Trekking in Papua Baliem Valley and Yalimo Country - Trip Report

We recently trekked through the Baliem Valley and Yalimo Country in Papua, and wanted to share our trip report.
The trek was to be 8 days, going through villages and jungle areas, with just a guide. The guide abandoned us after 2 days on the trail but we gained a porter that was awesome. We could not have done it without him.

Day 1: Wamena to Hitugi
Day 2: Hitugi to Yogosem
Day 3: Yogosem to Jungle Cave
Day 4: Jungle Cave to Cliff Shelter
Day 5: Cliff Shelter to Beligama
Day 6: Beligama to Jungle
Day 7: Jungle day and another jungle night
Day 8: Angurruk

This is not the "standard" shorter trail to Angurruk but we did not want to go through the 4-hour log ladders that composed the last part before Angurruk. A bit too dangerous for our (well, my!) taste.

Due to the difficult trail on Day 5, we ended up resting one extra day in Beligama. The trail was also not feasible between Sobaham to Angurruk, and we had to stop at Sobaham on Day 7, where we caught one of the bush planes back to Wamena.

A tough and rough trek, but so worth it. People were genuinely welcoming, and it was awesome to interact with local villagers, even if we don't speak Bahasa (thank you Google Translate!).

Totally recommend it if you don't mind very basic conditions. Someone that knows the trail is essential if you aim to take that road but it doesn't have to be a English-speaking guide. Also if you stick to Baliem Valley proper, you don't need anyone as it is easy to find the trail or someone that can point you (and many time will take you) to the correct direction.

More info on day to day itinerary, as well as elevation gain on this trip report:
http://www.zewanderingfrogs.com/papua-trekking-in-the-baliem-valley-and-yalimo-country/

This topic has been automatically locked due to inactivity. Email community@lonelyplanet.com if you would like to add to this topic and we'll unlock it for you.