Climb Mount Giluwe and Mount Wilhelm, 14 Days

Mount Giluwe stands in the Southern Highlands of Papua New Guinea. Its height is 4368 m. It is the second highest mountain in the country, the highest volcano in Oceania and one of the seven summits of the international Seven Volcanoes project.

Giluwe is an ancient volcanic massif with broad, heavily dissected terrain. There is no classic cone with dry scree slopes here. The approach goes through forest, wet high meadows, numerous streams and boggy ground, so the defining features of the route are water, mud, slippery going and a long physical effort.

The highland districts of Papua New Guinea are home to endemic orchids, birds of paradise and other local flora and fauna. Wildlife watching is not a guaranteed part of the trip, but the natural diversity of the region remains one of its important advantages.

The second objective of the expedition is Mount Wilhelm, 4509 m, the highest point of Papua New Guinea. Its route differs noticeably from Giluwe: after an approach through mountain forest the group spends the night beside high lakes and then climbs rocky terrain to the summit.

The expedition begins in Port Moresby. After the international flight, participants take a domestic flight to Mount Hagen, where the overland part of the trip starts. The domestic flight schedule and the permitted baggage weight must be agreed before tickets are bought, because a change to one flight affects the onward transfers and the mountain part of the journey.

The first altitude stage is an acclimatisation outing on Mount Hagen, 3789 m. It allows the pace of the group, the footwear, the clothing and the body’s response to altitude to be checked before the self-supported part of the route begins. In clear weather the upper part of the massif gives views over the highlands of Papua New Guinea.

Good physical condition helps you cope with long days on foot, but it does not replace a gradual gain in altitude.

The trek to the Giluwe camp takes about 7 to 9 hours. Even in a relatively dry period the track can stay waterlogged and boggy. This part of the route requires high rubber boots, trekking poles, waterproof clothing and watertight protection for your sleeping bag, dry clothes and electronics.

The ascent of Giluwe begins early in the morning. In favourable conditions the climb from camp to the summit takes about 3 hours, but the day does not end there: after the descent the group strikes camp and walks the whole route back out to the road. Participants therefore need to pace themselves with the long exit from the mountain area in mind.

After a rest the group travels to Mount Wilhelm. The approach to base camp goes through mountain forest to the lakes Piunde and Aunde. The summit start is before dawn and makes the second long day of the expedition. After the summit you have to descend first to base camp and then to the accommodation.

In clear weather the upper part of Wilhelm gives panoramas of the highland valleys and distant views towards the Bismarck Sea. An early start increases the chance of covering the upper part of the route before daytime cloud builds, but clear weather and visibility are not guaranteed.

In Papua New Guinea the group works with a local team that knows the highland roads, the Giluwe tracks and the Wilhelm route. In the confirmed Mountain Guide format the expedition is run by a Mountain Guide team leader who coordinates the guides, the porters and the overall tactics. In a small group the leader may be an experienced local guide. The make-up of the team and the language of accompaniment are confirmed before booking.

Reaching Giluwe or Wilhelm is not guaranteed. Poor visibility, heavy rain, wind, the state of the track, a delay to the group or a decline in how a participant feels can all be reasons to turn back. Insurance for climbers and high-altitude trekkers covering an ascent to at least 4509 m, search and rescue and emergency evacuation is compulsory for participation.

Participation by children and by accompanying travellers is considered individually. Physical preparation, experience of long days on foot, readiness for nights under canvas, response to altitude and the ability to follow the decisions of the group leader are all assessed.

Giluwe is the Australia and Oceania summit of the Seven Volcanoes of the World project, where a comparatively modest altitude does not make this tropical expedition a formality.

Day 1. Start of the international flight. Participants begin the international journey to Papua New Guinea independently. The exact routing depends on the airline and the transit airports chosen. Tickets must be agreed with Mountain Guide before purchase so that the arrival time fits the onward logistics of the trip.

Day 2. International flight. The flight and transit continue on the way to Port Moresby. Participants are themselves responsible for checking visa and transit requirements, baggage rules and the minimum connection times between flights.

Day 3. Arrival in Port Moresby, flight to Mount Hagen and transfer to the hotel. After arriving in Port Moresby, participants complete the entry formalities and change to the agreed domestic flight to Mount Hagen. Payment for the domestic flight depends on the fare chosen. A representative of the local team meets the group at Mount Hagen airport. The drive to the first mountain hotel takes about 45 minutes. After checking in, participants rest after the long journey, meet the expedition leader and prepare clothing and equipment for the acclimatisation day. Night in a hotel.

Day 4. Acclimatisation outing on Mount Hagen, 3789 m. After breakfast the group sets off on an acclimatisation route through tropical mountain forest. The purpose of the day is to gain height gradually, check how the participants feel and prepare the body for the two ascents that follow. The pace, the length and the turnaround point are set by the leader according to the weather and the state of the group. In favourable conditions the route continues towards the upper part of the Mount Hagen massif. After the descent we return to the hotel, rest and pack for the self-supported part of the route. Night in a hotel. Maximum altitude – up to 3789 m. Duration of the outing – about 5 to 6 hours.

Day 5. Transfer to Mailka village and trek to the Giluwe camp. After breakfast the group drives in 4WD vehicles to the village of Mailka. The drive takes about 1.5 hours. Local guides and porters join the group here, after which the walking part of the route begins. The track first runs through forest and then comes out onto open high meadows with streams and boggy sections. The state of the track depends on rainfall, so participants need high rubber boots, waterproof clothing and watertight packing for their belongings. The group moves at a steady pace, keeping strength for the following day. On arrival we settle into the tented camp, have dinner and prepare clothing and equipment for an early start. Night in tents. Length of the trek – about 7 to 9 hours.

Day 6. Ascent of Mount Giluwe, 4368 m, and return to the hotel. The wake-up call and the start on the route are planned for early morning, around 5:00. The exact time is set by the leader according to the weather, visibility, the state of the track and the pace of the group. In favourable conditions the climb from camp to the summit takes about 3 hours. The decision to continue or to turn back is taken by the leader. Reaching the summit is not guaranteed. After descending to camp the group has breakfast, packs and begins the long trek back to the road. The local team meets participants at the vehicles, after which there is a transfer to the hotel. This is one of the physically hardest days of the trip: after the summit outing the whole mountain area has to be walked out. Night in a hotel. Maximum altitude – 4368 m.

Day 7. Transfer to Mount Wilhelm and introduction to the region. After breakfast the group travels to the area at the foot of Mount Wilhelm. The road passes through the highland districts of the country and takes about 3 to 4 hours depending on its condition. On the way or after arrival there may be an agreed introduction to local settlements and traditions. What the cultural part contains depends on the availability of the local team and on the current situation. After checking in, participants rest after Giluwe and prepare their belongings for the trek to the Wilhelm base camp. Night in a hotel.

Day 8. Trek to the Mount Wilhelm base camp. After breakfast we begin the climb through mountain forest to the base camp beside the high lakes Piunde and Aunde. The group moves at a steady pace, continuing to adapt to altitude before the second ascent. On arrival we settle into the camp, rest and prepare clothing, sleeping bags and head torches for the night start. The leader gives a briefing and announces the provisional wake-up time. Night in camp. Sleeping altitude – about 3575 m.

Day 9. Ascent of Mount Wilhelm, 4509 m. The wake-up call, a light breakfast and the start on the route are planned for before dawn. The exact time is set by the leader according to the weather, the state of the track, the pace of the group and how the participants feel. The first part of the route is covered in darkness over rocky high-mountain terrain. The early start makes it possible to cover the main part of the climb before daytime cloud builds and, in clear weather, to see sunrise over the highlands. The decision to continue or to turn back is taken by the leader. After the summit, or the turnaround point, the group descends to base camp, stops to rest and eat, and then continues down to the accommodation. This is a long day that demands confident movement over uneven terrain and enough strength in reserve for the full descent. Night in a hotel. Maximum altitude – 4509 m.

Day 10. Reserve day or cultural activities. This day is provided as a reserve in case of unfavourable weather, a change in the condition of the route or a delay at an earlier stage of the expedition. If the reserve is not needed, there may be an agreed introduction to local villages and to the traditions of the region. What the cultural part contains depends on the availability of the local team and on the current situation. Participants rest after the two ascents and prepare to return to Port Moresby. Night in a hotel.

Day 11. Return to Mount Hagen and flight to Port Moresby. After breakfast the group drives to Mount Hagen airport. The road journey takes about 4 hours, although its length depends on the state of the road. Participants fly to Port Moresby on the agreed domestic flight. Payment for the flight depends on the fare chosen. On arrival there is a transfer to the hotel, check-in and rest. Night in a hotel.

Day 12. Rest and logistical reserve in Port Moresby. This day is provided for rest after the mountain part and as a logistical reserve before the international departure. Walking on your own in outlying districts of Port Moresby is not recommended. Excursions and trips around the city must be agreed with the local team in advance and made in organised transport. Night in a hotel.

Day 13. International departure or the start of an agreed extension. At the agreed time there is a transfer to Port Moresby airport. Participants check in themselves and begin the international flight home. The departure time from the hotel is set by the flight schedule and the time needed for the journey and check-in.

Day 14. Arrival home. The international flight continues and you arrive home according to the schedule of the flights chosen.

• An expedition leader – in the confirmed Mountain Guide format the group is accompanied by a Mountain Guide team leader who coordinates the local team; in a small group the leader may be an experienced local guide. The make-up of the team and the language of accompaniment are fixed before booking
• Local mountain guides who know the Giluwe and Wilhelm routes, and the porters provided for by the trip
• Group transfers and journeys along the route in Papua New Guinea
• Domestic flights Port Moresby – Mount Hagen – Port Moresby, only where a fare with flights included is chosen
• Permits, local fees, import taxes and compulsory payments provided for by the trip
• Accommodation in hotels, lodges and other confirmed places to stay according to the itinerary
• Breakfasts at places to stay that operate on a bed and breakfast basis
• Food, fuel and cooking equipment during the mountain part
• Tents and group camping equipment needed to complete the route
• Group medical equipment and first-aid consumables

• International flights to Port Moresby and back
• Domestic flights Port Moresby – Mount Hagen – Port Moresby where a fare without flights included is chosen
• Visa, entry documents, departure fees and compulsory medical documents
• Medical insurance covering a high-altitude ascent to 4509 m, search and rescue and emergency evacuation
• Individual clothing, footwear and personal trekking equipment
• A personal first-aid kit and individual medical supplies
• Food and drinks in hotels, restaurants and towns where these are not provided for by the trip
• Excess baggage on international and domestic flights
• Personal use of paid communications and communication equipment
• Tips for local guides, porters, drivers and support staff
• Costs arising if the trip is ended early or a participant leaves the group
• Additional costs caused by delayed or cancelled flights, unfavourable weather, changes in road conditions and other circumstances

Mountain Guide arranges bespoke expeditions to Giluwe and Wilhelm for families, groups of friends, climbing clubs and corporate teams. A private format lets you choose your dates without waiting for a group to fill, and agree in advance who accompanies you, the transport, the accommodation and the porters’ work.

The dates are chosen with regard to the season, the domestic flight schedule, the state of the mountain roads and the local team’s availability. If your group wants a Russian-speaking Mountain Guide leader, that is confirmed separately before booking. In a small group the leader may be a local guide.

The price of a bespoke expedition depends on the number of participants, the number of vehicles, guides and porters, the domestic air fares and the accommodation chosen. The smaller the group, the larger the share of the transport and staffing costs each participant carries.

An acclimatisation or reserve day can be added to a private trip, as can a confirmed onward journey after the mountain section. The walking stages and the time between the two climbs must not be cut at the expense of acclimatisation.

Whether a family can take part is assessed individually for each person. We consider fitness, experience of long walking days, tolerance of damp cold, willingness to sleep under canvas and how the person responds to altitude.

For companions who do not plan to climb one of the summits, a separate arrangement with the local team can be discussed. Whether that is possible depends on the accommodation, the transport and the staff available on your chosen dates.

For corporate groups the trip can be extended with agreed team activities and a cultural element. The group size is limited by the capacity of the transport and the camps, the number of porters and what can be safely supported.

In your message, tell us your preferred dates, who is coming, the participants’ ages and their previous mountain experience.

Start preparing your documents well in advance. The journey includes an international flight to Port Moresby and domestic flights between Port Moresby and Mount Hagen, so changing one segment can disrupt everything that follows.

According to the requirements of Papua New Guinea’s Immigration and Citizenship Authority, your passport must be valid for at least six months from your intended date of entry. To enter the country you need a visitor visa or an appropriate entry permit. How it is issued depends on your nationality.

Before arrival you must complete the PNG Digital Arrival Card. The digital arrival card is not a substitute for a visa or entry permit. Keep the confirmation on your phone and present it with your passport on arrival.

Mountain Guide does not arrange visas and does not sell air tickets. Check visa, transit and health requirements before you buy tickets, and again before you fly.

Documents

• A passport valid for at least six months from your intended date of entry into Papua New Guinea
• A visitor visa or another appropriate entry permit
• Confirmation that you have completed the PNG Digital Arrival Card
• International air tickets to Port Moresby and back
• Tickets or booking confirmation for the Port Moresby – Mount Hagen – Port Moresby domestic flights
• Medical insurance covering climbing to at least 4509 m, search and rescue and emergency evacuation
• Your insurer’s 24-hour contact details and your policy number
• Your booking confirmation for the trip and the organisers’ contact details
• Vaccination records, where the entry rules or a transit country require them
• A birth certificate and the necessary travel consent for a participant under 18, where these apply
• Digital copies of your passport, visa, tickets and insurance on your phone and in cloud storage
• Waterproof wallet for your passport, tickets and insurance policy

Before the trip, make sure the given name and surname on every ticket, on your visa and on your insurance policy match the spelling in your passport exactly. Carry your original documents and your PNG Digital Arrival Card confirmation in your hand luggage.

The best period for climbing Mount Giluwe and Mount Wilhelm is June to September. For Wilhelm these months are considered the best time to climb, though the dry season in the Papua New Guinea highlands is a relative thing.

The highlands receive rain all year round. According to Papua New Guinea’s Department of Foreign Affairs, a drier phase usually sets in around mid-year, but rain is possible in any month.

The route crosses several climate zones. The valleys and the montane forest are warm and humid, while the open high plateaux are markedly colder. At night the temperature in camp can approach 0 °C or fall below it; on the upper slopes there may be frost, strong wind, mist and occasional snow.

Even in the drier months the trail to Giluwe can remain boggy. Prolonged rain makes the ground slippery, slows the group and increases the risk of getting dangerously cold. Tall wellington boots, membrane clothing and waterproof packing for your sleeping bag and dry clothes are needed whatever the date.

On Wilhelm, a clear start to the night ascent can quickly give way to thick cloud, rain and poor visibility. The weather and the state of the roads affect not only whether the climb is possible but how long the road journeys take.

A reserve day allows the schedule to be changed, but it does not guarantee a second attempt. The decision to set out, to continue or to turn back rests with the expedition leader.

The standard trip involves 8 nights in hotels, lodges or other confirmed accommodation and 2 nights in mountain camps. The remaining nights are spent on international flights. The particular properties and room types are confirmed for your chosen dates.

The first night in camp comes on the Giluwe route, after a long approach across wet high-altitude grassland. The second is at the Wilhelm base camp, near the high lakes. You sleep in your own sleeping bag and use your own insulating mat.

The hotels and lodges are on a bed-and-breakfast basis. Lunches, dinners and drinks in the towns and at the accommodation are included only where the terms of the trip expressly say so.

On the mountain section the food, the fuel and the group cooking equipment are included in the price. The diet is simple and designed for sustained physical effort. The exact menu depends on what food can be obtained in remote areas.

Tell us about vegetarian meals, food allergies and medical restrictions before booking. The local team will do its best to accommodate a request, but the choice of food in the mountains is limited. We recommend bringing snacks you are used to for the long walking days and summit days.

Do not drink water from untested sources on your own initiative. On the route you must use water prepared or approved by the local team.

The trip runs in remote areas with limited infrastructure. Local four-wheel-drive vehicles are used for some of the journeys. The state of the mountain roads depends on the rain, so the transfers can take longer or less time than planned.

The town hotels have the usual facilities. In the mountain lodges the level of comfort is simpler, and constant hot water, electricity and reliable Wi-Fi are not guaranteed.

The mountain camps have no fixed shower, no continuous power supply and none of the toilet and washing facilities of a hotel. The toilet arrangements are basic. You need a head torch in good order for moving about at night.

Mobile signal and internet in the high country are unreliable or absent. Charge your phone, watch, camera and power bank at every opportunity. Take enough independent power with you for the mountain section.

Papua New Guinea uses type I sockets. The voltage is 220-240 V and the frequency 50 Hz. You need a suitable adapter.

There is no provision for regular laundry during the mountain section. Bring a supply of dry underwear, socks and gloves, along with dry bags to protect your clothing, sleeping bag and electronics.

For personal spending we recommend carrying a small amount of local currency, the kina. Do not count on being able to pay by card in the mountains.

In Port Moresby, do not walk around at night on your own or visit outlying districts without a local escort. Use the transport arranged for you and follow the advice of the team’s representative.

All waste from the mountain section must be collected and handed to the local team. Do not leave rubbish near the camps, the lakes, the huts or on the trail.

The route follows a wet and in places boggy trail, so dependable protection from water matters more than heavy technical equipment. A helmet, climbing harness, crampons and an ice axe are not on the basic personal list. If the local team requires additional equipment for your particular dates, Mountain Guide will tell you before the trip.

You bring all of your own personal equipment. Your choice of wellingtons, trekking footwear, sleeping bag and outer clothing must be agreed with the leader in advance.

Documents

• Passport
• A visa or entry permit for Papua New Guinea
• International and domestic air tickets
• Medical insurance
• Digital copies of your documents on your phone and in cloud storage
• Waterproof document wallet

Baggage and personal equipment

• A soft holdall or a sturdy rucksack for the baggage carried by a porter
• A 35-45 litre summit pack
• Waterproof rucksack cover
• Dry bags or heavy-duty liners for your sleeping bag, clothing and electronics
• Sleeping bag with a comfort rating no higher than -5 °C
• Insulated sleeping mat
• Folding trekking poles – 2
• Water containers holding about 3 litres in total
• Mug, spoon and bowl
• Light shoes or slippers for the hotels and camps
• Your own snacks for the long walking days and summit days

Clothing and footwear

• Tall wellington boots with a comfortable insole, for the boggy ground on Giluwe
• Waterproof trekking boots with a dependable sole, for the Wilhelm route
• Light spare footwear for the flights and the towns
• Quick-drying base layer, top and bottoms
• Quick-drying T-shirts
• A long-sleeved shirt or top
• Fleece jacket
• A warm jacket with synthetic or down insulation
• Waterproof shell jacket with a hood
• Waterproof shell trousers
• Quick-drying trekking trousers
• Thin working gloves
• Warm waterproof gloves
• Spare dry gloves
• Warm hat
• Buff or warm scarf
• Sun cap or brimmed hat
• Synthetic or wool trekking socks
• Long socks to wear with the wellingtons
• A spare set of dry underwear and socks
• Gaiters to protect your boots and the lower legs of your trousers
• Dry clothes for the hotels, lodges and flights

Useful extras

• LED head torch with at least 12 hours of battery life
• A spare set of batteries or cells for your torch
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Sun cream
• Lip balm with sun protection
• Power bank and the charging cables you need
• Adapter for type I sockets
• Small quick-drying towel
• Toiletries
• Toilet paper in a waterproof bag
• Wet wipes and hand sanitiser
• Insect repellent
• A personal first-aid kit suited to your own medical needs
• Elastic bandage or a personal support brace
• Blister prevention and treatment
• A small amount of cash in local currency

Before the trip we recommend reading our pieces on the personal first-aid kit in the mountains, on malaria prophylaxis and on choosing equipment for high-altitude climbs. Medical decisions should be taken with a doctor who knows the route and your state of health.