Papua New Guinea Highlands Highway
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea’s Highlands Highway threads through steep valleys and highland towns from Lae to Mount Hagen and on toward the lower highlands, linking coffee country, market centers, and dramatic mountain scenery. Expect a rugged, slow journey with vivid village life, misty ridges, and frequent weather-related delays.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Lae
PNG's busy port city and the gateway to the Highlands Highway. Fuel up and prepare for a steep climb inland.
- Bulolo
A former gold town set among green hills and river valleys. Expect cool air, market stalls, and slow traffic.
- Kainantu
A lively highlands town with coffee country all around it. It is a practical break before the road climbs deeper inland.
- Goroka
Known for coffee, markets, and a cool mountain setting. The town makes a strong overnight stop in the central highlands.
- Mount Hagen
The main highlands hub, surrounded by rugged ridges and gardens. Roads, markets, and services are better here than most places on route.
- Kundiawa
A compact town in steep mountain country with dramatic views. Weather and road delays are common in this stretch.
- Mendi
A remote highlands center with misty valleys and a strong local market feel. It adds a deeper, quieter stop on the southern side.
- Lae
Return to the coast after the long mountain run. The descent back to Lae feels fast, but road conditions can still shift suddenly.
Where to Eat
- Lae Noodle HouseChinese-PNG
Popular for quick hot meals before heading inland. Good for rice, noodles, and a simple road-day lunch.
- Lae Top Town Marketmarket food
A practical stop for fresh fruit, snacks, and local bites. It is a useful place to stock up before the highway climb.
- Goroka Marketmarket food
A classic place to sample Highlands produce and street snacks. Look for coffee, kaukau, bananas, and saksak-style items.
- Highlanders Hotel RestaurantPapua New Guinean
A reliable sit-down meal stop in Mount Hagen. Expect hotel dining with local and international options.
Things to Do
- Rainforest Habitat and Picnic Spotnature reserve
Walk shaded trails and see lowland rainforest close to Lae. It is a gentle first stop before the steep inland roads.
- J.K. McCarthy Museummuseum
Learn about Highlands culture, coffee, and colonial history in Goroka. It gives useful context before exploring the surrounding region.
- Mount Hagen Marketmarket
Browse one of the busiest markets in the highlands. It is a great place to see daily trade, produce, and local dress.
- Asaro Mudmen Villagecultural village
Visit a village known for the striking mudmen tradition near Goroka. Cultural performances and storytelling are often part of the experience.
Travel advisory
Road conditions can change quickly with landslides, bridge damage, and rough sealed sections, especially after heavy rain. Travel in daylight, keep fuel topped up, and plan for security and occasional roadblocks near towns. A 4WD with a local driver is strongly recommended.