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POM destination photo
GKA destination photo

POMGKA

Our Recommendation
8.9

Right Side of the Plane

The right side of the aircraft offers unparalleled views of the rugged Owen Stanley Range and the dramatic high-altitude peaks that define Papua New Guinea's interior geography.

Right Side Highlights
8.9
⛰️

Owen Stanley Range

The dramatic mountain spine of the country, featuring jagged peaks and deep, inaccessible valleys.

🏔️

Mount Victoria

One of the highest points in the range, often visible as a massive, mist-shrouded landmark to the east.

🌫️

Highland Cloud Forests

Spectacular views of high-altitude forests where clouds frequently nestle between the steep V-shaped valleys.

🌽

Asaro Valley Floor

The transition into the fertile Highland basins, showcasing a patchwork of gardens and coffee plantations near Goroka.

The right side is essential for seeing the most dramatic mountain terrain. Aim for a morning flight (before 10:00 AM) to avoid the heavy cloud buildup and turbulence typical of the PNG Highlands. Seats forward of the wing are best to avoid engine heat haze distorting your photos of the peaks.

Left Side Highlights
7.6
🌊

Gulf of Papua Coastline

Panoramic views of the southern coastline and the azure waters of the Coral Sea immediately after takeoff.

🐍

Serpentine River Systems

Winding, silt-heavy rivers that carve intricate paths through the dense tropical lowlands.

🌳

Endless Jungle Canopy

A vast, unbroken carpet of primary rainforest stretching west toward the Indonesian border.

🏘️

Isolated Ridge Villages

Tiny clusters of traditional dwellings perched precariously on narrow mountain ridges during the descent.

Choose the left side for better views of the coastal plains and the expansive river deltas. If flying in the late afternoon, this side often benefits from softer light hitting the western slopes of the mountains.

Top Activities in Goroka
Route Information

Distance: 425 km (264 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 43 min

Departure: POM (-9.44338035583496, 147.22000122070312)

Arrival: GKA (-6.0816898345900015, 145.391998291)

Route Type: Domestic

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