Early this morning (07h00), gather at the main entrance of Wat Phra Singh, in the middle of the old city of Chiang Mai and depart at 07h30 for Samoeng to visit the local market and buy some fruit or snacks for the journey. (1h30 transfer)
Continue a further hour by road to the small Hmong village of Khun Mae Talaa, the starting point for the trek. The village sits on the edge of Khun Kan National Park, where a great diversity of wildlife can be spotted in the high mountains and dense forests. The park is also the source of the Mae Khan River.
Hit the trail and start trekking along the ridgetops, enjoying the marvelous scenery and amazing views. Stop for lunch in the Karen Village of Mae Daet Noi before continuing onward to the Blue Hmong village of Dong Samun, arriving early evening. Dinner is prepared and served in the village and the night is spent at the local school’s grounds.
Overnight in Dong Samun.
Trekking time/difficulty: 6h/Moderate to Difficult. Transfer time: 2h00-2h30.
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
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.
This afternoon, continue trekking to Wat Chan, a small town located in the middle of the Old Elephant Trail.
Dinner prepared by your guide and overnight at camp site in Wat Chan.
Trekking time/difficulty: 7h/Moderate to Difficult.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, return to the trail and leave civilization as you 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.
Midday, reach the Karen village of Huai Tong for lunch.
After lunch continue through the forest to Huai Pu Loei where camp will be set up at the local school grounds. Dinner is prepared and served by your guides.
Overnight in Huai Pu Loei.
Trekking time/difficulty: 6h/Moderate.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Awake early to catch the sensational sunrise in the valley of Huai Pu Loei.
After breakfast, the most challenging leg of The Old Elephant trail awaits. Set off with an uphill trail, trekking through lush forests and over Doi Yao peak where two passes offer spectacular panoramic views over the Myanmar border.
Continue trekking, stopping en route for lunch at Huai Mae Dam village, to Nong Khao Glang for the overnight stop.
Overnight in Nong Khao Glang.
Trekking time/difficulty: 10h/Difficult
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a good night’s sleep, awake to a hot breakfast and set off toward Huai Hee. This Karen village lies near Doi Pui, one of the highest mountains in Thailand, and the route traverses rolling terrain of mountain ridges and valleys.
After lunch in Huai Hee, continue through lush jungle to Nam Hu where camp will be set up next to the local forestry office.
This attractive hamlet offers good bird watching opportunities: grey-headed parakeets, black-crested bulbuls, or sunbirds are common in the area. And if you are still feeling energetic, there are caves, streams and waterfalls to explore in the area.
Relax this evening around the campfire, reflecting on the intense, yet rewarding, journey.
Overnight in Nam Hu.
Trekking time/difficulty: 7h/Moderate to Difficult.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart early this morning for the last day of trekking, which also features some of the most spectacular panoramas.
Start the day’s trek with a climb up to Saam Fah (‘Three Skies’) mountain ridge for views across the valley of Mae Hong Son and over toward the Myanmar border. Descend down the ridge to the entrance of Mae Surin National Park where vehicles are waiting to transfer you to Mae Hong Son airport for your onward flight. (Flight not included, contact Exo for pricing and booking information)
An optional stay at the eco-friendly ‘Fern Resort’ in Mae Hong Son is a nice extension to the journey. See details below.
Transfer time: 0h15.
Trekking time/difficulty: 5h/Moderate.
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, check out of Fern Resort and embark on a tour of Mae Hong Son and surroundings. Visit Wat Phra Thad Doi Kong Moo which dominates the provincial city and affords a wonderful view of the city. Depart for the Baan Huai Dua boat pier for a (30 minute) long-tailed boat ride. Your captain will take you through stunning scenery with nice cataracts on Pai River as you make your way a bustling market on the border of Thailand and Myanmar.
Return to town for lunch at a local restaurant and visit the two main temples, Wat Jom Klang and Wat Jom Kham.
Transfer out to the airport for your afternoon flight to Chiang Mai.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
