LAOS – Houaphan – Deep in the Jungle 3D2N

Number day and night

3 days - 2 nights

Day by day description

Day 1: Hike to Tad Loy Camp.
This morning your guide will take you to the national park’s headquarters for a presentation of the park and the on-the-ground efforts in protecting the wildlife. Then, you’ll travel by car along a curvy road through gorgeous mountainous landscapes before arriving at an ethnic Khmu Village. The guide, porters, and cooks will be waiting to greet you. Start the trek through the village’s corn, tobacco and rice fields before arriving at the edge of the forest where you will enjoy a picnic lunch while the guide explains the different management zones of the park. From here you enter the National Park’s most protected area – the core zone. The trek will follow a trail through thick jungle and mixed deciduous forest. Along the way, the guide will point out medicinal plants, animal tracks, and birds. Today’s hike is quite short and should take about 2 to 3 hours, after which you’ll arrive at the Tad Loy and Tad Louey Waterfalls where you can relax, swim, and enjoy the refreshing mountain waters. From here it is just a short distance to the camp where you will settle into your bamboo hut and later enjoy dinner with the villagers by the campfire.

Meals included: lunch, dinner
Accommodation: overnight in a bamboo hut at Tad Loy Camp
Hiking level: 3
Distance & duration of hiking: about 6 kilometers / 4 hours
Total accumulated ascent/descent: +1225m / -500m
Terrain: jungle trails with slopes averaging around 10%
Notes: Guests should wear appropriate hiking boots. Trekking poles are highly recommended. Guests should make sure they have some warm clothes as it can be chilly at night and in the early-morning.

Day 2: Hike over Phou Phamai to the Nests
Wake up early and go for a walk with your guide to check for wildlife photos on the camera traps. After returning back to the campsite, enjoy breakfast and then set off through the foothills of Phou Louey Mountain, across the rugged and mountainous landscape, before finally arriving at the Nests campsite and the Poung Nied saltlick and wildlife observation tower. The route traverses some beautiful forest and landscapes as well as some trenches from the war. There is a steep ascent to the top of Phou Phamai Mountain Pass followed by a gradual descent down to the camp. At the top of Phou Phamai Mountain you’ll get a great view over the National Park and you’ll even be able to see Ban Sakok village where you started your trek. Enjoy a picnic lunch with a view before continuing the hike. Once you arrive at the camp you’ll be shown to your curious accommodation – the hanging spherical “Nests”. Enjoy some free time to relax and bathe in the nearby river before moving close to the campfire to enjoy a traditional Khmu dinner prepared by the villagers. After dinner, you’ll receive a briefing about wildlife viewing at the salt lick and the species of animals that you might see. Stay at the observation tower for a few hours and if you’re lucky you might see some common animals such as Sambar and barking deer as well as various species of civets. If you’re really lucky, you may also see bears, dhole, and several species of wild cats.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Overnight in the Nests
Distance & duration of hiking: about 12 kilometers / 7 hours
Total accumulated ascent/descent: +895m / -660m
Terrain: jungle trails with slopes averaging around 10%

Day 3: Gibbon calls and hiking out of the National Park.
Wake up early, just before sunrise, and follow your guide to the top of a small hill where hopefully you’ll be lucky enough to hear the calls of the critically endangered Northern White Cheeked Gibbons. Enjoy the sunrise from a small viewpoint platform in a tree before heading back towards the camp to check the camera traps. As you eat breakfast you can view the photos taken by the camera trap during the previous night. Twelve surrounding villages involved in this project receive financial bonuses in the form of a village development fund based on the number and type of wildlife seen, or the evidence of their presence found, during the trek. This is one of the ways the National park works to stop the locals hunting the endangered wildlife. After breakfast, trek back through the forest to the village’s fields, and enjoy a farmer’s picnic lunch before riding the tok-tok back to the village. Arrive in the village in early afternoon. When you arrive back in the village the villagers will say their goodbyes and you’ll travel back to Muang Hiem by car.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Muang Hiem
Distance & duration of hiking: about 7.5 kilometers / 4 hours
Distance & duration of tractor transfer: about 5 kilometers / 1 hour
Total accumulated ascent/descent: +420m / -460m
Terrain: jungle trails with slopes averaging around 10%

Selling points

• An eco-tour providing travelers the opportunity to view rare wildlife in on of the most beautiful natural areas of the country.This is a journey for people who have a huge respect for nature and will value the passion that the local people have for saving their tigers and other animals.
• A sustainable activity designed to support alternative livelihoods for local people and generate community support for wildlife conservation. The villagers receive a cash bonus for every animal spotted, and they freely share their knowledge of wildlife behavior, medicinal plants, traditional agriculture, and history.
• The multi-day treks in Nam Et-Phou Louey are some of the best in the country and are a must do for any active traveler looking to really get off the beaten track.
• An adventurous activity at a moderate level with 2 unforgettable overnight stays in the jungle camp and hanging nests of the core zone of Nam Et-Phou Louey National Protected Area.
• This 3D2N is the middle option in terms of length and difficulty of the several options offered by the National Park.

Level Of The Excursion

The Impact Of This Excursion

Social/cultural Impact

Environment Impact

Economic Impact

Selling points

• Possibility for private tour or private accommodation (extra cost) upon request and negotiation with the supplier.
• Possibility to bring travel agent guide (extra cost) upon request and negotiation with the supplier.
• Muang Hiem is an ideal location to break up a journey north from Nong Khiaw to Sam Nuea, Vieng Xai and the Vietnamese border or south toward Phonsavan and the Plain of Jars (or vice-versa).
• Can be combined with a short visit to the Muang Hiem Hotsprings the day after finishing the activity.
• Requires 1 night in Muang Hiem on the day before

Pros

• Easy to arrange for groups of up to 10 pax with the online booking form where we can see the availability and fill in the details to make the reservation.
• Not at all touristy – clients will most likely not see another tourist for days on end.
• The supplier’s guides are very knowledgeable. For English-speaking clients it is not necessary for our DMC guide to join.
• The trail is a loop so it never goes the same way twice.

Cons

• Limited quality accommodation and restaurants in Muang Hiem.
• We cannot guarantee the spotting of wild animals. Client should not expect to spot any tigers because there are few and they’re very secretive. Some animals may be seen only via camera traps.
• This activity involves long road journeys to a remote part of Laos.
• It is expensive and we must explain clearly to clients why it costs so much.
• The trek is of moderate difficulty and it is not possible for vehicles to access the trail.
• The supplier’s guides only speak English.

TIME AND TRANSPORTATION

• Duration: 3 days 2 night
• Total Kilometers of Hiking: 25 kilometers
• Total Kilometers: 102 kilometers of hiking and transfers

Notes

• MAP AND ELEVATION PROFILE:
  • Currently we do not have a GPS map of the activity but we can provide an elevation profile from the supplier’s website.
  • An elevation profile can be seen on the National Park’s website here.
• INFORMATION TO COLLECT FROM CLIENT: 
  • We must really understand the client & travelers’ needs and expectations.
  • Understand the travelers physical level – this is a moderate/difficult trek and only for Active travelers.
  • Travelers need to be aware that it is a committing trek that cannot be abandoned half-way through.
• SEASONALITY:
  • This activity is not possible in the rainy season (June-September).
  • Weather can be both very hot during daytime and very cold at night. It is recommended to bring clothes for both extremes.
  • Advise guests to bring the following:
    • Small bag (big bag can be left in the village or in the Easia minivan)
    • Light rain jacket, warm jacket
    • Sun hat, long pants, walking shoes, T-shirt and short for bathing
    • Insect repellent, towel and toiletries.
    • 2 water bottles (the 1.5L ones are an ideal size)
• OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION:
  • The hiking is long and hard so we recommend taking a minimum amount of personal luggage.
  • Clients should be aware that they will get sweaty and smelly and only be able to bathe in rivers.
  • There are basic squat toilets available at the camps.
  • To be done with a trip in provenance from Nong Khiaw or Phonsavan (DO NOT propose the direct travel from LPQ because it is too long).
  • It can be visited on the journey to/from the Vietnamese border (Na Meo) near Sam Neua and Vieng Xai in Houaphan Province.
  • 1 night needs to be spent in Muang Hiem on the day before.
  • Possibility for private tour (extra cost of 1,000,000 kip/per group/per night)
  • Possibility to bring travel agent guide (extra cost of 600,000 kip/guide)
  • All the National Park guides are first-aid trained.
  • For accommodation in Muang Hiem we use “Dork Khoun Thong Guesthouse” and for restaurants we recommend “Sabaidee Nam Khan”

HOW TO INCLUDE IN A PROGRAM

9D8N LPQ/Nong Khiaw/Muang Hiem/Plain of Jars/LPQ or Vang Vieng (or vice versa)

• Day 1 Transfer Luang Prabang – Nong Khiaw (+ optional stop at Pak Ou)
• Day 2 Visit Nong Khiaw and Muang Ngoi (car waiting day)
• Day 3 Transfer Nong Khiaw – Muang Hiem
• Day 4 3D trekking
• Day 5 3D trekking
• Day 6 3D trekking (+ optional Muang Hiem hot springs)
• Day 7 Transfer Muang Hiem – Phonsavan
• Day 8 Visit Plain of Jars and Muang Khoun (+ optional time filler museums)
• Day 9 Transfer Phonsavan – Luang Prabang

8D7N LPB/Nong Khiaw/Muang Hiem/Sam Neua/Na Meo (or vice versa)

• Day 1 Transfer Luang Prabang – Nong Khiaw (+ optional stop at Pak Ou)
• Day 2 Visit Nong Khiaw and Muang Ngoi (car waiting day)
• Day 3 Transfer Nong Khiaw – Muang Hiem
• Day 4 3D trekking
• Day 5 3D trekking
• Day 6 3D trekking (+ optional Muang Hiem hot springs)
• Day 7 Transfer Muang Hiem – Sam Neua
• Day 8 Visit Vieng Xai Caves and transfer to Na Meo border

Market suggestion

Number of PAX

10

Tariff conditions

• Payment for groups of 1-2 pax: The supplier will send an invoice after the tour and request payment be made within 7 days. They do this because the price of the activity depends on the final number of guests who join (for the join-in option).
• Payment for groups of 3 pax or more: We have to pay in advance by doing a bank transfer and sending the bank transfer receipt as proof of payment (scanned/photo) to [email protected] before the tour.
  • Name: WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY
    Bank account name: 010110000477427001
    Bank: BANQUE POUR LE COMMERCE EXTERIEUR LAO PUBLIC
    Swift Code: COEBLALA
• Confirmation, Cancellation and Refunds:
  • CONFIRM: The booking must be confirmed 24 hours before the tour by email ([email protected]) or by calling to +856 20 2860 0038. If the tour is not confirmed, it will be considered as cancelled.
  • CHANGE OR CANCEL: If we need to change or cancel the tour, we need to inform the supplier at least 48 hours before the tour start.
  • REFUND: We will receive a full refund minus bank transfer fees for tours canceled more than 48 hours before the tour start. For late cancellations less than 48 hours before the tour start, the cancellation fee is 20% of the tour cost.

Supplement

• Possibility for private tour.
• Possibility to bring travel agent guide.

Important notes

• AVAILABILITY: You can inquire about the availability and send the reservation by filling in the form with all the details here
• BOOKING: The supplier will reply to your email to confirm the reservation.
• CONFIRM: The booking must be confirmed 24 hours before the tour by email ([email protected]) or by calling to +856 20 2860 0038. If the tour is not confirmed, it will be considered as cancelled.
• CHANGE OR CANCEL: If we need to change or cancel the tour, we need to inform the supplier at least 48 hours before the tour start.
• IMPORTANT: Please remind the supplier when confirming the booking if our guide will join and also if our clients will do a private tour.
• The supplier’s name for this activity is: “N-3D” – 3D/2N TREK. WATERFALL & THE NESTS.

Contact

• Website: www.namet.org
• Online Booking: http://www.namet.org/wp/bookings/trekking-tour-booking/
• Contact: Mrs. Phatsa – Reservation & Office manager
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: ‪‪+856 20 28600 038 (Mobile)
• Phone 2: +856 20 59360836 ( Whatsap)
• Contact 2: Janina – Ecotourism Advisor
• Email 2: [email protected]
• Phone 3 (and Whatsap): +856 20 9889 3528

Special information

• Marketing – Photo credits are included in the photo title. If no credit is in the name please credit “WCSLaos/NEPLNP”. Any photos with “GOPRO” in the name belong to the production team and no credit is needed.

• Product Photos
• View more photos in Media Library

English

Deep in the Jungle – 3D2N

Day 1: Hike to Tad Loy Camp
This morning your guide will take you to the national park’s headquarters for a presentation of the park and the on-the-ground efforts in protecting the wildlife. Then, you’ll travel by car along a curvy road through gorgeous mountainous landscapes before arriving at an ethnic Khmu Village. The guide, porters, and cooks will be waiting to greet you. Start the trek through the village’s corn, tobacco and rice fields before arriving at the edge of the forest where you will enjoy a picnic lunch while the guide explains the different management zones of the park. From here you enter the National Park’s most protected area – the core zone. The trek will follow a trail through thick jungle and mixed deciduous forest. Along the way, the guide will point out medicinal plants, animal tracks, and birds. Today’s hike is quite short and should take about 2 to 3 hours, after which you’ll arrive at the Tad Loy and Tad Louey Waterfalls where you can relax, swim, and enjoy the refreshing mountain waters. From here it is just a short distance to the camp where you will settle into your bamboo hut and later enjoy dinner with the villagers by the campfire.

Meals included: lunch, dinner
Accommodation: overnight in a bamboo hut at Tad Loy Camp
Hiking level: 3
Distance & duration of hiking: about 6 kilometers / 4 hours
Total accumulated ascent/descent: +1225m / -500m
Terrain: jungle trails with slopes averaging around 10%
Notes: Guests should wear appropriate hiking boots. Trekking poles are highly recommended. Guests should make sure they have some warm clothes as it can be chilly at night and in the early-morning.

Day 2: Hike over Phou Phamai to the Nests
Wake up early and go for a walk with your guide to check for wildlife photos on the camera traps. After returning back to the campsite, enjoy breakfast and then set off through the foothills of Phou Louey Mountain, across the rugged and mountainous landscape, before finally arriving at the Nests campsite and the Poung Nied saltlick and wildlife observation tower. The route traverses some beautiful forest and landscapes as well as some trenches from the war. There is a steep ascent to the top of Phou Phamai Mountain Pass followed by a gradual descent down to the camp. At the top of Phou Phamai Mountain you’ll get a great view over the National Park and you’ll even be able to see Ban Sakok village where you started your trek. Enjoy a picnic lunch with a view before continuing the hike. Once you arrive at the camp you’ll be shown to your curious accommodation – the hanging spherical “Nests”. Enjoy some free time to relax and bathe in the nearby river before moving close to the campfire to enjoy a traditional Khmu dinner prepared by the villagers. After dinner, you’ll receive a briefing about wildlife viewing at the salt lick and the species of animals that you might see. Stay at the observation tower for a few hours and if you’re lucky you might see some common animals such as Sambar and barking deer as well as various species of civets. If you’re really lucky, you may also see bears, dhole, and several species of wild cats.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Overnight in the Nests
Distance & duration of hiking: about 12 kilometers / 7 hours
Total accumulated ascent/descent: +895m / -660m
Terrain: jungle trails with slopes averaging around 10%

Day 3: Gibbon calls and hiking out of the National Park
Wake up early, just before sunrise, and follow your guide to the top of a small hill where hopefully you’ll be lucky enough to hear the calls of the critically endangered Northern White Cheeked Gibbons. Enjoy the sunrise from a small viewpoint platform in a tree before heading back towards the camp to check the camera traps. As you eat breakfast you can view the photos taken by the camera trap during the previous night. Twelve surrounding villages involved in this project receive financial bonuses in the form of a village development fund based on the number and type of wildlife seen, or the evidence of their presence found, during the trek. This is one of the ways the National park works to stop the locals hunting the endangered wildlife. After breakfast, trek back through the forest to the village’s fields, and enjoy a farmer’s picnic lunch before riding the tok-tok back to the village. Arrive in the village in early afternoon. When you arrive back in the village the villagers will say their goodbyes and you’ll travel back to Muang Hiem by car.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Muang Hiem
Distance & duration of hiking: about 7.5 kilometers / 4 hours
Distance & duration of tractor transfer: about 5 kilometers / 1 hour
Total accumulated ascent/descent: +420m / -460m
Terrain: jungle trails with slopes averaging around 10%

French

Au cœur de la jungle – 3J2N

Jour 1: Randonnée jusqu’au Camp de Tad Loy
Dans la matinée, votre guide vous conduira au quartier général du parc national pour une présentation du parc et des efforts déployés sur le terrain pour protéger la nature. Vous embarquerez ensuite dans une voiture et suivrez la route serpentant à travers les splendides paysages de montagne avant d’arriver dans un village de la minorité Khmu. Le guide, les porteurs et les cuisiniers vous accueilleront puis vous commencerez à marcher à travers les champs de tabac, de maïs et les rizières autour du village avant d’arriver à la lisière de la forêt où vous savourerez un déjeuner sous forme de pique-nique pendant que le guide vous expliquera comment les différentes zones du parc sont gérées. Vous entrerez ensuite dans la zone la plus protégée du parc national: son coeur. La randonnée se poursuivra sur un sentier traversant un mélange de jungle épaisse et de forêt aux feuilles caduques. Sur la route, le guide vous montrera des plantes médicinales ainsi que des traces d’animaux et des oiseaux. Cette randonnée sera assez courte et il ne vous faudra que 2 à 3 heures pour arriver aux cascades de Tad Loy et Tad Louey où vous pourrez vous détendre, nager ou simplement profiter des eaux rafraichissantes de la montagne. Le camp ne sera plus très loin et vous pourrez alors vous installer dans votre hutte en bambou avant de rejoindre les villageois autour du feu de camp pour le dîner.

Repas inclus : déjeuner, dîner
Hébergement : nuit dans une hutte en bambou au Camp de Tad Loy
Niveau de randonnée: 3
Distance et durée de la randonnée: environ 6 kilomètres / 4 heures
Dénivelé total accumulé: +1225 mètres / -500 mètres
Type de terrain: sentiers de jungle avec des pentes d’environ 10%
Remarques: Nous conseillons aux participants de porter des chaussures de randonnée. Les bâtons de randonnée sont également fortement recommandés. Les participants devront s’assurer d’emporter des vêtements chauds car il peut faire frais pendant la nuit et en début de matinée.

Jour 2: Ransonnée au dessus de Phou Phamai en direction des Nids
Vous vous réveillerez de bonne heure et accompagnerez votre guide pour aller regarder les photos prises par les pièges photographiques. De retour au camp, vous prendrez le petit-déjeuner avant de partir pour les contreforts de la montagne Phou Louey, vous traverserez des paysages montagneux et accidentés avant de finalement arriver au camp de nids non loin de la pierre à sel et de la tour d’observation de Poung Nied. Le chemin vous fera à la fois passer par de jolies forêts, de beaux paysages et par des tranchées datant de la guerre. Pour rejoindre le sommet du col de la montagne de Phou Phamai, vous emprunterez un chemin en montée assez escarpé suivi par une descente graduée pour rejoindre le camp. Depuis le sommet de la montagne Phou Phamai, vous aurez une superbe vue sur le parc national et vous pourrez même apercevoir le village de Ban Sakok, d’où vous aurez commencé la randonnée. Vous prendrez alors le temps de déjeuner en contemplant la vue avant de poursuivre votre marche. Une fois au camp, on vous montrera votre curieux “logement”: des “nids” sphériques suspendus. Vous pourrez profiter de votre temps libre pour vous reposer ou pour aller vous baigner dans la rivière un peu plus loin avant de vous rapprocher du feu de camp pour savourer un traditionnel dîner Khmu préparé par les villageois. Après le repas, on vous présentera les différentes espèces d’animaux que vous pourrez apercevoir près de la pierre à sel. Vous irez ensuite passer plusieurs heures dans la tour d’observation pour tenter de voir des Sambars, des chevreuils ainsi que plusieurs espèces de civettes. Avec de la chance, vous pourriez même apercevoir des animaux plus rares comme des ours, des dholes (chiens sauvages d’Asie) et diverses espèces de chats sauvages.

Repas inclus : petit-déjeuner, déjeuner, dîner
Hébergement : nuit dans les nids
Distance et durée de la randonnée: environ 12 kilomètres / 7 heures
Dénivelé total accumulé: +895 mètres / -660 mètres
Type de terrain: sentiers de jungle avec des pentes d’environ 10%

Jour 3: l’appel des Gibbons et randonnée dans le parc national
Vous vous réveillerez juste avant le lever du soleil et suivrez votre guide jusqu’au sommet d’une petite colline où, si vous avez de la chance, vous pourrez entendre les cris de Gibbons à favoris Blancs du Nord, une espèce en danger de disparition. Vous pourrez admirer le lever du soleil depuis une plateforme installée dans un arbre avant de retourner au camp pour vérifier les pièges photos. Pendant le petit-déjeuner vous en profiterez pour regarder les photos prises par les pièges pendant la nuit précédente. Douze villages aux alentours participent à ce projet et reçoivent des bonus financiers sous la forme de fonds de développement basés sur le nombre et le type d’animaux aperçus (sur les photos ou lors des randonnées) ou sur la preuve de leur présence. Ce système aide le parc national à valoriser les animaux pour empêcher les locaux de chasser les animaux en danger. Après le petit-déjeuner, vous traverserez la forêt et les champs du village, puis prendrez le déjeuner sous forme de pique-nique avant d’embarquer dans un tok-tok qui vous reconduira au village. Vous y arriverez en début d’après-midi et vous saluerez une dernière fois les villageois avant de retourner à Muang Hiem en voiture.

Repas inclus : petit-déjeuner, déjeuner
Hébergement : Pension à Muang Hiem
Distance et durée de la randonnée : environ 7,5 kilomètres / 4 heures
Distance et durée du transfert en tracteur: environ 5 kilomètres / 1 heure
Dénivelé total accumulé: +420m / -460m
Type de terrain: sentiers dans la jungle avec des pentes d’en moyenne 10%

Spanish

En el corazón de la selva – 3D2N

Día 1: Caminata al campamento de Tad Loy
Por la mañana, su guía le llevará a la sede del parque nacional para una introducción al parque y a los esfuerzos que se realizan sobre el terreno para proteger la naturaleza. A continuación, se subirá a un coche y seguirá la carretera que serpentea por el hermoso paisaje montañoso antes de llegar a una aldea de la minoría khmu. El guía, los porteadores y los cocineros le darán la bienvenida y, a continuación, empezará a caminar por los campos de tabaco, maíz y arroz que rodean el pueblo antes de llegar al borde del bosque, donde disfrutará de un almuerzo de picnic mientras el guía le explica cómo se gestionan las distintas zonas del parque. A continuación, se adentrará en la zona más protegida del parque nacional: su corazón. La caminata continúa por un sendero que atraviesa una mezcla de selva espesa y bosque caducifolio. A lo largo del camino, el guía le mostrará plantas medicinales, así como huellas de animales y aves. Esta caminata será bastante corta y sólo le llevará 2-3 horas llegar a las cascadas de Tad Loy y Tad Louey, donde podrá relajarse, nadar o simplemente disfrutar de las refrescantes aguas de la montaña. El campamento no estará lejos y podrá instalarse en su cabaña de bambú antes de reunirse con los aldeanos en torno a la hoguera para cenar.

Comidas incluidas: almuerzo, cena
Alojamiento: noche en una cabaña de bambú en el campamento Tad Loy
Nivel de senderismo: 3
Distancia y duración de la caminata: unos 6 kilómetros / 4 horas
Desnivel total acumulado: +1225 metros / -500 metros
Tipo de terreno: senderos en la selva con pendientes de alrededor del 10%.
Notas: Aconsejamos a los participantes que lleven botas de montaña. También se recomienda encarecidamente el uso de bastones de senderismo. Los participantes deben asegurarse de llevar ropa de abrigo, ya que puede hacer frío por la noche y a primera hora de la mañana.

Día 2: Senderismo por encima de Phou Phamai hacia los Nidos
Se despertará temprano y acompañará a su guía para ver las imágenes tomadas por las cámaras trampa. De vuelta al campamento, desayunará antes de dirigirse a las estribaciones de la montaña Phou Louey, atravesando escarpados paisajes montañosos antes de llegar finalmente al campamento de los nidos, no lejos de la piedra de sal y la torre de observación de Poung Nied. La ruta le lleva a través de hermosos bosques, paisajes y trincheras de guerra. Para llegar a la cima del puerto de montaña de Phou Phamai, se tomará un camino empinado hacia arriba, seguido de un descenso gradual hasta el campamento. Desde la cima de la montaña Phou Phamai, tendrá una gran vista del parque nacional e incluso podrá ver el pueblo de Ban Sakok, desde donde comenzó la caminata. A continuación, almorzará y disfrutará de las vistas antes de continuar la caminata. Una vez en el campamento, se le mostrará su curioso “alojamiento”: “nidos” esféricos suspendidos. Tendrá tiempo libre para descansar o darse un baño en el río antes de acercarse a la hoguera para disfrutar de una cena tradicional khmu preparada por los lugareños. Después de la comida, se le presentarán las diferentes especies de animales que puede ver cerca de la piedra de sal. A continuación, pasará varias horas en la torre de observación para intentar ver sambar, corzos y varias especies de civetas. Si tiene suerte, podrá ver incluso algunos animales más raros, como osos, dholes (perros salvajes asiáticos) y varias especies de gatos salvajes.

Comidas incluidas: desayuno, almuerzo y cena
Alojamiento: noche en nidos
Distancia y duración de la caminata: aprox. 12 kilómetros / 7 horas
Desnivel total acumulado: +895 metros / -660 metros
Tipo de terreno: senderos en la selva con pendientes de alrededor del 10%.

Día 3: La llamada de los gibones y la excursión al Parque Nacional
Se despertará justo antes del amanecer y seguirá a su guía hasta la cima de una pequeña colina donde, si tiene suerte, podrá escuchar los cantos de los gibones de pecho blanco del norte, en peligro de extinción. Podrá ver el amanecer desde una plataforma en un árbol antes de volver al campamento para comprobar las cámaras trampa. Durante el desayuno tendrá la oportunidad de ver las fotos tomadas por las trampas durante la noche anterior. Doce pueblos de los alrededores participan en este proyecto y reciben bonificaciones económicas en forma de fondos de desarrollo en función del número y tipo de animales vistos (en fotos o en excursiones) o de la prueba de su presencia. Este sistema ayuda al parque nacional a valorar los animales para evitar que los lugareños cacen animales en peligro de extinción. Después de desayunar, paseará por el bosque y los campos del pueblo, y luego almorzará un picnic antes de subir a un tok-tok que le llevará de vuelta al pueblo. Llegará a primera hora de la tarde y saludará a los aldeanos por última vez antes de conducir de vuelta a Muang Hiem.

Comidas incluidas: desayuno, almuerzo
Alojamiento: Pensión en Muang Hiem
Distancia y duración de la caminata: unos 7,5 kilómetros / 4 horas
Distancia y duración del traslado en tractor: aprox. 5 km / 1 hora
Desnivel total acumulado: +420m / -460m
Tipo de terreno: senderos selváticos con una pendiente media del 10%.

Italian

Nel cuore della giungla – 3D2N

Giorno 1: trekking al campo di Tad Loy
Al mattino, la guida vi condurrà alla sede del parco nazionale per un’introduzione al parco e agli sforzi compiuti sul campo per proteggere la natura. Salirete quindi a bordo di un’auto e seguirete la strada che si snoda attraverso lo splendido scenario montano prima di arrivare a un villaggio della minoranza Khmu. La guida, i portatori e i cuochi vi daranno il benvenuto e poi inizierete a camminare attraverso i campi di tabacco, mais e riso intorno al villaggio prima di arrivare ai margini della foresta, dove gusterete un pranzo al sacco mentre la guida vi spiega come vengono gestite le diverse aree del parco. Entrerete quindi nell’area più protetta del parco nazionale: il suo cuore. L’escursione prosegue su un sentiero che attraversa un misto di giungla fitta e foresta di latifoglie. Lungo il percorso, la guida vi mostrerà piante medicinali, tracce di animali e uccelli. Questa escursione sarà piuttosto breve e richiederà solo 2-3 ore per raggiungere le cascate di Tad Loy e Tad Louey, dove potrete rilassarvi, nuotare o semplicemente godervi le rinfrescanti acque di montagna. Il campo non sarà lontano e potrete sistemarvi nella vostra capanna di bambù prima di unirvi agli abitanti del villaggio intorno al fuoco per la cena.

Pasti inclusi: pranzo, cena
Sistemazione: pernottamento in una capanna di bambù presso il Tad Loy Camp.
Livello di trekking: 3
Distanza e durata dell’escursione: circa 6 chilometri / 4 ore
Dislivello totale accumulato: +1225 metri / -500 metri
Tipo di terreno: sentieri nella giungla con pendenze del 10% circa.
Note: Si consiglia ai partecipanti di indossare scarpe da trekking. Anche i bastoncini da trekking sono fortemente consigliati. I partecipanti devono portare con sé indumenti caldi, perché di notte e al mattino presto può fare fresco.

Giorno 2: Escursione sopra Phou Phamai verso i Nidi
Vi sveglierete presto e accompagnerete la vostra guida a guardare le immagini scattate dalle trappole fotografiche. Tornati al campo, farete colazione prima di dirigervi ai piedi del monte Phou Louey, attraversando paesaggi montuosi e aspri prima di arrivare al campo nido, non lontano dalla pietra di sale e dalla torre di osservazione di Poung Nied. Il percorso si snoda attraverso splendide foreste, paesaggi e trincee di guerra. Per raggiungere la cima del passo di Phou Phamai, si percorre un ripido sentiero in salita seguito da una graduale discesa fino al campo. Dalla cima del monte Phou Phamai si gode di un’ottima vista sul parco nazionale e si riesce persino a scorgere il villaggio di Ban Sakok, da cui si è partiti per l’escursione. Si pranza e si gode del panorama prima di continuare la passeggiata. Una volta arrivati al campo, vi verrà mostrato il vostro curioso “alloggio”: dei “nidi” sferici sospesi. Avrete un po’ di tempo libero per riposare o fare una nuotata nel fiume prima di avvicinarvi al fuoco per gustare una cena tradizionale Khmu preparata dagli abitanti del villaggio. Dopo il pasto vi verranno presentate le diverse specie di animali che si possono vedere vicino alla pietra di sale. Trascorrerete poi diverse ore nella torre di osservazione per cercare di vedere sambar, caprioli e diverse specie di zibetti. Se siete fortunati, potrete anche avvistare alcuni animali più rari come orsi, dholes (cani selvatici asiatici) e varie specie di gatti selvatici.

Pasti inclusi: colazione, pranzo, cena
Sistemazione: pernottamento in nidi
Distanza e durata dell’escursione: circa 12 chilometri / 7 ore
Dislivello totale accumulato: +895 metri / -660 metri
Tipo di terreno: sentieri nella giungla con pendenze del 10% circa.

Giorno 3: Il richiamo dei Gibboni e la passeggiata nel Parco Nazionale
Vi sveglierete poco prima dell’alba e seguirete la vostra guida fino alla cima di una piccola collina dove, se siete fortunati, potrete sentire i richiami dei gibboni dalla coda bianca settentrionali, in via di estinzione. È possibile osservare l’alba da una piattaforma sugli alberi prima di tornare al campo per controllare le trappole con telecamera. Durante la colazione avrete l’opportunità di guardare le foto scattate dalle trappole durante la notte precedente. Dodici villaggi dell’area circostante partecipano a questo progetto e ricevono bonus finanziari sotto forma di fondi per lo sviluppo in base al numero e al tipo di animali avvistati (in foto o durante le escursioni) o alla prova della loro presenza. Questo sistema aiuta il parco nazionale a valorizzare gli animali per impedire agli abitanti del luogo di cacciare gli animali in pericolo. Dopo la colazione, camminerete attraverso la foresta e i campi del villaggio, quindi pranzerete al sacco prima di salire su un tok-tok che vi riporterà al villaggio. Arriverete nel primo pomeriggio e saluterete gli abitanti del villaggio un’ultima volta prima di tornare a Muang Hiem.

Pasti inclusi: colazione, pranzo
Alloggio: Pensione a Muang Hiem
Distanza e durata dell’escursione: circa 7,5 km / 4 ore
Distanza e durata del trasferimento in trattore: circa 5 km / 1 ora
Dislivello totale accumulato: +420m / -460m
Tipo di terreno: sentieri nella giungla con una pendenza media del 10%.

German

Tief im Dschungel – 3D2N

Tag 1: Wanderung zum Tad Loy Camp
Heute Morgen bringt Sie Ihr Reiseleiter zum Hauptquartier des Nationalparks, wo Sie eine Präsentation über den Park und die Bemühungen zum Schutz der Wildtiere vor Ort erhalten. Anschließend fahren Sie mit dem Auto über eine kurvenreiche Straße durch eine wunderschöne Berglandschaft, bevor Sie in einem ethnischen Khmu-Dorf ankommen. Dort werden Sie von Ihrem Reiseleiter, den Trägern und Köchen erwartet. Sie beginnen die Wanderung durch die Mais-, Tabak- und Reisfelder des Dorfes, bevor Sie am Waldrand ankommen, wo Sie ein Picknick-Mittagessen genießen, während der Führer die verschiedenen Verwaltungszonen des Parks erklärt. Von hier aus betreten Sie das am meisten geschützte Gebiet des Nationalparks – die Kernzone. Die Wanderung folgt einem Pfad durch dichten Dschungel und Laubmischwald. Entlang des Weges wird der Führer auf Heilpflanzen, Tierspuren und Vögel hinweisen. Die heutige Wanderung ist recht kurz und sollte etwa 2 bis 3 Stunden dauern. Danach erreichen Sie die Wasserfälle Tad Loy und Tad Louey, wo Sie sich entspannen, baden und das erfrischende Bergwasser genießen können. Von hier aus ist es nur noch ein kurzes Stück bis zum Camp, wo Sie sich in Ihrer Bambushütte einrichten und später mit den Dorfbewohnern am Lagerfeuer zu Abend essen.

Mahlzeiten inklusive: Mittagessen, Abendessen
Unterkunft: Übernachtung in einer Bambushütte im Tad Loy Camp
Wanderstufe: 3
Entfernung und Dauer der Wanderung: etwa 6 Kilometer / 4 Stunden
Kumulierter Gesamtaufstieg/-abstieg: +1225m / -500m
Gelände: Dschungelpfade mit einer durchschnittlichen Steigung von etwa 10%
Anmerkungen: Die Gäste sollten geeignete Wanderschuhe tragen. Trekkingstöcke sind sehr zu empfehlen. Die Gäste sollten sich warm anziehen, da es in der Nacht und am frühen Morgen kühl werden kann.

Tag 2: Wanderung über Phou Phamai zu den Nestern
Wachen Sie früh auf und machen Sie einen Spaziergang mit Ihrem Reiseleiter, um mit den Fotofallen nach Wildtierfotos zu suchen. Nach der Rückkehr zum Campingplatz frühstücken Sie und machen sich dann auf den Weg durch die Ausläufer des Berges Phou Louey, durch die zerklüftete und bergige Landschaft, bis Sie schließlich den Nests-Campingplatz und die Saline Poung Nied mit ihrem Tierbeobachtungsturm erreichen. Die Route führt durch schöne Wälder und Landschaften sowie durch einige Schützengräben aus dem Krieg. Es gibt einen steilen Aufstieg zum Gipfel des Phou Phamai Mountain Passes, gefolgt von einem allmählichen Abstieg hinunter zum Camp. Auf dem Gipfel des Phou Phamai Mountain haben Sie eine großartige Aussicht auf den Nationalpark und können sogar das Dorf Ban Sakok sehen, wo Sie Ihre Wanderung begonnen haben. Genießen Sie ein Picknick-Mittagessen mit Aussicht, bevor Sie die Wanderung fortsetzen. Im Camp angekommen, werden Sie zu Ihrer kuriosen Unterkunft geführt – den hängenden kugelförmigen “Nestern”. Genießen Sie etwas freie Zeit, um sich zu entspannen und im nahe gelegenen Fluss zu baden, bevor Sie sich ans Lagerfeuer begeben, um ein traditionelles Khmu-Abendessen zu genießen, das von den Dorfbewohnern zubereitet wird. Nach dem Essen erhalten Sie eine Einweisung in die Tierbeobachtung an der Salzlecke und in die Tierarten, die Sie dort sehen könnten. Bleiben Sie einige Stunden auf dem Beobachtungsturm, und wenn Sie Glück haben, können Sie einige gewöhnliche Tiere wie Sambar und bellende Hirsche sowie verschiedene Zibetarten sehen. Wenn Sie wirklich Glück haben, können Sie auch Bären, Dhole und verschiedene Wildkatzenarten sehen.

Enthaltene Mahlzeiten: Frühstück, Mittagessen, Abendessen
Unterkunft: Übernachtung in den Nestern
Entfernung und Dauer der Wanderung: etwa 12 Kilometer / 7 Stunden
Kumulierter Gesamtaufstieg/-abstieg: +895m / -660m
Gelände: Dschungelpfade mit Steigungen von durchschnittlich etwa 10%

Tag 3: Gibbon-Rufe und Wanderung aus dem Nationalpark
Wachen Sie früh auf, kurz vor Sonnenaufgang, und folgen Sie Ihrem Führer auf die Spitze eines kleinen Hügels, wo Sie hoffentlich das Glück haben werden, die Rufe der vom Aussterben bedrohten Nördlichen Weißwangengibbons zu hören. Genießen Sie den Sonnenaufgang von einer kleinen Aussichtsplattform in einem Baum, bevor Sie sich auf den Rückweg zum Camp machen, um die Kamerafallen zu überprüfen. Während Sie frühstücken, können Sie sich die Fotos ansehen, die die Kamerafalle in der vergangenen Nacht aufgenommen hat. Zwölf umliegende Dörfer, die an diesem Projekt beteiligt sind, erhalten einen finanziellen Bonus in Form eines Dorfentwicklungsfonds, der sich nach der Anzahl und Art der während des Trekkings gesichteten Wildtiere bzw. der gefundenen Beweise für deren Anwesenheit richtet. Dies ist eine der Maßnahmen des Nationalparks, um die Einheimischen von der Jagd auf die gefährdeten Wildtiere abzuhalten. Nach dem Frühstück wandern Sie zurück durch den Wald zu den Feldern des Dorfes und genießen ein Picknick der Bauern, bevor Sie mit dem Tok-Tok zurück ins Dorf fahren. Sie kommen am frühen Nachmittag im Dorf an. Im Dorf angekommen, verabschieden sich die Dorfbewohner von Ihnen und Sie fahren mit dem Auto zurück nach Muang Hiem.

Inklusive Mahlzeiten: Frühstück, Mittagessen
Unterbringung: Gästehaus in Muang Hiem
Entfernung & Dauer der Wanderung: ca. 7,5 Kilometer / 4 Stunden
Entfernung und Dauer des Traktortransfers: ca. 5 Kilometer / 1 Stunde
Gesamter kumulierter Aufstieg/Abstieg: +420m / -460m
Gelände: Dschungelpfade mit einer durchschnittlichen Steigung von etwa 10%