helicopter


    Exclusions

    The expedition fee does not include the following:

    • International air travel to and from Denpasar, Indonesia
    • Indonesian tourist visa charges and airport taxes
    • Personal clothing and equipment
    • Personal travel insurance, trip cancellation insurance and medical / security evacuation insurance
    • Any rescue costs or costs of early departure from the expedition
    • Customary gratuities to local expedition staff and guides
    • Personal domestic excess baggage costs
    • Hotel accommodation and meals in Bali
    • Accommodation in Papua, beyond the 3 nights included
    • Costs for delays that are beyond the control of the expedition

    Account Information

    All payments should be made by bank transfer to the following bank and account:

    Bank of New Zealand
    Offshore Branch
    42 Willis Street
    Spark Central
    Wellington
    New Zealand

    for the account of Adventure Consultants Limited

    Account # 1000-594771-0000
    Account Type: US Dollars
    Swift Address: BKNZNZ22

    Note: All bank transfer charges are for the remitter's account.

    We can accept your deposit and balance payment by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) plus a 3% credit card fee.

    Deposit

    A non-refundable deposit of US$5,000 is payable to secure a place on the expedition.

    Balance

    The balance is payable 90 days prior to the start date.

    Cancellation & Refund Policy

    An expedition member may cancel his/her participation on the following basis:

    • Cancellations outside of 90 days will result in the loss of the trip deposit.
    • For cancellations made within 90 days of the trip commencement date, we reserve the right to retain 50% of the balance payment fee
    • For cancellations within 60 days of the departure date, a cancellation fee of 100% of the full fee applies.


    Trip Cancellation Insurance

    We strongly recommend you take out trip cancellation insurance via your travel agent if you wish to be covered against cancellation due to medical or personal reasons.

  • Trip Notes

    Carstensz 2024 Trip Notes CoverThe Expedition Trip Notes provide detailed information and background for Adventure Consultants' Carstensz Pyramid Expeditions.

    You can view the trip notes online by clicking the image or download a pdf by clicking the following link:

    Carstensz Pyramid Expedition Trip Notes 2024

    Team Membership

    The team will have a minimum size of 3 members and 1 Adventure Consultants guide (plus local guides) and a maximum size of 7 members and 2 mountain guides (plus local guides).

    Our Guides

    Your expedition leader will be scheduled approximately six months out from the trip start. All of our trip leaders to the Seven Summits peaks have extensive experience at high altitude and a proven record of safety, success and compatibility.

    Mike Roberts croppedMike Roberts
    Expedition Leader

    Mike Roberts has been guiding for nearly 30 years and during his career has climbed many of the world’s highest mountains including 9 ascents of Everest including back to back ascents of Everest and Lhotse.

    He has also managed to fit in 14 seasons mountain and ski guiding in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, 18 seasons in Antarctica as a Field Leader / Guide to the USA and NZ Antarctic Programs, SAR Leader for the Joint Antarctic Search and Rescue team, has worked as a Professional Ski Patroller / Avalanche Forecaster and is a qualified Physiotherapist. Mike is also a fully qualified IFMGA Mountain & Ski Guide.

    Head Office Support Team

    Running successful journeys and expeditions is more about experience, knowledge and strategic management than any other factors. As an organisation, we place a substantial amount of time and resources into ensuring our trips are well planned and supported. You can be assured that the AC staff will provide you with friendly advice and knowledgeable support throughout the planning stages of your trip and we will be there to provide backup while the trip is running.

    Hayley Furze Profile April 17Hayley Furze, Client Liaison

    Hayley joins the AC team with a wealth of experience working in the tourism and hospitality industry along with a love of travel. She works as Client Liaison on a number of our European and international ascents, treks and expeditions.

     

    Staff Photo

    Your Health

    Expedition members will be provided with pre-trip medical advice, including information on immunisations and a medical questionnaire and asked to visit their family physician to receive a full medical examination. This information will be sighted only by the expedition leader and our medical adviser and treated with full confidentiality.

    Difficulty Rating

    Each of our trips is individually rated according to its physical and technical difficulty, displayed in the icons towards the top of each trip page. You can click on the accompanying question mark for additional descriptions and the full run-down of our grading system is available on our Difficulty Ratings page.

    What You Carry

    While on the mountain you will simply carry your pack containing water, snacks, camera, jacket and extra warm clothes.

    From time to time we have departures that trek out from Base Camp. During the four-day trek you would have a personal porter to carry a maximum of 15kgs of your equipment and you must carry the remainder of your own gear, plus your lunch and snack food for the day. This should equate to around 7-10kg or more if your gear becomes drenched by the frequent rainfall. Due to the uncertain nature of travel in Papua we must be prepared for changes in the itinerary which may include trekking into the mountain if necessary. For these reasons, we cannot emphasise enough that team members must be pack fit and willing.

    Should you wish to employ an extra porter to carry your equipment out of Base Camp please let us know well in advance so we can arrange that facility for you.

    Specific Training Recommendations

    In order for your Carstensz Pyramid expedition to be both more enjoyable and to increase your chance of success, you need to train specifically for the expedition during the months prior to your climb. 

    A focus on pack carrying on steep and varied terrain is required, aiming to carry 5-10% more than the required pack weight. Training to carry 20kg loads should see you well prepared. If you do not live close to any significant elevation gain, train on a Stairmaster or treadmill, whilst wearing a pack, but also on varied terrain such as grass, gravel or hilly sand dunes for a more complete training outcome. You should also incorporate downhill training to increase your quad strength for the descent.

    Interval and endurance training can help prepare your body for exertion at altitude – see our Fitness Training Programs page.

    You will also need to brush up on your rope skills, so if you are not a regular rock climber schedule some sessions at your local gym, aiming to climb routes up to 5.8 (grade 16 Australian) in your mountaineering boots.

    Hopefully, you’ll have a 4-6 month lead-in for training prior to your expedition to Carstensz Pyramid but if you only have 2 months to go before your departure, there is still time to get ready for this unforgettable journey!

    History

    Carstensz Toppen, or Carstensz Pyramid, is a Dutch name, deriving from the 1623 voyage of exploration undertaken by the Dutch Empire as they strove to rule the lucrative trade routes of the East Indes. The navigator, Jan Carstensz, recorded his surprised sightings of ice-covered mountains soaring high above the Arafura Sea.

    In 1872 Captain J.A. Lawson led an exploratory expedition inland, reporting an ascent to 7,500m/24,606ft on a Mount Hercules! This sparked rumours that Carstensz was higher than the recently surveyed Mt Everest.

    Ensuing Dutch and English expeditions failed to climb this legendary peak, but confirmed extensive glaciation in mountains so close to the equator.

    The New Zealand expedition led by Philip Temple in 1961 finally got to the base of Carstensz Pyramid after an epic trek through the jungle but was forced to retreat after a failed airdrop of supplies. The following year Temple was asked to guide Heinrich Harrer over New Zealand Pass, the key to reaching Carstensz. Harrer and Temple then pioneered the steep rock climbing route to the summit. The pair went on to make ascents of many other peaks in the region.

    In recent years, Carstensz Pyramid has become regarded as the highest peak on the continental landmass known as Australasia and thus one of the coveted Seven Summits.

    Food

    Our expeditions are renowned for the quality of the food but we are only able to provide basic fare on Carstensz as it must be carried to Base Camp and weight is an issue. Hence please note it will be basic, although completely adequate, compared to our normal fare. Please bring a supply of your favourite snack food for the summit day.

    Clothing & Equipment

    Expedition members will be sent a list detailing all necessary clothing and equipment to be individually provided.

  • Itinerary

    Day  
    1 Arrive Denpasar (Bali)
    2 Day in Bali, gear checks and contingency for lost baggage recovery
    Depart for Timika in the evening or early the next morning
    3 Arrive in Timika, Western Papua. Overnight in hotel
    4 Early morning helicopter flight to Carstensz Pyramid Base Camp (4,200m/13,779ft)
    5 Acclimatisation day
    6 Acclimatisation day
    7 Summit climb on Carstensz Pyramid (4,884m/16,023ft)
    8 Spare summit day or hike to Glacier near East Carstensz Peak
    9 Fly from Base Camp to Timika
    10 Contingency day for flight delays
    11 Flight back to Denpasar, Bali. Trip ends

    The approach to the mountain involves flying from Denpasar (Bali) to the town of Timika in Western Papua. We fly by helicopter directly to our Base Camp at 4,200m/13,779ft. We rest and acclimatise over 3 days/nights before attempting the climb to the summit of this illusive peak. The Base Camp is at a very high elevation to fly to but our options are limited for access. Helicopter access will enable us to avoid many days of difficult jungle trekking and arrive fresh and ready for the climb.

    We will climb the mountain via the North Face, in a long day from the base of the peak to the summit and back. The guides will attach fixed rope to the most difficult sections of the route to enable quick access to the summit ridge and a rapid descent afterwards.

    Some of the terrain can be climbed without ropes and is little more than scrambling, but other sections will require the ropes fixed over technical rock slabs. In addition, some parts of the razorback summit ridge, while technically straightforward, are very exposed and there is even a three wire bridge to negotiate.

    The mountain is coarse limestone, which provides excellent friction for climbing boots but can be particularly rough on un-gloved hands.

    The route is suitable for climbers of modest experience as long as they have some recent fixed rope experience, or are prepared to undertake some training prior to departure.

    Following the climb, we helicopter back out directly from Base Camp back to Timika and onwards to Bali, culminating in a short 11-day fly in / fly out adventure.

    Please be aware that many companies offer expeditions and will promise to ‘smuggle’ you through the Freeport Mine, or get a permit to travel through the mine. These methods are illegal at best, or dangerous, and sometimes a combination of both. We encourage you to consider carefully your selected operator as many people have been detained by the mine for 10 or 12 days only then to have to walk out for another four days.

  • Add Ons

    Carstensz 2014 M Roberts DSCN5945Bali is a popular holiday destination in its own right, so if you are lucky enough to have time to explore the Island of the Gods after the expedition, we are happy to help. From tropical beaches, warm hearted locals, temples, quaint villages, surfing and local markets, we are happy to arrange additional accommodation, provide travel advice and arrange tours. Contact us to learn more.

  • Travel & Rescue Insurance

    Finding the right travel and rescue insurance for your mountaineering adventure can be tricky! Rest assured when you book with the expedition specialists here at Adventure Consultants we'll help by sending through advice on what you'll need, including:

    • Travel insurance including trip interruption and cancellation cover
    • Medical Evacuation and Rescue Insurance


    For further information check out our Travel and Rescue Insurance page or contact us.

  • FAQ

    • Expedition Documentation

      Please note you will be emailed a set of Team Reference Notes, upon registration. This extensive booklet includes detailed information to assist in the planning of your trip, from travel and medical advice to equipment lists and photography tips. The following is to serve as a helpful guideline but please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions. Our team is here to help!

      info@adventure.co.nz
      NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours)

    • Choosing a Provider

      How long has Adventure Consultants been in operation?
      Adventure Consultants started in 1990 and we have been guiding internationally ever since. You can read more on AC history here.

      A few outfitters claim to have the same level of experience and prestige as Adventure Consultants. In this league, what makes you a first choice for your climbers?
      Guided climbing on Carstensz Pyramid was pioneered by Adventure Consultants' very own Rob Hall in 1990. Since then we have been the only operator regularly visiting the mountain and have spent time building relationships with our agents and the local tribes without whose help, we would not be able to access the mountain. Given the uncertain nature of travel in Indonesia, we have continually evolved our expeditions to match the current situation and have multiple contingency plans in place to make this trip run smoothly.

    • Food, Accommodation & Facilities

      What showers and laundry facilities will be available on the expedition?
      Given the remote location and relatively short duration of this expedition, showers and laundry facilities are not available during the trip. Showers are available at the hotels prior to and after the trip but during the trip, it is not possible. We advise people to bring wet-wipes for an impromptu wash along the way.

      Would you let us know what food will be available?
      You’ll get breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, as well as ample hot and cold drinks. Our expeditions are renowned for the quality of the food but we are only able to provide basic fare on Carstensz as we have restrictions around the weight we can carry on flights into Base Camp. We can cater for vegetarians as well as many other special diets as long as we are informed of this prior to the trip. All of our expeditions provide excellent local and western food! If you have any special treats or snack foods that you like, we encourage you to bring some along.

      What are the hotels like? Can I have my own room?
      Prior to and after this expedition, we stay in a fantastic hotel right on the beach in Kuta, Bali. Once in Papua, we stay in local hotels and when at Base Camp, you will be sleeping in tents on a twin-share basis. If you prefer a private hotel room, we can book these as need be at an added cost. Please contact our office for details.

    • Travel

      Do I need to arrive the day before the trip starts? And when should I book my flight to leave?
      No, our trip programmes all have an arrival day and a departure day built into them. You are welcome and encouraged to arrive a bit earlier to explore Bali if you have the time. Please do not book to depart before the final day of the expedition in case we experience any delays due to weather or other circumstances.

      My travel agent says I can just get an ‘e’ ticket (electronic ticket) and will not need to be actually issued a physical ticket.
      'E' tickets are the standard practice these days and are now acceptable in most locations. Do ensure you print your itinerary and have your booking number with you, as this allows you to change your flight in the event that this is required.

      When should I book my ticket?
      For the majority of our expeditions, we generally ask you to wait until 90 days prior to your trip start date to ensure your trip has met the minimum numbers and will operate. If you see a good deal and want to book your flights, then ensure that you can make changes to your tickets and it is a good idea to purchase trip cancellation insurance, in the event that you need to cancel.

      Can I get a cheap ticket online?
      The problem with these tickets is that you usually end up having to pay quite a lot more if you have to make any changes to your ticket. Some of the places we go to aren't straightforward and we highly recommend using a travel agent for such travel, as there are many intricacies that they can help you with. In the long run they save you money! We use professional travel agents for all our staff and guides' travel bookings to our expedition and trek destinations.

      Where do we meet? Will I be picked up?
      Our Carstensz Pyramid expeditions start and finish in Denpasar (Bali). An Adventure Consultants guide or representative will be there to pick you up off your flight on the scheduled arrival date. If you are arriving before the scheduled trip start date, we can often make arrangements for a pick-up, though taking a taxi is generally the easiest form of transport before your trip starts.

    • Clothing & Equipment

      Do you have a recommended list of clothing we should bring?
      Yes, you will be sent a personal clothing and equipment list once our office has received your trip registration form and deposit. We do also have a dedicated Equipment Coordinator who is happy to provide advice and answers to any questions you may have. Please also see our Gear Store page.

      Do I really need all the equipment on the equipment list?
      Yes, these lists have been carefully prepared. Please bring everything on the list apart from items listed as optional.

      How warm do we need our sleeping bags to be?
      A sleeping bag rated to -10˚C to -15˚C (0˚F to 14˚F) is recommended. Due to the wet conditions in Western Papua, a synthetic bag is preferable to down which quickly loses its warmth retaining properties when damp. We suggest buying a sleeping bag big enough to allow you to wear some clothes in if it is especially cold. Sleeping in a warm hat can greatly improve a bag's warmth.

    • Acclimatisation

      I will be climbing at altitude, so does Adventure Consultants take this into consideration?
      On all of our programs, we seriously take into consideration the altitude and ensure that all of our itineraries allow for sufficient acclimatisation and rest days, if required. Due to our rapid ascent by helicopter to Base Camp at 4,200m, the team will take Diamox (Acetazolamide) prophylactically starting in Timika to speed up the acclimatisation process.

      What altitude medication will be available on the expedition? Do we need to take tablets before/ during the expedition?
      All our guides carry extensive medical kits including Diamox, Dexamethasone, Nifedipine and Sildenafil for altitude illness. You need to bring any medications that you regularly use (don’t forget to tell us about them), plus extras. Also bring a small first aid kit including a blister kit and mild headache medication for the normal altitude headaches.

    • Guides & Team Members

      How many guides will be assigned to our group?
      The team will have a minimum size of 3 members and 1 Adventure Consultants guide (plus local guides) and a maximum size of 7 members and 2 mountain guides (plus local guides).

      Who goes on your trips?
      Our climbers come from a wide variety of backgrounds, interests, nationalities and skill levels… from those seeking skill development, to those seeking assistance with the world's highest mountains or purely adventure.

      I would like to arrange a private trip, is this possible?
      We are happy to arrange a private group trip to the destination of your choice and we have run many successful private trips and expeditions including summits of 8,000m peaks such as Manaslu and Kanchenjunga, all Seven Summits and remote destinations such as Antarctica. There is no specific group size, but obviously larger groups are more cost-effective. Please contact the office for more information or visit our Private Customised Expeditions page.

    • Health & Fitness

      What kind of physical condition should I be in for this expedition?

      We invite you to check out our Fitness Training page and recommend checking with your physician before embarking on strenuous physical activity. For this expedition, should brush up on your rope skills, so if you are not a regular rock climber schedule some sessions at your local gym, aiming to climb routes up to 5.8 (grade 16 Australian) in your mountaineering boots.

      How do I know this is the right trip for me?
      We offer trips to suit all levels of ability and ambition, from your first mountain experience to extreme ascents and everything in between. To help you navigate the choices available, our trips are graded by both the level of physical exertion and the level of skill required, allowing you to find your perfect expedition match. These ratings are displayed in the icons at the top of each expedition page, with a further explanation available by clicking on the accompanying question mark. A full run-down of the categories can be found on our Difficulty Ratings page and our team is more than happy to discuss your experience to find the right trip for you.

    • Communications & Electronic Devices

      Will there be any access to a satellite phone? If yes then what would be the charges for usage?
      Yes, our expedition guides carry satellite phones which you are welcome to use at a cost is of US$3 per minute. Usage is dependent on charging capabilities.

      I want to contact my friend or relative, who is on one of your trips, how can I reach them?
      Our expeditions send regular internet dispatches which you can follow via our website, and we receive updates from our guides while they are in the field. The best place to reach a loved one is through our office.

      Will there be any power source for charging batteries etc. available throughout the expedition?
      We are unable to offer charging facilities on this short duration expedition due to the mostly overcast weather conditions which limit solar charging capabilities.

    • Insurance

      What insurance do we need to get?
      Please arrange travel insurance and in particular, medical evacuation and repatriation insurance. Please read your policy's fine print to make sure it covers you for climbing Cartsensz Pyramid with a guide and provides for helicopter evacuation.

      Do I need evacuation insurance?
      Yes, it is very important. Many of our expeditions are in remote places with no roads and developing medical services. In the unlikely event you get sick, you want to get to good medical care ASAP.

      Who do you recommend for insurance?
      Coverage varies based on your nationality and the trip that you are taking with us. When you have booked on for a trip with us, we will send you information on various insurance options which will serve as a good starting point for obtaining the best coverage available for yourself. Please also check out our Expedition Insurance page.

      What is Trip Cancellation Insurance?
      Trip cancellation insurance is an option that may allow you to cancel your trip without losing the total cost of the trip. Adventure Consultants highly recommends cancellation insurance for all of our trips, including our courses. If circumstances cause us to cancel a trip (minimum numbers are not reached or travel to a country becomes too dangerous) then we refund your fees paid but trip cancellation insurance covers your airfare and any other costs you may have incurred.

    • Fees & Payments

      Can I pay by credit card?
      We can accept the trip deposit and balance payment on credit card however, this does incur a 3% fee. Please contact our office or visit our secure credit card page to send us your credit card details.

      What is included in the cost of my trip? Does it include airfare?
      Each specific trip page on the website has a section as well as a downloadable pdf document with exactly what is and what is not included on the trip. Please see the 'Payment Conditions' and 'Trip Notes' sections above. International airfares are not included in the trip price. We can however recommend excellent travel agents with whom we have worked should you require help with arranging your international airfare.

      Why are you sometimes more expensive than other operators?
      Many of our trips are very similar in price to our competitors. Some companies even wait for us to set our prices and use ours as a guideline! Some of our main selling points, which sometimes do cost more, are internationally qualified western guides, proven dependable local operators, small group sizes and safe client-to-guide ratios, quality equipment and high summit success rates, among other things. You do get what you pay for which is why we stand out from the rest. Many clients come to us after failing on one of our competitors ‘cheaper’ trips.

      How do I sign up for a trip?
      The best way to reserve your space on a trip is to contact our office or complete our online booking form (click 'Book Now' below). Your deposit can be submitted by bank transfer (please see 'Payment Details' in the 'Payment Conditions' section above) or via our secure online payment system.

      info@adventure.co.nz
      NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours)

    • Photography

      I love the photographs in your brochure and on your website, are they for sale?
      Yes, our images are available for licensing or purchase. Please contact our office for further information.

      What is the best equipment for photography in Alpine environments?
      There is an extensive section in our reference notes, which are sent out on receipt of your trip registration form and deposit, explaining about photography in the mountains.

      Remember photos are wonderful records of your expedition but keep camera gear simple and light to best enjoy the trip you are on. Lightweight digital cameras are most suitable, but all cameras have maintenance issues that need to be carefully considered before bringing them to high elevations.

    • Employment

      I want to become a mountain guide, where do I start?
      Those with limited experience generally start by taking an alpine climbing course and then go out and climb for a few years. You generally should have at least 5 years of climbing and/or teaching/guiding experience. You need avalanche and medical training and then you can apply to do an NZ Mountain Guides Course or the equivalent in your country, aligned with the IFMGA.

      Please see Adventure Consultants Mountain Guide Scholarships on our Career Opportunities page and check the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association for more information.

  • Dispatches

Book Now

Neil Long

I think you have excelled yourselves on this trip purely from the relationship you have with local guides and porters. The fly in option is a massive bonus.
Carstensz Pyramid, 2016

Neil Long
Australia
climbingmt blanc

AC provided a great experience, which I would not hesitate in recommending to friends. Based on my experience, AC's reputation as a premium guiding company is consistent with the high level of service they provide.
Mont Blanc Ascent 2016

John Riley
Australia
Gary Lewis I

Excellent experience, exactly what I was looking for.
Private Instruction Course, 2017

Gary Lewis
Australia


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