A historic trekking site which was used back in the World War II by the American soldiers, was officially opened for trekking on Monday October 13, 2025, in Gaba Gaba Village, Central Province.

The Americans base and the track used in WWII used by American soldiers during the battle with Japanese soldiers to Kokoda was officially reopened and named as “Ghost Mountain Expedition” for tracking.

The historical site known as Kapa Kapa trail is the second largest tourism tracking product after the famous Kokoda Track through the Owen Stanley Range, this track will now enable more outside visitors and local trekkers into the province thus is will also add to the boosting of its economy.

The Ghost Mountain Expedition was initiated by PNG Tribal Foundation and is supported by Central Provincial Member Rufina Peter as well as the member for Rigo district, Sir Ano Pala.

This opened trekking site will increase tourism, build basic services including schools, aid posts, electricity amongst others in remote villages starting from Dorobisoro and neighboring villages of the WWII trail where locals helped soldiers during the battle.

Sir Ano Pala said Gabagaba village was called to take the frontline in 1942 to help assist the American soldiers during the war battles, this time they will be called again to take the frontline not for battles but for peace, leading the international visitors to walk the 48km trail southeast to the Kokoda trail.

“As we launched the Ghost Mountain Lagacy Track, and the revisit of the Kapakapa trail, let us be reminded of our needs as well, and our leaders must stand together to bring in all basic services.”

Meanwhile, PNG Tribal Foundation President Gary Bustin, said ten trekkers from Colorado, United States and Australia have started the eight days walk today from Dorobisoro.

“We will be visiting the villages as we walk through the track and help with basic medical supplies, also we will be talking to the villages and see the needs especially schools, aid posts and others that we can build for the villages.”

“It is not just the trekking but bringing basic services to the villages that once helped the American soldiers during the WWII and how we can give back to the communities.”

Moreover, Desmond Baira, Chairman for Economy and Tourism, Central Provincial Government on behalf of the Central Governor committed K200, 000 to Gabagaba village with Sir Ano who also committed K20, 000 to Gabagaba village for its basic services.

“We are expected to see tracking tourism grow in the next years.”