Wiang Haeng Road - Doi San Kio Khom Phra - Muang Ngai Reservoir

2-day hike from km24 on the Wiang Haeng Road (route 1322) up Doi San Kio Khom Phra (ดอยสันกิ่วคมพร้า) where we wild-camped at a perfect spot right on the summit. 2nd day onwards east along the ridge down to the Muang Ngai reservoir (dam) on the Mae Khon river.

This is a deserted and seldom-walked route. We did it in January and saw nobody for the 2 days. Although travel logistics tend to favour walking west to east, the descents on the 2nd day are steep (look at the altitude graph!) and hazardous because of the loose gravel. We both fell. I therefore recommend walking in the opposite direction, east to west. On the eastern half of the route the ridge is fairly narrow in places and drops off steeply both sides, which makes for excitement and great views, but care must be taken. Good boots and trekking poles are advised. We got through 10 litres of water between 2 people in 2 days. There was no water on the route apart from a dirty water-hole near the western end.

Most of the route is forested. Occasional outcrops of granite on the ridge and peaks. It's a great walk. Note that most taxis would probably want to drop or collect you on the Wiang Haeng road (1322) itself, which would add 1km to the route.

This route was pioneered by Kurt Keller of Malee's Nature Lovers Resort in Chiang Dao. He has walked it east-to-west with others in a single day. I prefer taking 2 days and enjoying the camp. If you do this, make sure to also download Kurt's routes at the following links. His paths are more direct than mine, as we strayed slightly from the route on many occasions.

https://www.wikiloc.com/wikiloc/view.do?id=14522523
http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=bowzvubwgkutocmn