Trekking Cambodia 6 days
Trekking Cambodia
In 2007 Wildlife Alliance started a program in the Chi Phat area in the Cardamom Mountains to educate and help the community make their living from tourism instead of animal trafficking.
Trek, or boat in the Cardamon Mountains to discover the real, peaceful Cambodia, far from the crowds.
Guides, once poachers, lead you on jungle treks to waterfalls, grasslands and mountains that they know well, but few others have seen.
Day 1: Phnom Penh to Chi Phat
Today you have an early start as you leave Phnom Penh and drive the 190 kilometers (118 miles, 5 hours) to the riverside community of Andoung Teuk. Board the Chi Phat Community boat for a 2 hour upstream journey along the Preak Piphot River. During this ride, be on the lookout for birds and mammals coming to the water’s edge to drink. Upon arrival in the small, remote community of Chi Phat you meet the eco-tourism staff and get a short introduction regarding their hard work within the community. Afterwards have lunch and discuss the activities for the following days. Then check-in to your home-stay, a traditional Khmer home with basic facilities (mosquito net, fan, toilet, bathing area), and meet your host family. Walk to the nearby Chhay Chrey rapids with a local guide (about 2 kilometers, 1 mile) where you can relax in the cool refreshing waters. On return to the village you have dinner after which it is an early night to be prepared for an early start the following day.
Meals included: L, D
Day 2: Chi Phat to Veal Ta Prak
Waking early whilst it is still dark you meet your community guide and forest cook, board your motorboat and cruise along the cool waters. As the sun rises and you are entertained by the skies changing colors you can enjoy your breakfast. Soon you turn off the Preak Piphot River and sail up the secluded and winding Pruit River. After an hour the motorboat cuts its engines and you transfer to a traditional row boat and continue upstream. Now being engine-less you can really appreciate the silence of the surroundings and hear birds from the thick forests lining the river. This is the ideal opportunity to see the area’s birdlife as well as watching out for other wildlife such as monkeys and flying squirrels. Eventually the rowboats arrive at a small clearing where you disembark, and begin your Cardamom trekking. Here you disappear into the forest, follow the winding and undulating trail which is full of exotic sights, scents and sounds, including gibbons calling from high up in the tree tops. Lunch is taken next to a scenic river and you will be amazed at how quickly your forest cook sets up the campfire and prepares a hot, basic but tasty meal. After relaxing the trek continues, on route the guide will point out various signs of wildlife and various plants. Try the delicious forest leaves and fruits which he suggests. In the early afternoon you reach your low-impact campsite and hammocks are strung up. Later on, you may wish to walk to Veal Ta Prak the nearby grassy clearing / watering hole. Here you can look out for hornbills, parrots, wild pigs, deer and monkeys. Hike back to the camp where the forest cook will have prepared your dinner. The rest of the evening can be spent around the campfire exchanging stories and gazing up into the starry night.
Meals included: B, L, D
Trekking distance: 10km (6 miles)
Day 3: Veal Ta Prak to O’Key Village
Return to Veal Ta Prak to spot more incredible wildlife animals. Back at the campsite you will have breakfast and once the camp is ‘struck’ your Cardamom trekking tour continues as you head towards the small mountain community of O’Key. Here you will learn more about the villager’s lifestyle and have lunch. Afterwards you explore the nearby O’Malu waterfall where you can have a refreshing swim and relax. Dinner is prepared by your forest cook.
Meals included: B, L, D
Trekking distance: 11km (7 miles)
Day 4: O’Key Village to Chi Phat
This morning you continue your trekking adventure back to Chi Phat village along old logging trails and passing through open landscapes presenting beautiful views of the Cardamom Mountains. Back in Chi Phat you have lunch and a nice cool drink. In the afternoon you are free at leisure and may wish to visit the nearby rapids for a refreshing swim. After freshening up a tasty ‘Farewell Dinner’ will be served, after which you are free to wander around the village and experience rural community night life.
Meals included: B, L, D
Trekking distance: 14km (9 miles)
Day 5: Chi Phat to Phnom Penh
You may wish to rise early this morning in order to walk down to the river and watch the magical sunrise and the villagers slowly waking up. After breakfast you bid farewell to Chi Pat as you journey back to Andoung Tuk. On arrival at Andoung Tuk you will meet your waiting vehicle and return to Phnom Penh, allowing you time to reflect on the wonderful and unique Cardamom Mountain trekking experience you have enjoyed in the seldom visited mountains of Cambodia, and taking away very fond memories. Overnight in Nonghphenh
Meals included: B
Day 6: Phnom Penh departure
Free time until transfer to airport for departure flight
Price : 815 USD/person
Inclusions:
• All sightseeing tour and transfer services as detailed in the above itinerary
• Community Guides (limited English)
• Accommodation in Chi Phat (basic no a/c), 2 night hotel in Nongphenh as 3 star hotel
• Hammocks for sleeping in the forest
• All necessary entrance fees
• All necessary boat trips
• Bus ticket from Phnom Penh to Chi Phat
• Bus ticket from Chi Phat to Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville
• Daily drinking water
• All meals as detailed in the above itinerary (B = Breakfast – L = Lunch – D = Dinner)
Exclusions:
• Services not detailed in the above itinerary
• International flights to / from Cambodia
• Cambodian Visa fees
• Accommodation before / after the tour
• Drinks with included meals
• Expenditure of a personal nature
• Discretionary tips
• Travel insurance
• Any payment / money transfer charges
