130915_Trip report_Doi Kham loop

Gathering in the rain

On a rainy morning 18 cheerful hikers and 2 dogs turned up for this hike led by Ulf. (Yes, the dogs were cheerful too!) We gathered at the starting point at the foot of the Doi Kham steps and by 8:20 we were all in our chosen rain gear and on our way. The first 4 km. followed the road to Baan Mae Hia, and just past the right hand turn off for our previous hike to Wat Pa Thammachat, we turned left onto a wide uphill trail. In spite of rain the trail was not slippery and we kept up quite a fast pace. Other than a couple of turn-offs to the left which made this a loop, we had a continuous trail and a couple nice view points. We stopped occasionally to re-group and grab a quick drink or snack but never sat down as there wasn’t a dry spot.

Happy hikers

The group – photo by Chan

purple flower

At one point we walked through beautiful, tall grass among a stand of sparse forest, and soon after the sun came out.

Downhill in the sunshine

Once we reach the road up to the backside of Doi Kham we knew the hike was almost over. So we made a short visit to the temple, admired the clear view of Chiang Mai, and climbed down the dragon staircase back to the cars.

Down the dragon staircase

It was just in time for lunch which we all enjoyed at Idol Café near the Night Safari round-about.

Lunch at Idol

According to my GPS we had walked 6.5 km. in 3 1/2 hours with an elevation gain of 387 meters. Thanks to Ulf and all the cheerful hikers for another beautiful day!