PAPUA NEW GUINEA
MOUNT HAGEN FESTIVAL and SOLOMON ISLANDS
Highlights
The colorful Mount Hagen Festival
The Asaro tribe
The paradise beaches of the Solomon Islands
The skeleton men
Where we will stay
Hotel, Guesthouse, Lodge
How we move around
Flight, Minibus/Car, 4×4 Jeep, Boat
TYPE OF TRIP
A very intense road trip that requires a strong spirit of adaptation. In some guesthouses and lodges, hot water may not be available, and some stretches of unpaved roads may involve long transfers. No particularly demanding trekking is planned.
Per altre informazioni sui nostri viaggi, consulta la sezione FAQ.
DAYS 1–2: Departure from Italy for the long-haul flight with stopovers, depending on the flight schedule, to reach Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea.
Morning: Depending on the flight schedule, arrival in Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea, in the morning. After completing immigration and entry formalities, transfer to the hotel and time to rest after the long journey.
Afternoon: Discover the highlights of Port Moresby with a guided visit to the Botanical Gardens, followed by an exterior visit to the iconic Parliament House, renowned for its striking architecture inspired by traditional Papuan design. The tour continues with a stop at the historic stilt village of Hanuabada, offering a glimpse into local coastal life and culture.
Evening: Dinner at the Port Moresby Yacht Club.
Morning: After breakfast, visit the National Museum before transferring to the airport for the domestic flight to Goroka, gateway to Papua New Guinea’s spectacular Highlands region.
Afternoon: Arrival in Goroka, nestled in the heart of the country’s central highlands. Transfer to the hotel and enjoy time to relax and take in the unique atmosphere of this vibrant mountain town.
Evening: Dinner and evening in Goroka.
Morning: Depart from Goroka and journey to the village of the legendary Asaro Mudmen, one of Papua New Guinea’s most iconic tribes. Discover their fascinating traditions, including the use of mud-covered bodies and striking clay masks originally designed to intimidate enemies, as well as the dramatic Moko Moko victory dance.
Afternoon: Continue to Mindima village to meet the extraordinary Skeleton Tribe, renowned for painting their bodies in white to resemble human skeletons in elaborate ceremonial performances. After the visit, continue towards Mount Hagen with lodge check-in upon arrival.
Evening: Dinner and evening in Mount Hagen.
Morning: Depart for Paiya Village to experience the vibrant pre–Sing Sing celebrations. Arriving before the festivities begin offers a unique behind-the-scenes insight into the preparations, as tribes from across the Highlands paint their bodies, apply traditional makeup, and decorate themselves with feathers, shells, and ceremonial ornaments according to ancient customs. Following the performances, there will be the opportunity to meet the dancers, learn more about their traditions and culture, and photograph these extraordinary moments.
Afternoon: Enjoy a traditional lunch in Paiya Village before returning to Mount Hagen. Upon arrival, visit the town and its lively local market, followed by free time at leisure.
Evening: Dinner and evening in Mount Hagen.
Morning: Experience the unforgettable Mount Hagen Festival, one of Papua New Guinea’s most spectacular cultural events. Thousands of men and women from nearly eighty different tribes gather to the hypnotic rhythm of drums, performing traditional dances in elaborate costumes adorned with vibrant feathers, body paint, and intricate ornaments. A truly extraordinary celebration of tribal heritage and cultural diversity.
Afternoon: Lunch within the festival grounds, followed by an afternoon dedicated to birdwatching at one of the lodges around Mount Hagen. Keep an eye out for the iconic and elusive Bird of Paradise, one of the country’s most remarkable natural symbols.
Evening: Dinner and evening in Mount Hagen.
Morning: Enjoy a second unforgettable morning at the spectacular Mount Hagen Festival, once again immersed in the vibrant colors, rhythmic drums, and extraordinary cultural performances of Papua New Guinea’s diverse tribal communities.
Afternoon: After lunch, transfer to the airport and bid farewell to the Highlands region of Papua New Guinea. Flight back to Port Moresby followed by hotel check-in upon arrival.
Evening: Dinner and evening in Port Moresby.
DAYS 9–10: Transfer to Port Moresby Airport for the international return flight to Italy. Depending on the flight schedule and connections, an overnight stopover in Manila or Singapore may be required before continuing the journey home. Thank you for joining this unforgettable BHS Travel adventure through the heart of Papua New Guinea!
DAY 9: Transfer to the airport for the flight to Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands. Upon arrival, complete entry formalities before transferring to the hotel. Enjoy your first moments in this tropical paradise with time to relax and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the South Pacific.
DAY 10–11–12: Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Solomon Islands archipelago during three unforgettable days filled with opportunities for island hopping, snorkeling, diving, cultural encounters, and relaxation on pristine white-sand beaches surrounded by turquoise lagoons.
DAYS 13–14: Transfer to Honiara Airport for the long-haul return flight to Italy, with scheduled stopovers along the way. Arrival in Italy the following day, bringing this extraordinary journey through Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands to an end. Thank you for travelling with BHS Travel, we look forward to welcoming you on your next adventure!
