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KOKODA TREK ITINERARIES
Duration: 6 days/5 nights
Extreme Trek. Suitable for the fit trekker looking for a challenge.
Day 1: KOKODA – ISURAVA MEMORIAL– We arrive in Kokoda from Port Moresby after a 25 minute flight. We walk 15 minutes from the airstrip to Kokoda Station and take the time to look at the small War Museum and other memorials, hospital, library, and other attractions in and around the village. We start our trek here, and after an hour’s walk, will arrive at the first village of Kovelo. Another hour’s walk and we arrive at the well – organized village of Hoi. It is here that the reality hits you that the Kokoda Trail will not be easy. It is quite steep at the beginning, however, do not throw in the towel yet. After about five hours walking we arrive at Isurava Memorial. Isurava Memorial, which Australian Prime Minister John Howard visited in August 2002 to open this magnificent war memorial, was the site of a significant World War 11 battle and now one of the most – sacred sites along the trail. Enjoy panoramic views of the Kokoda and Yodda valleys. We overnight at the guesthouse or you can put your tents up. The choice is yours.
Day 2: ISURAVA MEMORIAL - TEMPLETON’S CROSSING 1 – We set off for the next village of Alola, and on to Iora Creek. We will visit surgeons Rock and view Japanese weapons pits which are situated about 10 minutes walk off the track 10 minutes before we cross Iora Creek for the first time. We continue with one of the steepest climbs on the track, and then a descent, to Templeton’s Crossing 2. We will have a short break here before climbing out of Templeton’s 1 followed yet again another steep descent into Templeton’s 2 where we spend the night under the forest canopy and the gentle voice of the Iora Creek splashing against the rocks. Trout fishing is available for those who have fishing lines.
Day 3: TEMPLETONS CROSSING 1 – EFOGI 1 – Day 3 begins with a steep climb up to the top of Mt Bellamy. This is the highest point on the track at 1209 metres. From here weather permitting we will get a glorious view back down the Kokoda Gap. Followed by an enjoyable walk through a carpet of moss, to the junction of Myola and Kagi. Time permitting we will walk 20 minutes off the track to go and look at a crashed WW11 bomber. We turn left here and trek to Naoro Village. Naoro Village commands spectacular views of villages along the Kokoda Track. Here we will hopefully get to meet one of the last remaining “Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels” These old men carried wounded Australian soldiers to safety during the battle along the track in 1942. We then descend to the creek, and then ascend to Efogi No. 2 village. When we look back, we can see how we have walked all the from Naoro. From here, descend to Efogi 1, where we overnight and collect our pre – arranged food drop.
Day 4: Efogi – Naoro – We start by climbing up to Brigade Hill, which together with Isurava is one of the most sacred sites of the Kokoda Track, and then descend to Menari Village. We continue up a steep hill and are rewarded from the summit with fine views of Menari. We make a muddy, swampy, and at times leech infested trek to the Brown River, which we must cross with care especially if in flood. We then walk up 7 of the 9 false peaks into Naoro Village where we overnight.
Day 5: NAORO – VA’ULE CREEK – We start by climbing the lst of the 2 false peaks and then its across the Maguli Ridge. We have a steep descend to Ofi reek for a well deserved break, make another climb to Ioribaiwa Ridge. This is of course significant in the fact the Japanese turned back here. We then descend down to Va’ule Creek which we cross 11 times to where we spend our last night.
Day 6: VA’ULE CREEK – OWERS’ CORNER – Our last hard grind up to Imita Ridge, and then descend the ‘Golden Stairs’ to Goldie River. A last refreshing dip before climbing up to Owers Corner.
Congratulation, you have just completed one of the world’s toughest treks and have climbed nearly 5,500 metres (18,000 ft) and descended almost the same figure. A great effort everybody and an experience that you will never forget.
Duration 7 days/6 nights
Combination of Extreme & Battlefield Trek.
The fitter you the more you will enjoy this itinerary
Day 1: KOKODA – ISURAVA VILLAGE– Arrive in Kokoda from Port Moresby after a 25 minute flight. Walk from the airstrip to Kokoda Station for look at War Museum and other memorials, hospital, and other attractions in and around the village. We start our trek here, and after an hour’s walk, will arrive at the first village of Kovelo. Another hour’s walk and we arrive at the well – organized village of Hoi. It is here that the reality hits you that the Kokoda Trail will not be easy. It is a very steep ascent at the beginning; however, do not throw in the towel yet. After about five hours walking we arrive at Isurava Village. Normally we do not get there until late afternoon anywhere between 4 – 6pm. There is a lovely traditional guest house here with a shower (cold).
Day 2: ISURAVA MEMORIAL - TEMPLETON’S CROSSING 1 – We set off for the next village of Alola, and on to Iora Creek. We will visit surgeons Rock and view Japanese weapons pits which are situated about 10 minutes walk off the track. Its then another 30 minutes before we cross Iora Creek for the first time. We continue with one of the steepest climbs on the track, and then a descent, to Templeton’s Crossing 2. We will have a short break here before climbing out of Templeton’s 2 followed yet again another steep descent into Templeton’s 1 where we spend the night under the forest canopy and the gentle voice of the Iora Creek splashing against the rocks. Trout fishing is available for those who have fishing lines.
Day 3: TEMPLETONS CROSSING 1 – EFOGI 1 – Day 3 begins with a steep climb up to the top of Mt Bellamy. This is the highest point on the track at 1209 metres. From here weather permitting we will get a glorious view back down the Kokoda Gap. Followed by an enjoyable walk through a carpet of moss, to the junction of Myola and Kagi. Time permitting we will walk 20 minutes off the track to go and look at a crashed WW11 bomber. We turn left here and trek to Naoro Village. Naoro Village commands spectacular views of villages along the Kokoda Track. Here we will hopefully get to meet one of the last remaining “Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels” These old men carried wounded Australian soldiers to safety during the battle along the track in 1942. We then descend to the creek, and then ascend to Efogi No. 2 village. When we look back, we can see how we have walked all the from Naoro. From here, descend to Efogi 1, where we overnight and collect our pre – arranged food drop.
Day 4: Efogi Village – Menari Village – We start by climbing up and walking along Mission Ridge to Brigade Hill, which together with Isurava is one of the most sacred sites of the Kokoda Trail. We then have a long descent down into Menari Village. We should be at Menari River just before lunch. This is the most beautiful river and weather permitting we always stop here for a swim and lounge in the sun before we ascend up for 30 minutes into the Village. Today is an easy day. We have the afternoon to wash our clothes lounge around and integrate with the villagers.
Day 5: Menari Village to Naoro Village – An early start again and its up a steep hill and we are rewarded from the summit with fine views of Menari. We then descend down to the “swamp” Its more often than not just that muddy and swampy with a lot of mosquito’s. We arrive at the Brown River, which we must cross with care especially if in flood. We walk for another hour until we start climbing 7 of the 9 false peaks. At the 7th false peak we arrive at Naoro Village where we overnight.
Day 6: NAORO – VA’ULE CREEK – We start by climbing the last of the 2 false peaks and then its across the Maguli Ridge. We have a steep descend to Ofi reek for a well deserved break, make another climb to Ioribaiwa Ridge. This is of course significant in the fact the Japanese turned back here. We then descend down to Va’ule Creek which we cross 11 times to where we spend our last night.
Day 7: VA’ULE CREEK – OWERS’ CORNER – Our last hard grind up to Imita Ridge, and then descend the ‘Golden Stairs’ to Goldie River. A last refreshing dip before climbing 45 minutes up to Owers Corner where we are met by our transport and Mark with a much appreciated hamper of cold drinks and nibblies.
Congratulation, you have just completed one of the world’s toughest treks and have climbed nearly 5,500 meters (18,000 ft) and descended almost the same figure. A great effort everybody and an experience that you will never forget.
Duration 8 days/7 nights
Battlefield Trek.
This is not a walk in the park, please make sure you are prepared and fit.
Day 1: KOKODA – ISURAVA VILLAGE– Arrive in Kokoda from Port Moresby after a 25 minute flight. Walk from the airstrip to Kokoda Station for look at War Museum and other memorials, hospital, and other attractions in and around the village. We start our trek here, and after an hour’s walk, will arrive at the first village of Kovelo. Another hour’s walk and we arrive at the well – organized village of Hoi. It is here that the reality hits you that the Kokoda Trail will not be easy. It is a very steep ascent at the beginning; however, do not throw in the towel yet. After about five hours walking we arrive at Isurava Village. Normally we do not get there until late afternoon anywhere between 4 – 6pm. There is a lovely traditional guest house here with a shower (cold)
Day 2: ISURAVA VILLAGE – TEMPLETONS 2 – We set off early each morning. Normally up at 5 am and walking by 6:30 am for the next village of Alola, and on to Iora Creek. On the way we will stop and visit Isurava Memorial, which Australian Prime Minister John Howard visited in August 2002 to open the magnificent war memorial, here was the site of a significant World War 11 battle and now one of the most – sacred sites along the trail. Enjoy panoramic views of the Kokoda and Yodda valleys.
On the way to Alola Village we will also pass Surgeons Rock.
We continue along the ridges into Iora Creek for lunch. We then have one of the more difficult ascends out of Iora Creek the descend down to Templetons 2 where we spend the night under the forest canopy and the gentle voice of the Iora Creek splashing against the rocks. Trout fishing is available for those who have fishing lines.
Day 3: Iora Creek – Myola Junction– Day 3 begins with another up and down, another crossing of Iora Creek, and then a climb to the top of Mount Bellamy, the highest point of the Kokoda Trail. An enjoyable walk through a carpet of moss, to the junction of Myola .
When we arrive at Myola Junction we will definitely visit the spot where the american plane (B13) crashed. There are only spare parts scattered around and a couple large bombs to see now. But still well worth a visit. If time permits we will push on to the Myola out look.
Day 4: Myola Junction – Efogi 1 Village – This is a most beautiful walk this morning through the moss and pandanas forest. We normally arrive at Naduri Village around 10 am and visit with one of the last remaining “Fuzzy Wuzzy” angels. We do not go through Kagi. We have a very steep descent and ascent into Efogi Village 2. We do not stop here we carry on down a gentle hill to Efogi 1 where we are booked into what is in my opinion the nicest guest house along the track. Which is owned by our very good friend Lendy. This is also where we pick up our food for the second half of our trek.
Day 5: Efogi Village – Menari Village – We start by climbing up and walking along Mission Ridge to Brigade Hill, which together with Isurava is one of the most sacred sites of the Kokoda Trail. We then have a long descent down into Menari Village. We should be at Menari River just before lunch. This is the most beautiful river and weather permitting we always stop here for a swim and lounge in the sun before we ascend up for 30 minutes into the Village. Today is an easy day. We have the afternoon to wash our clothes lounge around and integrate with the villagers.
Day 6: Menari Village to Naoro Village – An early start again and its up again a steep hill and are rewarded from the summit with fine views of Menari. We then descend down to the “swamp” Its more often than not just that muddy and swampy with a lot of mosquito’s. We arrive at the Brown River, which we must cross with care especially if in flood. We walk for another hour until we start climbing 7 of the 9 false peaks. At the 7th false peak we arrive at Naoro Village where we overnight.
Day 7: NAORO – VA’ULE CREEK – We have to finish this morning the last two of the false peaks and then start walking across the Maguli Range. We descend to Ofi reek for a well deserved break, make another climb to Ioribaiwa Ridge, and then descend to Va’ule Creek where we spend our last night.
There is a guesthouse here and a devine swimming hole. Another of our favorite spots across the track.
Day 8: VA’ULE CREEK – OWERS’ CORNER – Our last hard grind up to Imita Ridge, and then descend the ‘Golden Stairs’ to Goldie River. A last refreshing dip before climbing 45 minutes up to Owers Corner where we are met by our transport and Mark with a much appreciated hamper of cold drinks and nibblies.
Congratulation, you have just completed one of the world’s toughest treks and have climbed nearly 5,500 metres (18,000 ft) and descended almost the same figure. A great effort everybody and an experience that you will never forget.
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