2023/12/31_Report Doi Lanka Noi ‘classic’ loop

One of our favorite mountains on a classic route. 16 hikers (plus 2 local dogs). Perfect weather with great views.

No point to write a big report, let the pics speak for themselves…

A fantastic day spend with good friends in our marvelous nature.

Special Thanks to the hikers from the shorter hike for driving all the way to the coffee shop in Ban Mae Ton Luang to catch up with the main group hikers.

Hike Stats: 10.7km with 670m altitude gain/loss.

Photos: Dennis, Mona, Rung, Othmar

Hike Initiator & Report: Othmar

2023/12/31_Doi Lanka Noi ‘classic’ loop

A New Year’s Eve hike;
Doi Lanka Noi is pretty popular with hikers in Chiang Mai. We haven’t done the ‘classic’ loop with this group since 2020. There was a hike with a different descent in 2022 and an entirely different route from another direction to the peak earlier this year.

It is time to do the ‘Classic’ Doi Lanka Noi loop again!

The first km is pretty flat, consider it your warm-up. Then the hard part starts. Allmost all of our ascent is done over the next 2.5km.The last bit is a scramble up a rocky outpost. There is a good trail, but care must be taken as there are steep drop-offs (an alternative longer trail exists avoiding the rocky part, but still quite steep).

If the weather plays along, we should be rewarded with a sweeping 360 degrees view around the surrounding mountains. Here we shall take our well-deserved snack break.

The way back down has also a steeper section but is gentler. From there we get some of the best views back to the peak we just mastered.
Once we reach the valley, there are a few stream crossings. Given we are out of the wet season, chances are we keep our feet dry, but be prepared for the alternative…
The last stretch is on a good, unsealed forest road, then up the road back to the trailhead in the village.

Hike Stats: This loop is just under 11km with about 700m altitude gain/loss, but you need to be reasonably fit for the steep prolonged ascent (500m up over 2.5km).

Hike Leader: Othmar

• Meeting point: SUSCO (maybe now ESSO?) Gas Station (San Sai Noi branch on the 118) at 07.20 for 07.30 departure. https://maps.app.goo.gl/P1xemNaxrK5AVifRA

• Or by the Trailhead in Ban Mae Ton Luang by the Wat Mae Ton at 8:30am:  https://maps.app.goo.gl/Y65cAWQRpKAJaTaG6
  • _{Note: The Thepsadej Coffeeshop is nearby if you are a bit early and need a caffeine fix.}

If you want to join:

Make sure you have read the general advice on this website as well as the specific hike details in this post. If you still think this hike is for you, just turn up at the meeting place on the day, on time. No need to inform us in advance, but we cannot accommodate groups. Lifts are usually available but can’t be guaranteed. If you need a lift, please bring a change of cloth/shoes for the return trip and offer the driver THB 100 towards petrol etc. for the return trip.

Please bring: as per usual advice in the tabs above, but paying particular attention to the following

• Good footwear, there are a couple of steeper trails.
• Hiking poles may be handy for the ascent/descent from the ridges.
• Plenty of water and/or electrolyte drink.
• Rain gear and sun protection.
• Some food to snacks or light lunch.
• Lots of enthusiasm, some humor and happy smiles.

Wishing All our hiking friends a very Happy, Healthy and Peaceful New Year!