Sumantri Peak (Soemantri Peak)

4,870m (15,978 ft)

The time it takes to summit Sumantri depends on where you start. If you start at the base camp you should be able to summit the peak in 2 days, including a night at the base camp (the climbing itself only takes about half a day up and down).

If you opt to hike from one of the nearby villages, however, it will take about 5 days to reach the base camp plus the additional 2 days to summit the peak. That would make it 7 days to make it back to the base camp after summiting, and even longer if you’re walking all the way back down. 

The terrain up Sumantri Peak consists of flat rock, lava plateaus, ravines, loose gravel, ice (Northwall Firn glacier), gullies and ravines. The trek up will involve some scrambling and climbing. The North side of Sumantri has steep cliffs which extend to the Eastern and Western sides of the mountain, so the South side is the direction from which people usually attempt the climb.

If you opt to start the trek from one of the nearby villages such as Sukapa or Ilaga, instead of getting a helicopter to basecamp, you’ll cross rivers using bridges, potentially get a bit of a view of the limestone karsts and slog your way through the jungle.

The two options join towards New Zealand Pass, which is between the West and East Nirthwall Firn glaciers. 

The climb up Sumantri is possible all year since the climate in this region is consistent. 

Most days experience a bit of rainfall and sometimes snow. Daytime temperatures range between 12˚C and 37˚C (53.6 ˚F and 98.6 ˚F) in the upper alpine areas and nighttime temperatures drop as low as -8˚C (17.6 ˚F). 

There is usually fog on the mountain making it slightly tricky to navigate. If you want to avoid the fog try to do the summit trek in the early morning before the clouds roll in.

You’ll need to pack clothing suitable for rain and snow. camping gear, gloves, and all supplies needed to survive. A satellite phone might be a lifesaver in case of emergency as well. 

There are no special facilities up Sumantri Peak. The base camp is a large flat area where you can pitch your tent.

It is best to organise this climb through a tour operator as multiple permissions are necessary to obtain access to the peak: a government permit as well as permissions from the local people of the area. 

If you are starting your trek from one of the nearby villages, you’ll definitely need to hire a porter. You’ll also require permission from the local leaders, which is easier to obtain through a commercial operator.

If you are starting at the base camp, you’ll still need permission from the Amungme People and the Dani People to walk in certain areas. This can also be obtained via a tour operator.

Sumantri Peak is part of the Western Sudirman Range and is located in the Papua province of Indonesia.

The peak is approximately 2 km (or roughly 1.2 miles) Northeast of Carstensz Pyramid (Puncak Jaya).

It is quite a challenge to get there. You might be able to find a flight via Makassar to Timika, or you could get a flight to the Island of Biak via Makassar and from Biak make your way to Nabire. 

The options to get to the base camp of Sumantri are also scarce, with the most common approach being getting dropped off with a helicopter, or to trek for 5 days from a nearby village. 

Personal safety

This is a very remote climb and you are unlikely to see others while doing the climb. 

Climbing Safety

Take a comprehensive first aid kit, as you will be very far away from any sort of medical care.

Go in a group, so that there are people available if you need help should an emergency arise.