The main target about creating TMT01 was to find a route from Chiang Mai to the highest mountain range of Thailand, Chiang Dao. Standing out against the sky, on the 1st time we discovered this mountain where rock and jungle meet and blend, we were fascinated. With several summits at 2,000 meters high and a profusion of lesser peaks and ridges, this mountain barely known from tourists is definitely the most beautiful one in Thailand.

This trip is available only 4 months a year from November to February when the Park is open to the public. It will lead us to the highest summit of Chiang Dao, 2225m above the sea level. We will hike up to the top on the 1st day and sleep in a tent at the foothill of the summit. The second day we will go down back to the starting point. This trip is not very challenging but demands to be able to hike more than 1000m elevation gain in one day.

After driving one hour and a half, we enter the National Park of Chiang Dao. From the main road, we can already observe the spectacular mountain range that overlooks us 2000m higher. As we come closer, we are pleased by high cliffs and various peaks that make this mountain so special. It’s a unique opportunity to go trekking there. Since the summit is in a conservation area, the entrance is subject to many regulations. After all the necessary checks, we drive with the Rangers 1 hour up to the starting point.

In the past there were a couple of other trails that reach the summit. All of them have been closed by the NP authorities to avoid poachers entering the park. We will use the last remaining trail that starts from the west side of the mountain and reaches the summit of Chiang Dao that stands up majestically on the east side. This unique way crosses the whole mountain range on a plateau surrounded by cliffs and peaks. Until the top, it is a gain of 1000-metre elevation to negotiate inside the massif in a majestic alpine decor.

At the summit, we realize the effort was worth it. it’s a long wonderful view on a series of steep peaks and high hills all round. It looks like we are at the center of Thailand and we can observe the whole country. In winter the sky is clear and we have the privilege to witness a beautiful sunset when looking West. It’s one of the most beautiful mountain scenery and atmosphere we know in Thailand. In the dark, we will go down to the camping site where we spend the night in tents.

At 2000m even in Thailand, the nights can be cold. Hopefully our porters have planned everything to allow us to sleep comfortably. We decide to wake up before sunrise and hike up again to another summit to enjoy a unique setting. Lights and shadows play hide and seek with the peaks; the luminosity of the sunrise floods irresistibly inside the whole massif.

Finally we have to go down on the same route back to our starting point. It will give the opportunity to enjoy the view from another side in a more comfortable way than on the way up. The last descent will be the only difficult part of the day. It’s steep and slippery. We will be careful about our foot steps to avoid falling. Happy (much) and tired (a little bit) we arrive to our taxi that drive us back to Chiang Mai.