11-day Kokoda Trek: Australian and Local Guides
Walk the Kokoda Track end to end, following the footsteps of WWII soldiers through rainforest and ridge.
An 11-day trek along the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea, guided by Australian and local experts who share the wartime history as you traverse the Owen Stanley Ranges. Groups stay under 14 trekkers. Accommodation is 9 nights camping and 2 nights at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby. All permits, domestic flights, meals on the trail, and transfers are included.
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Step-by-step itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Port Moresby
- Pick up from airport
- Transfer to Hilton Hotel
- Evening briefing with guide
Day 2: Fly to Popondetta and hike to Deniki
- Fly from Port Moresby to Popondetta
- Travel along Kokoda Track to battlefield
- Meet guides and support team
- Hike 7.5 km to Deniki camp
Day 3: Trek Deniki to Alola via Isurava
- Breakfast and break camp
- Trek to Isurava Battlefield Memorial
- Stop for lunch at memorial
- Continue trek to Alola village
Day 4: Trek Alola to Templeton's Crossing 1
- Hike from Alola to Templeton's Crossing 1
- Pass historic Eora Creek site
Day 5: Trek Templeton's 1 to Kagi village
- Ascend Mt Bellamy and Kokoda Gap
- Visit Myola 1 grasslands
- Descend to Kagi village
- Overnight in village guesthouses or tents
Day 6: Rest day in Kagi Village
- Attend local Sabbath church service
- Take gentle walk to natural wonder
Day 7: Trek Kagi to Menari village
- Ascend Brigade Hill
- Descend steeply to Menari village
Day 8: Trek Menari to Nauro village
- Climb over saddle
- Descend through swampy terrain
- Cross rivers en route to Nauro
- Optional river surfing on Brown River
Day 9: Trek Nauro to Wa-ule Creek campsite
- Climb Maguli Range grasslands
- Descend through jungle to Ofi Creek
- Reach Wa-ule Creek campsite
Day 10: Trek Wa-ule Creek to Owers' Corner
- Cross several rivers
- Ascend Imita Ridge
- Descend Golden Stairs to Goldie River
- Wade across Goldie River
- Final ascent to Owers' Corner
- Picnic lunch and celebration
- Return to Port Moresby
- Final dinner at Hilton Hotel
Day 11: Departure after Kokoda Trek
- Breakfast at hotel
- Head home
The experience
The trek runs 11 days from Port Moresby, starting with a flight to Popondetta and ending at Owers' Corner on the descent to the Goldie River. You'll cover roughly 100 kilometres across steep terrain, river crossings and ridge-line camps, with daily distances ranging from 7.5 to 15 kilometres and elevation gains that test the legs. The guides (Australian and local) carry the tents, food and safety gear. They set up camp each night and share stories of the 1942 campaign as you walk the same ground soldiers once did. Meals are cooked on the trail and eaten communally. The food is hearty and built around local ingredients.
The route passes through villages like Hoi, Alola and Menari, and stops at war sites including the Isurava Battlefield Memorial and Brigade Hill. You'll cross the Kumusi River where a Japanese general fell, climb Mt Bellamy at 2,190 metres (the track's highest point), and descend the Golden Stairs to the Goldie River. A rest day in Kagi Village on the local Sabbath breaks the rhythm. You're invited to attend a church service or take a gentle walk. The final day ends with a picnic lunch at Owers' Corner and a return to Port Moresby for a farewell dinner.
Accommodation alternates between tent camps in the mountains and two nights at the Hilton Hotel: one before the trek begins and one after you finish. The trek includes 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 9 dinners. All permits and domestic flights are covered. A live guide speaks English throughout. Pickup from Port Moresby airport is included, and children from age 10 are welcome on the trek.
What’s included
- All trek permits and domestic flights from Port Moresby to Popondetta.
- 9 nights camping in the Owen Stanley Ranges and 2 nights at the Hilton Hotel.
- all tents, cooking and eating equipment.
- 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 9 dinners with local cuisine.
- airport pickup and transfers.
- Australian and local guides throughout.
Before you book
Operated by No Roads Expeditions
Is this one for you?The trek departs from Port Moresby with airport pickup included, so you don't need to arrange transport to the trailhead yourself. If you're staying elsewhere in the city or arriving without a car, the pickup settles the logistics before the trek begins.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 16 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.
How fit do I need to be for the Kokoda Trek?
The trek demands a high level of physical fitness. Daily distances range from 7.5 to 15 kilometres with steep ascents and descents. Some days involve 1,000 metres of elevation gain or more. The terrain is rugged rainforest, river crossings and ridge-line walking, and the pace is set by the group. It's not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.
What's included in the 11 days, and what do I need to arrange myself?
The trek includes all permits, domestic flights from Port Moresby to Popondetta, accommodation (9 nights camping, 2 nights at the Hilton), all meals on the trail, transfers and guides. You'll need to arrange your own international airfare to Port Moresby and travel insurance. Tips for the local support team are optional.
What are the war sites I'll visit along the Kokoda Track?
The track passes through several significant WWII locations. You'll cross the Kumusi River where Japanese Major General Horii died, visit a war museum near Kokoda, walk the Isurava Battlefield Memorial (opened in 2002 to mark the 60th anniversary of a four-day battle in 1942), climb Brigade Hill, and pass through Myola 1, which was once used as a supply drop zone during the campaign.
How many people trek together, and who are the guides?
Groups are kept to a maximum of 14 trekkers for personalized attention. You'll be guided by experienced Australian and local guides who carry the camp equipment, cook meals and share the history of the track. The local team also manages camp setup and safety throughout the trek.
What's the accommodation like on the trail?
You'll camp in comfortable tents for 9 nights, with the guides setting up and breaking down camp each day. Two nights are spent at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby: one before the trek and one after. All camping equipment is provided. You bring your own sleeping bag and personal gear.
11-day Kokoda Trek: Australian and Local Guides
11d · EN · at your hotel
from US$ 3,438 per person
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