Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Begin of Tour Jayapura (Irian Jaya/West Papua) - Baliem Valley/Wamena (L/D)

LobbyIn the morning arrival in Jayapura and short flight to Wamena. Lunch and visit of the local market in Wamena. Transfer to The Baliem Valley Resort. The small resort is located in the vast Baliem Valley and surrounded by the Jayawijaya Mountains. A 3-star hideaway ina natural paradise. Dinner and overnight at the Resort.

Day 2: Baliem Valley/Wamena - Kurulu - Baliem Valley/Wamena (B/L/D)

Baliem Valley ResortIn the morning, one-hour trip to Jiwikia, in the middle of the Baliem Valley. Start of a one-hour uphill hike (approx. 1,000 feet altitude difference) through stunning mountain rainforest to the traditional salt spring of the Dani tribe. Local women dressed in traditional tribal clothes will accompany us and show us their ancestral salt production techniques. After the walk down we will take a picnic lunch at the foot of the mountain. We will then walk to the nearby Kurulu village where you can admire the ancient mummy of the famous Dugum clan. Afterwards, the women show us how they process the brine they extracted from the spring. We will see more quaint and picturesque Dani homesteads. Wherever we go, friendly Papuans offers their arts and craft, weapons, and all kinds of curiosities for sale. Return to the resort in the afternoon.

Day 3: Baliem Valley/Wamena - South Baliem Gorge - Baliem Valley/Wamena (B/L/D)

Baliem ValleyIn the morning, drive to the southern Baliem Valley past Wamena. By the village of Sogogmo, not quite 2 miles outside Kurima, the road ends. This is where our hike along the huge Baliem river starts. First we cross the roaring Baliem river on a traditional suspension bridge. We continue through romantic Dani settlements with their terraced fields and wild sugar cane groves. Throughout the hike we enjoy magnificent views of the river and the narrow valley. Around noon we get to the church square of Seinma, where we eat our picnic lunch surrounded by stunning scenery. Outside Kurima we cross the river again on a wild and romantic suspension bridge. To return to our vehicle we need to cross a few side valleys. There will be many unique photo opportunities today. We get back to the resort in late afternoon.

Day 4: Baliem Valley/Wamena - Sekan Mountain - Baliem Valley/Wamena (B/L/D)

Hamlet at Sekan MountainIn the morning we set off on a one-hour hike to the summit of the nearby Sekan mountain range, which forms the northern border of the resort. The summit region is characterised by giant slabs of rock. From here you have spectacular views of the southern Baliem Valley, the Siepkosi Valley and the resort complex. We return to the resort through wonderful vegetation including many different flowers, orchids, carnivorous plants, moss, lichen, tree ferns and screw pines. We then have lunch in the restaurant. In the afternoon we take an easy hike along the eastern border of the resort, past a few isolated Dani homesteads and traditionally cultivated gardens. In some places we can enjoy wonderful views of the romantic neighbouring valleys. We will be back at the resort late afternoon.

Day 5: Baliem Valley/Wamena - Pugima Valley - Baliem Valley/Wamena (B/L/D)

Suspension Bridge Baliem ValleyIn the morning, drive to the Siepkosi church. From here we set off on an easy hike to the Pugima Valley. On the way there we pass the area where the Yuan River comes to the surface in a big cave full of stalactites and stalagmites. The expansive and fertile Pugima Valley is densely populated, with large gardens and fields cultivated by the highland Papuans. We visit a homestead that houses what is probably the only pottery in the valley. In very humble conditions people create the most beautiful clay objects – many of which are a permanent fixture in the resort. Around noon we reach the Baliem River in the Wesaput region, where we have our outdoor picnic lunch. Before we get to our vehicle we cross the river on a large suspension bridge. Drive back to the resort through Wamena, where we have time to do a bit of shopping.

Day 6: Baliem Valley/Wamena - Pass Valley - Baliem Valley/Wamena (B/L/D)

Kotilola CaveAfter breakfast we take a drive to the northern part of the Baliem Valley via Jiwika and Kurulu. A few miles beyond Kurulu we visit the famous Kotilola Cave with its gigantic stalactites and stalagmites. The huge cave has collapsed in places, promoting lush vegetation. We continue our drive northwards to the market town of Uwosilomo, where even more photo opportunities await us. We continue high up into the mountains to the Pass Valley. The road is lined with dense mountain rainforest with fantastic vegetation. We find a suitable place to have our picnic lunch. Excursions to see the spectacular flora are possible. On the way back we take a little detour to Meagaima, where we can see the mummy of a tribal chief in a little village directly by the Baliem River. To reach this tucked away village, we have to allow for a 30-minute walk. Drive back to the resort, where we will arrive in late afternoon.

Day 7: Baliem Valley/Wamena - Sinakma - Baliem Valley/Wamena (B/L/D)

Wamena MarketIn the morning, drive to the Siepkosi church. From here we set off on an easy hike to the Pugima Valley. On the way there we pass the area where the Yuan River comes to the surface in a big cave full of stalactites and stalagmites. The expansive and fertile Pugima Valley is densely populated, with large gardens and fields cultivated by the highland Papuans. We visit a homestead that houses what is probably the only pottery in the valley. In very humble conditions people create the most beautiful clay objects – many of which are a permanent fixture in the resort. Around noon we reach the Baliem River in the Wesaput region, where we have our outdoor picnic lunch. Before we get to our vehicle we cross the river on a large suspension bridge. Drive back to the resort through Wamena, where we have time to do a bit of shopping.

Day 8: Baliem Valley/Wamena (B/L/D)

Baliem Valley ResortAll meals at the resort. Today is free at your leisure. Stay at the resort and relax or start your own exploration of the surroundings. Overnight at the resort.

Day 9: Baliem Valley/Wamena - Pig Festival - Baliem Valley/Wamena (B/L/D)

Preparations for the Pig FestivalTraditional one-day pig festival in a traditional Dani village, either in the resort grounds or in the Jiwika region. Many adorned people from the Dani tribe in traditional clothing will take part in the festival. Such food celebrations with hot stones and earth pits are probably the most interesting part of a trip to New Guinea. If you like taking photos and videos you will certainly get your money’s worth today! It is difficult to describe what’s so unique about these food celebrations; you will have to see and experience it for yourself. Lunch will be a picnic in the village. If you like you can taste the food from the traditional earth pit afterwards. The freshly cooked pork and sweet potatoes are delicious! Back to the resort in the late afternoon.

Day 10: Baliem Valley/Wamena - Habema-See - Baliem Valley/Wamena (B/L/D)

Habema LakeAfter an early breakfast, we drive to Lake Habema. The savannah-like landscape of the Baliem Valley gives way to fantastic mountain rainforests with monstrous tree ferns and screw pines, covered with moss, lichens and climbing plants. At 3.200 meters, Lake Habema is located on a large high moor, surrounded by enchanting meadows full of dwarf cypresses, rhododendrons and many species of orchids. A unique flora! The lake is historically of certain importance, as the first explorers used it to land with seaplanes and then trek towards the Baliem Valley. We enjoy a picnic by the lake and if the sun is shining, we have a spectacular view over the Trikora mountain summit. Then, we go for a walk along the lake, and you can even go for a cold swim! We are back to the Resort in the afternoon.

Day 11: Baliem Valley/Wamena - Jayapura (B/L)

Transfer to Wamena and short flight to Jayapura. Upon arrival, direct city sightseeing tour Jayapura or optional tour Lake Sentani with lunch enroute. Overnight at Hotel Travellers in Sentani, including breakfast.

Day 12: Jayapura - End of Tour Jayapura (Irian Jaya/West Papua) (B)

Transfer to airport, departure to your next destination.