Papua New Guinea: 6-Day Goroka Festival & Asaro Mudmen Immersion

Tour Overview

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Arrive Port Moresby — Fly to Goroka

Arrival, connect to Goroka. Afternoon orientation and JK McCarthy Museum. Welcome dinner featuring Eastern Highlands cuisine. Overnight at Klerht Cove Motel, central Goroka.

Days 2-3: Goroka Festival — Full Immersion

Two full days at the Goroka Show. Over 140 performing groups including Huli Wigmen, Asaro Mudmen, Chimbu skeletons, Eastern Highlands feather dancers, and coastal groups. The festival unites 30,000+ attendees in a celebration of PNG’s 800+ cultures. Includes guided interpretation of tribal dances, costumes, and rituals. Evenings: dinner at local restaurants and the festival night market.

Day 4: Asaro Valley — Mudmen Full Day

Journey into the legendary Asaro Valley. Full day with the Mudmen: learn the origin story of the clay masks, try mask-making with village artisans, and witness a private Asaro dance performance with traditional lunch. Hike to a valley waterfall for swimming. Afternoon: visit a local school and community project. Overnight in Goroka.

Day 5: Eastern Highlands Villages

Visit remote Eastern Highlands villages. Meet Kamano people and learn traditional cooking, bilum weaving, and archery. Participate in a mini sing-sing with a village group — a more intimate experience than the stadium show. Farewell mumu feast. Overnight in Goroka.

Day 6: Return Port Moresby — Depart

Morning at Goroka Market for artisan crafts. Fly to Port Moresby for international connection.

Inclusions

• 5 nights (motel + guesthouse)
• Domestic flights (POM-Goroka return)
• Goroka Show tickets (2 days)
• Asaro Mudmen private performance & workshop
• Village visits & mini sing-sing
• Traditional mumu feast
• All transfers
• English-speaking guide
• Daily breakfast + 3 dinners

What’s Not Included

• Entrance fees to attractions
• Tour Guide
• Meal (lunch and dinner)
• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses