We arrive in Siem Reap where we are met by our local guides and transfer to our hotel to freshen up, we are then free for the rest of the day to explore and enjoy our first experience of the local culture. In the evening, we will have dinner as a group at a local restaurant and a full briefing of the challenge ahead.

After breakfast, we take a short transfer out of town and begin our trek. Heading out south-east across dazzling green rice paddies and farmland, we pass through several small villages. Cambodia is one of the friendliest countries in South-East Asia and we will get plenty of smiles and waves as we pass! We’re never far from a temple or pagoda and we make time to stop at a couple for a closer look. A short transfer of about 50 minutes takes us to our camp at Wat Preah Bat Bunthan.

Trekking distance – approx. 17 – 20km/5-6 hrs

Leaving our campsite we head towards Kulen Mountain. We veer right after passing a small village and head out across the paddy fields where we are treated to fabulous views of Phnom Kulen in the distance. Following cow cart tracks, we wind our way towards Beng Mealea and the fascinating ruins of this little visited temple. We have the opportunity to explore before taking a short transfer to our evening’s campsite at Svay Leu Pagoda. There is often a lively local market near the pagoda which we should have time to explore – a real insight into the way of life in this remote area!

Trekking distance – approx. 16 – 20km/6-7 hrs

Today we set off on the challenging trek to the top of Cambodia’s sacred mountain (487m). Deeply revered, the local people make pilgrimages to the pagodas on the mountain top. The mountain forms a high plateau, from where there are fabulous views across the forests and fields below. We head west across the mountain, taking undulating tracks through the forests. After a lunch stop in Anlong Thom our trek continues to the ‘Big Buddha’, overlooking the central plain; a short distance on is a very picturesque waterfall. We camp overnight near the falls and may have time to bathe in the ‘River of 1000 Lingas’ and admire the elaborate carvings in the riverbed itself.

Trekking distance – approx. 19 – 23km/7-8 hrs

After a hearty breakfast we set off on an old trail, now little-used since the recent construction of a road. We may meet a few local people who still use the path for hunting, cutting lianas and to work on the farms higher in the hills. Our trek continues south-east on a small trail down the mountain. Back on the flat plains, we continue our trek on sandy, sometimes muddy tracks. There is little shade as we pass a few villages, local schools and an abundance of pagodas. We will be hot and tired by the time we reach our evening’s campsite, our final goal nearly within reach.

Trekking distance – approx. 18 -22km/7-8 hrs

This morning we enjoy our last breakfast together in camp. We set off on the final stretch of our trek, before loading up into the local mode of transport and travelling in style in a colourful procession of tuk tuks to the magnificent 12th Century Angkor Wat! One of the highlights of our day is a visit to the famous Ta Prohm which stands in the heart of the city.

Nature meets man in the jungle-covered temple, and huge tree roots intertwine with the walls which are adorned by fabulous wall carvings and giant faces. After exploring the temples, we transfer a short way to our hotel by tuk tuk or bus. Tonight we mark our achievement with a celebration dinner at a local restaurant.

Trekking distance – approx. 6 – 9km/2-3 hrs

We have some free time to explore Siem Reap before transferring to the airport in time for our flight home.

We transfer back to the airport for our flight back to the UK, arriving the same day.

Please note this is a complex itinerary and subject to change, including the timings and distances detailed. Weather conditions, the group’s ability and any other factors outside our control can impact on the schedule set out in this brochure.