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Partners & affiliations

Our Partners & Affiliations

In one of the hardest regions to travel, our network is our strength. Every partner is chosen through the process in Our Methodology.

Partner categories

Who we work with

Six kinds of partner make a highland journey possible.

01

Government & regulators

We work within Indonesian civil-aviation rules and with regional tourism authorities on permits such as the Surat Jalan.

02

Aviation

Commercial carriers to Jayapura (DJJ), and certified regional operators experienced in Papuan mountain flying for Wamena (WMX).

03

Ground & trekking teams

Local 4×4 drivers who know the valley’s roads, plus porters and cooks for multi-day treks.

04

Lodges & guesthouses

A small group of eco-lodges and guesthouses, often locally owned, vetted for cleanliness, service and environmental care.

05

Communities & cooperatives

Village elders, local guides and women’s cooperatives that weave noken, the knotted bags recognised by UNESCO as intangible heritage.

06

Conservation organisations

Local and international groups whose guidance shapes our waste, plastic and low-impact practices in a fragile ecosystem.

How partnership works

What we ask of every partner

01

Chosen through our methodology

Every partner, from airlines to community cooperatives, is assessed against the five pillars in Our Methodology and shares our commitment to safety, sustainability and good service.

02

Safe flying first

We only work with charter operators that hold a valid Air Operator Certificate and comply with Indonesia’s civil-aviation standards, flown by pilots experienced in mountain conditions and regional weather.

03

Communities as custodians

Our closest partners are the Dani, Lani and Yali communities: elders, artisans and local guides whose knowledge opens experiences otherwise out of reach.

These relationships are built on mutual respect, not transactions. Cultural encounters, such as a bakar batu pig feast, happen only with explicit consent.

04

Benefits that stay local

We work directly with village cooperatives and traditional leaders: fair wages for porters and artisans, and support for infrastructure projects the communities identify themselves.

05

Responsible tourism alliances

We follow guidance from organisations focused on tourism in fragile ecosystems — leave-no-trace principles, minimal plastic, and educating staff and guests on respectful contact with nature.

Partners FAQ

Questions about our network

Who we rely on, and why.

01 How do you choose partners?

Each partner is assessed against the five pillars in Our Methodology — safety, authenticity, service, sustainability and reliability — and re-audited every year.

02 How do guests fly into the valley?

Commercial flights reach Jayapura (DJJ); regional operators experienced in Papuan mountain flying cover the leg to Wamena (WMX).

03 Do you work directly with local communities?

Yes. We work with village cooperatives and traditional leaders, and cultural encounters happen only with explicit consent.

04 Where do guides and porters come from?

From local trekking teams in the valley, including porters and cooks for multi-day expeditions.