Day description
♦ Day 1: Arrival Wamena- Tour to Local Coffee Plantation and Villages
Upon arrival in Wamena our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to Baliem Pilamo hotel, the best hotel in town. Wamena town lies on approximately 1800m altitude, giving it a pleasant temperature.
Today we will visit a local market in town, a coffee plantation and the traditional villages of Suroba and Dugun which are majestically located bringing you to the breathtaking landscapes of the Papuan highlands. You will meet the friendly and fascinating people of the Dani tribes.
♦ Day 2: Trekking through Southern Baliem Traditional Villages
Today you will leave to Southern Baliem. This area has beautiful views and is surrounded by great mountains. You will cross over the rough Baliem River by suspension bridge and pass the gardens of the local people and we see their different vegetation. These gardens are sometimes build on very steep hills. The local people, whom you will have a chance to meet during the trek, are very friendly. They are often on their way to carry their harvest to the markets in Wamena town. There are no road systems and as some come from villages far away, they might have to walk for a couple of days to get to Wamena. It is very impressive to see how strong these people are.
♦ Day 3: Cultural Highlight of Traditional Mock War & Pig Feast
Today is a day full of culture. In Jiwika, a typical Dani village, you will see a well-preserved, over 250 years old mummy which is the pride of the village. He was the head warrior of his tribe and a very respected man. In a neighbouring village of Jiwika, you will witness the great traditions of the mock wars and the famous pig feast of the Dani tribes: Before the people in the Baliem Valley became in contact with the outside world, they often had to defend their territory against other villagers. It is very interesting to see how they prepared themselves to go on such wars. Today we will see their war dances and rituals in their beautiful local attires. You also see another cultural event that is still implemented nowadays during important celebrations like weddings or religious celebrations. This is the pig feast that we call 'Barapen'. It is a traditional way of preparing food by using hot burned stones in a pit in the ground. The meat and vegetables will steam there until they are cooked. A very tasteful meal which you might like to try as well.
♦ Day 4 & 5: Habema Lake Camp and Trek
After breakfast we will go by 4wheel drive jeep towards the Habema Lakes. One of the highest lakes in Indonesia on 3225 meters altitude. We will leave the valley behind and drive over winding roads, taking us through beautiful forests that look almost like a European forest in autumn. We will make several photo-stops to enjoy the beautiful views. After approx. 2 hours we reach the region of Habema. From here on the road becomes bad. We will find a suitable place to set up our camp. After lunch we have time to go for a walk. If the season is dry enough, we can walk all the way to the lakes. The area surrounding you is spectacular and when night falls and the sky is clear, you will be accompanied by a thousand stars. A campfire will be set up to keep you warm. In the morning you will witness a stunning sunrise. After breakfast we will drive to the other side of the lakes to enjoy some fine views of savannahs like landscapes. In the afternoon we will be back in Wamena.
♦ Day 6: Transfer to Airport
