Mount Kuk

Mount Kuk (also transliterated as Guk) is a prominent mountain located in the Central Range of Papua New Guinea. It is situated within the Western Highlands Province and is notable for its proximity to the Kuk Early Agricultural Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The mountain itself is not significantly high compared to other peaks in the region, but its importance stems from its association with the extensive archaeological evidence of early agriculture found on its slopes and in the adjacent Kuk Swamp. These findings suggest that the area around Mount Kuk represents one of the earliest known locations of organized agriculture in the world, dating back approximately 10,000 years.

The terrain surrounding Mount Kuk is characterized by a complex network of wetlands, grasslands, and cultivated fields. The climate is tropical, with high rainfall and humidity, contributing to the fertile environment that supported early agricultural practices.

While not a major tourist destination in itself, Mount Kuk is often visited by researchers, archaeologists, and those interested in the history of agriculture and human development. The area surrounding the mountain offers insights into the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to settled agricultural communities. The mountain provides a backdrop to the Kuk Early Agricultural Site, visually reinforcing the significance of the landscape.