A 17-kilometer trek through the jungle, camping for 3 nights, crossing 3 provinces: Chiang Mai, Lamphang, and Chiang Rai. Conquering 3 mountains: Doi Langka Noi, Doi Pha Ngom, and Doi Langka Luang. The lush forests of Khun Nam Nang National Park, with Doi Langka Luang, standing at 2,031 meters above sea level, as the ultimate destination.
There are two walking trails to choose from.
The original text describes a three-day trekking route starting at Ban Mae Luang and ending at Pha Ngom. The route includes stops at Doi Lang Noi, Doi Lang Luang, and the radar station. The trekkers will camp overnight at Lang Noi on the first night, Lang Luang on the second night, and Pha Ngom on the third night.
Additional Notes:
- The original text is in Thai.
- The translation is in English.
- The translation is in a simple and short tone.
- The translation does not include any personal opinions or interpretations.
- The translation is faithful to the original text.
The second route starts from the Radar Station, passes through Pha Ngom, Doi Langka Luang, Doi Langka Noi, and ends at Ban Mae Ton Luang. The overnight rest stops alternate with the first route.
The same path, but the choice of which way to go up... We chose the path up from Ban Mae Ton Luang.
Let's get started. Our group of 10 arrived at Khun Chae National Park around 9 am. We contacted the park rangers who would guide us up the mountain. After the porters weighed our belongings, we boarded a 4-wheel drive truck that took us to the starting point of our hike. From there, we were ready to begin our adventure.
Please note that advance notice is required for visits. To arrange your visit, please contact the Khun Chae National Park office by phone, specifying the date and time of your arrival. This will allow them to prepare a guide and porters for your trip.
Here is the translation of the text:
The first day, we walked almost 4 kilometers. It was a steep climb, and it was our first day, so our bodies weren't used to it. We were very tired. The last part before reaching the top of the small pagoda was very steep, and we had to use four-wheel drive. We walked for almost four hours, taking breaks every three steps.
The original text is in Thai and describes a humorous situation involving a new hiker experiencing muscle cramps during their first trek.
Here's the translation:
"A new friend joined us on our hike today. Poor thing, they couldn't even manage three steps without getting a cramp! We ended up pulling and dragging them along, but they were a trooper and stuck with it until the end. What a day!"
The initial ascent is a relentless climb.
Mist flows before climbing the small Langka.
Descending from the summit of Yod Langka Noi, we continued our trek for approximately 500 meters, arriving at the designated campsite. With ample time to spare, we set up our tents and prepared a meal. As the sun began its descent, our energy levels surged, prompting us to embark on an ascent to witness the breathtaking sunset. We captured numerous photographs, both candid and posed, before returning to our campsite under the cloak of darkness.
Pagoda... Doi Langka Noi
The first night, the sound of chatter about the day's hike filled the air with laughter and merriment. It wasn't long before everyone settled in for the night. Goodnight.
The second day began with an incredibly early wake-up call. Before we even had the chance to wash our faces or brush our teeth, we were already…
Another morning at Doi Langka, capturing the beauty of the morning light. Wow, it feels like I'm full of energy! Today, we're going on a long journey, 7 kilometers to the top of Doi Langka Luang...
The morning light on the Doi Langka Noi mountain peak is refreshing.
A Camp in the Wilderness: Doi Langka Noi
After enjoying the sunrise and brushing our teeth, it was time to head back to camp for breakfast and prepare lunch for the journey ahead. Around 9:00 AM, we set off again.
Morning light at the pagoda... Doi Langka Noi
The trail from Langka Noi to Yod Doi Langka Luang is not as challenging as the first day. It features a mix of uphill, downhill, and flat sections, passing through savannas, rainforests, and open forests.
Let's continue walking...
Just past noon, we were still less than halfway there. We stopped for lunch in the middle of the forest. After our stomachs were full, our energy returned like warhorses... We sat down to rest and let our bellies settle before continuing our walk. We weren't in a hurry.
It was almost four in the afternoon when we finally reached the campsite at the foot of the mountain. To reach the summit of Langka Luang, we had another kilometer to climb, a long, continuous ascent. Today, our bodies seemed to have adjusted to the conditions. Hmm... really? We set up our tents and prepared our food. We would cook it later when we came back down. Let's go... to the summit!
Trail to the top of Langka Luang
The trail ascends steeply, reaching a halfway point where one must pause to catch their breath. After descending a slope, the path leads to another steep climb, culminating at the towering Kun Nam Forest, reaching the heavens. This is Doi Langka Luang.
The signs here are very classic. They are piled up on the floor, so anyone who wants to take a picture can design their own poses. It's good, isn't it? It's fun...
Sign indicating the highest point...
Parting follows every meeting. We descended before nightfall due to the steep and overgrown path. Darkness would have made things difficult. Upon reaching the camp, we had dinner by candlelight. Exhaustion set in quickly, and our conversation was short-lived. Good night.
On the way down from the peak of Doi Langkahluang
Doi Langkahluang Camp
The third day in the vast forest, our bodies and minds began to settle in. We woke up late today, as the trail wasn't far and we didn't need to hike up to see the sunrise. We slept in, and upon waking, enjoyed coffee, Ovaltine, Milo, cocoa, and slightly burnt toast - a perfect combination.
From Langka Luang to Pha Ngoam Camp, it should be around 3 kilometers, a comfortable distance, or so I thought. But what we encountered today was truly incredible…
From the peak of Doi Langkahluang
We began our trek through the dense fog that blanketed the forest. The heavy mist made it difficult to see more than a few steps ahead. Despite the limited visibility, the air was fresh and invigorating. We inhaled deeply, filling our lungs with the crisp mountain air. The trail led us through a variety of terrains, from steep cliffs to open meadows. The lush rainforest offered a diverse range of experiences, making the Langka Luang trek a truly unforgettable adventure.
The fog is extremely thick.
To be continued... Let's take a break for now. I've walked a long way and there's a lot of fog.
We stopped for lunch before heading to Pha Ngom. This is where the fun began. Rain clouds were gathering, but from afar, it didn't seem like it would rain. We asked Uncle, our experienced guide, and he wasn't sure if it would rain or not. A great answer...
And then it came, uninvited and unwelcome. The first wave of rain was light, and we could still continue. We walked around the back to climb up to Pha Ngom. As we walked, we thought it would stop soon, that it wouldn't be heavy. But... it wasn't what we thought.
Path to Pha Ngom
The heavy rain poured down like a broken sky, relentless and unstoppable. It was impossible to walk, the ground was so muddy. I tried to find shelter under a tree, but I still got soaked. I thought it would stop soon, but I was wrong. I stood there for more than half an hour, waiting for the rain to stop. It was long, cold, and scary. But then, it stopped suddenly, like someone slammed on the brakes. The sky was clear and blue. It was strange. The rain stopped, so I started walking again. I was heading to Pha Ngoam, which was just a short walk away. From Pha Ngoam, we had to descend to the campsite below. This was the most exciting part, as it was both slippery and steep. We were hoping to slide down, but we didn't want to roll down and get hurt. It was already very steep, and the heavy rain made it even worse.
A large rainbow appears after the rain on the way to Pha Ngom.
After a grueling journey, we finally reached Pha Ngom Camp. A small waterfall provided water for drinking, washing, and even bathing. After a 300-meter walk from our accommodation, we were in dire need of cleaning ourselves. Pha Ngom Camp does not offer sunrise or sunset viewing points. If there were, we would have had to hike up to Pha Ngom. However, considering the trail, we decided to cook, eat, rest, and save our energy for the return hike tomorrow. For now, we bid you farewell with our weary bodies and a good night.
Pha Ngom Camp
Looking back at the cliff, hmm... we made it through, didn't we?
The final day began with a trek from Pha Ngom Camp to the radar station before the group dispersed to return home. It seemed like an ordinary day. We woke up, prepared our last jungle lunch, ate everything we had, and smashed the rice pot. We were already homesick...
But it wasn't going to be that simple. An easy ending wouldn't be memorable. The nearly 3-kilometer route included some steep sections and ridge walking. If it had been just that, it would have been too easy, too forgettable. So, something happened to make it truly unforgettable...
A heavy and prolonged downpour began. How long did it last? From the moment we started walking until we reached the radar station, where a car was waiting to take us to Khun Jae National Park. We showered, changed clothes, and prepared to return home. Even as we left the park, the rain continued. It was a day that soaked both our hearts and bodies...
Nature's Unvarnished Truth
Nature, in its raw and unadulterated form, operates without embellishment, forewarning, or favoritism. It simply is. When we choose to engage with nature, we must accept its inherent conditions.
The journey ahead demands both physical and mental fortitude. Those seeking only pleasure and ease on their path will likely encounter challenges and discomforts.
Expenses to Consider:
- Guide: 1,800 Baht per guide for a group of up to 10 people.
- Porters: 1,800 Baht per porter, carrying up to 20 kg of luggage.
- Transportation: 1,900 Baht per vehicle for roundtrip transportation.
- Food and Supplies: Costs will vary depending on individual needs and preferences. Plan for 4 days and 3 nights in the wilderness.
- Water: Available at designated campsites. Limited availability during the trek. Conserve water and only collect from approved sources if absolutely necessary.
- Bathing: Limited opportunities for bathing. The final campsite at Pha Ngom offers limited facilities. Consider bringing minimal toiletries and plan on minimal bathing.
The following is a translation of the provided text from Thai to English:
This preparation is important. 17 km jungle walk, 3 nights in the jungle, physical and mental strength are equally important.
Physical exercise should be done in advance. You don't have to exercise, but you should make your body fit to a certain level... hmm... about 3-5 kilometers of running without getting tired or cramping is enough, right?
Here is the translation of the provided text:
Motivation is crucial. Those who have hiked before would understand. There are no toilets here, so you'll have to relieve yourself in the forest. You must drink water from natural sources, such as waterfalls. Don't even think about showering. There might be some water available during the late rainy season. Mentally, you need to be prepared.
Ultimately, conquering the mountain requires both physical and mental strength. For those who plan to embark on this journey, may you find joy, excitement, and freedom from pain, illness, fatigue, and exhaustion.
Thank you.
คน ฟ้า ป่า น้ำ
Friday, November 8, 2024 4:31 PM