Full Kokoda Track Historical Trek

$3,130 pp

  • Duration

    11 days
  • Bookable From

    April - October
  • Trip Style

    Privately Guided
  • Country

    Papua New Guinea
  • Physical Rating

    Strenuous

Overview

Embark on a challenging journey as you trek the full Kokoda Track, uncovering its historical WWII significance & rewarding landscapes.

Our 9-day trek along the entirety of the Kokoda Track is designed to provide guests with an opportunity to experience and learn about the historical significance of the land while also gaining the personal satisfaction of completing this challenging trail. Our goal is for all trekkers to safely complete their trek, and have some fun while doing so!

This trek is longer and more strenuous than our shorter sister trip. If you prefer a slightly less strenuous trek with much more cultural interaction, stories, and demonstrations, check out our related trip.

Highlights

  • Enjoy a scenic flight over the brilliant green canopy to the start of the trek
  • Relish the personal & shared thrill of conquering this difficult 60-mile trek
  • Delve into global history by retracing the steps of American, Japanese, & Australian soldiers
  • Soak in breath-taking sceneries as you traverse steep ascents, ridges, mountains, & creeks
  • Uncover the local culture & traditions of the villages that we visit and stay in
  • Immerse yourself in Kokoda Track life by staying overnight in village huts & savoring local cuisine
  • Connect with your porter who will ensure your safety along the trail
  • Marvel at indigenous flora and fauna, including stunning Birds of Paradise & magnificent butterflies
  • Make a positive impact on the people & communities along the Kokoda Track

About the Kokoda Track:

The trail runs through dense jungle and rugged terrain, spanning approximately 60 miles (96 km) across the Owen Stanley Range in Papua New Guinea. In 1942, this vital supply route was the site of battles between the Japanese and Australian forces. Australian forces protecting the trail, with the help of local Papua New Guineans, essentially staved off threats towards Australia. This challenging trek today uniquely draws history buffs and walking enthusiasts who appreciate knowing, on a deeper level, the culture and stories of the land they are walking on.

As leaders of this Kokoda Track tour, we consider ourselves first and foremost a community-focused organization. Our mission is threefold:

1. To provide trekkers with a challenging, life-changing experience on the Kokoda Track, while offering them an opportunity to hear the voice and stories of the local people, as told by the people of the Kokoda Track.

2. Take hikers beyond the trail, by offering opportunities to hear the voices and stories of the local people, as told by the people of the Kokoda Track. Trekkers will see firsthand what life is like in our villages.

3. Break the cycle of poverty that has existed here for decades by providing a more equitable employment experience for our porters and guides. We believe that providing more personal, immersive time in our home provides a truly unique experience that is also more sustainable.

As the only indigenous company offering Kokoda Track tours, our close relationships with the local people living near the trail have been built over many years of guiding trekkers to these communities. Our authentic connections are also what enable us to provide a special, non-cookie-cutter experience for all our guests.

Seasonal Notes

Papua New Guinea is a tropical rainforest with warm, and sometimes very rainy, weather conditions and two distinct seasons: wet and dry. Rain patterns along the Kokoda Track significantly influence the tourism seasons. We are very flexible with start dates so please contact us if you are interested in a particular month as some tend to be busier than others.

  • June to August: The dry season offers stable and rain-free conditions, attracting the majority of hikers and tourists. July and August in particular are the busiest times to be on the trail. The temperatures are pleasantly warm, ranging from 59°F to 82°F (15°C to 28°C), and evenings are cooler yet mild, as temperatures drop at higher altitudes. It's an excellent time for trekking as conditions are relatively predictable.
  • April to May & September to Mid-October: These transition months are considered the off-season, though the trail is still viable. The track will be less crowded with other trekkers. You may encounter occasional rain showers and increased humidity, so be prepared for insect activity.

The best time to go depends on what you are looking for and your comfort level regarding the weather and sharing the trail.

Itinerary

Day 1 Port Moresby [Papua New Guinea] (arrival day)

Upon your arrival at Jacksons International Airport, you will be met by one of our representatives who will ensure your transfer to the hotel where you and your fellow trekkers will spend the night (in a little bit of luxury) before heading out in the early morning.

There will be a pre-trek gathering in the evening where you will have the opportunity to meet your fellow trekkers, the group leaders, and some of the porters and have a group dinner together. After the meal, you will be briefed about the challenge you are about to embark on, and this is where we will gather and record your insurance information and other paperwork necessary for the trip that we have not yet received.

After the briefing, you (should) head to bed early and enjoy your hotel room and bed as it is fair to say that the next few days may be a little less comfortable.

  • Accommodation: Local hotel in Port Moresby

Day 2 Port Moresby - Kokoda Village - Deniki Campsite

We take an early morning chartered, scenic flight over the valleys and ridges of the jungle to Kokoda Village. There, we will meet our porters and guides for our trip. Once the group is ready, we will set off from Kokoda to Deniki. Along the way, you will pass by lush foliage, rubber plantations, butterflies, and memorials. There will be a short briefing by your trek leader about the war efforts and about the war markers that you will see along the way. We now begin our climb over the infamous Owen Stanley Range, a rugged, famous mountain range used by Australian and American forces during World War II. We continue, heading for Deniki, where we will spend our first night.

  • Accommodation: Village Hut
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 Deniki - Isurava Village - Alola Village

Today we continue on to Isurava Village. We trek to the Isurava Memorial which was opened on the 60th anniversary of the battle and stop for a rest. Make sure you take in the views from almost every angle and take in the stillness and quiet of the jungle. We push on and trek to Alola Village, making sure to look back to admire the spectacular views of the spectacular ridges of Kokoda Valley.

  • Accommodation: Village Hut
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Alola Village - Templeton's Crossing

Today we trek to Iora Creek. Weapons pits are visible as are the towering trees and plants that are indigenous to this area. Listen carefully as you hike and make sure you glance up to the treetops occasionally where a Bird of Paradise, a colorful native bird, might be visible. We continue our trek to Templeton’s Crossing campsite where we stop for the night. This location was a critical point where battles took place during World War II, hence its historical significance in the Kokoda Campaign.

  • Accommodation: Village Hut
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Templeton's Crossing - Efogi Village

This morning, we depart the campsite to make the climb to Kokoda Gap and enjoy the spectacular views back down beyond the Kokoda Plateau, continuing the climb to Mt. Bellamy. This is the highest point of the Track and is definitely worthy of a photo or two! After this, we enter the moss forest and continue through to the Tovovo Lookout, with views of Naduri, Efogi, and Brigade Hill.

The trek continues down to Naduri Village where we continue and follow the track down the steep path to Evoge Creek. We make the steep climb up the other side and journey on to Launumu Village. From there, we trek down and cross Kavae Creek and walk on to Efogi Village. This is the largest village on the Kokoda Track with a museum, first aid post, and a landing strip. We will take some time to explore the village and meet some of the friendly local people who welcome us to their homes. Efogi Village, commonly viewed as the central, midpoint of the overall Kokoda Track, is our stopping place for the night.

  • Accommodation: Village Hut
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Efogi Village - Menari Village

Today we climb Brigade Hill. Once at the top, we take a few moments to quietly reflect on the legacy that your porter carries with him, the legacy the porters all carry - the bravery and sacrifice made by their forefathers to support the Australian soldiers in their defense of the track where we now walk.

We now follow the Track down the ridge to the Vabiavi River and then make the climb up to the village of Menari. Menari is a large village where we will spend some time getting to know the local people. We'll also take a swim in a slow-moving river/creek as our reward for our hard work. If we are lucky, the children might further reward our trekking efforts with a sing-sing, a beautiful performance that you will likely remember for many years to come.

  • Accommodation: Village Hut
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 Menari Village - Naoro Village

Today we climb to the crest of Ladavi Saddle to the Menari Gap, the sight of intense fighting during the war. We cross the Naoro River and continue on to Naoro Village where we will be overnighting.

  • Accommodation: Village Hut
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 Naoro Village - Ioribaiwa Village

Today we climb the Maguli Range to the top at Mogolonumu then we follow the Track south. We follow the Track down to Ofi Creek where we then make the steep climb to Ioribaiwa Ridge. We make our way down to Ioribaiwa Village where we stop for the night to give our legs a much-needed rest.

  • Accommodation: Village Hut
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 Ioribaiwa Village - Goldie River

Today we walk down to Va’ule and climb Imita Ridge. We will descend to the area of the ‘Golden Staircase’, a famous section of the Kokoda Track where intense fighting took place during World War II. We continue to trek down passing Good Water Campsite and continue through the abandoned village of Uberi to Goldie River, our stopping place for the night.

  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 Goldie River - Owers' Corner

Today is our last climb on the Kokoda Track. We make the final push from Goldie River to Owers’ Corner, so make sure you are warmed up properly and mentally ready for the final push. Enjoy the final physical exertion as it will be over before you know it.

At Owers’ Corner, our vehicle will be waiting and will take us back to Port Moresby. However, before we go back to the hotel, and with time permitting, we will make a stop or two to showcase additional highlights of the area.

For those departing Papua New Guinea right after the trek, this will provide you with what might be your last opportunity to experience a local business that directly supports the local community. Once at the hotel, after a hot shower and a meal, you have free time to take a cab to see some of the city or you are welcome to stay at the hotel for some (well-deserved) relaxation time. There is no scheduled dinner however, an optional goodbye dinner with your fellow trekkers would be a fitting way to end your epic journey.

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 Port Moresby (departure day)

You are free to depart anytime. We look forward to seeing you again in Papua New Guinea!

Customization

We are happy to shorten or lengthen the duration depending on our guests’ physical fitness. While we do strongly recommend proper training, if a group would like to lengthen the trip to lessen the difficulty, we can try to arrange it. Most people, however, find the 11-day trek quite manageable.

We understand that some of our guests may prefer to keep the trek as a private group and we are happy to do this. We would have to slightly modify the arrival at Kokoda Village if the group is under 3 people however the trek itself remains the same.

Route Map

The route map of the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea is shown, with Kokoda to the north and Port Moresby in the south, with all the main stops in between.

Inclusions & Exclusions

  • 2 nights' accommodation in a hotel in Port Moresby (pre & post-trek)

  • 7 nights' accommodation in village huts

  • 1-night accommodation in a tent

  • Breakfast, lunch, & dinner where mentioned

  • Airport transfers

  • Charter flight to Kokoda Village

  • Transfer from Owers' Corner to Port Moresby

  • Porters’ wages & guides wages

  • All Kokoda Track fees

  • All activities and demonstrations

  • Flights to/from Papua New Guinea

  • Snacks while on the tour

  • Visa fees

  • Travel Insurance

  • Any vaccination or malaria medication required

  • Medical insurance and evacuation insurance

  • Porters' and guides' tips

  • Tipping for any cultural demonstrations

Pricing

Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.

Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.

  • Deposit per person

    20% of the trip price

  • Shared Room - sleeps 2 - price per person

    $3,130

Sustainability

Our organization was built on the premise that keeping as much of the tourism dollar in Papua New Guinea and in particular, on the Kokoda Track, would offer the best way for the communities along the track to finally benefit from tourism. We believe that supporting our porters and guides by providing a more equitable employment experience offers the best way for economic growth to occur on the Kokoda Track. More money put directly into our guides and porters means they are better able to take care of their families and educate their children.

We prioritize collaboration with local enterprises at every opportunity. Our website developer operates from Papua New Guinea, our banking services are local, and our coffee production, from growth to processing and packaging, is a national initiative. Our selection of accommodations is also deeply rooted in the local community, with a focus on local employees and a commitment to sourcing locally produced food whenever feasible.

While we are aware that Papa New Guinea requires a flight, and usually a long one, to arrive in our country, our tours and treks are, for the most part, all human-powered. One quick 15-minute flight from Port Moresby to the beginning of the track starts both our treks. After that point, all travel is by foot and there is very little access to electricity until we arrive back at the hotel at the end of the trek.

By focusing on breaking the cycle of poverty that has existed on the track for decades while at the same time, keeping our culture and traditions strong and ensuring they are passed down to the next generation, we provide the local people, our people, a realistic way to move forward and bring growth and hope to the next generation of the Kokoda Track.

Environmental Initiatives

Our trek, with the exception of the first and last day and one short flight to Efogi Village, is all foot-powered. This is the ultimate low-carbon impact activity that not only leaves very little in the way of carbon footprints but also provides an up-close look at the vegetation and plant life that grows along the track. Sustainable local food sources grow in community gardens and our guests are provided with many opportunities to taste some of the local cuisine. Our wildlife, specifically our birds, are also on display high amongst the treetops and we take special care to maintain an appropriate distance from all wildlife.

Sociocultural Initiatives
We are committed to providing our guests with an experience that is not only challenging but also culturally immersive. We ensure that there is plenty of one-on-one time for our guests and their porters to learn about each other and their respective cultures as well as experience life along the track the way it is for those who call it home.

Our guests sleep in village huts without the usual amenities that higher-income countries come to expect (like electricity and indoor/attached plumbing). Local food, local stories (told by the people who have lived them), and direct connection to the local people are a few of the jewels to be experienced along the track. The opportunity to unplug and be absolutely present in your own life is not always available, but it is here on the Kokoda Track.

Economic Initiatives

One of the pillars on which we are built is equitable employment for our guides and porters. We believe that the best way to chip away at the cycle of poverty is to educate the next generation. Paying our employees a fair wage and providing employment benefits that much of the world takes for granted, provide a means for them to take better care of their families and educate their children, both girls and boys. Eliminating the middleman in this tourism tier, allows us to better compensate our guides and porters as more of the tour dollars paid by our guests go to them (usually by way of bank accounts which we help open for them with the support and assistance of our local bank).

We are also working with local coffee farmers in the Kokoda region and our own branded coffee with net proceeds going to our Foundation. These dollars assist with scholarships for the children along the Kokoda Track for their post-Grade-8 education which is only available in the cities. This, together with the better compensation we provide, opens the door to a better-educated next generation which benefits the people and communities along the Kokoda Track as well as Papua New Guinea.

Health & Safety

Be sure you have traveler's insurance.

The safety of everyone on our trips is our number one priority and this includes our trekkers, guides, and porters. We travel with a fully equipped medical kit on every trek and we also have an arrangement with a local helicopter company that is fully prepared to assist in the unlikely necessity of an evacuation. We are trained and certified in First Aid and always travel with a satellite telephone and two-way radio in case of emergency.

Our fully trained guides and porters have a minimum of a decade of training. We have seen all types of injuries during our many years on the track and have experienced breaks, strains, and sprains and are experienced and trained in emergency evacuation from our villages. This being said, we do require medical insurance for each guest including evacuation insurance. We also recommend consulting with your physician to determine if you require any particular vaccinations for traveling to this part of the world. We do specifically recommend malaria tablets for everyone planning a trip to Papua New Guinea but again, please consult with your physician prior to traveling.

FAQs

What does the Physical Rating of "Strenuous" mean for this trip?

While the track itself does not require herculean strength, the conditions make the trek extremely challenging. For those not used to the kind of heat and humidity that exist in tropical rainforests known as jungles, it can be a shock to the system when efforting to climb the uphills and safely navigate the downhills (and there are many of these).

In order to ensure you are well-trained, we provide a training guide for our booked guests as part of their onboarding package once their deposit is received.

What are the accommodations like?

The accommodations along the Kokoda Track are shared village huts. Thatched roofs, wooden slat floors, and elevated to keep dry in the wetter weather, no electricity or attached indoor plumbing describes the accommodations. Our guests become very adept at getting things ready for bed and morning while there is still the light of the day.

How is this trip safe for female, solo, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC travelers?

We take pride in welcoming all communities, and we do our absolute best to create a safe space for everyone.

Are the guides and porters fully trained?

Yes, our guides and porters are fully trained in first aid, emergency protocol and evacuation as well as being fully experienced in general trekking. We ensure that all training is refreshed at the start of each trekking season.

How do I get there?

Most flights require a transfer to Australia where you will board another flight to Port Moresby, Papa New Guinea. We arrange for transfers to and from the Port Moresby airport as well as transport from the end of the trek at Owers' Corner back to the hotel in Port Moresby.

Is it safe on the track? And in Papua New Guinea?

Yes! Our guides and porters are fully trained in first aid and always travel with a 2-way radio and satellite phone. In the unforeseen event of a catastrophic emergency and necessary evacuations, our staff are all fully trained and experienced. Our number one commitment to our trekkers is ensuring a safe arrival at the end of the trek in good shape and in one piece (as well as providing a challenging experience).

As regards safety within the country, we recommend that people ensure they arrange for any taxi services through their hotel and avoid walking by themselves outside the hotel grounds. There have been instances of theft and while the portrayal of Papua New Guinea by outside media as an unsafe country does it a great disservice, we advise that you practice prudence and care when you are out and about.

What are the benefits of booking this tour?

Our local partner in Papua New Guinea was established to effect change along the Kokoda Track by providing a better employment experience for their guides and porters. They are the first and only wholly Indigenous, locally owned, and led tour operator on the Kokoda Track. Our trekkers can be confident that tour dollars have a far greater impact on and benefit the local villages and communities they visit while on their trek. The only portion of your trip fee that will not remain in Papua New Guinea is Yugen Earthside's moderate commission, which covers our efforts to expose this wonderful experience to a wider audience, automatically includes carbon removal contributions for each guest, and includes a way to easily add-on carbon offsets to your trip at checkout if desired.

Inquire Now

We proudly partner with wanderwell, a B-Corp-certified travel insurance agency and 1% for the Planet member.

Request a FREE quote for Trip Protection or Travel Medical coverage.

Book Insurance Now