Day 1 – Goroka – Asaro Mudmen
Pickup from Goroka and transfer to the Asaro Mudmen Tribal Eco Lodge.
After settling in, begin your introduction to the traditions and legends of the Asaro Valley.
Activities
- Traditional Asaro Mudmen performance
- Story and legend of the Asaro Mudmen
- Mud mask making demonstration
- Village walk
- Visit local gardens and traditional houses
- Cultural portrait photography
Dinner and overnight at the Asaro Mudmen Tribal Eco Lodge.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Asaro Mudmen Tribal Eco Lodge
Day 2 – Gurupoka Ghost Walk & Asaro Cultural Experience
After breakfast, continue exploring the Asaro area.
Take the Gurupoka Ghost Walk, a scenic walk through the surrounding hills where local guides share traditional stories, legends and spiritual beliefs connected to the landscape.
The rest of the day is dedicated to a deeper experience with the Asaro community.
Activities
- Gurupoka Ghost Walk
- Traditional village life
- Garden visit
- Mud mask making
- Local food preparation
- Traditional dances
- Additional Asaro Mudmen photography
- Portrait sessions with local villagers
Dinner and overnight at the Asaro Mudmen Tribal Eco Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Asaro Mudmen Tribal Eco Lodge
Day 3 – Asaro – Gimesave Tribal Experience
After breakfast, travel to nearby Gimesave, home to several distinctive cultural groups of the Eastern Highlands.
Spend the day experiencing traditional performances and meeting members of the local community.
Cultural Groups
- Burning Heads of Gimesave
- Arunumuna Ladies
- Mini Mudmen
- Yangpela Asaro Mudboys
The longer stay allows more time for individual and group photography, storytelling and interaction with the performers.
Dinner and overnight at the Gimesave Burning Heads Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Gimesave Burning Heads Lodge
Day 4 – Gimesave – Chimbu – Skeleton Tribe
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed final morning in Gimesave before beginning the journey into Chimbu Province.
Travel through the spectacular Highlands towards Mindima and the Omo Bruglgamo Skeleton Tribe Eco Lodge.
After arrival and lunch, meet the famous Skeleton Tribe.
Activities
- Traditional Skeleton Tribe performance
- Skeleton Tribe legends and storytelling
- Body painting demonstration
- Village walk
- Introduction to Mindima village life
- Portrait photography
Dinner and overnight at the Skeleton Tribe Eco Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Skeleton Tribe Eco Lodge
Day 5 – Skeleton Cave, Insect Hunters & Dust Shakers
After breakfast Local guides explain the stories, beliefs and legends associated with the Skeleton Tribe and the surrounding landscape.
After returning for lunch, continue with two of Mindima’s most unusual cultural groups.
Cultural Experiences
- Insect Hunters
- Dust Shakers
- Traditional warriors
- Cultural demonstrations
- Village photography
- Dedicated portrait sessions
Dinner and overnight at the Skeleton Tribe Eco Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Skeleton Tribe Eco Lodge
Day 6 – Hidden Tribes & Traditions of Mindima
Today is dedicated to the lesser-known traditions of the Chimbu Highlands.
With a full extra day in Mindima, there is more time to experience several different cultural groups without rushing.
Depending on local availability, experiences can include:
- Mekudokodaka
- Spirits of Welame
- Bamboo dancers and traditional flute players
- Traditional gardeners
- Ceremony of the Dead
- Traditional medicine and local beliefs
- Visit to Pispis Rock
- Visit to the traditional sorcerer’s tree hut
- Additional Skeleton Tribe photography
Dinner and overnight at the Skeleton Tribe Eco Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Skeleton Tribe Eco Lodge
Day 7 – Skeleton Tribe – Wii Towai Waterfall
After breakfast, say farewell to the people of Mindima and continue to the remote Wii Towai Waterfall Bungalow in the Nauro area.
The lodge is located in the traditional lands of the Giure clan, surrounded by mountain forest and beautiful multi-level waterfalls.
After arrival and lunch, spend the afternoon discovering the area.
Activities
- Introduction to the Giure clan
- Waterfall walk
- Village visit
- Voice of Bird of Paradise performance
- Village and landscape photography
- Swimming or relaxing at the waterfall pools
Dinner and overnight at Wii Towai Waterfall Bungalow.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Wii Towai Waterfall Bungalow
Day 8 – Waterfall Tribes & Hidden Chimbu Culture
After breakfast, spend a full day experiencing the unique cultural groups living around Wii Towai.
The waterfall and surrounding forest provide a spectacular natural setting for cultural performances and photography.
Cultural Groups & Activities
- Bird Spirits
- Frog Hunters
- Bow & Arrow Boys
- Honey Bee Girls
- Voice of Bird of Paradise
- Towa Rocks String Band
- Gapabulko Girls
- Traditional village and garden activities
- Portrait and cultural photography
Enjoy a final evening surrounded by the mountains and waterfalls of Chimbu.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Wii Towai Waterfall Bungalow
Day 9 – Waterfall Morning – Departure
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed final morning at Wii Towai.
Depending on departure timing, there can be additional opportunities for:
- Morning waterfall photography
- Final village portraits
- Garden visits
- Traditional activities
- Short farewell performance
- Swimming or relaxing beside the waterfalls
After lunch, say farewell to the community and continue towards Mt Hagen, Goroka or your next destination.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
