Mount Hagen
In 1933, Mount Hagen was the site of first contact between New Guinean tribes and the Australian Leahy expedition, spearheaded by brothers Michael and Dan, the first westerners to set foot in the valley. Today, Mount Hagen is the third largest city in Papua New Guinea and the capital of the Western Highlands Province. It sits at a comfortable 5,502 feet (1,677 meters) above sea level, and because of its elevation remains mild and comfortable year round. Due to its relative isolation, the tribes living in and around Mount Hagen have, for the most part, managed to preserve their customs and traditions.
Experiences
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Baiyer River Bird Sanctuary
Visit the Baiyer River Sanctuary, one of the largest collections of wildlife and birds in all of Papua New Guinea. Situated at elevations of between 2,642 and 3,937 feet (800-1,200 meters), the sanctuary is home to several species of marsupials, bandicoots and other mammals, as well as over 185 species of birds. Hike one of the many trails that run along the ridges of the sanctuary and gain a stunning, bird's-eye views of the surrounding area.
Coffee Plantations
Visit the peaceful coffee plantations of the region, set along high mountain ridges far from civilization. As you stroll through the plantations, enjoy the sunlight and sample some of the very best blends available, from rich, earthy Arabica to dark, bitter Robusta.
Mount Hagen Festival
Like the celebrations held at Goroka, the Mount Hagen Festival is one of the most exciting, dynamic celebrations within New Guinea. Every year in August, thousands of tribesmen flock to Mount Hagen, identified by their unique clothing, face painting, piercings and other markers. Witness swaths of color, jubilant singing and dancing, and authentic tribal customs little-changed since the days of their ancestors.
Mount Hagen Market
Filled with all the manner of goods and treats, the Mount Hagen Market hosts traders from all across the province. Browse stalls of fresh, organic produce, shop for brightly colored clothing, accessories, and other trinkets, and barter and banter with the friendly locals.
Wahgi Valley
Visit the Wahgi Valley, a spectacular tract of roaring rivers and pristine rainforest. The Wahgi has been inhabited by humans for almost 10,000 years, and today, its indigenous tribes still tend the same gardens and farms and live in the same dwellings as generations of their ancestors. From here, visitors can also access Mount Wilhelm, New Guinea's highest peak.
Papua New Guinea Regions
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below on the right.
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Why Remote Lands?
Exclusively Asia
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
PNG Projects Open Travel Opportunities for Mount Hagen
- Author
- Tyler Roney
Airport upgrades and roadworks are making it easier to get to Papua New Guinea’s famous cultural festival in Mount Hagen.
Spirits of Papua New Guinea: Rites & Rituals in Mount Hagen
- Author
- Jay Tindall
It takes nearly 20 hours to get from Bangkok to Mount Hagen in the western highlands of Papua New Guinea, travelling via Singapore and Port Moresby – but it’s well worth the trip
Instagram Journeys: Take Me to Papua New Guinea
- Author
- Travelogues
Despite its natural beauty and fascinating cultural practices, Papua New Guinea remains one of the least traveled regions in Asia; it’s time to take a little trip on Instagram.
What Others Say
Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.
A Couple from London
The Asaro Mudman tribal people took us where no tourists had been before, down through their lands to the source of the clay they use to make their tribal masks.
A California father and son
Also unforgettable was our experience driving through Beijing in an old fashioned motorcycle side car followed by lunch with a local family in their traditional hutong house.
Brothers from Russia
The overall experience turned out to be exceptional and unforgettable - so many thanks to the entire team at Remote Lands.
