Papua New Guinea

Day 1: Mt. Hagen

Welcome to majestic Papua! To make the most of our time, Our Expedition starts in the early morning from Port Moresby Airport with an early flight to Mt Hagen. Today, we’ll have a whole day to explore villages around Mt Hagen,  known for its rich artistic tradition. We’ll experience the company of the Huli wig men, to observe their wig growing and face painting.

Overnight in Mt Hagen.

Day 2: Skeleton Tribe, Dust Walkers and Insect Hunters.

We’ll drive to Mindima, and there we will meet the “Narku Dust Walkers” aka The Ash Kondai Pia tribe. After lunch we will attend a performance by the Skeleton Tribe in the mystical cave where their legend started. We’ll then go back to spend some time with the Insect Hunters and experience their traditions. We’ll finish the day at our Ecolodge near the village.

Overnight in Mindima.

Day 3: Asaro Village. 

After breakfast we will drive across the Central Highlands of Papua to Goroka, where we will to see the Moko Moko Tribal dances of Victory, a very spectacular show that Mudmen used to dance after victory of their tribal fights. Tonights dinner will be a mumu, a pig will be slaughtered and with fresh vegetables wrapped in banana and kapiak leaves cooked covered in hot stones and soil. You are welcome to watch the process of pig killing, cutting and mumu done the Goroka way.

Overnight in Goroka.

Day 4: Asaro Village. 

Morning walk to Mount Gurupoka to enjoy the ceremony and Ghost walk of the Asaro Mudmen. In their company, we will visit the old sacrifice cave and the cross on top of the holy mountain of Gurupoka. Back to basecamp for lunch and in the afternoon you will see the traditional making of the Asaro Masks.

After lunch, we will visit Gimisave village to see a very special dance and songs performance of the Arunumuna women, dressed in full traditional regalia and covered in red paint. An insights into the distinctive culture of Gimesave women through song and dance enacting how widows use to dress and behave in the old days. This performance is special as it aims to give a deeper understanding of the traditions surrounding mourning and the unique way in which the Asaro people honor their departed loved ones.

Overnight at Asaro Mudmen Eco Lodge.

Day 5: Goroka Festival

First day of the cultural show and after early breakfast, you board your bus for the festival grounds, the earlier you get there gives you the chance to catch the performances getting dressed up, a portrait photographer’s dream!

Overnight at Asaro Mudmen Eco Lodge.

Day 6: Goroka Festival

Another day at the festival grounds, after breakfast you depart again to enjoy another day of the sing-sings and performances before heading back to the lodge in the afternoon. The Goroka Cultural Show is an annual event that attracts tribes from all across Papua and an excellent opportunity to experience their traditions, performances and outfits up close.

Overnight at Asaro Mudmen Eco Lodge.

Day 7: Goroka to Port Moresby.

Today will fly back to the capital. After landing, we will do a tour of the city, it’s townships on silts by the coast and the main landmarks and museum. We’ll relax in the hotel pool in the afternoon before enjoying our last dinner together.

Overnight in Port Moresby.

Day 8: Fly out of Port Moresby.

After breakfast, the Expedition is over. We’ll catch our onward flights (here, we recommend to fly with Philippine Airlines or Qantas, and NOT Air Niugini).