Day 3: Baliem Valley
Sweet potato harvest ceremony and traditional cooking

Today you learn a lot about the daily life of the Dani people, especially about their food! After breakfast, we set off directly from the Resort for a short hike to a nearby Dani settlement. The beauty of the surrounding mountains is amazing and gives us a good feeling about the peacefulness of life here. Once we reach the settlement, we accompany several traditional Dani to the nearby sweet potato fields. We are introduced to the Dani way of farming as we harvest the different varieties of sweet potatoes. The sweet potato is the most important food for highland Papuans and the harvest is accompanied by a ceremony. Once our noken carry nets are filled, we continue our walk to a nearby mountain river. Here the vegetables are washed before being taken back to the village. Back in the village, we prepare the potatoes the traditional way by cooking them with hot stones in an earthen pit. The whole village comes together to enjoy the freshly harvested sweet potatoes. After sharing the meal, we walk back to the resort on a scenic trail through pristine mountain terrain. A beautiful day, and all without a vehicle and only on foot.

1-2 hours of walking. A day without car. Local guide included.  Accommodation: The Baliem Valley Resort. Meals: full board.