Ban Nalan Trail 2 Days / 1 Night (ID: NT-TK-02)
Start-Finish: Luang Namtha trekking office
Duration: 2 days / 1 night
Departure: 9:00 am Daily
Difficulty: Moderate, short hill climbs and descents
Trip Overview
Travel 30 minutes upcountry to a Khmu village, followed by a short climb to upland forest and high open ridges, descending to sleep overnight at a minority village alongside the Nam Ha River. The second day starts with an easy walk along the Nam Ha River, before ascending up into mature forest some 500 year old, through to spectacular ridge top views and upland rice cultivation. We then hike down to a third village in the afternoon to round off a great trek and return to Luang Namtha. |
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| Trekking in Nam Ha NPA, Luang Namtha, Laos |
Itinerary
Day 1: Ban Chalernsouk-Ban Nalan. Approx. 5-6 hours
The trail begins Ban Chalernsouk, a Khmu village approximately 20 km from Luang Namtha. From here the trail ascends through 10-20 year old secondary forest until emerging into the upland rice fields. The path offers great views as it levels out along a ridge before re-entering the forest. The trees here are much older having long being a major part of the natural history of the area you are trekking through. |
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| Nature on the trekking trail |
A tasty Lao-style picnic lunch is enjoyed in the cool upland forest or in the shade of a thatched farmer’s hut. Early afternoon, will find the trekkers in the Ban Nalan community forest. As the trail begins its descent down to the village, you pass a small clearing which served as a gunnery emplacement in the early 1960s during the civil war when Pathet Lao revolutionaries and Royalist Lao forces struggled for supremacy. But down by the calm Nam Ha River you overnight dining on local food after a refreshing shower and rest, ready to settle in for a well deserved sleep.
[Meals: Lunch, Dinner] |
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| People in Ban Nalan |
Day 2: Ban Nalan-Ban Namkoy-Ban Namlue. Approx. 6-7 hours
After breakfast, next morning we follow the Nam Ha River through riverine forest that varies from stands of large hardwood trees to new vigorous growths of Bamboo. We wend our way through the village of Ban Nalan Tai (South Ban Nalan), and on through the open cultivated areas of the Lanten people, who are local village residents.
We leave the Nam Ha River as the trail steadily climbs for a couple of hours. This is the most challenging section of the trail, but also the most beautiful, as it passes through stands of ancient trees, some five hundred years old, that create a high dense canopy rich in birdlife. We need only pause quietly to hear the forest come alive with a mixed chorus of birds and insects.
From the top of the ridge, spectacular northern views lay before you, with Luang Namtha visible away in the distance. The final descent takes the group past upland rice fields and cultivated areas tended by the people of Ban Namlue.
The trail steepens here and can be slippery after rainfall. But a careful pace with sound footwear will get you down safely to the village of Ban Namlue where Lantan and Khmu people live together.
And that is where you end your trek, returning to Luang Namtha by Tuk Tuk late afternoon to round off a journey we trust you will fondly remember.
[Meals: Breakfast, Lunch]
-End of tour- |
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| Pricing: Rate: 1US$/8,000 LAK |
Rates per person in Laos Kip (LAK). Valid from now until... |
Tour ID: NT-TK-02 |
Rate / person |
Departure |
Group Tour, Minimum 2 participants
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2 Persons |
590,000 LAK |
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3 Persons |
510,000 LAK |
4 Persons |
450,000 LAK |
5 Persons |
420,000 LAK |
6 Persons |
390,000 LAK |
7 Persons |
360,000 LAK |
8 Persons |
330,000 LAK |
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| What you are paying for: |
- An experienced Government certified , English speaking Tour guide
- Covered transport with an experienced certified driver
- Overnight’s village accommodation: Traditional Minority house with outside toilet & shower facilities
- Sleeping bags, foam mats and mosquito nets are supplied.
- Meals-Lunch x 2, Dinner x 1, Breakfast x1
- Water
- Trekking permit and Provincial Tax on Net Income
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| Where does your money go to? |
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- 20% Food & Water Costs
- 5% Accommodation Fees Paid To Villagers.
- 16% Transportation Fees Paid Directly To The Driver Or Boatman
- 26% Tour Guide Fees ( Lead Guide, Assistant Guides, Village Guides)
- 1% Traditional Handicraft Gifts to Trekkers
- 1% Village Support Services
- 5% Tourism Promotion and Marketing Fund
- 5% Village Development Fund
- 4% Nam Ha NPA Trekking Permit (for Funding Conservation Activities)
- 5% Provisional Income Tax
- 12% Tour Agency Salaries And Office Expenses
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You may like to carry some local currency (Lao Kip) because you will have the opportunity to purchase local handicraft from the villagers. |
Important Additional Trekking Information
Satisfaction and Safety are Luang NamTha Trekking’s key service objectives: |
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- Which are foremost in our team’s planning and services delivery
- Your contribution includes your fitness level, suitable clothing and quality footwear
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| To meet our objectives, we recommend: |
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- Fitness level-Moderate
To reach and experience a variety of visually rewarding landscapes and ecosystems, the trek hike can be strenuous at times. So it is best suited to trekkers in sound physical condition. Expect to walk 5 - 6 hours on day 1 and a further 6-7 hours on day 2 including ascents and descents Good fitness levels will minimize body stress and enhance your positive trekking experience.
- Foot protection and safe walking
A good quality pair of well fitting shoes with effective traction is essential. Either a pair of ‘runners’ or lightweight trekking boots are highly recommended for safety (foot and ankle protection), sureness of travel and overall enjoyment
- Sun Protection
A broad brimmed hat is best, with water resistant ‘block out’ (sun screen cream), cool long shirt sleeves, cool trousers, sunglasses
- Insect protection. For comfort and safety regarding possible insect bites and stings we suggest
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- Insect Repellent,
- Cool long shirt sleeves, cool trousers, cool socks
- (Overnight Mosquito nets are provided for you)
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- Rain Wear
Tropical showers are an integral element of the landscape, so a waterproof layer is essential
- Evening Wear
After trekking your body temperature will cool quickly you rest and the night descends, so an additional layer of warm clothing is essential
- Cold weather
Night Temperatures in the mountains can drop fairly low during the Lao winter (December to January). Again, an additional thermal clothing is essential.
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| Optional Personal Comfort Choice in conjunction with the above recommendations |
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- 2 x cotton T-shirts
- One pair of shorts or long pants (please see above)
- 2 pair of socks.
- Light weight foot protection for evening wear
- Towel or sarong, swimmers, toiletry and personal effects.
- Your personal requirements
- Prepare a layer for cool evening wear
- Small flashlight, camera...
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You should be aware that:
With regard to village accommodation: |
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- There are no western-style toilets and washing facilities.
- Sleeping is on mats on a bamboo floor, dormitory style.
- Sleeping bags, foam mats and mosquito nets are supplied.
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| Eco-lodge in Ban Nalan |
The Trekking itinerary is subject to change.
All areas are frequented by tourists because all trekking areas are supervised by Laos Tourism Administration, which means |
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| Villages along the way |
| Ban Nalan |
Situated on the banks of the Nam Ha River, Ban Nalan is a Khmu village of approximately 41 families. While there, you will see evidence of traditional Khmu culture, such as their method of pounding rice and the weaving of their distinctive baskets.
Trekkers stay in a lodge overlooking the Nam Ha River. The evening meal is usually eaten with a prominent member of the village, and afterwards visitors have the opportunity to spend the evening with villagers, exchanging information about themselves and learning about Khmu life and culture. |
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| Ban Namgoy and Ban Namlue |
| Ban Namgoy is a Lantan (also known as Lao Huay) village, while Ban Namlue is a mixed Lantan and Khmu village. During the day, most of the adults will be away working in their rice fields, but trekkers will be invited inside a villager’s house for refreshments and, in Ban Namlue, there may be an opportunity to purchase traditional Lantan handicrafts. |
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| Buuc Gadong |
In Ban Nalan or elsewhere in Laos, you may be invited to try a local drink, know as Lao Hai in Laos, and Buuc Gadong in Khmu. Sweet yet surprisingly strong, Lao Hai is made by fermenting rice, spices and rice husk in a large earthen jar. These jars of alcohol are an important part of any Khmu ceremony celebration, from weddings and rituals for ancestors, to a simple gathering of a few friends who want to relax and socialize. Traditionally one must drink “two horns full” through long curved bamboo straws, before passing the straw on the next person. |
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Booking contact: Nam Ha NPA Ecoguide Service
E-mail: namhanpa@hotmail.com
Up to top |
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| The Project’s International Awards |
| In 2001, the UN Development Award for Poverty Alleviation in Lao PDR. |
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| In 2002, British Airways Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, National Parks and Protected Areas Category |
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| In 2006, as one of 25 outstanding finalists for the Equator Prize, for Poverty Alleviation |
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