Doi Pha Ngam Trekking: Discovering the Ancient Rhododendrons and Beyond
Explore Pha Ngam on Foot: Trekking Adventures in Northern Thailand
Are you looking for an adventure that will take you off the beaten path and immerse you in the natural beauty of Northern Thailand? Look no further than the Doi Pha Ngam trek, which will take you through a variety of landscapes, from local farms to dense forests, and up to the summit of the Two Season Cliff. Along the way, you’ll encounter the ancient rhododendron bushes that give the area its nickname, and you’ll have the chance to witness the vibrant red blooms of these beautiful flowers during the winter months. This is an unforgettable experience that you won’t want to miss.
Doi Pha Ngam, also known as Two Season Cliff, is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. Located near the Khun Wang Agricultural Research Center and under the management of Doi Inthanon National Park, this mountain is famous for its unique geographical features that create two distinctly different climates on either side of the summit. To witness the contrasting views, visitors must trek up to the top of Phra That Khun Wang.
The hike to the summit is challenging and takes around 3 hours to complete, but the stunning natural beauty and unique experiences make it worth the effort. The trail starts at Khun Wang Agricultural Research Center and passes through local farms before winding up a steep and heavily forested incline. Along the way, hikers will encounter ancient rhododendron bushes that have been growing for thousands of years. During the winter months between November and January, visitors have the chance to witness the vibrant red blooms of the rhododendron, which attract a variety of small birds and insects, making it an excellent spot for bird watching enthusiasts.
As hikers make their way up to the top, they will come across a long, flat walkway that runs along the mountain ridge. This is a popular spot for taking pictures, and the stunning views of the landscape below are unforgettable. Once at the summit, visitors will encounter the highly revered Phra That Khun Wang, a sacred site for the locals and many others. This is the main highlight of the trek, providing stunning and unique views of both sides of the mountain that are divided by the distinctly different climates on either side.
After fully enjoying the beauty of the trek and the summit, visitors will return on a different path than the one they ascended, taking approximately 2-3 hours to descend and reach the pick-up point where they can be picked up and return to Chiang Mai. The descent is less steep and easier to walk, with small grassy fields and low-lying plants to observe, offering a contrast to the dense forests encountered during the ascent.
Pha Ngam is an ideal destination for those who enjoy hiking, appreciate natural beauty, and want to experience unique geographical features that are rarely seen elsewhere. The Rhododendron or Thousand-Year Rose is one of the many fascinating natural wonders visitors can encounter during their trek. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience this stunning destination and its unique features.
The ideal time to visit the trail is between November and January when the rhododendron flowers are in full bloom and the weather is cool and pleasant. It’s important to avoid visiting the trail during the smoky season from March to May when farmers in northern Thailand burn their fields, resulting in hazy conditions. Additionally, many accommodations may be closed during this time, making it difficult for visitors to find suitable lodging.
Leave A Comment