4 Days 3 Nights 'Cloud Forest Challenge' Trek (No Nests)

Shorter version of the full 5 Days 4 Nights Cloud Forest Challenge Trek. Excludes the PhouPaMai Mountain pass and viewpoint, and the wildlife observation tower, Nests camp.

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.

Option: 4days full Cloud Forest Climb (no homestay) or 3 days Cloud Forest Climb (no homestay, no Nests) can be organized on special request if road conditions permit.

Accommodation on tour: 1 night village home-stay, 2 nights in Jungle Huts.

Seasonality: Dry season only – October to May/June (depending on the rainy season).

Difficulty: Difficult to Challenging. Please be aware that this has been found to be a very difficult trek.  It involves full days of climbing up steep hills and other difficulties associated with thick jungle. 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’s guide will do the most to ensure you have the best possible wildlife experience.

>>Please find detailed information for each day of the itinerary below<<

• National Park’s Conservation Fund Fee

• Village Ecotourism Benefit Fund Fee

• District Office of Information, Culture & Tourism Fee

• National Park’s English Speaking Guide

• Village team services: village guide/wildlife spotter, porters, cooks, cleaning and handicraft group

• Transport Muang Hiam-Village-Muang Hiam

• Food and water

• Sleeping equipment (Mattress, Mosquito net, Pillow and Sleeping Bag)

• Leech Socks

• Long pants/sleeves and trekking shoes

Weather note – Weather can be both very hot during the daytime and very cold at night. It is recommended that you bring clothes for both extremes.

Water note – Please note that we provide boiled stream water on the multiple day trekking tours. Please take your own water purification tablets.

We ask that you please bring just one small backpack and leave large suitcases or long‐haul backpacks in the village or your car.

Please bring the following:

• Light rain jacket or poncho (strongly recommended)
• Fleece jacket (strongly recommended as November to February can be very cold)
• Sun hat for daytime
• Wool cap for night
• Long pants for walking in the forest
• Good walking shoes
• Sandals for bathing
• An extra t-­shirt
• Shorts for sleeping/bathing
• Snacks (food is provided, but you might want to bring something to snack on)
• Water purification tablets (for multi-day treks, the water is boiled)
• Towel
• Toiletries
• Insect repellent
• Flashlight
• Reusable water bottle (help us to reduce waste)

Optional:

• Your own sleeping bag and/or sleeping sheet (we provide a sleeping bag and sleeping sheet, but you can use your own if you have)
• Our porters will carry all camping equipment, however if you would like someone to carry your personal items for you, you may pay extra for an additional porter. Please ask our staff about this.

• Please note that we provide boiled stream water on the multiple day trekking tours. Please take your own water purification tablets.

• The NEPL NPA’s ecotours are non-profit ventures with the majority of the income from the tours directly benefiting the local communities. All earnings are reinvested back into the ecotourism and other conservation projects.

Cancellation Policy

• 100% refund at least 7 days before the tour date
• 50% refund at least 5 days before the tour
• 0% refund if least than 3 days before the tour date

Refund Policy

• Kindly be advised that only tour/activity fees are refundable; Bank fees cannot be refunded under any circumstances.

• If you have questions or encounter problems with the tour, please contact WhatsApp/Tel: +856 20 59 533 720