Papua: Dani tribes of the Baliem Valley
In the highlands of Papua, on the ancestral paths of the Dani warriors of the Baliem Valley
Duration
9 days
From
€1,875/pers.
Ideal seasons
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Style
Expeditions
Comfort
rustique
Travelers
Solo, With friends, Couple, groupe
The spirit of travel
This circuit offers you an exclusive meeting with the Dani, the main ethnic group of the highlands of Indonesian Papua, which concentrates around the Baliem Valley, located at nearly 2,000 m altitude, nestled in the mountain range that forms the backbone of the island of New Guinea.
Discovered for the first time in the late 1930s by an American expedition, the Baliem Valley is a land of warriors, the Dani and the Wali, who waged fierce wars with each other still some thirty years ago.
These populations have preserved many of their traditions, and traveling through this valley crossed by the Baliem River allows you to meet the Dani who live mainly from agriculture, to discover steep landscapes, where bridges are often suspended over raging waters, and to observe mummies several centuries old.
Unique and unforgettable meetings!
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Jayapura
Aéroport → Jayapura
After perhaps having had the chance to glimpse the Carstenz Peak and its last tropical glaciers, you land early in the morning in Jayapura
Welcome by your English-speaking guide and flight to Wamena, capital of the Baliem Valley. After settling into your hotel, you head towards the Napua hills, from where you will have an overview of the Baliem Valley.
You then continue towards the village of Wesaput, where you will have the opportunity to cross a traditional suspension bridge and several Dani villages. Return to Wamena late afternoon, stopping at the traditional market, a hub of economic and social life.
Baliem Gorges
Wamena → Sogokmo
Morning transfer to Sogokmo village, where you meet your porters and cook, who will accompany you throughout your trek.
Sogokmo → Kilise
Start of the trek towards the village of Kilise, which crosses beautiful cultivated gardens of yams and sweet potatoes. In the afternoon, meeting with villagers, who share their daily life.
Immersion among the Dani
Kilise → Wamerek
Early in the morning, you continue your trek towards the village of Wamerek, via Ibimora. The hike is a bit more challenging on a path that is sometimes narrow and slippery, but the surrounding nature is exceptionally beautiful and the smile of the locals, in traditional dress, will quickly make you forget these small difficulties.
Old suspension bridge
Wamerek → Wesagalep
Continuation of the trek towards Wesagalep. Today you will cross an old suspension bridge over the Baliem River. The path then leads you to the heights, from where superb panoramic views await you.
Across the fields
Pig Festival
Wuserem → Syokosimo
You continue your trek towards Syokosimo, which you reach before lunch time, along a path regularly used by the local people.
In the afternoon, you will have the great honor of attending a pig festival in the village of Sakugub.
Fabulous Lake Sentani
Transfer to the airport and flight to Jayapura.
You will then visit the monument dedicated to the victory of General Mac Arthur's troops at the end of the Second World War. You will also explore the surroundings of Lake Sentani, a wonder of Papua, by motorized canoe, before discovering the very interesting anthropology museum. If time permits, you will also immerse yourself in the heart of Hamadi market.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International & domestic flights
- Insurance & assistance
- Visas & possible airport taxes
- Beverages, Personal Expenses & Tips
- Everything that is not mentioned in "Inclusions"
Included
- English-speaking guide and team of porter(s)
- Private vehicle transfers with air conditioning
- Full board accommodations
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary above
- Pig Festival
- Site entries, trek permits & donations
- Mineral water and energy supplement during trekking days
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of the total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns tourists entering Indonesia. Entry requirements may change, and we recommend verifying the information with the official authorities of your country of residence and with the Indonesian embassy or consulate before your departure.
Passport
To enter Indonesia, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your entry date and must contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Depending on your nationality, you may be eligible for a visa exemption for tourist stays in Indonesia. Entry requirements vary by nationality and should be verified with the Indonesian embassy or consulate of your country of residence.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Formalities on arrival
Before your arrival, it is recommended to complete the online arrival declaration via the official Indonesian customs and immigration portal (e-CD, Electronic Customs Declaration).
This form allows you to transmit to the authorities certain information necessary for entry into the territory:
passport information
flight details and itinerary
address of first accommodation in Indonesia
declaration of goods and currency carried
A confirmation QR code may be requested when passing through customs and immigration controls.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Indonesia, except in case of transit through a country at risk of yellow fever, in which case an international vaccination certificate may be required.
As a precaution, it is advisable to consult a doctor or vaccination center before departure. Vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid and rabies are commonly recommended for stays in Indonesia. Antimalarial treatment may also be recommended depending on the regions visited (particularly outside Bali and major cities).
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to exit the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Entry requirements by nationality
Entry conditions vary depending on nationality. Travelers should consult the Indonesian embassy or consulate of their country of residence for specific requirements.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, find out about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the agreement detailing all coverage and the procedures for filing a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for reporting any claim. The participant must therefore keep this agreement with them for the entire duration of their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A Visa on Arrival (35 USD) is required upon arrival, valid for an initial stay and extendable once. You can also obtain an e-VOA online before departure. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Before booking, check the conditions applicable to your nationality with the consular authorities of your destination.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailored trip, plan between 140 and 230 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. The archipelago allows you to combine beaches, volcanoes, jungle and culture at attractive rates.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each circuit to the travelers' profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you get the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Papua Raja Ampat
Photographer of Indonesian volcanoes and trails, based in Yogyakarta
Before drawing up an itinerary, you have to observe, walk, listen to the locals and understand the place. Only then can an adventure trip remain authentic.
— Dominic
