Trekking in the Cardamom Mountains and a community project in Battambang
Available Dates
13 – 24 January 2020
Cambodia Overview
This 2-week expedition is a perfect way to experience the best of Cambodia. We begin in Phnom Penh and explore some of the historical monuments before moving to the western mountains and settling into our homestay in the village of Chi Pat. From here we immerse ourselves in nature for 3 full days, trekking along recently opened tracks through a wilderness that is renowned for its biodiversity. After this, we travel to Battambang, in the north, to work on a sustainable community project for 4 days. Finally, we make our way to Siem Reap to spend our last day admiring the 7th Wonder of the World, Angkor Wat.
Our Itinerary
Day 1. Phnom Penh - Killing Fields and Palaces
Visiting these mass graves is a powerful and educational experience. We will also spend time in the Royal Palace and other sites around Phnom Penh.
Days 2 - 5. Cardamom Mountains
From Chi Pat, a network of trails weaves in and out of the forest. We’ll spend 3 days exploring these routes through the lush countryside and jungle, returning to our homestay each night.
The Cardamom mountains are rich in flora and fauna and are home to many endangered species. This area is one of the last remaining elephant corridors in the country, we will often cross their tracks and perhaps see them migrating to the coast.
Days 6 - 10. Battambang - Project
We move north, to Battambang, Cambodia’s bustling and friendly, second largest city.
Here we spend 4 days working on a community project. In the past, our teams have created sustainable vegetable gardens, built chicken pens, pig sheds and even helped to build a home for a family.
There are many additional reasons to visit the Battambang region; including the monasteries, the bamboo railway and the formidable display of bats which pour out of the cave-ridden mountain, Phnom Sampeou at dusk.
Day 11. Siem Reap - Angkor Wat
We’ll spend a full day looking at the well-preserved art and architecture of the capital cities of the Khmer empire, dating between 9th and 15th centuries.
Day 12. Siem Reap
Other info
Weather
This trip falls in the middle of the dry season in Cambodia, which runs from October to April. We can expect average temperatures between 24-26°C.
CultureCambodia’s culture has evolved over almost two millennia incorporating Buddhism, Hinduism and animism.
Level of difficultyThe trekking element of this trip is not technically difficult. However, walking in hot, humid conditions is always hard work. A good level of physical fitness will make this much easier.
AccommodationOur accommodation in the cities will be comfortable but not luxury; we’ll stay in hotels and guest houses. During the trekking phase, we’ll share space with each other and local families in ‘homestays’.
Costs & Inclusions
£1800 (before 14/12/18, then £2250). This includes all food, drinking water, transport and accommodation from 9 a.m. on Day 1 to 9 a.m. on Day 12. Other drinks (alcoholic or otherwise) are not included. A single supplement of £295 is available if you would like your own room, where available. Flights not included.
