1. Mt. Giluwe - Western Highlands Tour (3 & 4 Days)

Mount Giluwe rises to 4,367 meters, making it the second-highest mountain in Papua New Guinea, surpassed only by Mount Wilhelm. It holds a unique distinction as the highest volcano in Oceania (the Australian continental plate) and is proudly listed among the world-renowned “Volcanic Seven Summits.” Geologically, Mt. Giluwe is an ancient shield volcano, characterized by broad slopes, open alpine grasslands, and eroded twin summits. Its landscape transitions beautifully from dense montane forests and woodlands at lower elevations to expansive high-altitude grasslands, rocky ridges, and wide open plateaus as trekkers ascend.

The trek offers 360-degree panoramic views over the Western Highlands — sweeping valleys, dramatic ridgelines, and rolling highland terrain. This combination of volcanic history, unique ecology, and high-altitude scenery creates one of the most memorable trekking experiences in Papua New Guinea. Whether for adventure seekers, nature photographers, birders, or cultural explorers, Mt. Giluwe provides a rare opportunity to experience PNG’s highlands at their most pristine and dramatic.

Guided Tour

Accomodation

Logistics

3-Day & 4-Day Trek Itinerary (Recommended)

Standard 3-Day Mt. Giluwe Trek Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival & Base Camp

• Pickup from Mt. Hagen or Tambul

• Drive to trek start point

• Meet guides/porters

• Begin trek to Lower Base Camp (approx. 3–4 hours)

• Set up tents, campfire dinner, cultural storytelling

Day 2 – Summit Day

• Early morning ascent (4–6 hours depending on pace)

• Arrive at Mt. Giluwe summit (4,367m)

• Photos, rest, snacks

• Descend to Lower Base Camp

• Overnight at camp

Day 3 – Return

• Breakfast at camp

• Trek back to village/start point

• Cultural experience (singsing or village tour) — optional

• Drop-off at Mt. Hagen / accommodation

Extended 4-Day Experience (Eco & Cultural Focus)

Day 1 – Travel & Village Welcome

• Pickup from Hagen

• Welcome ceremony and village visit

• Overnight in guesthouse or homestay

Day 2 – Trek to Base Camp

• Trek to Base Camp with photography stops

• Nature briefing and safety orientation

• Overnight camping

Day 3 – Summit Attempt

• Early start for summit climb

• Summit experience + guided nature interpretation

• Return to Base Camp

• Overnight at camp

Day 4 – Descent & Farewell

• Trek back to village

• Light traditional singsing or craft demonstration

• Final debrief and certificates of achievement

• Drop-off in Hagen

2. Highlands Grand Adventure Tour (10 Days)

Mt. Giluwe • Mt. Wilhelm • Skeleton Man • Asaro Mudmen • Mt. Hagen Cultural Show
Hosted by Mt. Giluwe Eco Tourism Services — Tambuil District, Eastern Highlands Province
Operator: Mr. Edward Tama

The Highlands Grand Adventure is a premium 10-day journey showcasing the very best of Papua New Guinea’s mountains, culture, and tradition. This signature package combines two iconic summits—Mt. Giluwe (4,367m) and Mt. Wilhelm (4,509m)—with rare cultural encounters, including the mystical Mindima Skeleton Man of Chimbu and the world-famous Asaro Mudmen of the Eastern Highlands. The adventure culminates at the vibrant Mt. Hagen Cultural Show, where dozens of tribes display their dances, colours, and ancestral heritage.

Designed for those seeking high-altitude trekking, authentic cultural immersion, and breathtaking landscapes, this experience offers unmatched access to the heart of PNG’s Highlands.

Ideal for:

• International adventure trekkers

• Photographers & documentary teams

• Cultural researchers

• High-end eco-tourists

Mt. Giluwe Trekking & Climbing

Mindima Skeleton Tribe

Mt. Wilhem Trekking & Climbing

Asaro Mudmen

Mt. Hagen Cultural Show

Kumul Bird Watch

HIGHLANDS GRAND ADVENTURE PACKAGE (10 Days)

Mt. Giluwe • Mt. Wilhelm • Skeleton Man • Asaro Mudmen • Mt. Hagen Cultural Show

Hosted by Mt. Giluwe Eco Tourism Services — Tambuil District, Eastern Highlands Province
Operator: Mr. Edward Tama

TOUR OVERVIEW

This premium Highlands adventure blends trekking, culture, and nature into one unforgettable experience. Travelers will summit Mt. Giluwe (PNG’s second highest peak) and Mt. Wilhelm (PNG’s highest peak), then journey through the Eastern Highlands and Chimbu for legendary cultural encounters with the Asaro Mudmen and Mindima Skeleton Man, culminating in the spectacular Mt. Hagen Cultural Show.

Perfect for:

• International adventure trekkers

• Photographers & documentary teams

• Cultural researchers

• High-end eco-tourists

DETAILED 10-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1 – Arrival in Mt. Hagen / Transfer to Tambul

• Airport pickup

• Meet your guides from Mt. Giluwe Eco Tourism

• Travel to Tambul Base

• Welcome ceremony & cultural introduction

• Overnight at guesthouse

DAY 2 – Trek to Mt. Giluwe Base Camp

• Start trek from Tambul

• Scenic walk through grasslands and volcanic ridges

• Arrive at Base Camp

• Evening storytelling and local meals

DAY 3 – Mt. Giluwe Summit

• Early morning ascent

• Reach Mt. Giluwe summit (4,367m)

• Photography and guided mountain interpretation

• Descend to base

• Overnight in Tambul or camp

DAY 4 – Travel to Kegsugl (Mt. Wilhelm Base)

• Drive through Mt. Hagen → Kundiawa → Kegsugl

• Stop for scenic viewpoints

• Overnight at Betty’s Lodge or guesthouse

DAY 5 – Trek to Mt. Wilhelm Lakes Camp

• Begin trek to Lake Piunde

• Explore Lakes Piunde and Aunde

• Prepare for summit day

• Overnight at camp huts

DAY 6 – Mt. Wilhelm Summit

• Alpine start at 1–2 am

• Reach PNG’s highest peak (4,509m) by sunrise

• Descend to lakes

• Overnight at lakeside or back to KegsuglDAY 7 – Mindima Skeleton Man Experience (Chimbu)

• Travel to Mindima village

• Witness “Dukduk/Mask-Kana” Skeleton Man cultural performance

• Community interaction and storytelling

• Learn about ancestral practices

• Overnight in Kundiawa or travel back to Hagen

DAY 8 – Asaro Mudmen (Eastern Highlands)

• Drive to Goroka

• Traditional Mudmen performance

• Photo session with warriors

• Hands-on clay mask experience (optional)

• Lunch in Goroka

• Return to Mt. Hagen for Show Weekend

DAY 9 – Mt. Hagen Cultural Show (Day 1)

• Join thousands of spectators at the annual show

• Watch over 50+ tribes performing:

  • Body paints

  • Bird-of-Paradise headdresses

  • Traditional war dances

  • Cultural singsing groups

• Premium seating available

• Overnight in Hagen

DAY 10 – Mt. Hagen Cultural Show (Day 2) + Departure

• Full-day cultural festival

• Final shopping for crafts and bilums

• Airport drop-off

What’s Included

• All transport (4WD vehicles)

• Professional local guides & porters

• Camping equipment

• All meals during trekking

• Guesthouse & lodge accommodation

• Cultural show passes (standard or VIP)

• Cultural fees (Mudmen + Skeleton Man)

• Safety briefings & first-aid support

Optional Add-Ons

• Drone photography support

• Bilum weaving workshop

• Coffee plantation tour (Hagen/Goroka)

• Birdwatching session (Blue Bird-of-Paradise zone)