Lorentz National Park, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Indonesia. It is a protected area but open to travelers to visit. It has the tallest island peak in the world which is the Mount Carstensz Pyramid (Gunung Puncak Jaya), at 4884 metres tall on the Jayawijaya range, and it is surrounded by beautiful glaciers.
Where is it
It is located in the southwestern and central Papua (formerly known as Irian Jaya) of Indonesia.
Map of Lorentz National Park, Papua (Irian Jaya) Indonesia
Why go
Birds of Paradise in Lorentz National Park, Papua, Indonesia
Also it has many indigenous tribes still living here including the Asmat (Nakai), Dani, Amungme (Damal), Sempan, Komoro and Nduga. These tribes go back to thousand of years in existence and still follow a semi-nomadic lifestyle with basic agriculture. They can be found in lowland rivers and swam and it would certainly be a wonder to meet them.
When is the best time to go
Best time to visit Lorentz National Park is between August to December.
What to see
Bird watching at Lake Habbema at the plateau of Habema Valley.
Visit the Asmat villages where you can meet the indigenous tribe of Agats that are famous for their wood carvings.
What to do
Climb the Carstensz Pyramid (Puncak Jaya), one of the world’s seven ultimate summits. The climb will start from the basecamp in Tembagapura Freeport. Please note that this is a highly technical and tough mountain to scale, so please do prepare yourself and get the right guide to do it.
Carstenz Pyramid (Puncak Jaya) at Lorentz National Park, Papua (Irian Jaya) Indonesia
Where to stay
There are several cities near Lorentz National Park that you can stay – Timika, Wamena, Fak-Fak and Merauke *.How to get there
Flights
Best way to get to Lorentz National park is by flying into Wamena, Biak, Jayapura or Timika and then make your way to the park. Wamena is the best choice as you may get your permit to enter at the Forestry Conservation Office (or you may get it done by a local travel agent). You may fly to Wamena via Jayapura with Trigana Air.
Boat/Ship
Though not really a preferred method, you may also take the Pelni ship to Timika, Agats, Fak fak or Merauke.
Where to go nearby
Baliem Valley – Find cultures (mummy and tradings) and fashion (traditional penis gourd attire) unique to the Dani people, who are famous for their tough and warm spirit. Also marvel at the mountain views, rivers, and vast green fields.
Travel Tips
Always wait to be invited into the home of the indigenous tribes before you consider yourself welcomed as a guest.
Tribe People of Lorentz National Park, Papua (Irian Jaya) Indonesia
Photo credits from top: Rachel, Luc Viator, Luc Viator and DMahendra
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Nice images that you have posted. I have looked the images are wonderful and submitted the information regarding Climb Carstensz Pyramid is very informative and unique.
Hello,
So from Wamena, you can jump in a bus to get to to Lorentz National Park ?
It’s not that easy, because there are no scheduled bus services.
But it very well possible to hire a 4wheeldrive in Wamena with driver to take you up to a mountain village called Mbua, inside the Lorentz National Park.
You will have a wonderful adventures 4 hour drive over a newly constructed gravel road. Along lakes, valleys, waterfalls, over passes and ridges under-need the high peeks of mountain Trikora. Bring food, water, and sleepingbags along, because the village is not having any facilities yet. Meet the very friendly locals and have an experience you will never have again. I did this last Christmas, and it was my best Christmas ever.