Chiangmai 29-31 Dec 2007

Continued from: http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2008/01/doi-inthanon-28122007_3.html

Chiang Mai, capital of the Northern Thailand, is located at the edge of the Ping river. It is a city dotted with numerous Wats, countless travel agencies, ubiquitous exchange bureau booths and many massage outlets. Night bazaars spring out everywhere when the sun sets giving the city a very touristy atmosphere. The December weather is cool and conducive for city trekking.

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/1815.

Doi Inthanon 28 Dec 2007

Continued from: http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2008/01/doi-pui-26122007_2.html

Standing 2,565m, Doi Inthanon is the highest peak in Thailand. It was declared a national park in 1972. At this time of the year, the weather was cool and dry, thanks to the North Eastern monsoon wind from China. The Park boasts of many beautiful waterfalls and 2 defined trekking trails. The best surprise was to discover cherry blossoms in full bloom. Unfortunately, we only have enough time to trek up 2 waterfalls.

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/1821.

Next: http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2008/01/around-chiangmai-dec-2007_4.html

Doi Pui 26 Dec 2007

Continued from: http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2008/01/pai-maehongson-december-2007_3.html

Doi Pui, a 1720 meters peak, is the highest mountain in Mae Hong Son (MHS). Its high altitude contains an unique upland pine vegetation and the peak is covered in meadows of wildflowers. It offers a commanding views of the surrounding countryside as there are no obstructive trees about the peak.
From MHS town, our 4WD took 1hr and 40 min to reach the trail head which sits at an elevation of 1,186m. From the trail head, it was all the way up with a couple of gentle gradients for rests. We took 2 hours to trek up to 1,720m peak and 1 hr 45 min to trek down another trail leading to a Karen village after 45 min lunch break at the peak. The overall trek was a pleasant one given the dry trail, weak sunlight and cool blowing winds.

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/1887.

Next: http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2008/01/doi-inthanon-28122007_3.html

Pai-MaeHongSon 23-27 Dec 2007

Completed a 10-day loop from Chiangmai --> Pai --> Mae Hong Son (MHS) ---> Doi Inthanon ---> Chiengmai. Among places visited are Orchid & Butterfly farm, Wat Nam Hoo, Wat Doi Kong Mu, Nam Rin Lisu Village and Lisu Kung PaTueng Village, Lahu Village, Doi Pui Hmong Village, Lod Cave, Fish Cave, Doi Inthanon, Pha Sua Waterfall, Morphang waterfall, Doi Suthep, Siriphun waterfall, Wachiratan waterfall, Artisan handicraft village, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Bupparam and activities included homestays at 2 different Karen Villages, rafting, elephant rides, trek from Karen village to Shan Village and trek up Doi Pui (1720m).

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/1754.

Next: http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2008/01/doi-pui-26122007_2.html

Gunung Irau 8 Dec 2007

Thirteen of us trooped off to Cameron Highlands on Friday night to prepare for the assault of Gunung Irau (2110m) on Saturday morning. Starting at 9.15 a.m. at an elevation of 1,941m, we managed to reach the false peak @ 1991m elevation at 1 p.m. after trekking 1.55km for about 4 hours. The fine weather at the start of the hike did not hold. By the time we reached the false peak, the rain became heavier and turning back was a natural alternative given the very wet weather which made the trail extra muddy and extremely slippery. Needless to say, photography was also very challenging due to the rain and poor lighting.

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/1242.

Kiara Penchala Dalam Trek 2 Dec 2007

A leisurely trek from Lembah Kiara Park to and back from the NKVE flanking Penchala Dalam. We started at 9.45 a.m. and returned at 2.30 p.m., covering a total distance of over 10km. This time we covered the loop comprising Clenched Sphincter, Lightning Ridge and Thunder Valley. More interesting flora and fauna were sighted along the way.

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/723.