Tour Overview
| Duration | 8 Days / 7 Nights |
|---|---|
| Destination | Papua New Guinea — Mount Hagen, Tari, Goroka, Asaro Valley |
| Price From | $3,695 per person (twin share, private tour) |
| Tour Style | Luxury Expedition — Private Guide, Escorted by Expert |
| Best Season | September (Goroka Festival included) |
| Data Source | Best of PNG — 2026 verified pricing (includes domestic flights) |
Itinerary Highlights
Day 1: Arrive Port Moresby
Arrival at Jacksons International Airport. Transfer to Airways Hotel, Port Moresby’s finest, with views over the airport and mountains. Afternoon orientation: National Museum and Parliament House. Welcome dinner. Overnight in Port Moresby.
Day 2: Fly to Mount Hagen — Huli Wigmen
Morning flight over the highlands to Mount Hagen. Drive to the Wahgi Valley to meet the legendary Huli Wigmen — the most photographed tribe in PNG. Huli men spend years growing their human-hair wigs, decorated with bird of paradise feathers, cuscus fur, and everlasting daisies. Witness a Huli sing-sing and learn the art of face painting with natural pigments. Visit one of the largest markets in the country where Huli, Melpa, and travelers from across the highlands gather. Overnight at Rondon Ridge, a mountaintop eco-lodge with panoramic valley views.
Day 3: Birdwatching — Birds of Paradise
Dawn birdwatching excursion. The forests around Mount Hagen host over 20 species of bird of paradise, including the magnificent Raggiana (PNG’s national bird), King of Saxony with its bizarre antenna-like plumes, and the superb bird of paradise performing its courtship display. Expert local birding guide. Return to lodge for breakfast. Afternoon: visit a Chimbu coffee roaster and taste PNG’s world-class Arabica. Evening birdwatching from the lodge deck. Overnight at Rondon Ridge.
Day 4: Journey to Goroka — Asaro Mudmen
Travel through Jiwaka and Chimbu provinces to Goroka. Stop at Kundiawa for views of Mount Wilhelm (4,509m), PNG’s highest peak. Arrive Goroka by afternoon. Private Asaro Mudmen sing-sing — watch these legendary warriors emerge from the mist wearing heavy grey clay masks, telling the story of their ancestors’ escape from enemies through the river. Participate in mask-making with village artisans. Overnight in Goroka.
Days 5-6: Goroka Festival
Two full days at the Goroka Show — 140+ performing groups from across PNG. VIP access with prime viewing positions. Between sessions, explore Goroka’s markets, coffee shops, and the JK McCarthy Museum. Evening cultural exchanges with performers. Overnights in comfortable guesthouse near the show grounds.
Day 7: Eastern Highlands — Tribes & Farewell
Visit two remote Eastern Highlands villages for private sing-sings away from the festival crowds. Meet the Kamano people and the Gahuku-Gama, whose traditional dress incorporates cassowary feathers and kina shells. Learn bilum weaving from village women — each pattern tells a story. Farewell mumu feast. Overnight at Asaro Mudmen village guesthouse — rustic but unforgettable.
Day 8: Return to Port Moresby — Depart
Morning in Asaro village. Drive to Goroka for flight to Port Moresby. Transfer to international airport.
Inclusions
- 7 nights (luxury lodge + guesthouses)
- All domestic flights (POM-Hagen, Goroka-POM)
- Goroka Festival tickets (2 days, VIP)
- Private sing-sings at 3 villages
- Expert birdwatching guide
- All transfers in 4WD
- Escorted by Best of PNG founder
- All meals (except lunches during Goroka Festival)
- Traditional mumu feast
