An Epic 11-Day Expedition Unveils Papua New Guinea's Hidden Highlands and Rivers
A new guided expedition offers travellers a deep dive into Papua New Guinea's remote highlands and river systems. The journey begins with flights from Europe and winds through Singapore before reaching some of the world's least explored cultural landscapes. Over 11 days, participants will encounter traditional communities, lush rainforests, and unique wildlife in one of the Pacific's most diverse regions.
The trip starts with a long-haul flight from Vienna or Munich, routing through Frankfurt to Singapore. After a brief stopover, travellers continue on to Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea.
The following day, a connecting flight takes the group to Mount Hagen, a highland town surrounded by rugged peaks. From there, a transfer leads to Rondon Ridge Lodge, perched on Kum Mountain with sweeping views of the Wahgi Valley.
On day five, a charter flight carries the group to the Karawari River, where an open riverboat transports them to a jungle lodge. The first evening is spent exploring the dense, vine-covered waterways by boat. The next morning, a longer excursion reveals the daily lives of river dwellers, who rely on fishing, sago harvesting, and traditional canoe-building.
Days seven and eight focus on the Melpa people, one of the highlands' largest ethnic groups. The itinerary includes guided walks through rainforest trails known for birds of paradise and rare orchids. A highlight is a sing-sing—a vibrant gathering of traditional song, dance, and elaborate costumes.
The journey then shifts to the Eastern Highlands. A scenic drive through tea plantations and steep terrain leads to Goroka, with a stop in Mindima to witness the Skeleton Men, dancers adorned in striking black-and-white body paint. Upon reaching Goroka, day ten immerses visitors in local culture: a bustling market, village visits, and another sing-sing performance.
The final full day takes the group to the Asaro Valley, home of the legendary Mudmen. Travellers observe their ritual dances, share a lunch cooked in an earth oven, and meet the Huli people—known for their intricate wigs and face paint—before a closing sing-sing celebration.
The expedition covers over 1,500 kilometres by air, road, and river, offering rare access to Papua New Guinea's highland and riverine cultures. Participants leave with firsthand experience of traditional practices, from earth-oven cooking to ceremonial dances, in some of the planet's most isolated communities. The trip concludes with a return flight from Port Moresby, marking the end of an immersive journey through one of the Pacific's last cultural frontiers.
