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Example Itinerary
Canoes & Mudmen: Papua New Guinea's Great Outdoors
This 14-day adventure itinerary covers the Highlands and remote areas of the Upper Sepik. You’ll have the chance to meet the legendary Mudmen, observing their rituals, and trek up the country’s highest peak. A four-day canoe adventure will take you past the incredible sights and sounds of villages and forests that line the country’s longest river, the mighty Sepik river. Finish off with some beach time in the white sands of Louisia.
This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.
Highlights
- Asaro Mudmen: Legend has it that the Asaro mudmen were chased from their village and fled to the banks of a river. When they came out, they looked like spirits in the gray mud, causing the enemy to flee. Today, travelers can visit with the Asaro mudmen and learn more about their masks and culture.
- Wilhelm’s Base Camp: Pass through Asaro Valley and Daulo Pass before a challenging four-hour climb to Mount Wilhelm Base Camp at 11,480 feet above sea level to experience Papua New Guinea’s highest mountain.
- Tribal Culture: Throughout the journey travelers will be treated to cultural spectacles from the fascinating cultures of Papua New Guinea: watch a local Tapioca dance, witness a courting ceremony, and enjoy the varied costumes and cultures of the highlands.
- Sepik Canoeing Adventure: A highlight of any visit to Papua New Guinea, travelers will traverse down the country’s longest river to admire Tonjamb, Wagu Lake, and the wildlife of this unique ecosystem.
Day-by-Day
Day 1
Map ▲Goroka »
Arrive in Papua New Guinea’s capital, Port Moresby, where you’ll immediately transfer to your flight to Goroka. Check in to your room at Bird of Paradise Hotel, and enjoy a leisurely lunch. Spend the afternoon getting acquainted with Goroka township on an orientation tour that includes a visit to the JK McCarthy Museum, Raun Raun Theatre, and the local market.
Hotel Options
Day 2
Map ▲Goroka »
Enjoy a half-day tour through Goroka’s world-famous coffee plantations this morning, and then pay a visit to the village of the legendary Asaro mudmen, learning about their fascinating history involving conquering an invading tribe using mud. Relax for the remainder of your day either back at your hotel or exploring your prefered sights.
Goroka
Day 3
Map ▲Mount Wilhelm
This morning you’ll embark on a scenic tour of Mt Wilhelm, a trekker’s paradise that rises to 14,800 feet above sea-level. Along the way, you’ll pass through the picturesque Asaro Valley, Daulo Pass, and quarrelling Gorges, as well as local markets and villages. Check in to your room at the lodge, and settle in. This afternoon you may participate in some local cultural activities.
Hotel Options
Day 4
Map ▲Mount Wilhelm
You’re in for a fabulous adventure today, trekking three to four hours to Mt Wilhelm’s Base Camp, 11,480 feet above sea-level. The challenging journey is well worth the reward: once you reach your destination, you’ll be afforded incredible views of the rugged terrains and surrounding hills. Tonight, get into the heart of local culture by witnessing a Courting Ceremony.
Day 5
Map ▲Mount Hagen »
After breakfast, you’ll be driving to Mt Hagen, the country’s third-largest city. The drive will take you through the fertile Wahgi Valley, famous for its tea and coffee plantations. On the way, witness Simbu Players. Check in to your hotel and relax for the evening.
Hotel Options
Mount Hagen
Day 6
Map ▲Ambunti »
Today, you’re taking off for Ambunti, a picturesque village in Papua New Guinea’s Sepik region. Once arrived and settled, you’ll be given a short briefing of your upcoming Sepik Canoeing Adventure. You’ll begin tomorrow, so enjoy a good night’s rest.
Hotel Options
Day 7
Map ▲Upper Sepik »
Your thrilling Sepik Canoeing Adventure starts today! You’ll pass through remote cultural villages as you paddle your way across Papua New Guinea’s longest river. Overnight tonight at a humble abode in a local village.
Hotel Options
Sepik Region
Day 8
Map ▲Upper Sepik »
Continue your Sepik Canoeing Adventure today, passing through the likes of Tonjamb, Wagu Lake, and more. You’ll no doubt be in awe of the pristine environment - take it in, you’re creating memories to last a lifetime! Overnight once again in a humble dwelling in a local village.
Day 9
Map ▲Upper Sepik »
You’re more than half-way through your canoe adventure. Continue onwards through the Hunstein mountain range. Overnight once again in a humble dwelling in a local village.
Day 10
Map ▲Upper Sepik »
Today is the final day of your Sepik Canoeing Adventure. Paddle onwards, watching the area’s rich wildlife and, and spend the night once again in a remote village.
Sepik Region
Day 11
Map ▲Port Moresby »
After breakfast, you’ll fly to Wewak, where you’ll connect to Port Moresby. From there, transfer to your room at the Gateway Hotel, where you may enjoy some free time to explore the city.
Hotel Options
Day 12
Map ▲Losuia, Trobiand Islands »
A flight will bring you to the beachside destination of Losuia today, where you’ll be transferred to your room at Kiriwina Lodge. This afternoon, enjoy some free time, either relaxing at your hotel, or chilling out at the beach.
Hotel Options
Trobriand Island
Day 13
Map ▲Losuia, Trobiand Islands »
You’ll get well-acquainted with Losuia today on a full-day tour, with activities that include the local Tapioca dance, visits to local villages, and a boat trip to nearby islands. Bed down for the night once again at Kiriwina Lodge.
Day 14
Map ▲Departure
Say goodbye to the new friends you’ve made in Losuia today, and take a flight to Port Moresby once more. From here, you’ll be assisted with checking in for your international flight.
Terms & Conditions
Price is based on double or twin hotel room occupancy and includes accommodation, transfers, car/driver, English-speaking guide, activities and entrance fees, breakfasts and some casual lunches while touring. Flights and optional special activities will be quoted separately. Most personal expenses, including dinners, alcoholic beverages, spa treatments and gratuities can be paid on the spot while traveling. Prices may vary depending on season, choice of accommodation and other factors.
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.
Getting Tribal in Papua New Guinea
- Author
- Travelogues
The relatively untouched jungles and highlands of Papua New Guinea are a haven for wildlife and a diverse array of tribal cultures unlike anywhere else in the world.
Tanks and Zeroes: Wreck Diving in Papua New Guinea
- Author
- Juanita Pienaar
There’s no doubt that PNG is one of the most exotic destinations in Asia, but things get even more exciting under the waves; diving in Papua New Guinea is a WWII adventure in one of Asia’s lesser traveled destinations.
Boys’ Trip in Papua New Guinea
- Author
- Remote Lands
Planning an adventurous getaway with the guys? Looking for a destination to challenge and amaze you? Why not get off the beaten path and check out one of the most untouched and exciting places in the world: Papua New Guinea.
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 family from California
Our experience with Remote Lands was most positive - from the planning to the trip itself.
