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Mt Hagen Show, Mt Wilhelm Climb and Oro Cultural Show

Dates: August
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MOUNT HAGEN SHOW

DAY 1:		SING-KUL-POM	PX397		09:00
		POM-HGN		15:10	16:10

On arrival in Port Moresby you will be met by our PNG representative and taken to the Airways Hotel, pool side. You have the day to relax before your flight to Mt Hagen departs at 3:10pm. Our PNG rep will pick guests up at 2pm to book in at domestic terminal for domestic flight.

DAY 2:

Mt Hagen Cultural Show

Mt. Hagen Cultural Show was first staged in 1964 by many different tribes from Western Highlands Province as a means of (1) sharing the cultural experience with each other, (2) to calm the ever-present tribal animosities and enmities by bringing all tribes together in a one cultural event to expose the positive side of life, (3) and to celebrate the diversity of cultures among the natives. In 1964, Papua New Guinea was still under its colonial power, Australia. Between 1964 and 2002, there has been some huge paradigm shifts; one being so obvious is the show's focus. The Mt. Hagen Cultural Show has changed its focus from the aforementioned three reasons to a new one, that is, performing for the tourists. Mt. Hagen Cultural Show of today is therefore, an international and domestic tourist attraction event. Also, there are prize monies to be won by the best performing cultural group, thus the competition is aggressive, yet colorful and exciting.

Audience: Normally, 500 to 1, 000 international tourists come to see this colorful cultural event. In August of 2001, about 500 international tourists witnessed the event. It is expected that in 2002, more international tourists are expected to attend from America, Australia, Canada, Japan, Italy, among others. Apart from international tourists, between 20, 000 to 50, 000 domestic tourists come out to enjoy the show. This show is THE biggest cultural event in the entire Papua New Guinea. The two days are one of the busiest days, exciting, and colorful.

DAY 3:

Mt Hagen Cultural Show

Location: During the colonial era, the show was held in the heart of Mt. Hagen City. Sometime after independence in 1975, the show organizers decided to move it down to Kagamuga; a location next to the Mt. Hagen Airport. From the city, Kagamuga Showground is only 10 minutes drive eastwards. 
Cultural Groups: Over 50 different cultural groups perform their different dances (or "singsings") for the tourists. The show in itself is a competition where prize monies are set in order for the best performers. Also, local musicians and other modern entertainment events or attractions occur during the show.
Things to bring: Bring with you tons of rolls of films, and that is a 'must!' Also, a camcorder so that you can capture the sounds as well as the sights during the show. Bring along some cash in PNG Kina to spend on artifacts and other items of interest that are on sale next to the grand stand.

MOUNT WILHELM

DAY 4:

Mt Hagen Cultural Show

Mt Hagen-Kegsegal

Ground Transport

approx 5 – 6 hrs

From Mt Hagen, we drive 5-6 hours to the very rustic but comfortable Mt Wilhelm Lodge at Kegsegal.  We drive along a very rough road, and will more than likely be sitting on the deck of a truck, which is the best place to view the spectacular scenery and conditions along the way in which the people live.

DAY 5:

Mt Hagen Cultural Show

Kegsegal – Base Camp

3-4 hr leisurely hike

We experience Betty’s generous hospitality at the Lodge over night and then head off for Base Camp after a leisurely breakfast. Taking our time to acclimatise and take in the scenery of walking under the jungle canopy, spotting wild orchids and hopefully some bird life then out into a swampy fern lined valley up to the lakes where base camp is situated.

DAY 6:

Ascend Mt Wilhelm

Descend to Kegsegal

approx 13-14hrs

We have retired early to bed the night before as you will be woken up at midnight to have a cup of tea/coffee.  We will pack up all our gear which will be left in the hut. We start climbing Mt Wilhelm at about 1am and should be peaking close to or just after sunrise. We take lots of breaks and climb at a steady pace to assist in our acclimatisation. After sitting on the top taking photos and absorbing the views we start the long descent back to the Lodge. We stop at Base Camp for a short period to have a cuppa and a bite to eat and then home.

DAY 7:

Kegsegal – Mt Hagen –POM

PX 183

16:40-17:40

Take ground transport back to Mt Hagen, which is a 6-7 hour journey to enable us to catch our flight in Mt Hagen back to Port Moresby. Once again we will have the opportunity to view the magnificent scenery that the Highlands of Papua New Guinea has to offer.

Overnight at Port Moresby.

Please note that guests do not have to climb the mountain, you may chose to do just a day walk to the base camp or stay at the Mt Wilhelm Lodge. This is a very raw and rustic PNG experience.

Guests may choose to get up early and go and view the “Birds of Paradise” visit the Kegsegal High School and integrate with the surrounding community for the day.

Mount Wilhelm Summit	Waterfall on way to Base Camp

Elevation 4508 meters (14793 feet)
Location: Simbu Province, Papua New Guinea

Mt Wilhelm is the highest mountain in Papua New Guinea and Oceania has rugged peaks with a well formed trail leading to its summit.  The ascent crosses diverse and beautiful terrain with open grassland on the slopes and granite predominant in the higher levels.

It is not a technical mountain to climb and takes 3 – 4 days to ascend. There are no ropes involved or high altitude gear or equipment required. You WILL feel the effects of altitude on Wilhelm.

Although we do our very best to have a 100% success rate to the summit, safety is our highest priority. Safety will not be compromised under any circumstances. Pam or Nikki will be carrying a satellite phone and ropes.

This mountain lends itself to all age groups and would expect anyone wanting to ascend to be in good physical condition. This day is twice had hard as any day on Kokoda.
                                   
REMEMBER IT IS OPTIONAL TO GET TO THE TOP BUT COMPULSORY TO GET DOWN

This has to be one of the most scenically spectacular areas of Papua New Guinea. The terrain is rugged and to see gardens on these steepest of slopes is truly amazing.

We trek through three echo systems, tropical, temperate and alpine. You will see amazing wild orchids and trek through a savanna of cycads. If you want to truly experience the highlands of Papua New Guinea this is a must do trek. If you don’t want to climb the mountain take the leisurely walk to base camp or you may chose to stay at the Lodge which is a remarkable experience in itself. Meet the family and friends who run the trout farm here and walk around the magnificent garden.

All our guides have their favorite places to go in PNG this is Pam Christie’s the owner of PNG Trekking Adventures favorite place to go in PNG.

Mt Wilhelm can be climbed all year round. Although the best months to climb is from April to November. The weather is warm during the day but can become quite cool in the evenings. On the mountain it can get down to –5 degrees celcius and taking in the win chill factor it can get down to –15 degrees celcius.

Accommodation at Betty Lodge is clean and rustic. The accommodation at Base Camp is very, very basic. Its up high and gets very cold at night.

You must be very fit to climb the mountain. The summit day is 12-14 hours long. For those of you that do not want to climb the mountain enjoy the ambience of Betty’s Lodge while the others climb. Or walk to Base Camp only. The scenery on this walk is absolutely spectacular.

It is not advised to climb the mountain during the wet season. The best months to climb is from April to November. 

DAY 8:

POM – TUFI

CG378

15:00-16:00

PORT MORESBY HALF DAY CITY TOUR

Visit: Bomona War Cemetery, Parliament House, Botanical Gardens, Museum, Artifact shopping.

Guests will be picked up at Hotel foyer at 9am.
We will drive for 20 minutes out to the Bomona War Cemetery where you will be able to pay homage to the 3375 soldiers that are buried there. Bomona War Cemetery is the largest WW11 cemetery in the South Pacific. 

From the Bomona War Cemetery our guests will be taken on a site seeing tour of Port Moresby. We will visit the Botanical Gardens, Museum if open, Parliament House and they will have the opportunity to some artifact shopping.

Guests will then be taken to the Royal Papua Yacht Club for lunch. After lunch taken to domestic terminal to connect with flight to Tufi.

PLEASE BRING

• Sunhat
• Sunscreen
• Insect Repellent
• Sturdy comfortable walking shoes

TUFI CULTURAL SHOW

Your Tufi representative will coordinate your Port Moresby to Tufi transfer. You will be flown to Tufi which is a magnificent flight over the Owen Stanley ranges to the Oro Province coastline which is a 50 minute flight from Port Moresby. Upon arrival at Tufi you will be transferred to the resort where you will be debriefed on the history of Tufi and given time to relax, view the sunset and prepare for dinner.  After dinner local village ladies will show you many types of tapa cloth which is famous in Oro Province.

DAY 9:

TUFI CULTURAL SHOW

Tufi has a strong traditional culture. Its history goes back for centuries. In the early 1800's British sailing ships used the Tufi Fjord as a safe harbor and eventually the District Manager's residence was established on the Tufi Station.

The purpose of staging these cultural days is to bring awareness to overseas visitors of the Culture and Tradition of the numerous clans in the district today. It also will bring the local communities together and creates a bond and unity between them. Traditional Sing-sing performance groups and Arts and Crafts makers will be attending.

DAY 10:

TUFI CULTURAL SHOW

During the 2 days of the festivities Sing-Sing performances will be held as well as continuous demonstrations in tapa cloth making, clay pots, fire and rope making and arts and crafts making including traditional cooking of their local produce. Fjord cruising will be available taking in the bird life and natural beauty of the fjord land and a Komoa Beach BBQ lunch will conclude the cultural weekend on the Sunday afternoon. This beach has a real tranquil feel, enjoy some great snorkeling, swimming and meet the friendly village people, while being cooked up some great Tufi seafood served with garden fresh salad and tropical fruits, full bar is available. The Komoa people will welcome you with a sing sing.  

DAY 11:		TUFI-POM	CG379	07:10 – 08:25
		POM-SING	PX392	15:00 – 19:20

On arrival in Port Moresby you will be met by our PNG representative and taken to the Airways Hotel, pool side. You have the day to relax before your flight to Singapore at 3:00pm. Our PNG rep will pick guests up at 1pm to book in at international terminal

PLEASE NOTE: EXTRA NIGHTS AT TUFI CAN BE ARRANGED. CONSIDER STAYING ON AND EXPERIENCE SOME THE WORLDS BEST DIVING & SNORKELLING

INCLUSIONS:

• Experienced mountaineering guide: Pam Christie
• Personal Porters
• Group porters
• All meals on Mt Wilhelm expedition
• Road transfers (Mt Hagen – Mt Wilhelm – Mt Hagen)
• 2 night’s accommodation at Mt Wilhelm Lodge
• 1 night’s accommodation at Base Camp
• Base Camp Fees
• Track Fees
• Escort at Show
• 3 nights accommodation Mt Hagen (based on twin share)
• 3 days show tickets (Mt Hagen)
• Transfers to Show
• 1 nights accommodation Port Moresby and meals
• ½ day site seeing tour Port Moresby
• 2 nights accommodation Tufi Resort (based on twin share) all meals
• 2 days Tufi Cultural Show – show tickets
• All airport transfers

EXCLUSIONS:

LAND COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: International flights, domestic airfares, visa fees and services of a personal nature such as meals, beverage, laundry charges, phone and fax bills. Meals for leisure time in Port Moresby.

Please book domestic airfares POM-Mt Hagen-POM, POM-Tufi-POM at the same time as booking international fares.
Refer to itinerary for airfare details.