LAOS – Houaphan – Cloud Forest Challenge 4D3N

The Cloud Forest Challenge is the most challenging and adventurous trekking experience in Nam Et Phou Louey National Park, and possibly in all of Laos.

Theme

Sustainable

Country - City

Laos - Houaphan

Level of difficulties

LEVEL 4

Price level

$$$$

Seasonality

October to June

Max number of person(s)

10

Market segment

Thematic Leisure

Arrival City

Muang Hiem (Houaphan Province)

Departure city

Muang Hiem (Houaphan Province)

Number day and night

4 days - 3 nights

Day by day description

Day 1: Hike to the Jungle 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. Enjoy a quick lunch in the village before setting off on the two-day ascent to Phou Louey peak (2257m). The first part of the trail climbs up through a mosaic of agricultural fields. Your guide will tell you about the local agriculture, which villagers depend on for both their food and income. After a few hours, the trail enters the core zone of the National Park. Keep going, pass the former ranger substation, and you’ll arrive at Tad Ang Waterfall. Stop for a break and enjoy the cool waters of the river. From here, the trail continues a gradual ascent until finally reaching the jungle camp where you will stop for the night. The camp is located near a waterfall where you might spot some animals if you are lucky. Follow the guide to the nearby camera trap to change the memory card and check the photos. To finish the day, enjoy a traditional Khmu dinner by the campfire.

Meals included: lunch, dinner
Accommodation: overnight in a bamboo hut at the Jungle Camp
Hiking level: 4
Distance & duration of hiking: about 10 kilometers / 7 hours
Total accumulated ascent/descent: +850m / -275m
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: The Challenge: Climb to the Cloud Forest and descend to the Tad Loy Camp.
Wake up at first light and enjoy breakfast to the sounds of the early morning bird calls. Please be prepared to wake up early and get prepared in a timely fashion as today is the most challenging day! The final climb up to the Cloud Forest and Phou Louey Peak is a very steep 5-6 hour climb, followed by a very steep 4-5 hour descent. The relatively short 12 km trek of today can easily take 10 hours or more! The Phou Louey summit is a Cloud Forest, and as the name states the peak is usually covered in clouds, however, if you are lucky with good weather conditions and a clear sky, you will see a breathtaking view of thick, old growth forest as far as the eye can see. After the climb, enjoy lunch near the summit. After enjoying the wonders of the cloud forest, the trail descends down to Tad Loy camp, which is 5.5km from the top. You will arrive at the camp in the late afternoon. Enjoy some free time to relax and bathe in the nearby river – the water will feel delightfully refreshing to your tired feet! Enjoy a traditional Khmu dinner around the campfire before heading to bed.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: overnight in a bamboo hut at Tad Loy Camp
Distance & duration of hiking: about 12 kilometers / 10+ hours
Total accumulated ascent/descent: +1270m / -1250m with slopes of 18%
Terrain: jungle trails with slopes of up to 18%

Day 3: 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 4: 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 challenging level with several unforgettable overnight stays in the jungle camps and hanging nests of the core zone of Nam Et-Phou Louey National Protected Area.
  • This 4D3N is the most challenging option offered by the National Park and is ideal for those looking for a real adventure and wanting to push their limits.
  • Considered by many to be one of the world’s best treks.

Level Of The Excursion

High – This activity strongly supports local communities and/or helps preserve the culture and environment

The Impact Of This Excursion

Social/cultural Impact

Empowerment and education

Homestays

Involving minorities

Community welfare and health

Environment Impact

Involving Wildlife

National parks

Economic Impact

Community benefits

Extensions

  • A pre-extension of this activity is possible for guests who would like to add an extra day to the program and include an additional 7 kilometer trek (Elev. Gain/Loss +380m/-240m; Avg. Slope 10%) to the starting village where they would spend the first night in a homestay before continuing with this 4D3N program.

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.
  • Featured on CNN as one of the best treks in the world (https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/best-hiking-trails-world/index.html)
  • 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 trek is a loop so it never follows the same trail 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 challenging and it is not possible for vehicles to access the trail.
  • It is committing. Once it has been started there are no exit points, clients just have to keep going until the end.
  • The supplier’s guides only speak English.

TIME AND TRANSPORTATION

  • Duration: 4 days 3 night
  • Total Kilometers of Hiking: 42 kilometers
  • Total Kilometers: 121 kilometers of hiking and transfers
From To Km By Duration Road condition
Luang Prabang Nong Khiaw 142 Car 3h30 – 4 hours Good, sometimes bumpy
Nong Khiaw Muang Hiem 166 Car 5 hours Good, sometimes bumpy
Muang Hiem Phonsavan 203 Car 5 hours Good
Muang Hiem Sam Neua 151 Car 3h30 – 4 hours Good
Sam Neua Vieng Xai Caves 30 Car 30 minutes Good

Notes

  • MAP AND ELEVATION PROFILE:
    • You can see a map of the activity here. Please do not share it with the clients.
    • 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 challenging 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:

10D9N LPB/Nong Khiaw/Muang Hiem/Plain of Jars/LPB 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
  • Day 3 Transfer Nong Khiaw – Muang Hiem
  • Day 4 4D trekking
  • Day 5 4D trekking
  • Day 6 4D trekking
  • Day 7 4D trekking (+ optional Muang Hiem hot springs)
  • Day 8 Transfer Muang Hiem – Phonsavan
  • Day 9 Visit Plain of Jars and Muang Khoun (+ optional time filler museums)
  • Day 10 Transfer Phonsavan – Luang Prabang or Vang Vieng

9D8N 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
  • Day 3 Transfer Nong Khiaw – Muang Hiem
  • Day 4 4D trekking
  • Day 5 4D trekking
  • Day 6 4D trekking
  • Day 7 4D trekking (+ optional Muang Hiem hot springs)
  • Day 8 Transfer Muang Hiem – Sam Neua
  • Day 9 Visit Vieng Xai Caves and transfer to Na Meo border

Market suggestion

AUSTRALIA

BENELUX

CANADA

CEE

GERMANY

ITALY

SPAIN

SCANDINAVIA

US

FRANCE

UK

PORTUGAR

BEST FOR FIT

PORTUGAL

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: “CFC-4D” – 4D/3N TREK. CLOUD FOREST CHALLENGE. NO Homestay.

.If clients decide to add the pre-extension then the supplier name for the activity would be: “CFC -5D” – 5D/4N Homestay+TREK. CLOUD FOREST CHALLENGE

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.

English

Cloud Forest Challenge – 4D3N

Day 1: Hike to the Jungle 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. Enjoy a quick lunch in the village before setting off on the two-day ascent to Phou Louey peak (2257m). The first part of the trail climbs up through a mosaic of agricultural fields. Your guide will tell you about the local agriculture, which villagers depend on for both their food and income. After a few hours, the trail enters the core zone of the National Park. Keep going, pass the former ranger substation, and you’ll arrive at Tad Ang Waterfall. Stop for a break and enjoy the cool waters of the river. From here, the trail continues a gradual ascent until finally reaching the jungle camp where you will stop for the night. The camp is located near a waterfall where you might spot some animals if you are lucky. Follow the guide to the nearby camera trap to change the memory card and check the photos. To finish the day, enjoy a traditional Khmu dinner by the campfire.

Meals included: lunch, dinner
Accommodation: overnight in a bamboo hut at the Jungle Camp
Hiking level: 4
Distance & duration of hiking: about 10 kilometers / 7 hours
Total accumulated ascent/descent: +850m / -275m
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: The Challenge: Climb to the Cloud Forest and descend to the Tad Loy Camp
Wake up at first light and enjoy breakfast to the sounds of the early morning bird calls. Please be prepared to wake up early and get prepared in a timely fashion as today is the most challenging day! The final climb up to the Cloud Forest and Phou Louey Peak is a very steep 5-6 hour climb, followed by a very steep 4-5 hour descent. The relatively short 12 km trek of today can easily take 10 hours or more! The Phou Louey summit is a Cloud Forest, and as the name states the peak is usually covered in clouds, however, if you are lucky with good weather conditions and a clear sky, you will see a breathtaking view of thick, old growth forest as far as the eye can see. After the climb, enjoy lunch near the summit. After enjoying the wonders of the cloud forest, the trail descends down to Tad Loy camp, which is 5.5km from the top. You will arrive at the camp in the late afternoon. Enjoy some free time to relax and bathe in the nearby river – the water will feel delightfully refreshing to your tired feet! Enjoy a traditional Khmu dinner around the campfire before heading to bed.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: overnight in a bamboo hut at Tad Loy Camp
Distance & duration of hiking: about 12 kilometers / 10+ hours
Total accumulated ascent/descent: +1270m / -1250m with slopes of 18%
Terrain: jungle trails with slopes of up to 18%

Day 3: 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 4: 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

Défi de la Forêt de Nuages – 4J3N

Jour 1: Randonnée jusqu’au Camp dans la Jungle
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 déjeunerez au village sans vous attarder avant de démarrer votre ascension de deux jours jusqu’au pic Phou Louey (2257m). Pendant la première partie du chemin vous passerez par une mosaïque de champs agricoles et votre guide en profitera pour vous parler de l’agriculture locale qui est à la fois une source de nourriture et de revenus pour les villageois. Après quelques heures, le sentier atteindra le cœur du Parc National. Vous continuerez votre marche et dépasserez l’ancienne station de rangers pour arriver à la cascade de Tad Ang. Vous vous arrêterez pour faire une pause et profiter des eaux de la rivière avant de reprendre le chemin qui commencera à monter jusqu’à ce que vous arriviez au camp dans la jungle où vous vous arrêterez pour la nuit. Le camp se trouve près d’une cascade où vous observerez peut-être des animaux sauvages. Vous suivrez le guide jusqu’au piège photo installé non loin, pour changer la carte mémoire et regarder les photos. Vous finirez la journée par un dîner traditionnel Khmu partagé autour du feu de camp.

Repas inclus : déjeuner, dîner
Hébergement : nuit dans une hutte en bambou dans le camp dans la jungle
Niveau de randonnée: 4
Distance et durée de la randonnée: environ 10 kilomètres / 7 heures
Dénivelé total accumulé: +850 mètres / -275 mètres
Type de terrain: sentiers de jungle avec des pentes de 10% en moyenne

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: Le défi : grimper jusqu’à la forêt de nuages et descendre jusqu’au camp de Tad Loy
Vous vous réveillerez aux premières lueurs et dégusterez votre petit-déjeuner au son du chant des oiseaux matinaux. Il faudra ensuite vous préparer convenablement pour affronter la journée la plus difficile de l’expédition. Pour atteindre la forêt de nuages et le pic de Phou Louey, 5 à 6 heures de montée escarpée vous attendent avant d’entreprendre la descente, tout aussi escarpée, qui vous prendra de 4 à 5 heures. Même si cette randonnée ne fait que 12 kilomètres, elle peut facilement prendre 10 heures, ou plus, à faire ! Le sommet Phou Louey est une forêt de nuages, et comme son nom l’indique, le pic est souvent couvert de nuages. Toutefois, si vous avez de la chance, avec de bonnes conditions météo et un ciel clair, vous aurez une vue à couper le souffle sur une vieille forêt dense s’étalant à perte de vue. Après l’ascension, vous savourerez votre déjeuner près du sommet. Après avoir profité des merveilles de la forêt de nuages, vous prendrez le sentier qui redescend vers le camp de Tad Loy qui se trouve à 5,5 kilomètres du sommet. Lorsque vous arriverez en fin d’après-midi, vous aurez du temps pour vous détendre et pour vous baigner dans la rivière alentour, vous verrez alors que l’eau fraîche de la rivière fera le plus grand bien à vos pieds fatigués ! Vous dégusterez ensuite un dîner traditionnel Khmu autour du feu de camp avant d’aller vous coucher.

Repas inclus : petit-déjeuner, déjeuner, dîner
Hébergement : nuit dans une hutte en bambou au Camp de Tad Loy
Distance et durée de la randonnée: environ 12 kilomètres / 10+ heures
Dénivelé total accumulé: +1270m mètres / -1250 mètres avec des pentes de 18 %
Type de terrain: sentiers de jungle avec des pentes jusqu’à 18 %

Jour 3: Randonnée 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 et 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 dîner traditionnel 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’en moyenne 10%

Jour 4: 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

Desafío del Bosque Nuboso – 4D3N

Día 1: Caminata al campamento de la selva
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 luego almorzará en la aldea sin demorarse antes de comenzar su ascenso de dos días al Pico Phou Louey (2257 m). Durante la primera parte de la ruta pasará por un mosaico de campos agrícolas y su guía aprovechará para hablarle de la agricultura local, que es a la vez fuente de alimentos e ingresos para los habitantes del pueblo. Tras unas horas, el sendero llegará al corazón del Parque Nacional. Continuará su paseo pasando por la antigua estación de guardabosques hasta la cascada de Tad Ang. Harás una parada para descansar y disfrutar de las aguas del río antes de reanudar el camino, que empezará a subir hasta llegar al campamento de la selva, donde harás una parada para pasar la noche. El campamento está situado cerca de una cascada en la que se puede ver algo de fauna. Seguirás al guía hasta la cámara trampa cercana para cambiar la tarjeta de memoria y ver las fotos. Terminará el día con una cena tradicional khmu compartida alrededor de la hoguera.

Comidas incluidas: almuerzo, cena
Alojamiento: noche en una cabaña de bambú en el campamento de la selva
Nivel de senderismo: 4
Distancia y duración de la caminata: unos 10 kilómetros / 7 horas
Desnivel total acumulado: +850 metros / -275 metros
Tipo de terreno: senderos selváticos con una pendiente media del 10%.
Notas: Aconsejamos a los participantes que lleven botas de montaña. También son muy recomendables los 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: El reto: subir al bosque nuboso y bajar al campamento Tad Loy
Se despertará con las primeras luces y disfrutará de su desayuno con el sonido del canto de los pájaros. A continuación, tendrá que prepararse adecuadamente para el día más difícil de la expedición. Para llegar al bosque nuboso y al pico de Phou Louey, tendrá que ascender de forma empinada durante 5-6 horas antes de iniciar el descenso, igualmente empinado, que le llevará 4-5 horas. Aunque esta excursión sólo tiene 12 kilómetros, puede durar fácilmente 10 horas o más. El pico Phou Louey es un bosque nuboso y, como su nombre indica, suele estar cubierto de nubes. Sin embargo, si tiene suerte, con buenas condiciones meteorológicas y cielos despejados, tendrá una vista impresionante de un denso y antiguo bosque que se extiende hasta donde alcanza la vista. Después de la subida, disfrutará de su almuerzo cerca de la cumbre. Después de disfrutar de las maravillas del bosque nuboso, tomarás el sendero de regreso al campamento Tad Loy, que se encuentra a 5,5 km de la cumbre. Cuando llegue al final de la tarde, tendrá tiempo para relajarse y darse un chapuzón en el río cercano, ¡verá que el agua fresca del río le sentará muy bien a sus pies cansados! A continuación, disfrutará de una cena tradicional khmu alrededor de la hoguera antes de irse a dormir.

Comidas incluidas: desayuno, almuerzo y cena
Alojamiento: noche en una cabaña de bambú en el campamento Tad Loy
Distancia y duración de la caminata: unos 12 kilómetros / más de 10 horas
Desnivel total acumulado: +1270m metros / -1250 metros con pendientes del 18%.
Tipo de terreno: senderos selváticos con pendientes de hasta el 18%.

Día 3: 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 y atravesar 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 promedio del 10%.

Día 4: Llamada de los gibones y 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 frentistas del norte, que están 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

Sfida nella foresta nuvolosa – 4D3N

Giorno 1: trekking al Jungle Camp
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 pranzerete nel villaggio senza attardarvi prima di iniziare la vostra scalata di due giorni al Picco Phou Louey (2257 m). Durante la prima parte del percorso passerete attraverso un mosaico di campi agricoli e la vostra guida coglierà l’occasione per raccontarvi dell’agricoltura locale che è fonte di cibo e di reddito per gli abitanti del villaggio. Dopo qualche ora, il sentiero raggiungerà il cuore del Parco Nazionale. Continuerete la vostra passeggiata passando davanti alla vecchia stazione dei ranger fino alla cascata di Tad Ang. Vi fermerete per fare una pausa e godervi le acque del fiume prima di riprendere il sentiero che inizierà a salire fino a raggiungere il campo della giungla dove vi fermerete per la notte. Il campo si trova vicino a una cascata, dove è possibile vedere alcuni animali selvatici. Seguirete la guida fino alla vicina trappola per fotocamere per cambiare la scheda di memoria e guardare le immagini. Concluderete la giornata con una cena tradizionale Khmu condivisa intorno al fuoco.

Pasti inclusi: pranzo, cena
Sistemazione: pernottamento in una capanna di bambù nel campo della giungla
Livello di trekking: 4
Distanza e durata dell’escursione: circa 10 chilometri / 7 ore
Dislivello totale accumulato: +850 metri / -275 metri
Tipo di terreno: sentieri nella giungla con una pendenza media del 10%.
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: La sfida: salita alla Foresta Nuvolosa e discesa al Campo Tad Loy
Vi sveglierete alle prime luci dell’alba e farete colazione al suono del canto degli uccelli. Dovrete quindi prepararvi adeguatamente per il giorno più difficile della spedizione. Per raggiungere la foresta nuvolosa e il picco Phou Louey, dovrete salire ripidamente per 5-6 ore prima di iniziare l’altrettanto ripida discesa, che richiederà 4-5 ore. Sebbene questa escursione sia lunga solo 12 chilometri, può richiedere facilmente 10 ore o più per essere completata! Il Phou Louey Peak è una foresta nuvolosa e, come suggerisce il nome, la vetta è spesso coperta di nuvole. Tuttavia, se siete fortunati, con condizioni meteorologiche favorevoli e cielo limpido, potrete godere di una vista mozzafiato su una fitta foresta secolare che si estende a perdita d’occhio. Dopo la salita, si pranza vicino alla vetta. Dopo aver ammirato le meraviglie della foresta nuvolosa, si prenderà il sentiero per scendere al Tad Loy Camp, a 5,5 km dalla vetta. Quando arriverete nel tardo pomeriggio, avrete il tempo di rilassarvi e di fare un tuffo nel vicino fiume; scoprirete che l’acqua fresca del fiume farà un gran bene ai vostri piedi stanchi! In seguito potrete gustare una cena tradizionale Khmu intorno al fuoco prima di andare a dormire.

Pasti inclusi: colazione, pranzo, cena
Sistemazione: pernottamento in una capanna di bambù presso il Tad Loy Camp.
Distanza e durata dell’escursione: circa 12 chilometri / 10+ ore
Dislivello totale accumulato: +1270m metri / -1250 metri con pendenze del 18
Tipo di terreno: sentieri nella giungla con pendenze fino al 18%.

Giorno 3: 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 verso le pendici del monte Phou Louey e attraversare paesaggi montuosi accidentati prima di arrivare finalmente 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 falò 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 medie del 10%.

Giorno 4: Il richiamo dei Gibboni e l’escursione 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 frontebianca 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 pendenze medie del 10%

German

Herausforderung Nebelwald – 4D3N

Tag 1: Wanderung zum Dschungelcamp
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. Der Reiseleiter, die Träger und die Köche werden Sie dort bereits erwarten. Genießen Sie ein schnelles Mittagessen im Dorf, bevor Sie sich auf den zweitägigen Aufstieg zum Gipfel des Phou Louey (2257 m) begeben. Der erste Teil des Weges führt durch ein Mosaik von landwirtschaftlichen Feldern nach oben. Ihr Reiseleiter wird Ihnen etwas über die lokale Landwirtschaft erzählen, von der die Dorfbewohner sowohl ihre Nahrung als auch ihr Einkommen beziehen. Nach ein paar Stunden erreicht der Weg die Kernzone des Nationalparks. Gehen Sie weiter, vorbei an der ehemaligen Ranger-Station, und Sie erreichen den Tad Ang-Wasserfall. Machen Sie eine Pause und genießen Sie das kühle Wasser des Flusses. Von hier aus führt der Weg allmählich bergauf, bis Sie schließlich das Dschungelcamp erreichen, wo Sie übernachten werden. Das Camp befindet sich in der Nähe eines Wasserfalls, an dem Sie mit etwas Glück einige Tiere sehen können. Folgen Sie dem Führer zur nahe gelegenen Kamerafalle, um die Speicherkarte zu wechseln und die Fotos zu überprüfen. Genießen Sie zum Abschluss des Tages ein traditionelles Khmu-Abendessen am Lagerfeuer.

Mahlzeiten inbegriffen: Mittagessen, Abendessen
Unterkunft: Übernachtung in einer Bambushütte im Dschungelcamp
Wanderstufe: 4
Entfernung und Dauer der Wanderung: etwa 10 Kilometer / 7 Stunden
Kumulierter Gesamtaufstieg/-abstieg: +850m / -275m
Gelände: Dschungelpfade mit Steigungen von durchschnittlich etwa 10%
Anmerkungen: Die Gäste sollten geeignete Wanderschuhe tragen. Trekkingstöcke sind sehr zu empfehlen. Die Gäste sollten darauf achten, dass sie warme Kleidung dabei haben, da es nachts und in den frühen Morgenstunden kühl werden kann.

Tag 2: Die Herausforderung: Aufstieg zum Nebelwald und Abstieg zum Tad Loy Camp
Wachen Sie bei Tagesanbruch auf und genießen Sie Ihr Frühstück zu den Klängen der frühmorgendlichen Vogelstimmen. Bitte stellen Sie sich darauf ein, früh aufzustehen und sich rechtzeitig vorzubereiten, denn heute ist der anspruchsvollste Tag! Der letzte Aufstieg zum Nebelwald und zum Phou Louey Peak ist ein sehr steiler 5-6-stündiger Aufstieg, gefolgt von einem sehr steilen 4-5-stündigen Abstieg. Die relativ kurze 12 km lange Wanderung von heute kann leicht 10 Stunden oder mehr in Anspruch nehmen! Der Gipfel des Phou Louey ist ein Nebelwald, und wie der Name schon sagt, ist der Gipfel normalerweise in Wolken gehüllt. Wenn Sie jedoch Glück mit guten Wetterbedingungen und einem klaren Himmel haben, werden Sie einen atemberaubenden Blick auf dichte, altgewachsene Wälder haben, so weit das Auge reicht. Nach dem Aufstieg können Sie in der Nähe des Gipfels zu Mittag essen. Nachdem Sie die Wunder des Nebelwaldes genossen haben, führt der Weg hinunter zum Tad Loy Camp, das 5,5 km vom Gipfel entfernt ist. Sie werden am späten Nachmittag im Lager ankommen. Genießen Sie etwas Freizeit, um sich zu entspannen und im nahe gelegenen Fluss zu baden – das Wasser wird Ihre müden Füße herrlich erfrischen! Genießen Sie ein traditionelles Khmu-Abendessen am Lagerfeuer, bevor Sie ins Bett gehen.

Mahlzeiten inklusive: Frühstück, Mittagessen, Abendessen
Unterkunft: Übernachtung in einer Bambushütte im Tad Loy Camp
Entfernung und Dauer der Wanderung: ca. 12 Kilometer / 10+ Stunden
Kumulierter Gesamtaufstieg/-abstieg: +1270m / -1250m mit Steigungen von 18%
Terrain: Dschungelpfade mit Steigungen von bis zu 18%

Tag 3: 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 zerklüftete und bergige Landschaft am Fuße des Berges Phou Louey, bevor Sie schließlich den Nests-Campingplatz und die Salzsiederei 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 4: Gibbon-Rufe und Wanderung aus dem National
Wachen Sie früh auf, kurz vor Sonnenaufgang, und folgen Sie Ihrem Führer auf die Spitze eines kleinen Hügels, wo Sie hoffentlich das Glück haben, 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
Kumulierter Gesamtaufstieg/-abstieg: +420m / -460m
Terrain: Dschungelpfade mit Steigungen von durchschnittlich 10%