Tripology

An Exciting Interview with Arthur Frommer

Mt.Wilhelm Traverse

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Detailed Trip Description

Mt. Wilhelm, at 14,880 feet, is the highest peak in Papua New Guinea. The traverse from Ambullua to Keglsugl offers a unique way to experience the country's highest mountain. This challenging alternative to the summit starts at about 6,500 feet in the remote village of Ambullua, where the only access is by aircraft or by foot. The journey over Mt.Wilhelm presents the opportunity to experience a culture still largely intact. Enjoy a sing-sing (traditional dance) and spend a night in a basic village guesthouse so that you can learn about and experience their culture firsthand. Starting the trek, the path crosses rivers and climbs through moss forests (home to several kinds of birds of paradise), alpine grasslands, and glacial valleys. There are also amazing views of the North Coast and surrounding valleys. Once the summit is reached, the exit is by the usual summit route, down to Keglsugl via Lake Piunde. After the main trip, a charter aircraft will fly the group from Keglsugl in the Highlands to Madang on the North Coast, where a range of adventurous or leisurely activities are available for you to enjoy.

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Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - Port Moresby

 
Port Moresby/Mt. Hagen.
Private Jet

Arrive in Port Moresby where you will be met, handed your travel documents, and assisted to your onward flight to Mt. Hagen.

Port Moresby Private Jet picture
Airport Transfer

You will be met on arrival and transferred to the Rondon Ridge Hotel.

Food and Dining

Meet other travelers and your tour guide over dinner this evening. (D)

Hotel

Stay at Rondon Ridge Hotel.


Day 2 - Mount Hagen

 
Mt. Hagen/Ambullua.
Private Jet

You will be transferred to Kagamuga airport for the light aircraft flight of about 25 minutes to Ambullua.

Hiking

Upon arrival at Ambullua airstrip, start the hour-long walk to Jack's Guest House. You will cross the River Kon on a log bridge and then after passing the Ambullua Mission it is a steady climb up to Jack's Guest House.

Performing Arts

In the afternoon there will be a cultural experience and a welcome sing-sing by the local people.

Food and Dining

After dinner, sit around the fire and talk with the elders of the village. (D)


Day 3 - Papua New Guinea

 
Ambullua/Ongoltungi.
Hiking

After breakfast, you start on the trek from Ambunum village (that is where Jack's Guest House is located) through Kaukau (sweet potato) gardens, until crossing the Kon River. From the Kon River you hike for about 5 hours through alpine rainforest, in some places offering spectacular views of the valley below, until the first campsite is reached.

Camping

Overnight camping at Ongoltungi. (B,L,D)


Day 4 - Papua New Guinea

 
Khupokhe.
Hiking

From Ongoltungi the path continues up the spur and through the forest for another 3 hours of hiking. Then cross a creek and follow a small gully. The gully marks the start of the alpine grasslands.

Camping

Camp is set up after about 1 ½ hour walk in the grasslands at a saddle called Kupogi, located at approximately 3,600 m. / 11,900 ft. From here there are superb views of the surrounding valleys and other large mountain ranges in the highlands of Papua New Guinea. (B,L,D)


Day 5 - Papua New Guinea

 
Seeku.
Hiking

Continuing on from Khupokhe, most of the day is spent trekking up and along one of the mountain’s main ridges, which provides spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, with jagged peaks towering above the lake-filled valleys. At the top of this ridge, the first glimpse of the summit is offered.

Camping

The path skirts one of the largest peaks, known as Werakay. This unclimbed giant looms above the path, which then descends into a valley leading to the last campsite before the summit. The campsite is marked by a large overhanging rock and has the local name of "Seeku." (B,L,D)


Day 6 - Papua New Guinea

 
Summit/Lake Piunde.
Hiking

Breaking camp and leaving before first light, it is an easy 20-minute trek to the end of the valley. From here we encounter a hard climb for the next 2 hours up the side of the main summit ridge. From this point it is only a 1/2 hour to the summit. Reaching the summit at about 7:00 am is the prime time as the mountaintops are usually clear at this time in the morning. The summit is marked by a rock cairn as well as a trigonometric marker. Time is allowed for photos and (weather conditions permitting) breathtakingly clear views of the North Coast, including Bagabag and volcanic Kar Kar Island. Leaving the summit, the traverse continues down the normal route, past the wreck of a WWII bomber and the twin glacial lakes of Aunde and Piunde, located at an elevation of 3,500 m. / 11,500 ft.

Camping

Your last night on the mountain is spent in a hut on the edge of Lake Piunde. Often, a pair of endangered Salvadori teals can be seen flying near the lakes or swimming on their sparkling waters. (B,L,D)


Day 7 - Mount Hagen

 
Keglsugl/Mt. Hagen.
Hiking

From Piunde, it is an easy 3-hour walk to the village of Keglsugl at a height of about 2,500 m. / 8,200 ft.

Private Jet

In Keglsugl, your charter aircraft awaits to take you on the short but stunning flight to Mt. Hagen.

Airport Transfer

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Relaxation

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Hotel

Overnight at the Rondon Ridge Hotel. (B,L,D)


Day 8 - Madang

 
Mt. Hagen/Madang/Malolo.
Private Jet

Today you leave Mt. Hagen and fly to Madang.

Hotel

Upon arrival in Madang, you will be met and transferred to the Malolo Plantation Lodge. The lodge is located approximately 45 kilometers from Madang and is situated on the coast, allowing for clear views of Bagabag Island (in the distance) and Kar Kar Island (in the foreground). Malolo Plantation Lodge offers a relaxed atmosphere in which to wind down from the trek.

Relaxation

Spend the rest of your day at leisure. (B,L,D)


Day 9 - Papua New Guinea

 
Optional
Adventure

Spend today enjoying any number of optional excursions, including day trekking, sea kayaking, village touring, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

Beach

If you prefer, take some time to relax on the beach or lounge around the pool. (B,L,D)


Day 10 - Port Moresby

 
Malolo/Madang/Port Moresby/Onward.
Private Jet

Leave Malolo Plantation Lodge for Madang airport, where a flight takes you to Port Moresby.

Sightseeing

During your layover enjoy a tour of Port Moresby and a buffet lunch.

Airport Transfer

Transfer for your onward flight. (An additional overnight in Port Moresby may be required, depending on flight schedules.) (B,L)


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