MOUNT WILHELM CLIMB Monday 10Th to Friday 14Th August 2015
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MOUNT WILHELM CLIMB Monday 10th to Friday 14th August 2015 4509 meters (14793 feet) 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. 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 Celsius and taking in the wind chill factor it can get down to –15 degrees Celsius. Accommodation at Betty Lodge is clean and rustic. The accommodation at Base Camp is very, very basic. It’s 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. It is not advised to climb the mountain during the wet season. The best months to climb is from April to November. International travelers may require accommodation in Port Moresby either side of the package. PNG Trekking Adventures can book this for you. POA Mt Wilhelm Tour Inclusions: Experienced PNG Guide-Peter Doe Personal Porters Group porters Road transfers (Mt Hagen – Mt Wilhelm – Mt Hagen) 2 night’s accommodation and meals at Mt Wilhelm Lodge Shared/dormitory accommodation 1 night’s accommodation and meals at Base Camp –Very Basic dormitory accommodation Base Camp Fees Track Fees Airport Transfers Mt Wilhelm Tour Exclusions: International and domestic flights. (please book domestic airfares at same time as booking international airfares as per itinerary below) Passport & Visa costs. Travel Insurance. Mt Hagen Shown Tour Inclusions: Escort at Show 3 nights’ accommodation Mt Hagen –Breakfast Included (Twin Share) 2 days VIP show tickets (Mt Hagen) Daily transfers to Show All airport transfers Mt Hagen Show Tour Exclusions: Services of a personal nature such as meals, beverage, laundry charges, phone and fax bills. COST: AUS$3650.00 per person Bookings of 6 pax or more required before expedition will depart. Full payment must be paid at time of booking to secure and confirm place on any of our expeditions. Internet Transfer, P Christie is acceptable. Transfer to: National Australia Bank, 719 Albany Creek Road, Albany Creek, Qld, 4035, Australia Bank BSB# 084 102 ACC# 58310 3676. (National Bank Swift Code NATA AU 3302 S) Please identify on deposit whom payment is from. Itinerary: Day 1: Monday 10th August Arrive Port Moresby On arrival at Port Moresby Hotel Courtesy Coach will transfer group to Hotel. Accommodation: Hotel (PNG Trekking Adventures can book if required) Day 2: Tuesday 11th August POM – Mt Hagen PX180 8:00 – 09:10 Mt Hagen – Kegsugel Ground Transport Early morning transfer to Domestic Airport by hotel courtesy Coach On arrival at Mt Hagen, group will be met by our PNG representative and transported to Mt Wilhelm Lodge, which will take us to the Lodge at Kegsugel which is where accommodation is for tonight. The drive is 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. 5-6 hour drive depending on conditions. Accommodation: Lodge (Meals B/L/D) Day 3: Wednesday 12th August Lodge – Base Camp 3-4 hr leisurely hike After a leisurely breakfast this morning group starts walking up to Base Camp. Taking time to acclimatise enjoy 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. Accommodation: Base Camp Hut (Meals B/L/D) Base Camp Day 4: Thursday 13th August Summit Mt Wilhelm-Descend to Lodge approx 13-14hrs A long day ahead of the group, after retiring early to bed the previous night, group will rise at mid night; have a cup of tea/coffee and light breakfast. Pack up gear which will be left in the hut. Start climbing Mt Wilhelm no later than 1am, should be peaking close to or just after sunrise. Take lots of breaks and climb at a steady pace to assist in acclimatisation. On reaching the summit make sure to take plenty of photos and absorb the views before beginning the long descent back to the Lodge. Stopping at Base Camp for a short period to have a hot drink and something to eat and then head down the hill back to the Lodge. This is an extremely long, hard physical day. Please do not underestimate how hard this day is going to be. Accommodation: Lodge (Meals B/LD) Mt Wilhelm Summit Day 5: Friday 14th August Lodge – Mt Hagen POM An early start this morning to return to Mount Hagen. Accommodation: Hotel (B) OR An early start this morning to connect with domestic flight back to Port Moresby Mt Hagen-POM PX187 17:20-18:20 MOUNT HAGEN SHOW Saturday 15th to Sunday 16th August Day 6: Saturday 15th August Mt Hagen Show Today Betty Higgins your escort for the show will pick you up and transfer you to the show. The 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 2015, 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 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. Accommodation: Hotel (B) Day 7: Sunday 16th August Mt Hagen Show Today Betty Higgins your escort for the show will pick you up and transfer you to the show. Day spent at the show. Accommodation: Hotel (B) Day 8: Monday 17th August Mt Hagen –POM PX181 09:30 – 10:30 Connect with flight back to Port Moresby. Transfer to International Airport and commence journey home. (B) (If accommodation required PNG Trekking Adventures can book this) .