October 14, 2013
Puncak Trikora
IMG guide Dan Zokaites called to report that the team reached the true summit (15,584 feet) of Puncak Trikora today, the 3rd highest peak in Papua. From Wamena it took them four days and three camps. Dan said they needed their rubber boots on the trek and that the travel was reminiscent of crossing the plateau to Mt. Carstensz with forest, bog, mud and everything in between on the way to the high camp. The summit day took them over 14 hours roundtrip with considerable 3rd, 4th, and 5th class rock climbing (up to about 5.6) along the way. All total, they spent over 12 hours above 14,700 feet ascending and descending the long rocky summit ridge with huge drop offs on each side. The trip out will take two days back to Wamena, accompanied by their eleven porters. Well done, team!
Eric Simonson