Example Itinerary

Canoes & Mudmen: Papua New Guinea's Great Outdoors

Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Trekking, Tribal
Destinations
Papua New Guinea

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
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
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
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
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
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.

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.

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