Mount Hagen Festival, Witch Doctor, & Trekking!
- Duration: 6 Days (approx.)
- Location: Mount Hagen
- Product code: trekhagen
One of the most famous gatherings and shows in the country - The Mount Hagen Festival! Since 1964 the incredible spectacle has brought together hundreds of tribes from all over the country - especially the highlands! The show truly highlights the diversity amongst the tribes, from their traditional dressing to their body/face painting, and how can we forget the dancing!
Along with the show, we have combined the forces of nature with the celebration and we will head to a remote village in the highlands where you will have the expertise of a local to guide you on a trek!
Itinerary:
Day 1: August 16: As you arrive at the Mount Hagen airport today, you will be met by your guide and head for Banz. If there is time, you will be taken on a small tour of the town of Mt Hagen. Late this afternoon you will tuck into the Waghi Guest House - which is where you will be for the next five nights. Lunch and dinner are included today.
Day 2: August 17: This morning after you enjoy breakfast, you will begin with a short hike or walk to a nearby local village. It is here you will have the opportunity to see a witch doctor who is a traditional healer. He will be performing his rituals and if you are lucky a man's initiation - this depends on the timing! For lunch, we will enjoy a deliciously cooked meal that has been cooked by traditional methods known as a mumu - an earth clay oven. Late this afternoon you will return to the Guest House for dinner and the evening. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included today.
Day 3: August 18, 2018: Today you will dive right into the Hagen show! Full day exploring the Mt Hagen Festival. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included today. The drive from the guesthouse to the festival grounds is approximately 45 mins each way. At the end of the show day, you will be transferred back to the guesthouse for the night.
Day 4: August 19, 2018: Today will involve soaking in day two of the Hagen Show. Once the show has finished you will be transferred back to your guest house. The drive from the guesthouse to the festival grounds is approximately 45 mins each way. At the end of the show day, you will be transferred back to the guesthouse for the night.
Day 5: August 20: A traditional trading route for the people of the valley, today will involve a hike/trek beginning around 7am this morning and ending at Holner in Jimi at approximately 3pm. From here, you will be picked up and transferred to your accommodation for the night. The hike is not very steep but can be messy. It gives you the chance to view incredible flora and fauns. You will be with local guides the whole time and late this afternoon you will return to your accommodation for the night. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included today.
Day 6: August 21: Today you will be transferred from the guesthouse back to the Mt Hagen airport for your flight out.
End of services.
Included:
- Accommodation on a twin share basis
- Airport transfers
- Tours as listed in the itinerary
- Cultural shows as listed in the itinerary
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- Admission to Mt Hagen Festival
- Locals guides
Excluded:
- Visas
- Flights (both domestic and international
- Travel Insurance (100% necessary)
- Beverages
- Gratuities
- Personal items such as sunscreen, medication, insect repellant, first aid kits, etc