1 TO 4 DAYS KACHOCH HILL-TRIBE JUNGLE TREK
Follow Kachoch hill tribe ranger for a hike that will take you in to Kaoh Piek forest which the southern of Virakchey National Park. Starting on the dirt roads to Vun Sai, the banks of the Sesan and O’Lalai rivers, visit small settlements, stay overnight in the jungle, and submerge in a beautiful forest. This 2 day trek does not only focus on nature, but also engage with indigenous communities, learn about local farming and lifestyle. Different sceneries will be presented to you like beautiful panoramic views, mixed forest, secondary forest. Sleep may not be the same without the fire flies speaking across the night sky, but at least you’ll always have the memories and dreams of your time.
Itinerary
Each tour begins with Evening briefing. At 7pm we will meet at your hotel in Banlung for a trek briefing. It is the first opportunity for everyone to meet the people on their trek and to run over the final details so everyone knows what to expect.
Day 1: Approximately 4-6 hours trek (-/L/D)
You will be picked up from your hotel at 8.30am and travel north to Kachon village approximately 90 minutes drive. From Kachon we take a scenic boat ride for about 50 minutes on Sesan river to a remote village of Kachoch ethnic minority. Upon arrival to the village, we meet our Kachoch ranger and start our trekking tour. At the beginning of the hike, we pass by many interesting rice fields and farm houses.
Lunch break at a farm house. Prepare and get changed to avoid getting cut from the jungle and beaten by insects as we are heading deeper.
Carry on the trek and hike passing through bamboo forest, rocky hills, streams, thick jungle stopping on a hilltop to enjoy beautiful scenery. After 4 hours we arrive to the waterfall. This three tier waterfall measures at least over forty meters and a beautiful clear river at its bottom is waiting for you rinse the sweat off your body and invigorate your muscles. In the evening, your guide and ranger will set up a shelter, prepare the food, dinner at the camp-fire and overnight in hammock with mosquito net near the waterfall.
Optional night hike: It is in the night when the jungle comes alive as many animals are nocturnal. There is an opportunity to go for a short night trek to experience the nightlife in the jungle and search for nocturnal wildlife. Just let you guide and ranger know as they are always ready for this.
Day 2: Approximately 4-6 hours trek (B/L/D)
Early in the morning, you can enjoy hot coffee or tea. Breakfast will be prepared on wood fire. Today trek is on a loop back to Kaoh Piek village and the primary forest changes in to the secondary. Once in a while we take a rest a little bit to enjoy the jungle surrounding and your guide will explain the natural resource as well as you will learn about your ranger’s way of life. After 3 hours of the trek we reach the outskirt of Kaoh Piek and a small farm house where we can take our main break for lunch.
In the afternoon, we continue further south to Kachoch village of Kaoh Piek where we’ll visit the sacred cemetery of Kachoch indigenous group. Kaoh Piek is home to a traditional Kachoch burial ground complete with carved effigies of the deceased. Family groups are buried side by side and elaborate ceremonies held after a period of mourning. There are wooden men and women statues standing in front the tombs to guard and likeness of elephant tusks and beautiful decorated tombs. You will learn about the animist belief of Kachoch hill tribe from you guide. Afterwards we walk to Sesan River and continue by boat back to Kachon village.
Our our Kachoch hill tribe adventure mountain trek has now come to an end and we are picked up by car and travel back to Ban Lung arriving at approximately 4.00 PM.
Additional Information
Trip Includes:
Professional licensed guide, ranger expert tracker, transport by motor bike (2 persons), private 4WDR/minivan (3 persons and up), boat trip and transfers as mentioned, drinking water, all entrance fees as detailed in our itinerary, all meals during the trek, trek equipment.
Trip Does Not Include:
Your accommodation in town, additional food and drink, any personal expenses, personal travel insurance, tips for guides & driver, any other items not mentioned.
Price:
$100-$120 per Person
Minimum of 2 persons. Booking for a greater number of people (ie. 5 people) you will receive a discount rate if compare to booking for 2 people. Therefore, during the tour if there are more people than when you booked, you will still get a discount rate. Please refer to the Trip Notes for details of what is included in the cost.
*Families with children please ask for a special price.