Itinerary in brief

Day 1   : CHIANG MAI - CHIANG DAO
Day 2   : KAREN VILLAGE - RAFTING CAMP
Day 3   : RAFTING CAMP - LAHU VILLAGE
Day 4   : LAHU VILLAGE - SHAN VILLAGE - CHIANG MAI

The trip  starts just outside the city of Chiang Mai. On the narrow walking trails we cut through the limestone scenery and lush plantations and see many different hill tribe groups such as Karen, Shan, Lahu. They still retain their age old cultural traditions and are recognisably distinct from each other by their dress.

Detail Itinerary

 

DAY 1: CHIANG MAI - CHIANG DAO
The extremely beautiful mountain region around Chiang Dao is home of various hill tribe groups and elephant camps. We will include these on four day trek which also provides us some opportunities to live with local people. This morning we pick you up at your hotel in Chiang Mai and drive by truck to Mae Mana. A rough drive through the forest will deliver us at the Hmong village from where we walk to explore the surrounding areas. Our final destination for this evening is the Karen hilltribe village. Here we are the guest of a Karen family in a traditional house. The accommodation is very simple and dormitory style, no western facilities. O/N at Karen Village. (L,D)

DAY 2: KAREN VILLAGE - RAFTING CAMP
Upon leaving the village of our previous night we set off on a full day trek past the verdant and rugged scenery of undulating terrains and rolling hill. We get off well the beaten track as we walk into this mountainous region. Along the way we stop to explore the Chiang Dao Cave, which houses various magnificent Buddha Statues. The pleasant climate inside caverns make for an ideal place to break the journey. We continue our trekking expedition towards the raft camp near Ban Pakhao Lam. O/N at River Camp. (B,L,D)

DAY 3: RAFTING CAMP - LAHU VILLAGE
Today we have a chance to rest our legs when we let elephant do the walking, on our two hour elephant ride. After the trip we enjoy a bamboo raft along the river which gives some fantastic view of the mountain landscape and an enjoyable visit to the village of Karen and Lahu hilltribe people. These ethnic groups still retain their age old cultural traditions and are recognisably distinct from each other by their dress. We embark on our walk again and trek for few hours to Tung Yao where we spend the night, as guest of villagers. The facilities are very basic, but the experience is unique. O/N at Lahu Village. (B,L,D)

DAY 4: LAHU VILLAGE - SHAN VILLAGE - CHIANG MAI
This morning we spend two hour walking to the Shan Hilltribe Village near Baan Sob Gai. A part of the pleasure of trekking in this region is the simple joy of seeing the breathtaking mountain scenery and exploring the interesting culture of the people. At this village we will up with our truck for a drive to Chiang Mai. The trip ends after arrival at your hotel in Chiang Mai. (B,L)

HOTELS USED ON THIS TRIP CITY/ AREA Standard Class Trekking  Home stay HOTEL NOTES The higher hotel category in Pai and Mae Hong Son will be arranged upon request.