Shaggy Ridge

75th Anniversary Treks : 2018 represents the 75th anniversary of the Shaggy Ridge battle. Join us on the this trek 75 years after the event to commemorate this historic event and relive the history of Shaggy Ridge.
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Perhaps you have already walked the Kokoda Track and want to know more about WWII and this amazing country. Perhaps you have a relative that fought in PNG. If so, this incredible expedition is for you, exploring one of the many untold stories of the Pacific War in an entertaining and factual way.

Shaggy Ridge is a six-and-a-half kilometre long razor-backed ridge that is the highest feature in the Finisterre Mountains in north-eastern New Guinea. The ridge rises between the valleys of the Mene and Faria Rivers and ends at Kankiryo Saddle - a bridge of land separating the Faria Valley from the Mindjim River Valley.
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In 1943 Shaggy Ridge was the site of the main Japanese defensive position blocking access from the Ramu Valley to the track and road network that joined it with the north coast. Operations by the 7th Australian Division in September and October 1943 had caused the Japanese to withdraw from the Ramu Valley and the lower features of the Finsterres and consolidate their defences around Shaggy Ridge.

The ridge was named after Captain Robert "Shaggy Bob" Clampett of the 2/27th Battalion whose company was the first to reconnoitre its approaches. The Australian attack on Shaggy Ridge was methodical with air and artillery support. However, to ultimately defeat the Japanese forces it required infantry to scale the mighty slopes and feeder ridges of Shaggy Ridge and one at a time locate and destroy the enemy bunkers and positions. The Japanese had carefully constructed their defences to cover all approaches with mountain gun and machine gun fire. In places the Japanese were able to roll grenades down the slopes on to the advancing Australians.

The importance of this particular campaign in Australian history is not just based on the savageness of the battles fought on Shaggy Ridge and surrounding valleys. The historical significance is that the Ramu Valley, Markham Valley and Shaggy Ridge campaigns were models for the future of modern warfare. The strategic use of specialist forces, paratroops and the rapid deployment of Independent Companies (commandoes) were paramount in the success of the overall campaign.

Our 10 day Shaggy Ridge expedition will take us to Lae and then into the high country in which the Japanese retreated to. We will walk the valleys and the razor ridges of Shaggy Ridge itself, appreciating the sheer steepness and terrain both sides fouhgt in. All the while, our Australian Guide will bring the history of Shaggy Ridge alive, with stories from the battles, stories of determination, sorrow and at times, humour.

If you have already walked the Kokoda Track and would like to experience another amazing journey through the PNG wilderness, then our Shaggy Ridge expedition may be for you.

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Itinerary

​Note : This Itinerary is indicative and may change due to local conditions. 

Day 1	Arrive Port Moresby-hotel accommodation
Day 2	Fly to Nadzab transfer to Lae, visit Lae War Cemetery, Japanese caves under Mt Lunamen.
Day 3	Visit Mission Hill, Dumpu and on to Onge village, trek to Aginau village
Day 4	Grassland’s to Don’s Post, ascend to McCulloch’s Ridge past ‘Baker’s Oven’
Day 5	Northward bound along Shaggy Ridge-the ‘Pimple’, Prothero 1 and camp Prothero 2
Day 6	Descend to Kankiryo Saddle and on to Hill 4100 before Mainstream
Day 7	Follow Faria River, base of Pailler’s Hill then climb King’s Hill, camp Onge Village
Day 8	Return via vehicle back to Lae Hotel and commemorative dinner
Day 9	Nazdab fly to Port Moresby, visit Bomana War Cemetery. Hotel accommodation
Day 10	Return to Australia

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Map

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Booking Conditions

Please read the following information which explains what is included, any exclusions, booking and expedition conditions and upgrades available for this expedition.

General Information

Click on the following web-links to find out more about the topics described below.

• How we Operate - why should you trek with No Roads? Learn more about how we manage safety and security, our philosophy, our team of Porters and Guides, what others say and we will bust some myths about the Kokoda trekking scene.
• Kokoda Expeditions - learn about the Kokoda Track itself, the people and terrain, the plants and animals, more about our expedition team and the different types of Kokoda adventures we offer.
• Preparation - to properly prepare for this expedition we have provided detailed information on how to plan for your expedition, prepare yourself both physically but also advice on health and medical considerations, and lastly what gear to bring (and to leave home).
• Meals - No Roads offers the highest standard of delicious and nutritious meals along the Track and special dietary considerations can be catered for if we are notified in advance. 
• Military History - The history of the Kokoda Track during 1942 is nothing short of amazing. The stories of individual efforts, of triumph and defeat are ones that are still helping to shape Australia’s identity. Read our campaign overview and detailed key history events notes.
• On Expedition - To complete your preparation we encourage you to read about the three stages of the expedition grouped into before trekking, trekking and after trekking. The information in these pages will assist you greatly in preparing and understanding what to expect on expedition.

Inclusions

• Highly experienced Australian Historian
• Airfare from Port Moresby to Lae
• Airfare from Lae to Port Moresby
• 2 nights' twin-share hotel accommodation at Lae
• Transfer from Nadzab airport to Lae
• Group porters for 6-day trek in Shaggy Ridge
• Food for 6-day trek
• Transfer from Lae to Dumpu
• Vehicle for day trip to Mission Hill at Old Kaipit, then on to Dumpu
• Personal porter
• Communications and safety equipment including Satellite phone

Exclusions

• International flights to and from Port Moresby (please contact us for a quote) 
• Travel Insurance  (please contact us for a quote)
• PNG Visa or Passport
• Vaccinations and anti-malarial medications
• Airport Departure Taxes (civil aviation terminal facilities charge)
• Pre and Post trek meals (except hotel breakfast included with room booking)
• Personal expenditure - items of a personal nature (i.e. art, drinks etc.) 
• Excess baggage on scheduled domestic PNG flights
• Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of No Roads Expeditions

Expedition Conditions

• Travel insurance that includes medical evacuation is considered mandatory. 
• Closed Private Expeditions are not included in this schedule.
• ​Minimum numbers for the scheduled expeditions are required, typically 8 people. Please contact our office regarding our scheduled departures to discuss your needs.
• We aim for a lower impact and safer expedition by limiting our group size to less than 18 trekking customers per expedition. Typically our expeditions are around than 10 to 15 people group size (not including the porter team members).

Upgrades

The following upgrade options can be selected when you make a booking online.

• ​Backpack Hire - to hire a trekking backpack for $70.00 provided to you in Port Moresby.
• After expedition activities - please ask our Expedition Consultants about options such as helicopter flights, Loloata Island resort, Port Moresby Nature Park and more.

Terms and Conditions

• No Roads Expeditions is the booking agent for www.kokodaexpeditions.com.au
• NO ROADS EXPEDITIONS (NRE) TERMS AND CONDITIONS
  
  PRICING:
  
  No Roads policy is to hold prices firm for each calendar year. However because costs such as but not limited to exchange rates and airlines are out of our control we reserve the right to vary our prices at any time up to departure, without notice. Pricing is per person based on twin share accommodation.
  
  PAYMENT:
  
  A 20% deposit is required at the time of booking and the balance due 45 days prior to departure.
  
  CANCELLATION:
  
  If you cancel your booking 90 days or more prior to departure, you will have your deposit refunded less $200 administration booking fee.
  
  If you cancel your booking between 89 and 46 days prior to the commencement of your Expedition you will forfeit your entire deposit.
  
  If you cancel between 45 days and 29 days before the departure date you will lose 50% of the Expedition cost.
  
  If you cancel less than 28 days prior to the departure date of your expedition you will lose 100% of the expedition cost.
  
  If after cancellation we fill your place on the expedition and the expedition is fully booked, we will at our discretion refund your money less an amount to cover No Roads Expeditions (NRE) administration costs.
  
  We may, at our discretion choose to offer you another expedition.
  
  Full payment is due 45 days prior to the departure date. If you fail to pay by this date you could lose your place on your chosen expedition and your deposit will be forfeited.
  
  In the event of NRE being forced to cancel an expedition for reasons of security or personal safety (e.g. civil unrest, seismic activity, etc.), the amount paid will be transferable to another expedition or will be refunded, minus a reasonable amount for administration costs and cancellation fees charged by airline and accommodation companies not controlled by NRE.
  
  Administration fees will be calculated on a case by case basis. While acknowledging the travel warnings posted by respective Foreign Office departments, NRE does not accept cancellation due to these warnings in isolation. We take into consideration information from numerous sources including reports from our local offices in the respective country and act accordingly.
  
  In the event of NRE cancelling an expedition, we will work with all affected members to try to provide an alternative venue or the expedition fee will be refunded minus associated costs out of NRE's control.
  
  PRIVACY:
  
  No Roads Expeditions from time to time uses footage, comments and names for promotional purposes, should you not wish to participate, you must notify No Roads Expeditions in writing.

Liability Release

The following liability release statements are found on our booking form and provided here for reference. You will be asked to sign a copy of this release in Port Moresby before trekking.

• I have been advised by 'No Roads Expeditions' (NRE) of the following matters in relation to my upcoming expedition with NRE. 
• I have been advised that, snorkeling/swimming, trekking, climbing and especially mountaineering are inherently dangerous activities. 
• I may be killed, injured, incapacitated and experience pain, illness and suffering. I may experience loss, damage or theft of my property. 
• Any of the above may not be NRE's fault or the fault of anyone else. These incidents may be caused by others in my party, employees or directors of NRE, their subcontractors, my guide or wildlife, environmental factors such as ice cliff collapse, avalanche, bad weather, loose rocks, unstable snow or even just physical exhaustion which can happen at any time on my Expedition. 
• There is no way of predicting all the hazards I may face. While NRE will take reasonable precautions to minimise the risks, there is no way NRE can guarantee my safety on this expedition 100%.
• Often areas of operation are remote with little or no medical support. In some remote areas self-rescue is the only option. 
• My guide may need to begin first aid appropriate to the remoteness of the area and the nature of my ailment. 
• While NRE will take all reasonable precautions to maintain my safety I understand that I also am responsible to act in a responsible and safe manner that will not endanger myself or others in my party. 
• By signing or ticking this document I certify that I have read and understood these risks and they are acceptable to me. 
• I also agree not to seek compensation, financial or otherwise from any incident that might occur during or associated with your trip, from NRE, it's directors, employees or subcontractors. 
• I understand NRE will not accept my participation on expedition if I do not have suitable or sufficient travel insurance to cover such events as illness, remote area evacuation, etc. 
• NRE is not responsible for any medical, hospital, doctor, rescue, evacuation, or associated transportation costs. We will where possible assist you with any emergency logistics in the event of problems.