Overview

*All images used on this expedition page are from nearby Mount Giluwe (4365m). Seeing as we have never been to Mount Sarawaget, and neither has anyone else that we have found, there are no photos to illustrate it. We expect the terrain to be very similar to that on Giluwe.

Highlights

• Summit Mount Sarawaget at 4121m above sea level
• Explore untracked alpine slopes and grasslands above 3600 meters
• Climb a 4000m@+ peak no one has climbed before
• Witness awesome views from her summit 
• Trek some of the most remote parts of PNG
• Have the option to add Mt Wilhelm (PNG's highest peak) to your expedition (4509m)

Overview

Papua New Guinea has only 12 recognised 4000m+ peaks. We know there are more, we've been to some of them! We are working to extend this list and looking for adventure travellers to join us on the journey. We were one of the first groups to do the full traverse of Mt Wilhlem (PNG's highest peak), we were the first to traverse Mt Giluwe (Australasia's highest volcano) and the first to traverse Mt Kabangama. This year, we will head to Mt Sarawaget (4121 meters), north of Lae, to climb and explore another unnamed and unrecognised 4000m peak. 

This area is rarely visited and as such is new territory for a commercial venture of this type. Our itinerary below is fluid. Plans will change. You will need to pack a great sense of adventure and ensure you have the skill to adapt to an ever-changing environment. 

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 even a track to start with!), then join us on this incredible trek into the highlands of PNG.

As usual, we are not just setting out to climb a summit, we intend to traverse this extensive ridge, taking in the entire range with all its beauty and hardship.

This is a real adventure, full of challenge and the unknown. If you like the idea of heading to places that mankind has never been, then this expedition is for you! 

Life on the mountain

Mt Sarawaget is a remote part of a remote country. From the trailhead, we will likely see no man-made structures. From about 3400-3600m the forest gives way to open grassland and exposes us to the elements - water is plentiful but firewood is not.

At night the temperature can drop below zero. Frost and occasional snow have been witnessed. Strong, cold winds are common and rain and mist can occur suddenly turning visibility to only a few metres. 

While we will have the usual amounts of support and guidance on this expedition, it is important that you have the ability to be semi independent and manage yourself in regard to the weather and your own comfort. 

Health And Safety

This expedition should not be underestimated. Exposure to the elements can be a problem, whether it's the cold, wind, rain or sunlight.

A combination of wind, wet clothing, fatigue and hunger, even if the air temperature is well above freezing, can lead to hyperthermia. Likewise, you can burn deceptively fast at higher altitudes. There is less atmospheric protection up high and the fact you're not hot doesn't mean you're not boiling.

Note:
- While this is a non-technical trek, it is a difficult walk. In several places a steep scramble is required. This expedition requires a reasonable level of fitness to complete.
- Travel insurance including medical evacuation is considered mandatory
- Visas are available from the nearest PNG consul (or Australian consul if a PNG one is not available)