Paperwork
Please take the time to read the entire Logistics section in full. If you have questions, feel free to call the Alpine Ascents office or email us.
Make sure you submit the following paperwork to Alpine Ascents as soon as possible after registering for your climb.
⎕ Trip Insurance (required)
⎕ Passport copy
⎕ 2 passport photos
⎕ Flight itinerary
This information assists us in procuring permits and making final hotel and transportation arrangements.
Permits
Permits for Western Papua and Carstensz Pyramid will be prearranged by Alpine Ascents. Please note the government can revoke permits at any time, which can lead to trip postponement. For this reason, trip cancellation insurance is mandatory for this expedition.
For the permits, a passport photo is required from each climber. These passport photos must have a red background as mandated by the Indonesian government.
Trip Insurance & Evacuation Coverage
We require trip insurance as there are many unforeseen circumstances that can occur leading up to a trip. Insurance, evacuation and medical coverage are required for this trip, please see paperwork section above. Please click here for more information:
https://www.alpineascents.com/trip-cancellation-insurance-trip/
Getting There
A day-to-day itinerary can be found with your confirmation letter. Please forward a copy of your flight itinerary before purchasing flights so we can review departure and arrival dates.
If you would like the assistance of a travel agency, we can recommend our friends at Exito Travel.
Flying to Bali, Indonesia
Some airlines have been very stingy on pack weight, some not allowing for a 2nd bag at an additional cost. If your airline enforces a strict 50 lbs total weight, you should be ready to have your boots and another heavy item transferred to your carry-on.
Arrival: This trip requires that you arrive in Bali, Denpasar, Indonesia on Day 1 of your expedition. Early afternoon arrival is preferred. Please arrive no later than 5:00 p.m.
Departure: Please consult your specific itinerary for departure date. You may leave any time on the last day of your itinerary.
Early Arrival/Late Departure: We are happy to accommodate other flights. For those arriving early or departing after the scheduled itinerary, we can make hotel and transport arrangements at an additional cost. Please contact our office in advance of your departure if you would like us to make additional reservations.
Missed Flights: If you miss your flight, please contact Gordon Janow by calling our Seattle office (206) 378-1927 and follow the prompt for 24-hour contact.
Upon Arrival
Your guide or an Alpine Ascents representative will meet you at the airport and transport you to your hotel in Bali. Please ensure we have a copy of your arrival schedule.
Contact information for your guide and/or a local contact will be emailed with your team roster about a month prior to your trip. Please make sure you have this contact information saved or written down while traveling.
In Bali
Our team will usually lodge at Risata Bali Resort. We will inform you if any changes are made to our lodging itinerary.
RISATA Resort & Spa
Jl. Wana Segara, South Kuta Beach, Bali 80361 Indonesia
Phone: 62-361-753340
risatabali.com
For those requesting double room accommodations every effort will be made to pair you with another climber. A Single Room Supplement Fee will apply if a match cannot be made or there is a last minute cancellation. This will help keep our overall program pricing down since unlike other companies we do not charge more for smaller groups.
Gear List
Please refer to your Gear List:
You are required to bring every item on this list as described, so be as precise as possible when packing. We are happy to work closely with you on finding the proper gear. Climbers may store excess gear at the hotel.
If you plan to rent gear, your rental form must be submitted at least a month prior to expedition start date. Please call our office or e-mail [email protected] with any questions.
Gear Lexicon
If you’re confused by items and/or language on the Gear List, we encourage you to refer to our Gear Guide for explanations on layering systems, differences between boots, etc.
Other Resources
Below are articles written by veteran Alpine Ascents guides that you may find helpful in preparing and packing for your expedition.
Medications & Prescriptions for Mountain Climbing
Not on the Gear List, but in our Backpacks
Packing Tips
People generally take too much “stuff” rather than too little. Study each item before you pack it. Eliminate redundant items, extra changes of clothing, and excessive“nice to have” luxuries. You will benefit from traveling light because of the costs of excess baggage and because of the frequent loading and unloading of bags. Traveling light may be your key to summit success. Take everything on the required equipment list and little else.
Expenses
For most personal expenses, US dollars are the preferred method of payment. Cash or a combination of cash and traveler’s checks are usually the best option. Credit cards are fine at bigger hotels (the resort in Bali). Smaller establishments do often accept credit cards but charge a fee. Most climbers bring $500 – $1,000 with them to Indonesia for purchases in small villages, bottled drinks, and incidental expenses. Your guide will help you while in country to change money while traveling.
Timika Flight
The flight round-trip from Denpasar to Timika is approximately $500 based on Garuda Indonesia/ Merpati Nusantara Airlines Economy Class. Prices are subject to change based on class availability and airlines. Alpine Ascents will book this flight for you but you are responsible for the cost.
Early Departure/Evacuation
If you need to leave the expedition early, you are responsible for all incurred expenses (evacuation fees, transport, extra hotel nights, etc). A comprehensive trip insurance plan is required for this expedition, which can cover these costs in the event that they occur.
Tipping
Our guides make every effort to ensure your climb is risk aware, successful, and as enjoyable as possible. If you have a positive experience, gratuities are an excellent way to show your appreciation. It’s difficult to recommend a specific amount as we believe tips should be based on level and quality of services, as well as an amount that meets your budget.
A general guideline is $500 – $1,000 for the whole guide team. The lead guide will distribute tips among the rest of the guides.
On the Mountain
Physiology Of Mountaineering
Dehydration, hypothermia, frostbite, and altitude illness are all important health conditions to be aware of while climbing. Please read our overview of these physical factors:
Food & Water
We are all aware of the potential monotony of expedition food and Alpine Ascents makes every effort to make meals on the climb as enjoyable as possible. This includes local market shopping before each expedition, dining as a group, and pre-planned meals prioritizing both taste and staying healthy. Alpine Ascents prepares all water by boiling and/or with purification tablets. Climbers will fill water bottles at all meals and at certain rest stops.
Leave No Trace
Alpine Ascents International practices Leave No Trace principles on all expeditions. We believe that given the proper information most people will do all they can to help protect and maintain the environment. Before your climb, please become familiar with Leave No Trace:
7 Principles of Leave No Trace
As guides, we spend time teaching the environmentally appropriate Leave No Trace principles and practices. There is nothing more rewarding than working hard to get high into the mountains, reaching a pristine campsite, witnessing incredible views, and having the feeling that no one has been there before.
Conversely, there is nothing more disheartening than working hard to climb a mountain, reaching a site and encountering trash, food waste, and toilet paper. Please read the seven LNT principles, and call the office if you have any questions about what you can do to plan ahead.
The trip was great! I can honestly say that this trip was the most challenging thing I’ve ever done physically and ranks pretty high up there in terms of mental challenges, too. The jungle is formidable, to say the least. I really feel privileged to have been on this trip with our team and guides. […]
