The Allure of Khao Chang Puak: A Solo Adventure to the "White Elephant Mountain"

Driven by a yearning for solitude and a desire to conquer personal fears, a lone traveler embarks on a journey to Khao Chang Puak, the "White Elephant Mountain" in Kanchanaburi, Thailand. This mountain, renowned for its breathtaking scenery and challenging terrain, presents a unique opportunity for self-discovery and adventure.

Khao Chang Puak, the highest peak in Thong Pha Phum National Park, stands at an impressive 1,249 meters above sea level. Its allure lies in its diverse landscape, featuring open forests interspersed with meadows, culminating in the thrilling "knife-edge ridge," a narrow path offering panoramic views and a touch of adrenaline.

The ascent to the summit requires a group of at least ten individuals, adding a layer of social interaction to the otherwise solitary experience. This unique aspect allows for forging new connections while navigating the challenging terrain together.

Securing a permit for Khao Chang Puak requires careful planning. Reservations can be made up to seven days in advance by phone or email, with specific guidelines regarding group size and documentation.

Upon arrival at the park, registration is mandatory between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. Entry fees apply, varying for Thai and international visitors, along with charges for vehicles and camping facilities.

This journey to Khao Chang Puak transcends a mere physical climb; it represents a quest for personal growth and a chance to embrace the unknown. The mountain's beauty, combined with the social dynamics of a group trek, promises an unforgettable experience for the intrepid solo traveler.

Let's embark on our journey.


We departed from Pattaya at 4:30 AM, with a fare of 118 baht.

Arriving at Mo Chit at 6:30, good time management.


We purchased a van ticket at platform 3 for 120 baht to travel to Kanchanaburi. The van departs at 7:00 AM.

We arrived in Kanchanaburi around 10:00 AM.


We bought a van ticket to Thong Pha Phum for 115 baht.

Snoring


Slept throughout the journey.

We arrived at Thong Pha Phum at 12:30 p.m.

We have accepted that we will likely not be able to take a car up to Ban I-Tong today, as there are only four shared taxis available per day, and the last one departs at 12:00 PM.

"What should I do? I guess I'll have to hitch a ride." I asked the staff at the bus stop, and luckily there was one bus left that was about to depart.

We ran the 4x4 relay race, and it was hilarious! We finally caught up to the other teams, and after looking around for someone to talk to, we ended up making a new friend.

"Coming alone and climbing Chang Phuak Hill on the same day as us. What a coincidence!"

"Where are you staying?" she asked. "I haven't booked a place yet," I replied, thinking to myself, "I guess I'll just wing it."

The journey took approximately two hours, and I felt nauseous throughout. If I had vomited, it would have been disastrous. Despite the discomfort, I remained concerned about my appearance.

And then we arrived at the park. The car stopped for us to register.

The entrance fee to the park is 180 baht.

Rent a tent for 120 baht.

Registration and signature are required to access Elephant Mountain. Please note that registration is mandatory for entry.

"Do you need to rent a sleeping bag?" the officer asked. "No, thank you," I replied confidently. (Little did I know how wrong I would be.)

I don't know the name of the bird, but it was very large. We had to take a two-row car for another 8 km to find accommodation.


We finally arrived at I-Tong village around 3:30 PM.

The fare for a songthaew is 80 baht.

The journey was quite long, and more importantly, there was no accommodation available.

Finally, my new friend invited me to stay at Pilok Hill House. We paid 600 baht for tonight's accommodation.

We have arrived.


It is a stunningly beautiful small village.

Tonight's accommodation, glad I chose to stay here. James was very nice.


They take care of us like family. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Good morning, Itong.

We have scheduled a meeting with the officials at 8:00 AM this morning at the entrance to Khao Chang Phuak.

We are excited to finally meet our fellow travelers after connecting on Facebook.

Ultimately, we are the oldest among the ten of us (I feel like an old aunt).



Porters are available for hire to assist with the ascent. There are two options:

- Private hire for 30 kg. 1300 porters will set up tents for us as well.

- If we have a small amount, we weigh it in kilograms. Each kilogram costs 30 baht.



Initially, we intended to hire a porter. However, upon weighing our luggage, it only amounted to 10 kg.

The total cost for a round trip is 600 baht.

Frugality has taken over... In the end, I decided to carry it myself.



... which is a serious misconception...



What we brought up

- 4 small bottles of drinking water

- Grilled pork 3 sticks + sticky rice

- Sticky rice with sweet pork floss, 1 box

- Tent 1 unit

  • 1 winter coat

- Antipyretic



Let's go!

Cargo weighing area


The path from the village


Relax and take photos.

Allow me to introduce...our team's staff.


After walking for a while, we will reach a checkpoint where we need to present the park pass issued upon registration.


Only those with tickets will be allowed to board. Passengers without tickets will have their boarding passes confiscated.

Here we need to sign one more round, I must say that the hike offers stunning views.

Let's take a long look at the pictures now.

We are halfway there and


The weight of the backpack on our shoulders grows heavier with each step, causing our shoulders to ache and our feet to throb with pain.

The weather is getting hot. I've already finished one bottle of water.

The trail ascends steeply, requiring increased climbing and rope scrambling.



If I could turn back time, I would hire porters. But it's too late now.

Serves you right.

We stopped for lunch in a bamboo forest.


We are exhausted now. We thought to ourselves that it wouldn't be too late if we turned back.

Fight!

Traversing mountains, one after another.


We finally arrived at the campsite. It's almost 3 pm now.

Tears are welling up in my eyes. I just want to drop my backpack and lie down right here. We arrived at the campsite around 3 pm.

Zzz...


The journey has finally reached its peak.

Please Translate:





The top offers 360-degree views.

Pretty good! ^_^

We spent about an hour here, and it was time to go back. We had to walk back to the campsite before dark.


I almost ran down this time, fearing the dark edge of the knife. Haha, I didn't bring anything up except the camera.

If there is hope in the darkness, we might as well crawl down.

We finally made it back to the tent before nightfall.


Refuel with the remaining sticky rice and grilled pork, along with a small bottle of water.

Gazing at the view in front of the tent, a question arose: "Why am I even here?"

The water is running out, my body is stinking, there is no water to bathe, and the bathroom... I don't even want to describe it.

And why do I have to come alone?...

................................................

As dusk settles, the air grows cold and the wind picks up.

No sleeping bag, only one jacket. The cold is so bad that my bones are starting to ache.

Sigh... I wish I could slap myself for not being well-prepared.

I put on my sneakers to warm up a bit. It's the first time in my life that I've worn shoes to bed. 5555

Excellent!



The cold kept me awake, so I gazed at the sky. The stars were abundant, and I regret not capturing the moment with a photograph.

At that moment, I prayed for the morning to come quickly.

Good morning...Khao Chang Phuak


Gazing at the sunset while sipping fragrant coffee, this is my happiness....Finally, it's time to descend from Khao Chang Phuak.


We started our descent early in the morning, enjoying the cool, refreshing air. As we walked, we couldn't resist capturing the beauty of the blooming flowers with our cameras.

Making up for yesterday when I was only interested in the view.

We arrived downstairs around noon.


Ultimately, we decided to stay another night at the Pilok Hue House.



The host booked a trip to Jok Kradin Waterfall and Noen Changseuk Hill for the guests.

The trip costs an additional 100 baht per person. The pick-up time is 3 pm.

Let's go!



Jork Kading Waterfall

Elephant Tusk Hill


Watching the sun set over the horizon.


We shall meet again .....at Khao Chang Puak, E-Tong Village.

This trip would not have been possible without the excellent care provided by the staff.

Thank you to all the participants in the trip. Even though we didn't know each other before,

We take good care of each other.



I am grateful for my journey that has led me here.

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