**Doi Luang Chiang Dao, a majestic mountain range in Lanna.**

Chiang Dao: A Majestic Mountain in Northern Thailand

Chiang Dao, a district in the mountainous province of Chiang Mai, holds a special allure for frequent visitors. Its towering limestone peaks, adorned with lush greenery and shrouded in wispy white clouds, inspire awe and a yearning for exploration. The majestic Doi Luang, the highest peak, stands at an impressive 2,275 meters above sea level.

Legends whisper of the Buddha's visit to Doi Luang, accompanied by eight Arahats, where they bathed in a golden basin known as "Salung Thong" or "Salung Pond." This sacred site, also referred to as "Doi Luang," boasts a unique ecosystem reminiscent of the Himalayas, harboring rare and endangered wildlife.

For those who dare to venture beyond the mesmerizing views, Doi Luang offers a challenging yet rewarding trek. The ascent promises breathtaking panoramas and a profound connection with the mountain's rich history and biodiversity.

There are two authorized routes to ascend Doi Luang Chiang Dao. This time, we opted for the Pang Wa-Ang Slung route, which spans 6.5 kilometers. The initial portion of the path was rather steep, and throughout our ascent, we encountered continuous torrential rain. The path was both steep and slippery, with the red soil transforming into red mud. We were forced to proceed cautiously, some of us wearing raincoats while others improvised by using banana leaves to shield their heads from the downpour. Despite the arduous nature of the experience, we persevered, taking breaks as needed until we reached the Ang Slung campsite as dusk approached. Due to the persistent overcast skies and darkness, there was no opportunity to witness the sunset. The weather remained heavily overcast, even preventing the moon from emerging from behind the clouds.

The porters had already set up the tents for us, but everything was soaked from the rain, including our clothes and bodies. We had to spend the rest of the night feeling damp and cold. There was a rule against building fires, so we couldn't warm ourselves up that way. We ended up drinking strong liquor to stay warm and cooked instant noodles over a stove. Everyone was very hungry. That night, we sat around a single flashlight, talking and laughing. We had to go to bed early to save our energy for the next morning, when we would hike to see the sunrise.

The alarm on our phone rang at 5:00 AM as planned, but when we woke up, the sky was dark and cloudy. Our initial goal of watching the sunrise from the top of Doi Kiw Lom had to be abandoned, and we decided to go to the top of Doi Luang instead to enjoy the morning view.
We woke up, washed our faces, and brushed our teeth at 6:00 AM. We prepared to hike to the top of Doi Luang. The trail was quite steep and slippery due to the recent rain. The sky began to brighten, and luckily, there was no sign of rain this morning. As we walked, the beautiful flora of the mountain peak was on display all along the way. We could see white mist floating in the distance behind the mountains, which motivated us to quicken our pace to witness the beauty.

Along the way, we will encounter the beautiful Dok Tien Nok Gaew, the princess of Doi Luang Chiang Dao mountain.

The "Dok Thian Nok Gaew" flower, with its striking resemblance to a flying parrot, adds a touch of captivating beauty to the Doi Luang Chiang Dao landscape.

As we ascended to the summit of Doi Luang Chiang Dao, the fatigue accumulated throughout the day and the previous night vanished in an instant. The majestic Thanon Thongchai mountain range, adorned with playful clouds and white mist, presented a breathtaking spectacle. We captured the awe-inspiring beauty in photographs, but words could never fully convey the grandeur of the experience. Two serows, also known as "celestial horses" by the locals, emerged at the edge of the cliff, foraging for food. I was filled with joy and gratitude for the opportunity to witness such wonders with my own eyes.

After enjoying the stunning views of Doi Luang, we packed up our tents and began our descent. We chose the Ang Slung-Den Ya Khad route, which is 8.5 kilometers long, as we planned to continue our journey to San Pa Kia. The Ang Slung-Den Ya Khad route is less steep and easier to walk than the Pang Wa route, but it is overgrown with tall grass and longer. No matter how much we walked, it seemed like we would never reach the end. We kept asking passing porters how much further it was, and they always said "two more kilometers." We were exhausted, but we finally reached our destination, feeling famished.

English:

The trek to Doi Luang Chiang Dao was an unforgettable experience. The stunning mountain scenery and pristine natural environment left a deep impression. The camaraderie and support among my companions made the journey even more meaningful. I have long been captivated by this magnificent mountain range, and my admiration only grows stronger. The beauty of the Lanna region is truly breathtaking.

Traveler of the flower field.

November 11-12, 2016