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-   -   Keng Tung Trek, difficult, moderate, or easy? (https://www.fodors.com/community/asia/keng-tung-trek-difficult-moderate-or-easy-1023683/)

artyguy Aug 22nd, 2014 12:25 PM

Keng Tung Trek, difficult, moderate, or easy?
 
Anyone know the weather in November? What to wear? And the level of trek this is. Moderate? Or Extreme?


**Here is what one guide says after my prodding to find out how steep I am to expect:**


At Pin Tauk area, the climb is around 100 meters up, total walk from a village to another is around 3 hours.

At Lahu Shi area, the climb is around 400 meters steep , one way 3 hours walk up, total walk is over 5 hours.

Ho Kyim area, the climb is 1 hour over 150 meters steep, but after the trek around the villages, 2 hours down from 1200 meters to 900 meters.

Wan Nyag Wan Sen area, 1:30 hours climb over 200 meters high to Wan Nyag, another hour walk up over 100 meters. Total walk is nearly 5 hours.

Some of the options do seem strenuous! Common sense tells me I can go at my own pace. Rest when I need to. But still some of these treks seem challenging. Has anyone experience or knows what level these treks are?

I consider myself a healthy 65 year old man, but def not 35 year old. So wonder what kind of people do these treks? Any advice?

Thanks

Kathie Aug 22nd, 2014 01:46 PM

Remember there are options. You can choose one, then ask for recommendations based on that experience. I'm sure your guide will have an idea after walking with you for one trek. All kinds of people do these treks - just some more slowly than others!

sartoric Aug 22nd, 2014 04:33 PM

Artyguy, I haven't done the treks, but would like to reassure you that you will be well looked after no matter what. The Burmese in general are particularly kind to visitors to their country.

I use weather.com to check for forecasts or average temparatures. Dress in layers, so you can add or subtract as the day changes.

Don't stress, you'll be fine.

crellston Aug 22nd, 2014 11:40 PM

I haven't been to Burma but have done a lot of trekking throughout Asia and South America. From the information you have been given re times and ascents, none of the treks seem particularly strenuous. The better prepared you are, the more you will enjoy the treks. Get as fit as you can before departure - walking everywhere can improve you fitness surprisingly quickly.

Go prepared with the right footwear, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and plenty of water ( drink little and often). Coming downhill can put a lot of stress on your knees. Walking poles are great if you have any sort of issue with your knees and are worth considering even if you don't.

If using a private guide then clearly he will lead at your pace. If in a group, good guides will go at the pace of the slowest. If going in group, try to meet or find out the ages of the group beforehand ( some agencies provide this info asa matter of course).

As for what kind of people go trekking? In my experience, the majority are "middle aged" rather than twenty something's. I am sure you will have a great time and I may well be following in your footsteps next year.

artyguy Aug 23rd, 2014 11:25 PM

Wow, you all are so wonderful. Thanks for the support. I'm pretty sure you are all right. Sometimes I get obsessed with the unknown. Which is why I travel and do these kinds of trips. Obviously I could be going to Paris. But I opt for an adventure... and along with that fears. I actually five years ago did the Tea House Trek in Nepal. And was nervous about that too! But I was fine. And had a guide and porter. No one rushed me, and I had an amazing time. So sure this trek in Keng Tung will be just as rewarding. Many thanks for all your support!


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