Itinerary

Day 01 / Chiang Mai – Samoeng – Khun Mae Talaa – Dong Samun (-/L/D)
Join your guide in Chiang Mai and transfer by road to the Hmong Village of Khun Mae Talaa, the start point of the trek. Hit the trail and start hiking across ridgetops, through hilltribe villages and surrounded by breathtaking scenery. This evening, camp is set up within the grounds of a local school in a Blue Hmong Village, Dong Samun.

Today’s Trek is 6 hours; Moderate to Difficult.

Overnight camping, Dong Samun.

Day 02 / Dong Samun – Mae Chaem Noi – Wat Chan (B/L/-)
The second leg of the expedition traverses through elevated conifer forests to the village Chaem Noi, a large Karen village situated in a lush valley. Stop and rest your legs while enjoying a picnic lunch. Continue this afternoon to Wat Chan, a small town located in the middle of the Old Elephant Trail where an overnight stay in a hotel awaits.

Trek approx. 7hours; Moderate to Difficult.

Overnight in a local hotel, Wat Chan.

Day 03 / Wat Chan – Huai Tong – Huai Pu Loei (B/L/D)
Return to the trail this morning and head in to more remote areas. The first part of today’s trek is along an easy flat dirt-road, but quickly changes into mountainous terrain, rice fields and green jungles. Late this afternoon reach Huai Pu Loei where camp is set up at the local school grounds and dinner is served in the tranquil surroundings.

Trek approx. 6 hours; Moderate.

Overnight camping in Huai Pu Loei.

Day 04 / Huai Pu Loei – Huai Ma Dam – Nong Khao Glang (B/L/D)
Awake early this morning to catch the sensational sunrise over the Huai Pu Loei valley and then set off on the most challenging day of the Old Elephant Trail. Mostly uphill, the trail takes you through lush forests and over the challenging Doi Yao peak. The hard work is rewarded by panoramic views of northern Thailand’s lush terrain.

Trek approx. 10 hours; Difficult.

Overnight in Nong Khao Glang.

Day 05 / Nong Khao Glang – Huai Hee – Nam Hu (B/L/D)
The first leg of today’s trek crosses rolling mountain ridges and valleys to the Karen Village of Huai Hee. After lunch, continue through lush jungle to the evening’s campsite at Nam Hu. Arriving early this afternoon, there is plenty of time to explore the nearby caves, streams and waterfalls.

Today’s Trek is 7 hours; Moderate to Difficult.

Overnight camping in Nam Hu.

Day 06 / Nam Hu – Mae Hong Son – Departure (B/-/-)
This last day of hiking starts with an early morning climb up to Saam Fah mountain ridge for sweeping views across the valley to the Myanmar border. After enjoying the scenry, descend to the entrance of Mae Surin National Park where vehicles are waiting to transfer you to Mae Hong Son airport for your onward flight.

Today’s Trek is 5 hours; Moderate.

Days 06-07 / Optional 01 night extension in Mae Hong Son (B/-/-)
Transfer to the eco-friendly ‘Fern Resort’ in Mae Hong Son. Enjoy a well deserved rest in the tranquil surroundings. The next day, embark on a full day exploration of the area including a boat trip to the longneck village of Nam Piang Din and tour of the ancient temples of Mae Hong Son.

Departure late afternoon for the flight to Chiang Mai.

Land Cost
Prices per person in THB; Min. 02 persons for trek to depart, Max. 12 persons.

• THB 37,692 (Group of 02 persons)
• THB 37,074 (Group of 03-06 persons)
• THB 27,762 (Group of 07-12 persons)
• THB 4,548 for 01 extension night in Mae Hong Son after Day 06 (min. 02 persons)

Peak Season Supplement for Fern Resort

• THB 600 per room per night
  • Dec 24-25, 2011
  • Dec 31, 2011 – Ja 01, 2012

Validity

• Nov 01, 2011 – Oct 31, 2012

Inclusions

• One-way airfare from Mae Son Hong to Chiang Mai
• Accommodation at selected villages (tent camping)
• Professional support team to manage all logistics and set up camps
• Meals as indicated in itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
• Drinking water, snacks & fruits for trekking days
• Entrance fees for mentioned visits
• English-speaking expedition guide
• Transportation and transfers as indicated in itinerary
• Tipping for local guides

Exclusions

• International airfares, airport taxes and airport transfers
• Meals other than indicated in itinerary
• Porters to carry personal belongings
• Services other than mentioned
• Laundry, telephone calls, drinks, and expenditure of a personal nature
• Driver and guides’ tips

Notes

• Minimum number of participants is 02, Maximum is 12
• On trekking days, guests carry their own daypack (water for the day, extra clothes, medicines, camera, etc.)
• Travelers to Thailand are required to have a travel insurance; we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance covering emergency helicopter evacuation
• This itinerary may alter owing to local conditions, the strength of the group and other unexpected circumstances. We will do our very best to adhere to the set itinerary, however we cannot be held responsible for any last minute changes that might occur. In all such circumstances, your trekking guide will have the final say.

Validity

• Nov 01, 2011 – Oct 31, 2012

Old Elephant Trail Trek

Hike through one of the oldest trade routes in Northern Thailand in this join in, week-long expedition along the Thai-Myanmar border. This challenging trek traverses over ridgelines and through dense forests, but rewards the adventurous traveler with sweeping views of natural scenery and visits with ancient hill tribe cultures.

The Old Elephant Trail was once a very busy trade route over the mountains between Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai. It was established around 1831 but was abandoned when roads were built in the 1950s and is now one of the more remote trekking routes in Northern Thailand.

Travel to the Mae Surin National Park for the start of your trek. Over the next five days you will be trekking through some of Thailand’s most pristine natural areas. The terrain is tough- filled with high peaks and long ridgelines- but the experience is worth it.

Your days are filled with spectacular walks. Pass through national parks and along mountains such as the Dao Yai, where you can see in to Burmese territory. Keep an eye out for indigenous wildlife such as gibbons, wild boars, and a plethora of bird species.

In the evenings, you will reach remote villages where the culture and lifestyle have remained unchanged for hundreds of years. Spend the evenings amidst the locals as you camp down in tents, homestays, and one night in the local school. This up-close experience with traditional hilltribe life is an unforgettable experience.

The journey ends in Mae Hong Son where there is an optional extension to explore this pristine region. We will show you the best of Northern Thailand on this exciting trekking journey.