Trip Reports

Mt Wilhelm and Giluwe 2016

Written by Leader David Hamilton, September 2016

Members of the first Jagged Globe expedition to the South Pacific island of PNG are travelling home after successfully climbing the country's highest peaks. On 1 September eight of the ten climbers reached the 4,368m summit of Giluwe, the highest volcano in Oceania. This was a fairly straightforward 3.5 hour ascent from a tented camp at 3,650m, although the hike to and from this camp required a long and arduous trek. A few days later on 5 September all 10 climbers reached the 4,509m summit of Mt Wilhelm, the highest peak in Papua New Guinea. This was a longer summit day starting from a simple hut located at 3,575m. After a 2.00am start the majority of the team climbed to the summit in 5hrs and descended to the hut in a further 4hrs before embarking on the 3hr hike back to the village base. Two members of the team chose to make a slower ascent and climbed with local guides, summiting after the main party and descending to the village. Everyone was off the mountain and relaxing in front of a roaring wood fire before dark (just!).

Although this expedition had been planned to take place during the 'dry' season, conditions were not as dry as anticipated. Heavy afternoon showers and muddy trails contrasted with the easier conditions encountered by the leader during a recce trip in 2015. This led to several of the days being longer and more difficult than expected. However the team members were all strong and capable and coped well with the additional challenges. The final section of the program had to be altered due to a flooded river. It was not possible to make the 3-day hike from the mountains down to the coastal lowlands as a key section was impassible for the vehicles booked to collect the team. An alternate plan was quickly put into effect and the team drove for 2 days from Mt Wilhelm on the highlands highway via Goroka to Madang on the coast. The extra rest day on the coast was put to good use as the group hired a boat to enjoy some fine diving and snorkelling in the crystal clear South Pacific waters.

« Previous report | Next report »

Jagged Globe Newsletter

We publish an email newsletter with trip reports and latest availability, plus features, competitions and general news of our climbing, trekking & skiing activities.