Papua New Guinea II
Friday 16 Aug 2024 – Friday 23 Aug 2024
8 days · 7 nights
Wander Expeditions
6+ years group traveling
Itinerary
Day 1: Pre Festival in 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, where is known for its rich artistic tradition and partaking in a Momo (pig sacrifice and slow roast in an underground pit) and pre-show activities.
Overnight in Mt Hagen.
Day 2 and Day 3: Festival Day, drive to Mindima.
We'll rise early and make our way to the Mt Hagen show grounds. Tribes from all over the Western Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea and neighboring tribes from the Jiwaka Province will congregate to display their unique 'sing sing's (cultural dances). The Mount Hagen Cultural Show is world famous and a once in a life time experience.
Overnight in Mt Hagen.
Day 4: Mindima day, drive to Goroka in the afternoon.
We'll drive to Mindima, and there we will meet the "Narku Dust Walkers" aka The Ash Kondai Pia tribe. We'll finish the day at our Ecolodge near the village.
Overnight in Mindima.
Day 5: Asaro Village.
After breakfast we will attend a morning performance by the Skeleton Tribe in the mystical cave where their legend started. We'll then go back to the Skeleton Ecolodge and see the Insect Hunters and experience their traditions. In the afternoon, we'll drive to Goroka, where we will spend the night.
Overnight in Goroka.
Day 6: 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 and the Moko Moko Tribal Dance of Victory, a very spectacular show deeply tied to Asaro tradition.
Overnight at Asaro Mudmen Eco Lodge.
Day 7: Drive to Lae.
Today will begin with a ride to the coastal town of Lae along the scenic road. During World War II, some of the bloodiest fighting between Australian and Japanese soldiers occurred in Lae and it is still recognized as an important port of Papua. We will visit WW II cemetery and see shipwreck of the Myoko Maru & Japanese War Memorial.
Overnight in Lae.
Day 8: Fly Lae to Port Moresby.
We will take the first flight out of Lae to Port Moresby. We recommend to allow a full day of buffer between this domestic flight and your international connection to ensure you make it. Flights in PNG are very unreliable and suffer delays and cancellations often.
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The best way to see not only the Mt Hagen festival but also the highlights of the PNG highlands. Safe, exciting, and lots of fun.
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A pure pleasure celebrating with Alvaro and the gang - vibes unbeatable & can’t wait for the next reunion!
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