Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Destinations

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

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 Paradise Gardens 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
About

Pacific Gardens Hotel is a three-star hotel option in the heart of Goroka, just three minutes by car from Goroka Airport (GKA) and eight minutes on foot to Raun Raun Theater. The 38 guest rooms are spacious, clean, and comfortable.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 2

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
Goroka

Day 3

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
About

Papua New Guinea's highest peak reaches a towering 4509 meters above sea. On the path up to this sky piercing point rests Betty’s Place at 2790 meters.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 4

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

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
About

The Highlander Hotel in Mount Hagen, gateway to the Western Highlands and its vibrant culture of tribal sing-sing rituals, is one of the best hotels in PNG and offers many comforts one might not expect in the region, such as an outdoor heated swimming pool, tennis courts, and a choice of dining options. The hotel's buildings are inspired by traditional architecture, with thatched roofs, and are surrounded by landscaped grounds.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Mount Hagen
Mount Hagen

Day 6

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
About

Perched on the banks of the Sepik River, Ambunti Lodge provides basic accommodation and restaurant services. Guests may choose from twin or double rooms, and recent upgrades have resulted in air-conditioning and private bathrooms in each, making the rooms among the most comfortable available in the area.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 7

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
About

A village homestay in Papua New Guinea provides the ultimate culturally-immersive experience, though it is not for everyone. This type of accommodation is quite basic, without electricity or modern amenities, but there's no more authentic way to be a part of local village life.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Sepik Region
Sepik Region

Day 8

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

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

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
Sepik Region

Day 11

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
Why We Love This Hotel

· Proximity to the Airport: If the Airways Hotel was any closer to Jacksons International Airport, it would be on the runway. A stay here is convenient for guests with early/late flights or looking to escape the capital to explore Papua New Guinea's more remote regions via a domestic flight.

· Extensive Wellness Facilities: For an airport hotel, the Airways doesn't hold back on spa and fitness services. The well-equipped gym, as well as tennis and squash courts, are great options for those looking to keep active while traveling. Meanwhile, the award-winning Bliss the Spa offers a wide range of massages, facials and other treaments, such as foot reflexology, Thai massage and Swedish massage, to name but a few.

· Fine Dining: Airways' quintet of drinking and dining venues cater to the diverse tastes of international visitors. Fresh seafood is easily the best feature on the menus here, whether its in authentic Indian dishes at Bacchus or grilled up BBQ-style and served with a beer by the pool.

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Airways Hotel Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

· Prime Location: The Hilton Port Moresby is only a short drive from Jacksons International Airport and offers mountain and city views.

· Attentive Staff: Representing Papua New Guinea for the Hilton brand, Hilton Port Moresby offers high-end hospitality for travelers befitting the Hilton name.

· Adjacent Convention Center: For guests visiting Port Moresby for a conference or other event, the Hilton Port Moresby is located next to a large convention center with an outdoor amphitheater.

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Hilton Port Moresby Preferred Hotel
About

The Gateway Hotel is a short drive from both the international and domestic terminals and is surrounded by lush, tropical gardens. The hotel has 115 rooms and apartments, all with balconies, internet, cable TV, air conditioning and tea/coffee facilities.

If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 12

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
About

A simple but welcoming L-shaped lodge overlooking a peaceful lagoon, Kiriwina is run by charismatic British expat Dennis Young, who personally greets guests with tales of his 45 years in PNG. Rooms are simple and clean, and the lodge serves excellent seafood.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Trobriand Island
Trobriand Island

Day 13

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

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.

Suggested Hotel For Days 1–2

Pacific Gardens Hotel

Pacific Gardens Hotel

Pacific Gardens Hotel is a three-star hotel option in the heart of Goroka, just three minutes by car from Goroka Airport (GKA) and eight minutes on foot to Raun Raun Theater. The 38 guest rooms are spacious, clean, and comfortable. Some room types feature a kitchenette and living spaces. Hotel facilities include an outdoor swimming pool and a lazy river, a restaurant with a bar/lounge, a garden, and a gift shop. 

Suggested Hotel For Days 3–4

Betty's Guest House

Betty's Guest House

Papua New Guinea's highest peak reaches a towering 4509 meters above sea. On the path up to this sky piercing point rests Betty’s Place at 2790 meters. Nestled in with the surrounding scenery, the lodge furnishes beautiful views of rivers and surrounding nature from its 4 double rooms. Electricity, hot-water showers, and meals are provided. Produce is sourced from a nearby local farm and guests are invited to cook on their own. In business for over 20 years, the staff at Betty’s Place possess a wealth of knowledge and the lodge's location is perfect for guests seeking to climb up Mount Wilhelm, enjoy bird watching, or hike throughout the region.

Suggested Hotel For Day 5

Quality Hotel Highlander

Quality Hotel Highlander

The Highlander Hotel in Mount Hagen, gateway to the Western Highlands and its vibrant culture of tribal sing-sing rituals, is one of the best hotels in PNG and offers many comforts one might not expect in the region, such as an outdoor heated swimming pool, tennis courts, and a choice of dining options. The hotel's buildings are inspired by traditional architecture, with thatched roofs, and are surrounded by landscaped grounds. Each of the 60 rooms has a color television, IDD telephone, air conditioning and of course a private bathroom. Some rooms are equipped with broadband Internet, and access is available to all guests in the business center. The Poolside Restaurant serves breakfast and lunch on an outdoor terrace and Palmuri serves an à la carte dinner menu by an open stone fireplace. The Highlander is 10 miles from the Mount Hagen Airport (HGU).

Suggested Hotel For Day 6

Ambunti Lodge

Ambunti Lodge

Perched on the banks of the Sepik River, Ambunti Lodge provides basic accommodation and restaurant services. Guests may choose from twin or double rooms, and recent upgrades have resulted in air-conditioning and private bathrooms in each, making the rooms among the most comfortable available in the area. The lodge also features a generator to keep power going during a power-cut. Ambunti Lodge is the ideal base from which to explore the exotic and fascinating Sepik region, with its rich tribal cultures. 

Suggested Hotel For Days 7–10

Homestay

Homestay

A village homestay in Papua New Guinea provides the ultimate culturally-immersive experience, though it is not for everyone. This type of accommodation is quite basic, without electricity or modern amenities, but there's no more authentic way to be a part of local village life. Beds are light mattresses on the floor, the bathroom has a pit toilet and an eco-friendly bucket bath. Breakfast is whatever your host family has prepared for you – usually sago and taro. Village life in rural Papua New Guinea remains largely unchanged over the centuries, and a homestay affords unparalleled insight into everyday village rituals.  

Suggested Hotels For Day 11

Airways Hotel
Preferred Hotel

Airways Hotel

Australasia's leading airport hotel and one fo the finest hotels in Papua New Guinea, the Airways Hotel is located on a hillside overlooking Jacksons International Airport. Seevn guest room and suite types are available, ranging from the well-appointed Bacchus Room to the spacious Presidential Suite. All accommodations are decorated in an airy, modern style with warm wooden furnishings and flooring, crisp white linens and standard mod cons; such as WiFi, tea and coffee making facilities, and a 49-inch smart TV. Hotel amenities include a health and fitness center with sauna and steam rooms, a rooftop swimming pool, a spa, plus tennis and squash courts. There are five drinking and dining options for guests, including fine dining at the Bacchus Restaurant.
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Hilton Port Moresby
Preferred Hotel

Hilton Port Moresby

A modern building with impressive architecture, the Hilton Port Moresby is one of the best accommodation options in the capital. Lodgings include five guest room types, including an accessible room, as well as two suite types. All are furnished in a contemporary style with standard mod cons for convenience. Club rooms offer access to a private lounge, which serves complimentary refreshments. Hotel facilities include a rooftop outdoor pool, a hot tub, a gym and a convention center with an open-air amphitheater. For dining, guests can enjoy drinks and deli-style food at Copper, all-day international dining at Feast, coffee and snacks at Halo, traditional dishes at Mumu, as well as alfresco cocktails at Summit.
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Gateway Hotel

Gateway Hotel

The Gateway Hotel is a short drive from both the international and domestic terminals and is surrounded by lush, tropical gardens. The hotel has 115 rooms and apartments, all with balconies, internet, cable TV, air conditioning and tea/coffee facilities. The Ani Ani Restaurant serves some of the finest international cuisine in Port Moresby, and features a buffet from a different part of the globe each night. Alternatively, choose one of Enzo's pizzas in the Rattle 'n' Hum Pizzeria & Bar. The hotel also boasts a beauty salon and souvenir shop.

Suggested Hotel For Days 12–13

Kiriwina Lodge

Kiriwina Lodge

A simple but welcoming L-shaped lodge overlooking a peaceful lagoon, Kiriwina is run by charismatic British expat Dennis Young, who personally greets guests with tales of his 45 years in PNG. Rooms are simple and clean, and the lodge serves excellent seafood.

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Exclusively Asia

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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.
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What Others Say

Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.

A Couple from London

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.

Papua New Guinea

Couple from Washington - Aman Jet Expedition

Couple from Washington - Aman Jet Expedition

We have used some of the top rated travel specialists all over the world and, without question, Catherine Heald and Remote Lands are at the very top of the list!

China, Bhutan, India, Sri Lanka

A family from Houston

A family from Houston

The trip was smooth and seamless throughout; there were no glitches at all. We had a wonderful time.

Myanmar, Indonesia

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