The Seven Summits Debate: Mt. Kosciuszko or Carstensz Pyramid?

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By John Waechter | Last updated Feb 22, 2024 10:53 AM ET

The Seven Summits Debate

In my opinion, Mt. Kosciuszko, which stands 7,310 ft., is one of the iconic Seven Summits - the highest peak on each of the seven continents! This is because I was taught that Australia is one of the seven continents. There remains doubt, however, as to whether Australia is a continent, or if Australasia (Oceania) is the actual continent. Australasia includes Australia and two additional subrealms - New Zealand and the Australasian Islands, and East Indonesia. Puncak Jaya (Carstensz Pyramid), stands 16,024 ft., and is located in Indonesia. This is the basis of the debate.

Mt. Kosciuszko

Mt. Kosciusko is located in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales, Australia, and attracts thousands of climbers and adventurers each year - many seeking to complete the Seven Summits. In 1840, the Polish explorer Paul Strzelecki became the first person to reach the summit of Mt. Kosciuszko. This is not a difficult mountain to climb, but rather a day-hike best enjoyed after a morning in the surf!

Climbing Mt. Kosciuszko

Though considered by many to be part of the illustrious Seven Summits, climbing Mount Kosciuszko is relatively easy. The Summit Walk is the most popular route to the summit of Mt. Kosciuszko. Beginning at the Thredbo or Charlotte Pass, this well-marked track offers a relatively gentle ascent and is suitable for hikers of all skill levels. The Ramshead Range Route is best for more experienced climbers looking for a longer and more challenging route. Starting from Dead Horse Gap, this route traverses challenging terrain and involves off-track navigation.

Punchak Jaya (Carstensz Pyramid)

Puncak Jaya (Carstensz Pyramid) is the highest peak in Oceania, and considered by many to be one of the Seven Summits. Puncak Jaya is located in the Sudirman Range of the western central highlands of Papua Province, Indonesia. The mountain was first climbed in 1962 by Heinrich Harrer, the renowned Austrian mountaineer and author of "Seven Years in Tibet." Puncak Jaya's rugged summit is glaciated, making it one of the few places in the tropics where permanent ice exists. These glaciers, created during the last ice age, serve as a vital water source for the surrounding ecosystems.

7 Summits: Puncak Jaya or Kosciuszko?

Controversy will always remain as to whether Mt. Kosciuszko, or Indonesia’s Puncak Jaya, is the rightful member of coveted Seven Summits club! As mentioned, this debate derives from the geographical definition of the world's continents - Australia? Australasia? Oceania? My vote goes to Australia as one of the seven continents, with Mt. Kosciuszko as it's highest peak, and therefore a member of the exclusive Seven Summits. If I am someday proven wrong, I will venture to Indonesia and tackle Puncak Jaya (Carstensz Pyramid)!

This article first appeared on Men's Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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