Aural Mountain Trek – Cambodia’s Tallest Peak Challenge itinerary
Day 1: Phnom Penh – Sre Ken Village – Base Camp – Camp 2
Trekking: Approx. 8 km | Meals: Lunch and dinner | Overnight: Camp 2
Activity level: Moderate to challenging
Your adventure begins with an early-morning pickup from your hotel in Phnom Penh at approximately 6:30 AM. Travel by private vehicle for around three hours to Sre Ken Village, situated at the foothills of Aural Mountain. Here, meet the local trekking support team and prepare for the journey into the mountains.
Begin trekking along village paths and relatively flat terrain, gradually entering the forested landscape. Enjoy views of the surrounding hills and experience the natural atmosphere of the Cardamom Mountain region as you progress towards the base camp.
After approximately 5 km of hiking, take a break at the base camp and enjoy your packed lunch. Continue for roughly another 3 km towards Camp 2, navigating uphill sections, smaller hills and uneven forest trails along the way.
The final section involves a series of climbs before the trail levels out towards the campsite. On arrival, settle into your tent or hammock accommodation, enjoy dinner prepared by the support team and relax amid the peaceful mountain surroundings before spending your first night in the jungle.
Day 2: Aural Mountain Summit – Historic Aircraft Wreckage – Jungle Waterfall – Camp 2
Trekking: Approx. 12 km | Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner | Overnight: Camp 2
Activity level: Moderate to challenging
Wake up to the sounds of the forest and enjoy breakfast at camp before preparing for the day's principal trekking adventure. Carry drinking water, snacks and essential personal items as you set out along the forest trail towards Aural Mountain.
Follow your local guide through dense vegetation, uneven terrain and sections beneath the forest canopy. During the hike, keep an eye out for birds and other wildlife while exploring the remote mountain environment.
Continue towards the historic aircraft wreckage site described in the original tour programme as the remains of an aircraft associated with the 1974 civil war period. After this visit, proceed towards the summit area of Aural Mountain, reaching approximately 1,813 metres above sea level.
Take a well-deserved break at the summit area, enjoy your packed snacks and appreciate the surrounding mountain landscape, weather permitting. After the summit excursion, descend towards Camp 2 for lunch and some time to rest.
In the afternoon, around 3:30 PM, head out on a short hike of approximately 20 minutes to a hidden jungle waterfall. Spend time enjoying the natural surroundings, with an opportunity to swim if conditions are safe and the local guide permits it.
Return to Camp 2 for dinner and your second night in the jungle. Relax beneath the forest canopy and enjoy a memorable evening in the heart of Cambodia's wilderness.
Day 3: Camp 2 – Downhill Trek – Sre Ken Village – Phnom Penh
Trekking: Approx. 8 km | Meals: Breakfast and lunch | Overnight: None
Activity level: Moderate to challenging
Enjoy a relaxed morning in the forest, followed by breakfast at camp. Around 10:00 AM, pack your belongings and prepare for the return journey. Begin descending along the trail used during the outward trek, passing through the forest and hilly terrain as you make your way back towards the trailhead.
Once you reach the designated meeting point, reconnect with your private vehicle and travel towards a local restaurant for lunch. This is also an opportunity to say goodbye to the local trekking and porter team who supported your mountain adventure.
After lunch, begin the drive back to Phnom Penh, passing through Cambodia's countryside along the way. Arrival in Phnom Penh is expected at approximately 5:00 PM, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Your three-day Aural Mountain Trek concludes with wonderful memories of Cambodia's highest peak, remote forest trails, jungle camping and the natural beauty of the Cardamom Mountains.
Activities Included in the Experience
Mountain and Jungle Trekking
Walk through village paths, forest trails, hills and the mountainous terrain surrounding Aural Mountain.
Summit Adventure
Undertake the trek to Cambodia's highest peak, subject to weather, trail conditions and guide approval.
Birdwatching and Wildlife Observation
Look for species mentioned in the original programme, including the banded kingfisher, dusky broadbill and Cambodian laughingthrush, as well as mammals such as macaques and gibbons.
Waterfall Visit
Explore a secluded waterfall near Camp 2 and enjoy a refreshing break in nature.
Jungle Camping
Spend two nights at the forest campsite with the arrangements provided by the trekking support team.
Local Village and Cultural Experience
Discover rural Cambodian surroundings and interact respectfully with local guides and community members.
Accommodation, Food and Trekking Support
Jungle Camping
The itinerary includes two nights at Camp 2 in the jungle. Tent accommodation is provided, with hammock arrangements available on request. The original brochure notes that sleeping equipment and camping arrangements are supported by the local team, subject to the confirmed package.
Facilities are basic and suited to a wilderness expedition rather than a conventional hotel stay. Toilet and washing facilities are described as available at the base camp and Camp 2, but travellers should confirm the exact arrangements before departure.
Meals and Drinking Water
Meals are provided according to the daily itinerary, including lunch and dinner on Day 1, breakfast, lunch and dinner on Day 2, and breakfast and lunch on Day 3.
The experience includes locally prepared meals and drinking water as described in the original brochure. Travellers with dietary restrictions, allergies or special meal requirements should notify Shikhar Travels in advance.
Guide and Porter Support
The trek is supported by an English-speaking trekking guide and local guides or villagers. The support team assists with route guidance, campsite preparation, food preparation and carrying expedition supplies.
Travellers should confirm whether their personal backpack is carried by them or whether additional porter services can be arranged at an extra cost.
