The impressive Kotilola cave and the Meagaima mummy.
After breakfast, we drive to the famous Kotilola Cave, renowned for its gigantic stalactites and stalagmites. Parts of the cave have collapsed over time, allowing sunlight to enter and lush vegetation to flourish inside. Equipped with torches, we venture deeper into the cave until reaching an underground river. The cave is also home to numerous bats, adding to its wild atmosphere.
Afterwards, we continue along the Baliem River to a small village. Here, we cross the river one by one in a traditional canoe. On the opposite bank, we visit the remote village of Meagaima, where one of the very rare chief’s mummies is preserved. Due to its isolated location, this mummy is seldom visited. There will also be time to relax briefly in a local hut and experience village life.
From Meagaima, we enjoy a scenic walk through the Dani gardens. After approximately two hours, we reach a suspension bridge that brings us back across the river, where our vehicle awaits.
Day 3: Baliem Valley
Easy hiking in the southern Baliem Valley and encounter with the Dani people.
Today we explore the southern Baliem Valley. Our easy hike begins in the village of Sogogmo, from where we follow the mighty Baliem River. Along the way, we cross suspension bridges and pass through traditional Dani settlements, meeting local villagers and observing daily life as they work in their terraced gardens and wild sugar cane groves.
At midday, we enjoy a picnic lunch with magnificent views over the river and the narrow valley below. We then continue our walk along the opposite side of the river, passing more Dani fields and villages, before reuniting with our driver. In the late afternoon, we return to the Resort.
Transportation: 2 hours of drive. 4 hours hiking. With local guide. Accommodation: The Baliem Valley Resort. Meals: full board.
Day 4: Baliem Valley
Hike to a Dani saltwater spring and visit of the famous Jiwika Mummy.
Today we drive to the village of Jiwika, where we are welcomed by Dani women of the Dugum clan who accompany us to their traditional saltwater spring. Together, we hike through a lush, almost fairy-tale-like mountain rainforest until we reach the hidden spring. Here, the women demonstrate the ancient techniques of salt extraction that have been passed down through generations.
Afterwards, we enjoy a picnic before returning to the village. In Jiwika, we visit the approximately 300-year-old mummy of a former clan chief, preserved in the men’s house and still adorned with its traditional godeka and hair ornaments. Such mummies are extremely rare and seldom accessible, making this a truly special experience. In the afternoon, we return to the Resort.
Transportation: 2 hours of drive. 2 to 3 hours mountain hiking. With local guide. Accommodation: The Baliem Valley Resort. Meals: full board.
Day 5: Baliem Valley
Excursion to Lake Habbema, the highest lake in all of Indonesia.
After an early breakfast, we drive to Lake Habbema. As we ascend, the savannah-like landscapes of the Baliem Valley gradually give way to dense mountain rainforest, where giant tree ferns and screw pines tower above us, draped in moss, lichens and climbing plants.
At 3,200 metres above sea level, Lake Habbema lies on an expansive high-altitude moorland, surrounded by enchanting meadows of dwarf cypresses, rhododendrons and numerous orchid species – a truly unique alpine ecosystem. The lake also holds historical significance, as early explorers used it as a landing site for seaplanes before trekking into the Baliem Valley.
We enjoy a picnic by the lakeshore and, weather permitting, admire spectacular views of Mount Trikora. Afterwards, we take a leisurely walk along the lake, with the option for a refreshing (and very cold) swim. In the afternoon, we return to the Resort.
Transportation: 5 hours of drive. 1-2 hours walking. With local guide. Accommodation: The Baliem Valley Resort. Meals: full board.
Day 6: Baliem Valley
Hike to the Sekan mountain and through remote Dani villages.
In the morning, we set out on a hike to the summit of the nearby Sekan mountain range (approx. 2,400 metres). The upper slopes are marked by impressive rock formations, and from the ridge we enjoy spectacular panoramic views over the southern Baliem Valley and the remote Siepkosi Valley on the other side.
Descending toward the valley, we hike through a scenic side valley back toward the Resort, passing traditional Dani villages and cultivated fields along the way. Here, we join local villagers in harvesting Buah Merah, a prized delicacy from the pandanus tree. We remain in the village for lunch and taste the freshly prepared Buah Merah.
Our walk continues through beautiful and diverse vegetation, including orchids, carnivorous plants, mosses, lichens, tree ferns and pine trees. In the late afternoon, we return to the Resort.
3- 4 hours hiking (+400m). A day without car. With local guide. Accommodation: The Baliem Valley Resort. Meals: full board.
Day 7: Baliem Valley
Traditional pig festival, an unforgettable experience
Today is a very special day! After breakfast, we get ready to participate in a pig feast which takes place in a traditional Dani village. Many decorated people from the Dani tribe take part in the festival. Such pig feasts with hot stones and earth pits are probably the most interesting part of a trip to New Guinea. It is difficult to describe what exactly is so unique about these festivals because there is just too much happening at once. You have to see and experience it yourself. For lunch, there is a picnic, but you can also eat the food from the traditional earth pit if you like. The freshly cooked pork and sweet potatoes are delicious! In the late afternoon, we return to the Resort.
The pig festival takes place in changing villages. Precise information on travel times cannot be provided. 1 hour walking. With local guide. Accommodation: The Baliem Valley Resort. Meals: full board.
Day 8: Baliem Valley – Wamena Airport
Last day in the Baliem Valley and transfer to Wamena airport. After breakfast, you are transferred to Wamena airport for your onward flight.
Transportation. 45 minutes of drive. Meals: breakfast.
1990 €, 8 Days
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