THE ROUTE
The target about TMT.1 was to create a long hiking route from Chiang Mai to the biggest mountain range of Thailand, Chiang Dao. The 1st time we discovered this mountain in 2013, we were fascinated. Barely known from tourists and Thai at that time, we were struck by its beauty and its majesty. Standing out against the sky, with several summits at 2,000 meters high and a profusion of lesser peaks and ridges, Chiang Dao is definitely the most beautiful mountain in Thailand. where rock and jungle meet and blend.
THE TRIP
This trip is subject to national park regulations and available only for 4 months a year from November to February. It is mandatory to book a long time in advance as the number of spots is strictly limited. We will hike up to the summit of Doi Luang (2225m) on the 1st day and sleep in a tent there. The second day we will go down back to the starting point. This trip is not very challenging but demands to be able to hike more than 1000m elevation gain in one day.
THB 9,900
DURATION
2 DAYS
DISTANCE
18K
ELEVATION GAIN
1’000M+
DIFFICULTY
2 PEAKS
TRIP TYPE
TREK & DISCOVER
PICK UP AT YOUR HOTEL (7.00-7.30 AM)
CHIANG DAO (2H TRANSFER FROM TMT)
JUNGLE, LIMESTONE PEAKS
WILDLIFE, SUMMIT WITH VIEW
CHIANG DAO (2H TRANSFER TO TMT)
DROP OFF AT YOUR HOTEL (5.00-6.00 PM)
ONE NIGHT IN TENT AT THE SUMMIT
4-5-HOURS TREKKING DAILY
100% SINGLE TRACK
AVAILABLE NOVEMBER → FEBRUARY
SUBJECT TO NP AUTHORIZATION
9K
1’200M+
As we come closer, we are pleased by high cliffs and various peaks that make this mountain so special.
After driving for one hour and a half, we enter the National Park of Chiang Dao. From the main road, we can already observe the spectacular mountain range that overlooks us 2000m higher. It’s a unique opportunity to go trekking there. Since the summit is in a conservation area, the entrance is subject to several regulations. After all the necessary checks, we drive with the Rangers 1 hour up to the starting point.
This unique way crosses the whole mountain range on a plateau surrounded by cliffs and peaks.
In the past there were a couple of other trails that reached the summit. All of them have been closed by the NP authorities to avoid poachers entering the park. We will use the last remaining trail that starts from the west side of the mountain and reaches the summit of Chiang Dao that stands up majestically on the east side. Until the top, it is a gain of 1000-metre elevation to negotiate inside the massif in majestic alpine decor.
In winter the sky is clear, and we have the privilege to witness a beautiful sunset when looking West.
At the summit, the effort was worth it. It’s a long, wonderful view of a series of steep peaks and high hills all round. It looks like we are at the center of Thailand, and we can observe the whole country. It’s one of the most beautiful mountain scenery and atmosphere we know in Thailand. In the dark, we will go down to the camping site where we spend the night in tents.
9K
100M+
At 2000m even in Thailand, the nights can be cold. Hopefully our porters have brought with us everything to sleep and rest comfortably. On the 2nd day, we will wake up before sunrise and hike up again to another summit. We will enjoy this unique atmosphere before going down for breakfast. Soon it will be time to hike back.
Lights and shadows play hide and seek with the peaks, the luminosity of the sunrise floods irresistibly inside the whole massif.
We will go down on the same route back to our starting point. It will give the opportunity to enjoy the view from another side in a more comfortable way than on the way up. The last descent will be the only difficult part of the day. It’s steep and slippery. We will be careful about our footsteps to avoid falling.
Happy (much) and tired (a little bit), we finally arrive at the National Park base camp where our taxi will wait for us to drive back to Chiang Mai.
Our tours are all inclusive. From the pick-up at your hotel in the city center until your return, there is nothing to pay in addition. We provide all meals (at restaurants, in villages or to take away with local quality food) and all snacks during the trip. We manage our own accommodation in mountain villages with local people. Our exclusive homestays have all the comfort needed, with private rooms, real beds, clean sheets and blankets, hot showers. All National Park fees and insurance are included as well. Joining a TMT trip is a guarantee to get the highest attention and the best service possible.
Routes we reopened ourselves and no one else runs.
Small enough to move fast and stay welcome in a village.
Licensed, local, and running these hills for years.
Local quality food, cooked fresh, morning to night.
Fruit, water and refuel stops carried for the whole day.
Our own houses with private rooms and hot showers.
Real beds, clean sheets and blankets — not a mat on a floor.
Door to trailhead and back, every day of the trip.
National Park fees and trip insurance already covered.
