Papua: Immersion with the Yali
In the heart of the Papuan highlands, an exclusive encounter with the Yali people at 2000 meters altitude.
Duration
8 days
From
€3,075/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Expeditions
Comfort
rustique
Travelers
Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
This tour offers you an exclusive encounter with one of the main ethnic groups of the highlands of Indonesian Papua, which are concentrated around the Baliem Valley, situated at nearly 2,000 m altitude, nestled in the mountain range that forms the backbone of the island of New Guinea.
You will indeed need to board a Pilatus Porter from Catholic missions to reach the territories of the Yali, a "pygmy" ethnic group whose subsistence is ensured by yabuk, farming areas from which they derive most of their food. The main distinctive feature of the Yali is their clothing, where the sum (a carrying net made from spun bark fibers) is added to the penis sheath and loincloth. It is used in particular to carry harvest products and babies.
Prepare yourself, in any case, for a journey "out of time"!
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Indonesian Papua
Aéroport → Wamena
Airport pickup in Jayapura by your English-speaking guide and flight to Wamena, the capital of the Baliem Valley.
After checking in at your hotel, you have the afternoon to discover the northern part of the valley, including the traditional villages of the Dani tribes.
Back in Wamena, you also get to explore its traditional market.
Towards Yali Country
Wamena → Kosarek
Early in the morning, charter flight (missionary plane) to Kosarek, in Yali country (or Yalemo). Installation in the mission offices.
In the afternoon, first exploration of community life, around the village. Hiking, in particular, to the village of Wesaltek. The path is quite steep and slippery, but the viewpoint from the village is extraordinary.
1 hour of hiking.
Immersion
Kosarek → Serkasi
This morning, you begin a hike of approximately two hours towards Nohomas village, through steep sweet potato gardens and beautiful landscapes. Nohomas is the largest village in the region. Its traditional houses are built on a mountain ridge, in order to easily detect the arrival of the enemy. You take the opportunity to interact with the locals, who are delighted to describe their customs and traditions to you further.
You then continue your hike towards Uldam village. The trail remains steep and crosses superb Yali gardens. Arrival at the village in late morning and settlement in the village church.
In the afternoon, you share the life of the villagers.
Hiking: 3h30
On the Heights
Serkasi → Telambela
You continue your trek towards one of the surrounding peaks (Mt Jenggu), from which the panorama over the entire region is superb. You then head towards Hombug village, through the highland forest.
Hiking: 4-5 hours
Pig Festival
After a full day of hiking yesterday, you are happy to relax today, warmly surrounded by locals who offer you a traditional ceremony, during which a pig is sacrificed once again.
This shows that, in each region of the Papuan highlands, the pig is an important and sacred animal, a source of life and wealth.
Return to Kosarek
Telambela → Membaham
You head back towards Kosarek today.
Hiking: 5-6h
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 flights and other domestic flights
- Insurance & Assistance
- Visas & possible airport taxes
- Beverages, Personal Expenses & Tips
- Everything that is not mentioned in "Inclusions"
Included
- English-speaking local guide, specialist in Papuan peoples
- Team of porters and cook
- Jayapura - Wamena round-trip flight
- Charter flight Wamena - Kosarek round trip (operated by a missionary airline)
- Land transfers in private vehicle (and sometimes air-conditioned)
- Full-board accommodation
- Site entries & trekking permits
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
