MOUNTAIN BIKE AND MULTI-SPORT ADVENTURE SPECIALISTS, CHIANG MAI, NORTHERN THAILAND
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- Top 25 Asia
Email: info@crankadventures.com Chiang Mai Office: +66(0)819527699 Skype: crank.adventures
DOI SUTHEP NATIONAL PARK UP AND DOWN CHALLENGE
Starting at the base of Doi Suthep out the front of the zoological gardens we begin our rewarding climb to the summit of Doi Pui above and to the east of Chiang Mai. We climb steadily on on good tarmac roads surrounded by lush green forests for seven kilometres until we reach a viewpoint that affords panoramic views of Chiang Mai some 800 metres below. After a breather and a snack we continue 6km onwards and upwards towards Wat Doi Suthep taking in some breathtaking views on the way. We then enjoy a tour of the royal temple complex before remounting to climb to the summit of Doi Pui. We pass the summer residence and gardens of the royal family before reaching our rest stop and a birdseye view of a hill-side tribal village at 1200m. The forest then becomes sub-alpine and we ride up through pine and bamboo forests before deservedly reaching the 1600m summit and entering the national park. We then embark on a sublime 35km journey snaking downhill on exciting mountain trails, some of which are hill-tribe roads and also some challenging single track alternatives. We travel through virgin forest and lychee orchards, organic hill-tribe vegetable crops and tea plantations. We cross some small streams and pass waterfalls that spring form the mountains and supply the tribes and their crops. We continue down and into the valley and then arrive at the finish of the ride, an oasis only known to the locals that is the perfect place to end up after a day in the mountains. We enjoy a tasty lakeside lunch at beautiful Hoi Tung Tao, a tranquil place with gorgeous floating huts and in the afternoon we return to Chiang Mai.
Challenging Rating. 1800 Baht full day including quality GIANT Mountain Bike, helmet, transport, water, guide/instructor, lunch and snacks. (Min 2 people) See more photos of recent trips
