New Zealand
April 8 – 18, 2024
Happening Now!
Vibrant traditions and untamed landscapes converge
June 16 – 26, 2025
Asaro Mudmen — Moko Moko Dance — Widow ceremony — Gimisave Arunumuna Tribe Women Group — Burning heads of Gimisave — Yangpela Asaro Mudboys — Bere Tribe — Skeleton Tribe — Narku dust Walkers aka The Ash Kondai Pia — The Insect Hunters of Mindima — Sorcerers of the Barekuwa Tribe — Bogo Tribes — Graiku Tribe — Sekaka Tribe — Jiwaka Tribes — Forest Skull Kids of Koskala
Join us on a one-of-a-kind journey that merges the art of photography with the thrill of exploration as we dive into the heart of Papua New Guinea’s indigenous realms. Papua New Guinea is home to over one thousand cultural groups, each with unique expressions through art, dance, costumes, and more.
The vibrant traditions of these groups converge with an untamed landscape to create a unique photographic experience. Our expedition doesn’t just take you on a physical journey; it unlocks a treasure trove of visual narratives waiting to be told through your lens.
As we navigate the enigmatic Asaro Mudmen, witness widow ceremonies, and stand witness to the Burning Heads of Gimisave. From the mystical Skeleton Tribe’s performance in ancient caves to the breathtaking landscapes of Bogo Village, underneath the canopy of Papua New Guinea’s rich traditions and towering mountains, you’ll find the perfect blend of adrenaline and aesthetics.
Our accommodations are local houses, each equipped with a private shower and toilet. In Hagen, we will stay at a hotel with all the modern amenities.
We’ll be photographing our portraits in natural and artificial light. We will provide the lighting, stands, and backgrounds. All you need to bring is a Godox trigger for your camera. And don’t worry, you’ll learn all you need to create amazing photos. We’ll review the flashes’ use, camera settings, and compositional considerations.
Transportation for most of the journey will be a spacious 25-seater bus. However, in the case of Bogo, where the terrain is inaccessible by bus, we will have a 10-seater 4-wheel drive vehicle.
While the hikes are generally pretty easy, there are a couple of about 30-45 minutes, which have some elevation gain. Porters are available at extra cost if you choose.
This is your chance to merge the thrill of exploration with the magic of photography!
Your Pros
Additional Pro TBD
Location
Papua New Guinea
Tuition
$11,495
Dates
June 16 – 26, 2025
Availability
Open for Registration
Limited to 8 Guests
Itinerary
This itinerary is subject to change due to weather, local conditions, and other factors.
June 16, 2025: Arrive this day in Goroka, Papua New Guinea (GKA). We’ll have an introductory dinner and prepare for our adventure tomorrow.
June 17, 2025: This morning, we will walk around the small village and visit an old traditional house to photograph the widow ceremony. After this, head back to the lodge for dinner and a chance to import your first images.
June 18, 2025: We start the morning with a walk to photograph the ceremony and ghost walk of the Asaro Mudmen at Mount Gurupoka. In the company of the Asaro Mudmen, you will visit the old sacrifice cave and the cross on top of the holy mountain of Gurupoka. Back to basecamp for lunch, and we will photograph the traditional making of the Asaro Masks in the afternoon. After this, the Moko Moko Tribal dances of victory will be performed for you, a very spectacular show that Mudmen used to dance after the victory of their tribal fights.
June 19, 2025: After breakfast, we will walk down the valley to see the Asaro River with some local villagers. Around noon, we will head to the village of Gimisave by local bus and visit the community of coffee growers, where we will also photograph the performance of three cultural groups: The Gimisave Arunumuna Tribe Women Group, the Yangpela Asaro Mudboys, and the Burning heads of Gimisave. We will also see a performance of traditional Bamboo Cooking and taste some local foods.
June 20, 2025: This morning, we will transfer to Mindima and enjoy lunch. After we will photograph the first performance of the Dust Shakers Tribe at the side of the river. Dust Shakers are widowers who, after some time, are ready to date again and want to show their strength and body to the ladies in the village. We will get photos while the dust flies around their whole body.
June 21, 2025: After breakfast, we will spend the morning photographing a Skeleton Tribe performance in the mystical cave where the legend of the Skeleton Tribe started. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch near the cave, then head back to our resort to see the Insect Hunters and their traditions in the afternoon.
June 22, 2025: Today, we meet the Barekuwa Tribe. Nestled in lush landscapes, they are stewards of ancient traditions. Our journey unveils the revered “Great Sorcerer,” dwelling high in a mesmerizing treehouse. This sage connects with ancestral spirits, healing the ailing and revealing hidden truths.
In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy a performance of Bogo Cultural activities from the Graiku Tribe. The pristine valley of Bogo looks like a fairytale, with a beautiful river with giant boulders running through it, spotted with Traditional houses, farms, and pigs surrounded by majestic mountains.
June 23, 2025: Today is filled with more activities and a walk around Bogo Village and the surrounding Rainforest Jungle. You will photograph more traditional houses and the old ways of Papua New Guinea hunting, setting traps, and how to make fire with natural materials from the jungle.
June 24, 2025: Today, we transfer to Jiwaka, and in the afternoon, you will see the full dressing of the Jiwaka Tribes in full bilas with fabulous feathers and headdresses. We see men, ladies, and Bamboo flute players from the Sekaka Tribe and visit an old traditional men’s house. After this, we will see the Forest Skull Kids of Koskala performance. Evening dinner and singing traditional songs in front of the fireplace in an old tribal house.
June 25, 2025: Transfer to Mount Hagen and a short drive to see the Huli Wigmen in the afternoon. We will learn about their culture and see the famous jumping Huli Wigmen dance. You are always welcome to join the dancing and drumming.
June 26, 2025: Today, we fly from Mt. Hagen, Papua New Guinea (HGU) to Port Moresby (POM) and overnight for flights out the following day.
Fitness
Moderate: Hikes of up to an hour with moderate elevation gain. Porters available for a fee.
Flights
Arrive Goroka Airport (GKA), Goroka, Papua New Guinea anytime on June 16, 2025. Depart Mount Hagen Airport (HGU), Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea anytime on June 27, 2025. Air travel delays are common. Please arrive early, possibly even the day prior, so you don’t miss any of the workshop.
What to Bring
Please see our page How To Prepare For Your Workshop. We will send you a detailed information document 90 days before your workshop. This document will include specifics of where and when to meet, gear and clothing recommendations, and more.
What’s Included
- Double occupancy lodging. Single available for $1,300 supplement.
- All meals, soft drinks, and snacks during the workshop.
- All permits and park fees.
- All transportation during the workshop.
- Tips for crew, drivers, and local guides.
- English-speaking local guide throughout the workshop.
- Photographic guiding and instruction from 2 pros.
- Image reviews and post-processing instruction.
- Adventure, fun, inspiration, and a great time!.
Not Included
- Travel to Goroka, Papua New Guinea and from Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea.
- Unscheduled airport transfers.
- Passport and visa fees (if applicable).
- Any meals or accommodations before or after the workshop dates.
- Items of a personal nature.
- Alcoholic Beverages.
- Medical Evacuation Insurance (required).
- Travel Medical (required).
- Travel Medical and Trip Cancellation Insurance (optional, but recommended).
- Anything else specifically not listed as included.
- Single rooming available for $1,300 supplement.
Payment Terms
- Your deposit of $4,495 will hold your space in this workshop.
- Further payment of $4,000 is due by November 1, 2024.
- The balance is due not later than March 1, 2025.
- All of our standard Terms and Conditions apply.
- Need special payment arrangements? No problem, just ask us.
Testimonials
“Randy is not only a professional photographer but also an excellent instructor. He made every effort to ensure the all the attendees were learning something new and all of their queries were answered. I would definitely take another workshop with him. ”
“I can't think of anyone that I would trust more to take me to some of the most remote areas in the world than Muench Workshops. They use the best resources available in the area your traveling. They handle all the logistics, they do all the work. You just show up at the designated meeting point and from there it is all about the photography. Traveling out into the true north Arctic where the Polar Bear lives is truly a bucket list item. Great trip! ”
