Doi Radar - Doi Langka Luang (Doi Mae Tho) - Doi Langka Noi - Baan Mae Dtoon Luang
near Ban Pang Nam Thu, เชียงใหม่ (ไทย)
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Trail photos
Itinerary description
We did this hike independently in 2 days, camping right at the summit of Doi Langka Luang. It could probably also be arranged through the Khun Chae national park headquarters or commercial trekking companies with a guide/porter, possibly taking longer and using the main campsite marked on my trail.
We stayed the night before at Baan Kon Meuang Doi in the village of Baan Mae Dtoon Luang, and finished there too. A little information here: https://www.facebook.com/AtMaetonluang/posts/1513715638931394
Open my YouTube video of the trip from the "View more" link below.
Waypoints
Probable GPS errors
Probable GPS errors here. The path probably continues straight through.
Shorter ascent possibly following edge of tall trees
Shorter ascent possibly following edge of tall trees
Shorter ascent possibly continuing at 170 degrees
Shorter ascent possibly continuing at 170 degrees
End of trek. Baan Kon Meuang Doi
End of the trail at the Baan Kon Meuang Doi homestay.
Trail branches to south east alternative
Trail branches to an alternative descent to the south-east
Intersection
Intersection of paths
Steep
Very steep rocky climb down from Doi Langka Noi. Hazardous in a couple of places.
Doi Langka Noi summit
Doi Langka Noi summit with a satup and Nakprok statue (Buddhist monuments)
Branch to waterfall camp
The path to the waterfall camp branches about here and it not obvious
Campsite near waterfall
Campsite near a very-welcome waterfall. We drank this water without filtering or sterilizing and it was fine.
New route
The obvious path follows a route along the provincial border. Others seem to have typically taken a more westerly route, missing the waterfall camp.
Doi Langka Luang summit and our camp
Doi Langka Luang (Doi Mae Tho) summit (2013 metres altitude). We camped on top.
Intersection (overgrown path)
Intersection (overgrown path) but low risk of getting lost
Intersection and MAIN CAMPSITE
The main high-altitude campsite below the summit, at the intersection of the paths. The path towards Doi Pha Ngum (and then Doi Radar) is difficult to spot in the corner of the campsite.
Accidental detour?
We followed the obvious path which leads to the main campsite, but may have missed a more direct route to the summit by either following the edge of the trees in the background of this picture, or continuing on a bearing of about 170 degrees.
Steep up
Very steep uphill climb to Doi Phaa Nguum. Slippery, loose dirt in the dry and probably much worse if wet. Had to use hands and feet at times. Would be a very challenging descent.
Camping possible
Camping possible here. On Wikiloc this photo is misplaced, and should be on the path. Hoping for a day when it will be possible to move and add photos and waymarks on Wikiloc!
Near camp spot
Information near camping spot. Sign to Doi Pha Ngom (150m) and campsite (50m).
Intersection
Intersection of paths. Yellow squares on trees mark the way. Hiker points out the other path.
Gps had trouble
Trail may be slightly wrong here due to GPS problems, but is easy to follow.
Doi Radar
"Doi Radar". Radar station at the start of the Doi Langka Luang nature trail. Drop-off point. Parking may be possible.
Comments (4)
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Note that many do this hike in more than two days. We met a German couple that had heavy backpacks and a Thai group, both did it in three days.
I very much recommend to walk the other way around from Ban Mae Ton Luang like we did. The first ascent is quite steep but this is when you start and was totally fine. Watch out for the small path leading straight up. (More info in my trail/waypoints) I wish I could edit them. Another reason is the hazardous ascend to Doi Langka Noi. Walking this down can be seriously dangerous with too much load and no security rope. Very steep with a lot of rocks that seem sturdy but are loose! Walking up is much saver and easier.
In any way, we really enjoyed this hike! Who looks for a challenging but not crazy hard hike, including steep summit hikes, amazing views, dense jungle and open downhill bits and ever changing flora and fauna is exactly right with this one.
Be aware! 1. Last water stop is the waterfall (blue pipe in Nick Hope‘s trail). We took only 6l and ran out towards the end. 2. I highly recommend to take wooden sticks at the beginning or better bring yours. It keeps you from slipping on steep hills. 3. Make sure you don‘t walk this trail with rain. Some bits will put you into trouble. 4. I am a moderate experienced hiker. Did some thru hikes but my partner is not at all and had no problems. We are on a trip including non hiking bits and our backpacks weight 13kg and 10kg without water.
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Thanks for having tracked the trail. Very nice and wild. Couple of VERY steep parts but cool adventure.
Not for beginners.
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Excellent trail. Not too hard to follow. Very steep last part after the Buddha statue. Cool adventure
I have followed this trail View more
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There is a sign at the entry (both side) saying that you need an authorisation to walk through and we walked the trail on the same day that a 200 trail runners race took place. Half way we meet the organiser and made us understand that we were not really suppose to be here without a guide. My advise would be to be discreet if you start from the village side.