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5 Days Phou Louey Mountain Summit Trekking Tour -Homestay & Full Trail

Challenging trek up to the summit of Phou Louey the “Forever” Mountain (Elev. 2257m) – the third highest peak in Laos and one of the few Cloud Forests in the region. This trek offers a unique opportunity to enter one of the most important wildlife habitats of the Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park. Feel as field biologist for few days as you track and identify proof of wildlife along the trekking trail. Direct wildlife observations are difficult on the trekking tour, but if lucky you can spot giant flying squirrels, various civet species, macaques, serow, muntjacs, and birdlife including silver pheasants and hornbills, as well as hear the beautiful morning calls of the critically endangered Northern White-Cheeked Gibbons. Thus, you might notice wild cat, wild dog and bear presence, as you identify the footprints, scratches, scat, and view camera trap images set along the trail. The data from the camera traps is further incorporated into the national park’s wildlife-monitoring program.

This trek offers wonderful birdwatching opportunities to spot species within 600-2257m elevation range. You might see beautiful nuthatch, rufous-throated partridge, silver-eared laughingthrush, grey-bellied tesias, rufous-necked and great hornbills (rare), and many more. You might spot giant black squirrels, various civet species, macaques, serow, muntjac as well as see and identify proof of many more species along the way and in the wildlife monitoring camera traps. There are also several locations along this route where you can hear the early morning duets of the critically endangered northern white-cheeked gibbon.

Experience it all! Begin with a homestay in an ethnic Khmu village on the edge of the national park, then complete the full length of the national park's trekking trail.

Highlights

  • Homestay in a Khmu village
  • The summit of the national park - Phou Louey Mountain (elev. 2257m)
  • Birdwatching
  • Camera Trapping
  • Waterfalls
  • Viewpoints
  • Possibility to hear the Northern White-Cheeked Gibbons at sunrise
  • Wildlife observation tower
  • Overnight at The Nests
  • Ranger station
  • Please be aware that this has been found to be a very difficult trek. Please sign up for this tour only if you have experience with difficult trekking and if you are in very good level of physical fitness.

Please note that the itinerary below is approximate. Small change can occur as we are in remote and wild Laos and it is impossible to predict everything. However, please trust that the National Park guide will do the most to ensure you have the best possible wildlife experience.

Day 1: Travel to a Khmu village. Village life, Birdwatching and Homestay 

Meals: L/D
Accommodation: Homestay

The National Park’s English-speaking guide and driver will meet clients at around 8:00am at the guesthouse in Muang Hiem. Then, travel for about 1h30 to a remote Khmu village situated on the edge of the National Park, where you’ll meet the community ecotourism team. Experience the tranquility of rural life and an opportunity to learn about Khmu culture. Overnight at homestay.

Day 2: Enter the National Park. Waterfalls, Birdwatching & Camera Traps. 

Distance: 8,5 km trek
Time estimation: 7 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: +850m / -275m
Meals: B/L/D
Accommodation: Forest hut (2 persons per hut)

For the first part of the trail, hike through a mosaic of agricultural fields to the park boundary, then trek through the national park identifying signs of wildlife along the way and stopping for a refreshing swim in the waterfalls.

Once at camp, relax, bath at yet another waterfall, enjoy afternoon birdwatching and verify wildlife camera trap. Campfire dinner and optional nighttime wildlife spotting. Overnight in a forest hut (2 persons per hut).

Day 3: The Phou Louey Mountain Challenge 

Distance: 12 km trek
Time estimation: 10+ hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: +1270m / -1250m
Meals: B/L/D
Accommodation: Forest hut (2 persons per hut)

Today is a demanding 12 km trek to the summit of Phou Louey Mountain, one of the few Cloud Forests in the region and one of the most important wildlife biodiversity areas in the park.

Please be prepared to wake up early and get ready promptly. The trek includes a 5-6 hour climb with an average slope of +18% to the summit, followed by a steep 4-5 hour descent with an average slope of -17%. The summit, a Cloud Forest, is often shrouded in mist but offers breathtaking views on clear days. Enjoy birdwatching and check camera traps along the way. Once at camp, relax in the afternoon and evening.

Day 4: Mountain Pass and Viewpoint. The Nests Wildlife Observation Tower 

Distance: 10 km trek
Time estimation: 7 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: +700m / -900m
Meals: B/L/D
Accommodation: The Nests (2 persons per Nest)

Wake up before sunrise, and trek up to the 1’500m Phou Pha Mai mountain pass to enjoy sunrise over the national park with a possibility to hear the critically endangered Northern White-Cheeked Gibbons.

After picnic brekfast, trek for 10 km through a healthy forest to The Nests camp, identifying signs of wildlife along the way.

Once at The Nests camp, relax, and enjoy late afternoon birdwatching. After a campfire dinner, head to the observation tower located next to a salt lick for nighttime wildlife spotting. Overnight in The Nests (2 persons per Nest).

Day 5: Morning Birdwatching and Wildlife Camera Traps. Return to Muang Hiam. 

Distance: 7.5 km trek & 5 km tok-tok (hand tractor)
Time estimation: 4h trek & 1h tok-tok
Elevation Gain/Loss: +420m / -460m
Meals: B/L

Start the day with birdwatching and verifying the wildlife camera traps. Twelve surrounding villages involved in the ecotourism program receive monetary bonuses through the ecotourism benefit fund that is based on the wildlife spotted on the tours and in the camera traps.

Trek out from the national park and enjoy birdwatching along the way, then ride a tok-tok (hand tractor) back to the village. Return to Muang Hiam in the mid-afternoon. Recommendation: spend the afternoon relaxing at the hot springs.

 

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