12 hikers met up at the meeting point in the early Sunday morning. The smog was very heavy and the visibility toward our mountains was more or less zero. But at our starting point, Ban Pok Pang Nai (1082 m altitude), it was like coming to an another world, clear blue sky, and a nice cool temperature! Everyone was so happy to escape the heat and the air pollutions in Chiang Mai.
The only ”if’ about the hike was that no one in the hiking group had check some parts of the area the last 2 years. But surprisingly, the trails were in better condition than ever. An extra plus for us, no burnings up on the ridges this year (yet).
The stairs up to the temple
We started the hike with walking up to the new built temple, and continued on a ”coffee road” that follows a creek up in the valley. Near the end of the valley we had to attack a very steep hill in our efforts to reach the first ridge. But no sad faces, the group managed this climb in a good mood.
Up we go. The sky is the limit!
Very steep, but still smiling
Upon the first ridge we got our first reward, fantastic views of the mountains in the area.
Ok… where we go now?
Last time 2 years ago..
Now the rest of the hike was a ridge hike.
Up on the second ridge
Snack stop at 1500 m altitude, on the third ridge after 1 hour and 40 minutes hike
On the way to our lunch spot, some high grass, but no big deal..
View towards the ” bald man”, a strange peak at an altitude of 1719 m. South/east have no vegetation
Lunch on the rocks at the fourth ridge
A relaxing hiker at the lunch stop
View from the “rocky lunch” Morning ridge in the distance
After our lunch “on the rocks” we started our descent back to the village.
To avoid the afternoon heat on a local dirt road, we took our chances on a short cut on a hunters trail. The trail was better than expected, but some parts covered with dry leaves made you come down like an alpine skier.
Thai skiing
Back in the village, some of us went for a cold beer at the new zip line company
New resort with zip line
Question, When beer taste best?
Answer, after a hike!
Some facts
Credit photos:
Our hikers
Report:Anders
Filed under: Sunday hike reports |
