Trekking Into The Laotian Mountains To Live With The Hmong Hilltribes
Jeffrey Donenfeld
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While in Laos, I also did a bit of trekking in the mountains. Luang Prabang is a beautiful town, and is situated on the edge of the northern Laotian mountains, making it an excellent starting point for incredible trekking. I joined up with two friends, and together the three of us, as well as our local Hmong guide from White Elephant Adventures trekked up into the mountains.
On the first day, the four of us hopped in the back of a covered pickup truck in Luang Prabang, and set off on the road to the mountains. About an hour into the drive, we were stopped temporarily by Laos
Finally walking after our truck ride. The walk into the mountains was beautiful, and we got to cross a few hand made, seasonal bamboo bridges. The bridges are only present during the dry season, and are swept away every year by the monsoon season floods.
As we passed through villages, we met lots of villagers and their kids. Although the people are very poor, they
Continuing on, we passed through a number of large rubber tree plantations.
The bark of the tree is cut in a diagonal pattern, and a tap is inserted at the base of the cut, funneling the rubber sap into a cup.
We passed through beautiful and rugged jungles, with steep cliffs looming overhead. The scenery here is incredible.
After an easy 7 hour hike, we made it to our stopping point for the evening, and immediately fell in with meeting the locals and relaxing.
I also helped feed the pigs!
In the evening, we sat around a single candle and discussed the locals way of life, and listened to the sounds of the surrounding jungle.
The next morning, an early wakeup in a beautiful setting, and then a quick 4 hour hike to the river.
At the river, we loaded our backpacks into kayaks, and set off down the river for a smooth arrival back in Luang Prabang.
At the river, we loaded our backpacks into kayaks, and set off down the river for a smooth arrival back in Luang Prabang.
Overal, the trip was way too short, but a great intro to the hill tribe life, given the time I had. White Elephant Tours did a great jobs, and I’d certainly recommend them for future travelers. Additionally, it’s worth noting that I took a few hours upon my return to sit with the White Elephant guide staff and give them a quick field medicine overview. I was happy to be teaching some of my W-EMT skills in Laos!
One response to “Trekking Into The Laotian Mountains To Live With The Hmong Hilltribes”
Beckie Kang
I also went to Laos. I got some shocking about the life pf Hmong tribes who atr living in the mountain. They are suffering from the food and clothing. I provided Korean Noodles (We can say Rameon) for children. I felt real sad to see their miserable life. Anyway, it looks so nice to review my trip by seeing your posting. Thanks a lot. From South Korea Beckie Kang
Comments
One response to “Trekking Into The Laotian Mountains To Live With The Hmong Hilltribes”
I also went to Laos. I got some shocking about the life pf Hmong tribes who atr living in the mountain. They are suffering from the food and clothing. I provided Korean Noodles (We can say Rameon) for children. I felt real sad to see their miserable life. Anyway, it looks so nice to review my trip by seeing your posting. Thanks a lot. From South Korea Beckie Kang