Papua New Guinea with Mt Wilhelm Climb

Take the overnight flight to Port Moresby. Land for a short transit before boarding the flight to Tari the provincial capital in the heart of Hela Province. Transfer to Ambua Lodge which offers fabulous views of the Tari Valley. (D)

Spend today exploring the Tari region which is home to a range of cultural and ecological activities including a village experience to Tigibi Village for face painting, Horonapa for seeing the women’s houses, Wapia for a spirit and sun dance and Boriba Akau village for the famous Huli Wigmen. Tari is also world renowned for bird watching so there is also the opportunity to enjoy bird watching to search for the famous bird of paradise (among others) and interesting nature walks. Overnight Ambua Lodge. (B,L,D)

Today take the flight to Mt Hagen which passes over rugged mountain ranges. Mt Hagen is the country’s third largest city and the gateway to the Highlands region, including Goroka. Check into the Highland Hotel for the evening at leisure. (B)

This morning depart Hagen and drive the 6-hour journey to Kegsugl, the village which sits at the foot of Mt Wilhelm. The journey passes through the fertile Whagi Valley passing flourishing tree plantations. Pass through Chimbu Province and stop to visit a village for a fascinating Omo Masalai performance. Enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing the drive to Gembogl and then onwards to Kegsugl which sits at 2,800 metres. Overnight in the simple Camp JJ. (B,L—picnic/D)

After breakfast start trekking with your local guide and porter service to Lake Piunde. This trek is a moderate 3-4 hour walk which gradually climbs up through Highland rainforest and grasslands towards the summit of Lake Piunde. Stop at a camp site which sits at 3560 metres where you will spend the night. It is a good idea to spend the remainder of the day acclimatizing to the altitude before settling down for a few hours rest in the A-Frame Hut. (B,L,D)

Wake up at midnight and start the summit attempt of Mt Wilhelm. The trek starts with a steep climb up from Lake Piunde heading up to approximately 4,000 metres. Traverse the ridges heading ever towards the summit. After the summit descend towards Lake Piunde (or if you have the energy you can return all the way back down to Kegusugul. Overnight A-Frame Hut or Camp JJ. (B,L,D)

Descend from Kegusugul and depart in the waiting 4WD vehicle to Goroka. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to relax after the arduous hike. (B,L)

After breakfast head out to enjoy an Asaro Mudman village tour. Historically the Asaro Mudmen are the guardian symbol of the Asaro villages and traditional dances are performed by tribal members covered in mud wearing large mud masks at events and festivals throughout the year. After a traditional mumu lunch (food cooked in an earth oven) take a walk along the sweet potato garden to a hilltop which offers great views of the surroundings. After your walk visit an ancestral cave and enjoy a ghost dance performance. (B,L)

This morning spend time in a local Chimbu village. Learn about the making of traditional weapons, musical instruments, and bilum (string bags) and try your hand at one or all. The day aims to give you a first hand experience of traditional village life showcasing techniques and methods which haven't changed for many years. This afternoon, explore Goroka town. Visit the bustling local market, a coffee factory and the informative JK McCarthy Museum.(B,L)

Enjoy breakfast and depart overland to drive to Madang. En-route stop at Kamaliki Village to enjoy a traditional dance performance by the villagers. Continue towards Madang and enjoy a stop at a scenic viewpoint for panoramic views of the countryside. End the day in Madang and enjoy the evening at leisure. (B,L)

This morning take a boat out for a Madang harbour cruise. Madang is famous for its pristine coral reef. Enjoy a cruise around the stunning harbour which is surrounded by lush rainforest and disembark at some of the small islands where there is the opportunity to snorkel. Return to your hotel for the remainder of the day free at leisure. (B)

This morning head out on a Madang village tour. Also included is a stop at Suyao Lookout from where you can see the Gogol river winding away from you in the distance. On a clear morning you should be able to see the Bismarck Range to the south and possibly Mt Wilhelm. Continue to Haya village which is just half an hour from town where villagers live a rural life with no mains electricity or water: life here has not changed for 1000's of years. Enjoy a traditional sing sing performance before returning to the hotel for the rest of the day free at leisure. (B)

This morning take the flight from Wewak back to Port Moresby. Upon arrival meet and transfer to enjoy a city tour. Visit the impressive National Parliament (Parliament Haus) built in the style of a Maprik-style haus tambaran (spirit house) and the National Museum which has a good selection of local artifacts including masks, shields, totems, war relics and some contemporary art. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy some last minute sightseeing. (B)

Return to the airport and take the flight back to Singapore. (B)