Understand
Mendi is at an altitude of 1,675 m and lies in the Mendi River valley on a gentle volcanic slope. Its population is around 20,000. The valley is flanked to the east by Mount Giluwe, PNGâs second highest mountain and to the west by limestone peaks that separate it from the Lai Valley. In addition to the town and the river, âMendiâ also refers to the people who live in the surrounding areas. Temperatures in the area range from 7° to 24° C, with high-altitude areas regularly experiencing crop-damaging frosts. Vegetables and coffee are the main crops.
In 2000 the town suffered major inter-tribal violence, when around 50 people were killed. Although it has been relatively quiet since then, tour organizers tend to shun both it and the neighboring township of Tari. This is very much a location for the independent, adventurous traveler.
