The Challenging Climb of Khao Chang Puak: A Closed Season for Aspiring Hikers

The highly anticipated opening of Khao Chang Puak, renowned as one of Thailand's most challenging hikes, has been postponed. The national park, located in the Ban E-Tong forest of Thong Pha Phum district, Kanchanaburi province, had initially planned to open its doors for trekking expeditions between December 20, 2017, and January 31, 2018. However, due to overwhelming demand and logistical challenges, the park authorities have decided to close the trails for the time being.

The park's popularity stems from the allure of conquering Khao Chang Puak, a mountain notorious for its arduous ascent. Reservations for the trek were highly sought after, with the booking window opening on December 13, 2017, at 8:30 AM and closing at 4:30 PM. The park's decision to close the trails has undoubtedly disappointed many aspiring hikers who eagerly awaited the opportunity to test their limits on this formidable peak.

While the exact reasons for the closure remain unclear, it is likely due to a combination of factors. The high demand for permits, coupled with the limited capacity of the trails, may have overwhelmed the park's resources. Additionally, concerns about safety and environmental impact could have played a role in the decision.

The closure of Khao Chang Puak serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between preserving natural wonders and accommodating the growing demand for outdoor adventure. As the popularity of challenging hikes continues to rise, park authorities face the ongoing challenge of managing visitor access while ensuring the long-term sustainability of these fragile ecosystems.

2. Phone bookings open at 8:00 AM every day. Be sure to call and press the buttons quickly! 3. Prepare the names of 10 friends along with their ID card numbers. If your call gets through, you must provide their names at that time. 4. If your call is successful, you must send an email confirming a copy of your ID card within 24 hours. 5. On the day of your visit, you must register at the Thong Pha Phum National Park before reaching Pilok. 9 km before Pilok, there will be a checkpoint where you will receive a pass.

What to Prepare for a Hike to Khao Luang National Park

1. Transportation:

• Van rental (optional, public transportation is available)
• Park entrance fee: 40 baht per person
• Tent rental: 40 baht
• Vehicle entry fee: 30 baht per vehicle

2. Guide:

• Guide fee: 1,800 baht per group (10 people per group)

3. Porters:

• Porter fee: 1,300 baht per person for 30 kg of luggage (our group used 4 porters and still had excess weight. We don't know what they carried up there! 😂)
• Tip: Give porters items that won't fluctuate in weight, such as food and water. Once consumed, these items will become lighter, allowing you to carry heavier items like snacks or clothes without exceeding the weight limit. We learned this the hard way!
• Note: Porters are not responsible for fragile items like bread or anything that can easily break or become mushy.

4. Food and Water:

• Eat a hearty breakfast before the hike and pack lunch. Our group ate lunch at the campsite. Did we walk fast? 😉
• Carry at least 2 bottles of water.
• Inhalers and lozenges can be helpful.

5. Clothing and Gear:

• Wear long sleeves and a hat as the sun is intense. You will get sunburned!
• Pack enough food for dinner, but don't overdo it. Our group brought a lot of food, including ingredients for sukiyaki and a hotpot! We ended up sharing with others.
• Bring wet wipes as there is no water for showering at the campsite.
• Use the restrooms before starting the hike, especially if you have a sensitive stomach. If you need to go during the hike, find a secluded spot in the forest. The restrooms are not pleasant.
• Tents and sleeping bags are available for rent at the park if you don't have your own.
• Wear sturdy shoes. We learned this the hard way!

With this knowledge, let's get ready! Go for it, and you'll see how much external beauty can boost our energy levels!

**#TagYourFriends #TagYourPartner #TagAlong #TagAndGo #TagRepeat**

After seeing reviews of "Khao Chang Puak" since last year, I thought that I had to go there at least once in my life. Until the time when it was about to open, I followed the news all the time because it only opens once a year for a short period of time. Only 60 people are allowed to climb the mountain per day, and reservations must be made 7 days in advance. I gathered a group of friends who wanted to go (to the island itself, haha~~). When we got the date, we went for it! We chose to rent a van from Bangkok and left at 9:30 p.m. on December 29th to rest at Thong Pha Phum National Park first. We drove, ate, and picked up two more friends in Kanchanaburi. We finally arrived at the park at 4:30 a.m. Would we be able to sleep? It would be too late to set up a tent now, so we decided to sleep in the van. Those who didn't want to sleep yet set up their cameras to take pictures of the stars. As for me, I slept like a log.

Waking up early, we washed our faces and brushed our teeth. Those who wanted to shower had access to bathrooms, but the water was freezing cold! We then went to register, filling out details about our commitment to the rules and emergency contact information. I wondered if I would survive this adventure! After presenting our ID cards, the staff provided us with passes, emphasizing the importance of not losing them. Their handwriting was truly sacred! Finally, we headed to E-Tong village, located nearby, to find breakfast and supplies for our climb.

Note: This translation assumes the original text is in Thai and aims to convey the information in a simple and concise manner.

"Please note that overnight stays at the summit are limited to one night only. We will arrive in the afternoon and set up our tents. The porters will assist us with setting up the tents. Afterwards, at 3 pm, the park rangers will guide us to the highest point of Khao Chang Puak. We must pack up our belongings and prepare to descend the mountain before 8 am the following morning."