MT VICTORIA SUMMIT
7 Days 4900 ex Port Moresby
Accommodation
4 Nights Camping
2 Nights Hotel
Transportation
Mostly on foot
Vehicle transfers, return flight to Port Moresby
Included Meals
6 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
5 Dinners
Trip Grade
Category 4
Extreme Expedition Hot
Group Size
4 – 8 Maximum
The terrain seemed familiar. I had walked the jungle trails of the Kokoda Track many times. These trails seemed similar; narrow ridges with sharp drop offs decorated with thick jungle and giant strangler figs, leaf litter making underfoot soft, pandanus and ferns and bamboo everywhere.
Yet as we continued to climb, all that familiarity silently fell away. The giant trees were now dwarves. The trail became slippery and dark. The air chilled and dry.
And then there was no forest at all, just a view as far as your eyes could see. We were above 3600 meters, the interface between jungle and open savannah. Standing across from us was the pyramid pinnacle of Mt Victoria 4038 meters above sea level, beckoning us to climb her, as task they seemed so much easier than it really was.
“…it struck me how little we knew of what lay on the other side of the range. We knew neither where we would come out nor the name of the first village we would find.”
Fear Drive My Feet – Peter Ryan
Papua New Guinea has only 12 recognised 4000 meter peaks. We know this number is an underestimation and we are setting out to expand this list and to open the highlands of Papua New Guinea to adventure travelers. We were one of the first groups to do the full traverse of Mt Wilhelm (PNG’s highest peak), we were the first to traverse Mt Giluwe (Australasia’s highest volcano) and the first to traverse Mt Kabangama. In 2019 we attempted Mt Sarawaget (4121 meters), north of Lae, only to fall short on what had to be one of the toughest traverses any of us had done before.
Mt Victoria can be seen from the Kokoda Track. On a clear morning at Efogi, you can see her summit, glistening. There is actually a trail from Mt Victoria to the central part of the Kokoda Track.
At just over 4000 meters, Mt Victoria is the lowest of the 4000 meter peaks. But it is a tough trek. Only done by a few people.
Once we reach above 3600 meters, the landscape will open up into grasslands. This will enable us to make plans to either stick to the itinerary or if time and terrain permits, try our luck at other ridges and peaks not yet recognised.
If you are up for adventure off the beaten track (if there is a track), then why not join us on this wonderful trek into the PNG high country?
” The No Roads 4000m Peaks Exploratory Expeditions have to rate among the great walks of PNG. These have it all. The trekking is challenging, the scenery is stunning. An initial approach, usually through cultivated land and villages, gives way to pristine jungle and sheer-sided gorges. Multiple river crossings are achieved by cleverly constructed log bridges. More jungle, mud and steep slopes lead to dizzying ascents along razorback ridges and through ancient moss forests.
As you climb higher the landscape is dramatic and spectacular. Above the tree line is an untouched wilderness rarely seen by the European eye. Wild remote 4000m peaks tower over beautiful alpine lakes, sacred, revered and untouched. Ancient ferns emerge from the mist as solitary sentinels in a primeval, cloud laced, alpine landscape. Tussock grasslands are punctured through with a myriad limestone sink holes. Rocky mountain tops give uninterrupted 360-degree views from coast to coast and over a vast and extraordinary mountainous landscape. Valleys plunge abruptly several thousand metres to raging rivers, and back to primordial jungle. A precipitous descent will lead down to traditional tribal villages, inhabited by warm, friendly people enthusiastic in their welcome.
Few people have had the privilege to explore this rugged terrain. These are tough, demanding walks with remarkable rewards.”
Jon O’Connor 4000 meter tragic!
The Journey
Overnight in Port Moresby.
Today we will fly to the glacial grasslands at 2800 meter above sea level. This unique landscape was once a high altitude glacial lake, spilling down two sides of this glacial depression. We will land at the grassland and set up camp, before heading out and exploring the local terrain. This will give a us a good opportunity to acclimatise to the altitude. (B,L,D)
Our first big day and its straight up through the high altitude moss forest to the Mount Somare ridgeline at 3800 meters. From there we can see Mt Victoria.
We will then traverse this ridge, taking a grassy gully down to base camp at 3400 meter above sea level. This is a tough day so we will take it slowly. (B,L,D)
From Base Camp we will take a grassy ramp up to the Mt Victoria ridgeline that terminates at about 3800 meters. From there we will first summit Mt Huxley before traversing across to Mt Victoria and here 4034 meter peak. If weather permits we should have incredible views toward the north and the south coast.
From there we head back to base camp. (B,L,D)
We will back track up the grassy gully to Somare Ridge and then back down through the jungle to the Grassy Glacial depression. We should arrive some time mid afternoon.
For those with a bit of energy, we can explore more of this fascinating landscape. (B,L,D)
We will fly back to Port Moresby this morning (weather permitting). We bid farewell to our local team. (B,D)
Its time to head home after our great adventure. (B)
Journey Extensions and Upgrades
Check out our Journey Extensions for those that want to stay a little longer or try something different along the way.
Includes
- Charter flight to and from Grasslands below Mt Victoria
- 2 nights accommodation in Port Moresby at Holiday Inn
- Government Taxes
- All meals on the expedition component (6 Breakfast, 4 Lunches and 5 Dinners)
- 1 x Local Guide and an Australian Guide throughout
- 4 nights accommodation along the trek.
- Return airport transfers
- Tents and all camping gear such as pots, cups, knives, forks, spoons etc
Excludes
- International airfares
- Travel insurance
Your Guides and Safety
An excellent guide can make the difference between a trip of a lifetime and just an ordinary trip. Our handpicked professionals come from a range of backgrounds. Each has extensive outdoor and hiking experience and a passion for the beautiful place that is Papua New Guinea. The guide will ensure that your trip is truly inspiring, a huge amount of fun, and safe. All guides are trained in Safety First Aid and are connected to our Port Moresby and Melbourne offices by satellite phone.
Accommodation
This is a mostly camping trip. While in town we will stay at the Hilton in Port Moresby, once we are on Victoria we will be staying in tents.
On the trail, we will have single tents. We will also have an area set aside where we will eat our breakfast and dinners. We will, of course, try to make each campsite as comfortable as possible with some great meals and views you can only get at 4000 meters above sea level.
“The top of the range was a semi-plateau some six or eight miles wide, a scene of utter desolation. A howling wind, with nothing to break its force, lashed us pitilessly as we struggled forward. The great limestone outcrops seemed like bones poking through the crust of the earth.”
Fear Drive My Feet – Peter Ryan
Above 3300 meters the terrain opens up into open savannah. Giant waterfalls and huge high altitude lakes dot the landscape, while the six 4000 meter peaks loom above, lined up like sentinels, guarding this ancient land and all its mysteries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Being a new and super remote trek, our Victoria summit trek differs in several ways. For example we are using a chartered helicopter to get us to the start of the trek. However, there are some common questions for these types of treks.
How difficult is the trek?
This is a difficult trek and is in our category 4 Extreme Hot category. What does all this mean? You are going to need to train both physically and mentally for this Trek. The hike up to the summit and to the plateau is steep and long. We are also starting at 2800 meters so mild altitude will make things a little more difficult.
Is it safe?
We will be using the services of the people from along the trail. They will ensure our safety on the mountain. We also have a satellite phone with direct contact with our PNG team in Port Moresby in case we need an evacuation. This can be done quite quickly as Port Moresby airport has several helicopters which service the villages and their surroundings.
Can I employ someone to carry my gear?
Yes of course. The cost is $500. You will still need to carry your own day pack, however.
