This 2-day trek in Chiang Mai will take you to the 1st part of TMT01 in the Karen region. The landscapes crossed during this trek are more beautiful from July to November during the rainy season when the Karen transplant and harvest the rice.
The Karen are the largest hill tribe in Thailand. Originally from Myanmar, they moved to Thailand during the 20th century and settled in the low mountains where they grow rice and vegetables.
The 1st part of the trek begins in the deep jungle on an ancient path used by the Karen tribes to communicate between 2 villages. The trail has almost disappeared because it is no longer used by locals. Then you will reach the first village where a local guide will be waiting for us to help us go through the jungle. His machete will be useful to advance in this difficult environment. After a few kilometers, the track will open up again. and soon you will discover the first terraces paddies and meet local farmers, all Karen. The Karen village of Mae Kha is not far away. It's an amazing place to spend the night. People live here very simply in contact with nature and follow the rhythm of crops. They are happy to welcome us. After taking a deserved shower in a waterfall, we will share dinner with Karen families. Then, you will sleep in comfortable wooden houses next to the rice fields.
On the morning of the 2nd day, you will wake up in a unique landscape enjoying the sunrise over the paddies for your breakfast. Then you will leave the village by one of its mountainous slopes, gradually leaving behind you the village. From this point of view, the landscape is magnificent: below are the village's terraces rice fields, all around is a beautiful and lush tropical forest, and below is the valley of Chiang Mai. You will cross the rice fields balancing on the narrow embankments before starting a fairly steep ascent to the top of Doi Pha dam (1400m). You will have lunch there.
It will be time to go back down to Chiang Mai, passing by Wat Phraphutthabat Si Roi and joining the city by collective taxi.
This trek is for good hikers. You'll walk about thirty kilometers in 2 days with fairly steep uphill sections. But the landscapes and moments spent with the Karen will be magnificent rewards.
If you are interested in this trek in Chiang Mai, you can contact the agency via the form below.
The program and its price given here are an indication. There might be some modifications in the final programme depending on the season or other factors. You are invited to review the details of the program or itinerary wih the agency or local guide.