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Papua New Guinea II

Aug 15th, 2024 Aug 22nd, 2024

8 days · 7 nights

Wander Expeditions

Wander Expeditions

Verified Organization

5+ years group traveling

Papua is a land of immense cultural diversity, with over 1000 ethnic groups and 1000 languages. We'll explore deep in the highlands to attend the most fascinating Cultural Show in the World, where dozens of tribes gather to dance and showcase their skills. We'll meet and have a chance to experience how the famous Asaro Mudmen live, as well as the Skeleton Tribe of Mindima. This is a photogenic and adventurous journey to the tropical jungles of Oceania where you will experience first hand one of the most misunderstood countries in the World. And always, with the best group of people to share it with. Our spots are very limited so don't think twice and apply now!

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.

What this expedition offers

Domestic Flights. Two domestic flights to Mount Hagen and Goroka.
Hotels. Shared rooms in 3-4star lodges in Mt Hagen and Port Moresby. Local Homestays with the tribes in Goroka and Mindima.
Transportation. Private vehicle and driver.
VIP Tickets to Mt Hagen Cultural Show. VIP tickets for this one in a lifetime show.
Meals. Breakfast and meals in homestays in Goroka and Mindima are included (where it's hard to find restaurants or other food options).
Local Guides. Expert crew that will help us navigate and squeeze the most juice of our adventure.
Entrance Fees. All activities, dances and festivities mentioned in the itinerary.
Contribution to local communities. We make sure our visit directly impact and contribute to the economy of the tribes and local communities we meet.

Things to know

5.0·123 reviews
L
Lucas
🇵🇹Portugal·1 expedition
·Stans VIII·2 days ago

This was my first time joining a group trip, and it turned out to be an unforgetable experience! The group was fantastic, which made the journey even better. The itinerary offered a perfect mix of adventure, culture and relaxation. Looking forward to repeat the experience in other destinations.

M
Mar "Cali"
🇪🇸Spain·2 expeditions
·Ghana, Togo & Benin IV·4 days ago

I think it is one of the best expeditions that you can do !

J
Jasmin
🇩🇪Germany·1 expedition
·Pakistan IV·6 days ago

Joined the Pakistan WE and it was awesome! The itinerary and of course the group made it to an incredible experience

T
Tahlia "Ouadane"
🇦🇺Australia·10 expeditions
·Antarctica I·11 days ago

I never imagined my Antarctica experience to be anything like this. I wouldn’t change a thing! Great itinerary, great boat and AMAZING group! Definitely a once in a lifetime experience!

S
Stef
🇳🇱Netherlands·1 expedition
·Socotra II·17 days ago

Incredible expedition! The itinerary was excellent, gorgeous hikes, incredible beaches, local experiences, you name it! We had a wonderful group which elevated the experience even further. Not a day goes by where I don't think about our time in Socotra. I'm really looking forward to joining another expedition in the future

C
Cristina
🇮🇹Italy·2 expeditions
·Eritrea & Djibouti I·18 days ago

My first expedition...great people, lot of fun and Alvaro was an amazing leader. Can't wait for the next expedition!

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