Trans-Papua Expedition

The first complete overland crossing of New Guinea.

23 days/22 nights ● from Jayapura/to Timika, Papua ● approx. 15 nights in tent ● min 5 pax/max 10 pax ● Level of difficulty: 5***** EXTREME

Off-road enthusiasts, extreme trekkers and fans of adventurous boat trips will be put to the test on this unprecedented journey. The expedition is absolutely unique – no one has ever done it before. Participants will tackle four different stages: an exciting off-road drive, followed by a relaxing yet fascinating stay in the Baliem Valley; then an extreme trekking tour that will push everyone to their limits, and finally a ride in motorized longboats through jungle rivers to reach the southern coast in the tribal area of the Asmat.

It’s impossible to give a precise day-by-day program for each stage, especially for the pioneering trek that descends through the southern foothills. The demands on participants are high – only those who are truly physically fit and well prepared should consider this expedition. However, for those who dare, this trip promises a once-in-a-lifetime adventure through the untamed heart of New Guinea.

The expedition is led by Dr. Werner Weiglein, a world-renowned expert on Papua. He has guided over 200 expeditions on the island of New Guinea since 1979, founded The Baliem Valley Resort in Wamena, and – with 35 overland expeditions to the Carstensz Pyramid (one of the Seven Summits) – holds a remarkable record for this peak.

If you are interested in this tour, please fill out the contact form or send your questions directly to: werner@papua-explorer.com

Price per person
from Jayapura/to Timika, Papua

USD 6.990 Price in EUR / IDR on request
  • 19.10.-10.11.2025
ENQUIRY
See all prices & conditions below

Day 1 to day 4: Jayapura to Wamena by 4×4
Off-road adventure

Arrival in Jayapura, transfer to a day-room at a local hotel for a bit of rest. Later we meet our local team for the first stage of our expedition: traveling by 4×4 from Jayapura up into the Baliem Valley, heading for Wamena. After decades of construction, the road was opened just a few years ago, and even today, some sections of the 350-kilometer route can only be traveled by off-road vehicles.

We stock up on supplies for about three days. Two tent camps are planned en route: one in the lowland jungle and another in the northern foothills. On Day 4, we arrive in Wamena in the Baliem Valley and check in at The Baliem Valley Resort. In our resort’s 25-year history, we’ll be the first guests ever to arrive by car.

Approx. 3 days of 4×4 drive. Dr. Weiglein as tour guide. Accommodation: First in tent, then in The Baliem Valley Resort. Meals: full board.

By 4x4 from Jayapura to Wamena - anything can happen
The Baliem Valley is situated in the central highlands of New Guinea

Day 5 to day 6: Baliem Valley
Discovering the Baliem Valley in excursions and with a pig festival

On one day we 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!

Dr. Weiglein as tour guide. Accommodation: The Baliem Valley Resort. Meals: full board.

During a pig festival
decorated dani man starting a fire
A Dani from the Baliem Valley starting a fire

Day 7 to day 15: Pioneer Trekking from Wamena to the Southern Foothills
The most demanding stage

We now begin the third and likely most exhausting leg of the expedition: trekking from Wamena along the eastern side of the Baliem River, all the way down to the southern foothills. This route is expected to push every participant to their limits, as parts of it have never been traversed by foreigners. The terrain varies greatly, from rugged highland paths near Wamena to dense lowland forests closer to Dekai, meaning you’ll face long days on foot, carrying gear and navigating challenging conditions. We plan to spend eight nights camping before reaching the newly established settlement of Dekai on Day 15, where we’ll stay in a local hotel.

Daily trekking. Dr. Weiglein as tour guide. Accommodation: tent, last night in hotel. Meals: full board.

Get ready for an exhausting yet beautiful trek
We will figure it out once we get there

Day 16 to day 21: By boat to the Asmat
The fourth and final stage – navigating the rivers of Asmat

In Dekai we meet our boat crew and complete any remaining preparations for the fourth and final stage of the expedition: a five-day journey through the expansive network of rivers in the Asmat region. Since the terrain here is largely swampy, boats serve as the primary mode of transport, and our experienced crew will ensure a safe and engaging voyage.
For the first two nights, we’ll stay in local houses. As we approach the coast, we’ll move to the traditional men’s houses of the Asmat tribe—renowned for their intricate woodcarving and vibrant cultural ceremonies. Here, we’ll witness fascinating dance performances accompanied by rhythmic drum music.
On Day 20, we arrive in Agats and settle into a local hotel, marking the end of this remarkable multi-stage adventure across Papua. After navigating challenging waterways and immersing ourselves in Asmat life, we can look forward to a well-earned rest at the journey’s conclusion.
On Day 21, we stay in Agats. A visit to the local museum is a must, and this “car-free” town offers plenty of fascinating corners and impressions.

5-6 hours by boat per day. Dr. Weiglein as tour guide. Accommodation: tent, last 2 nights in hotel. Meals: full board.

Traditional Asmat mask dance performed to chase away evil spirits

Day 22: Ewer – Timika
Arrival in Timika

After After breakfast we will be transferred by our boat crew to the airfield of Ewer from where we will take a plane to Timika. In Timika we check into our hotel and the rest of the day is at leisure. In the evening we have a farewell dinner.

Transportation: Flight time to Timika: 45 minutes. 30 minutes by boat. Dr. Weiglein as tour guide. Accommodation: Hotel Horison. Meals: full board.

Day 23: Departure from Timika Airport
End of tour

Time to say good-bye. In time for the departure of your next flight, you are transferred to Timika Airport.

Transportation: 15 minutes of drive. Meals: breakfast.

The rough routing: First in a 4x4, then on foot, and finally by boat

PRICE & CONDITIONS

Trans-Papua Expedition ● 23 days/22 nights ● Group Tour
Price per person from Jayapura/TO Timika, Papua
USD 6.990 Price in EUR / IDR on request
  • 19.10.-10.11.2025
+ USD 400 for single room/tent
ENQUIRY
INCLUDES
  • We personally guide this tour
  • Flight tickets Ewer- Timika
  • 3x nights in The Baliem Valley Resort
  • 1x night in local hotel in Dekai
  • 2x nights in local hotel in Agats
  • 1x night in Hotel Horison, Timika
  • approx. 15x nights in tent
  • Cook and porters during the trek
  • Equipment (tents, cooking, dishes etc)
  • All transfers
  • All entrance fees
  • Meals full board
  • Surat Jalan travel permit
DOES NOT INCLUDE
  • Flights to Jayapura/from Timika, Papua
  • Sleeping bag and mattress
  • Additional drinks and personal expenses
  • Costs for excess luggage
  • Costs for trip termination by own decision

Travelling to remote areas of Papua is difficult, the conditions are harsh, there is no comfort at all. If you can handle such conditions, you will enjoy this trip. If you have any doubts, ask us before you book it. We are happy to help!

For payment we accept USD, EUR, and IDR. Please let us know your preferred currency. We ask for a deposit of 15% of the tour price at the time of booking. The balance is due no later than 4 weeks before the start of the tour. Prices are subject to change. The final price will be quoted upon confirmation of the tour. Foreigners need a travel permit for Papua (“surat jalan”). We will take care of this permit before your arrival. For the permit we need a copy of your passports and passport photos. A list of equipment will be sent with the booking confirmation.

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