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Overview

Papua New Guinea Tribes and Tribulations
Papua New Guinea
May 1 - 7, 2026
John Ward image
John Ward
$5,499
Deposit: $550

About your trip

Join my Papua New Guinea tour in 2026 (THIS TRIP IS ONCE AND ONCE ONLY!)


I’m running my epic group trip to one of the most unspoiled and remote destinations in the world – Papua New Guinea – in 2026. 


This is going to be an adventure like no other, so get ready for cultural immersion, stunning landscapes, and adrenaline-packed moments you’ll never forget. If you’re up for the challenge, join me.

What we'll be doing in PNG

Nurku Dust shakers, the Asaro mudmen tribe and the epic Skeleton Tribes....


For those who’ve joined me on past tours to places like Socotra, Yemen, Syria, or Afghanistan, you know how I roll. I’m all about adventure, exploring the unknown, and diving deep into some of the most fascinating cultures in the world. And Papua New Guinea is no different. 


You’ll be meeting indigenous tribes, exploring lush rainforests, and experiencing life in a way that you can’t get anywhere else. It’s a real travel challenge and one for the true explorers. So, come with me.

What's included

2 domestic flights

Normal tours don't include this, hence why this one is pricier.

All transport

Including airport transfers in Port Moresby

All accommodation

4*/5* in the capital, and eco lodges in the mountains

Food

Daily breakfasts, and 3 lunches

All activities

And all entrance fees

Local guide

Western Guide

(me!)

Cultural Experiences

Sing-sings, tribal events, and dances

What's not included

International airfare

You have to get to Port Moresby yourself (normally via Australia or New Zealand or Singapore))

Travel insurance

Mandatory

Tips

$50-$100

Booze

Bring something nice eh?!

Dinners

And some lunches. Factor $10-$20 per meal (can be weirdly expensive here to be honest)

DAY 1

DAY 1 image

Arrival in Port Moresby

Arrive in the bustling capital, Port Moresby. After checking into your accommodation, we’ll kick things off with a briefing about the adventure ahead. 


Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner and drinks at a local restaurant, where you’ll meet fellow travelers who are ready to dive into the wild and exciting journey through Papua New Guinea.

DAY 2: Head to the Highl

DAY 2: Head to the Highl image

Head to the Highlands. Port Moresby to Goroko.


We start the journey early with a morning flight to Goroka, located in the scenic Highlands region. Upon arrival, we’ll be transferred to the Asaro Eco Lodge. After check-in and lunch, we’ll head straight into the heart of village life. 


Visit Gurupoka village and explore their vegetable gardens, pig pens, and an old traditional house, where you’ll witness the fascinating Widow Ceremony. Then, head to Gimesave Village, surrounded by coffee plantations, where you’ll enjoy the Arunuma dancers and witness the legendary Burning Heads ritual.


Return to the Eco Lodge in the evening for a chance to relax, or take a walk down to the creek that feeds off a waterfall in the surrounding mountains. Dinner and overnight stay at Asaro Mudmen Eco Lodge.

Day 3

Day 3 image

Mudmen Tribe

After breakfast, we’ll take a short and easy 30-minute walk up to Mount Gurupoka. Here, you’ll experience a fascinating ceremony and ghost walk with the Asaro Mudmen. You’ll also visit the old sacrifice cave and see the cross on top of the sacred Gurupoka Mountain.


Return to the village square and witness the Asaro Mudmen’s eerie dance performances, including their victory dance, known as Mokomoko. After lunch, we’ll board our bus and travel by land to the Skeleton Tribe Village, where you’ll discover the unique traditions of this enigmatic group.


Dinner and overnight stay at Asaro Eco Lodge.

Day 4

Day 4 image

Skeleton Tribe village

After breakfast, enjoy a short walk to a secret cave, where we’ll watch a dramatic performance by the Skeleton Tribe. The performance takes place in the mystical cave where the legend of the Skeleton Tribe originated. Afterward, witness the Nurku Dust Shakers, known for their captivating dances and rituals.


In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Insect Hunters, who will introduce you to their fascinating tradition of hunting and harvesting insects. To round off the day, enjoy some live string band music and traditional song and dance performances.


Dinner and overnight stay at Skeleton Eco Lodge.

Day 5

Day 5 image

Trekking in the Jungle; Skeleton Tribe Village to Mt. Hagen

Bid farewell to your hosts and board the bus for the scenic journey to Mt. Hagen. Upon arrival, check into your hotel, then head out for a visit to the Kuk UNESCO Agricultural Site. This ancient archaeological site includes a walk through vegetable gardens and traditional grass huts.


Later, experience a lively Singsing Festival, where various tribes come together to showcase their traditional songs, dances, and costumes. Don’t miss the chance to taste Mumu, a traditional method of cooking food with stones and leaves.


Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 6

Day 6 image

Back to Port Moresby, city tour

After breakfast, depart for the Mt. Hagen Airport for your flight back to Port Moresby. Once you arrive, your hotel shuttle will pick you up and take you to your hotel for check-in and lunch.


In the afternoon, we’ll visit the National Museum and Art Gallery, the National Parliament House, and take a scenic drive around Paga Ring Road, where you’ll see landmarks such as the APEC House and Ela Beach.


Return to the hotel for a relaxing evening and overnight stay.

Day 7

Day 7 image

We survived, home time (or extend to Nauru and Tuvalu)

We say goodbye to one of the most dangerous countries in the world. From here, you can either go home. Or you can extend your trip with me. We're off to the 2 least visited countries in the world -  Nauru and Tuvalu.

About your organizer

JW
John Ward
Irish blogger @ onestep4ward.com. Every country in the world, 7 summits, North and South Pole. Now helping some crazy friends go to places they probably shouldn't.

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© 2026 John Ward