Longhut Trail (Elephant Trail) - Ban Xianglôm (Ban Xieng Lom) Circuit - Close to Luang Prabang
Trail photos
Author
Trail stats
- Distance
- 12.34 mi
- Elevation gain
- 1,791 ft
- Technical difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation loss
- 1,791 ft
- Max elevation
- 2,363 ft
- TrailRank
-
64
5
- Min elevation
- 895 ft
- Trail type
- Loop
- Moving time
- 4 hours 13 minutes
- Time
- 21 hours 50 minutes
- Coordinates
- 3431
- Uploaded
- February 26, 2018
- Recorded
- February 2018
near Ban Xianglôm, Louangphabang (Laotia)
Viewed 4170 times, downloaded 61 times
Trail photos
Itinerary description
We went to the village Ban Xieng Lom with a motorbike and left it in a garage of a family we asked nicely with the tiny Lao we know. We got lucky and a guesthouse owner whose English was good joined to help. He also brought us to the other side with his punt for 5000 KIP pp. The slimly built canoe looks wobbly and it is if you don’t stay low, however, he knew perfectly well how to handle it. (Make sure you have your valuables packed in a dry sack nevertheless.) We slept in hammocks in an area covered with black canvas right at the beginning. This is most likely used by Tiger Trails who offer this as an organised/guided hike. Please go with them if you are not experienced.
The hike took us 9 hours with ~12kg packs, ~7 hours relaxed walking and 2 hours for breakfast and a long break to avoid midday sun. There is no trail marks and many intersections, however following the trail on our gps map worked fairly well. Nevertheless, we tried our best to mark all of them so its easier to follow. There is two steep but easily manageable ascends. No hazardous parts apart from the bees (read below) and the path was always visible and barely overgrown. Never leave beaten paths or make a fire where there has not been one. (At least thats what I got told regarding the mines and bombs in Laos.) There is some river water to possibly filter at the beginning, less at the end (see pictures), however, we brought our own water. (At least 3l each is recommended because of the hot sun and humidity here.)
Mind the bees here!! You can hear and avoid them so really no worries. After the highest point there were quite a few hives but all seemed abandoned. In any case keep away and pass hives that make sound as far and quickly as possible; take antihistamine with you, soup to wash the bites, a phone to call for help when reacting allergic or reacting strongly after more then 15 bites. They never look for you but be aware. I saw and heard a massive swarm coming towards me but left as quick as possible.
We really enjoyed this hike with great views on the surrounding rocks and hills. At the end of the trail is the elephant sanctuary and we got lucky to be allowed to ride one of them.
Walked: 26.02.2018
Waypoints
Campsite
1,007 ft
Camping
We put our hammocks here. It got a bit cold. We had a 20 degree sleeping bag and a thin foam mat too.
Wilderness hut
Photo
1,371 ft
Intersection
To the left here. (Not like us to the right.) The second picture is me looking backwards.
Photo
1,824 ft
Tree
Tiny bees everywhere but no problem to pass at all. Nothing compared to the bee hives later. The smell of the tree was amazing!
Panorama
Photo
1,473 ft
Shelter & Bee Hive
Massive Bee Hive!! Keep away and pass quickly. I got attacked by a massive swarm trying to get a bit closer. There is many bee hives here, but most seemed abandoned. Really not a problem but to be on the save side: Don’t wear dark cloth or shiny objects, neither any cream with scent. Pay attention to sound! You can hear them coming...I did and ran!! Take a antihistamine with you! Won’t hurt...
Photo
1,286 ft
Bridge
It looks like you cross the river and you shouldn’t but there is a bigger one behind.
Photo
1,329 ft
Intersection
Join the dirt road to the right. Second picture looks back (not this way).
Photo
1,283 ft
Photo
One of the right ones. We passed here without using the bridge. It didn’t look save at all and we could pass without wet feet.
Photo
1,037 ft
Intersection
To the right (the left might lead back to the path too but looks more overgrown).
Comments (5)
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Bonjour
Pensez vous que l'on peut faire cela à vtt?
Merci pour votre tarvail; Marc0
Amazing, thanks for this. Will try to do it myself
Hello
Can this route be done alone and without a guide?
Greetings, Mark
Est ce que ce parcours peut se faire seul et sans guide.
Salutation, Marc
I have followed this trail View more
Information
Easy to follow
Scenery
Moderate
Boa trilha
Siriwimon Junlabut