Expedition

Papua New Guinea III

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Papua New Guinea III

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: 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).

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Included

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.
September 10th – 17th 2024

Our Selection Process takes only 10 minutes and it helps us create the best travel family!

FAQ

PNG has an evisa for most nationalities, which we can help you navigate. We can also offer support if your passport doesn’t allow evisa.
Wander Expedition doesn’t book flights for you and is ultimately not responsible for your flight connection, but we can offer guidance and support when you research the best options for you. You will be flying to and from Port Moresby. Flights from Manila or Singapore are only 400 euros return!
This is a fantastic opportunity for those of you that want to explore this secluded region with a great group and the best local crew.
This Expedition is for everyone looking to have a fun time, explore an off the beaten path destination, make new travel friends and memorable travel stories. Papua is the perfect unique off the grid adventure, offering great cultural depth, secluded tribes, and stunning outdoors. It will be filled with travel stories!
Wander Expeditions is not a traditional travel agency where the first to pay is the first to go. We take you to stunning destinations, but we know the people you share it with is even more important when you travel. That’s why we have a refined selection process where we filter and vet candidates to ensure that groups are fun, balanced, diverse and interesting! We make sure candidates are on the same page and share our values of being fun, flexible and fearless, so we can guarantee everyone will have an amazing experience. We create travel families, so #trusttheprocess. Halfway through our process, we share the price with all pre-selected applicants. It only takes 15 min to apply, so you literally have nothing to lose! What are you waiting for to join the Wander Fam?

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