Depart your hotel at 8:30am for a 50 minute drive in a westerly direction to the village of Nong Tok, the starting point for today’s hike. This rustic village is little-visited by tourists, is nestled inside a picturesque valley and consists of ethnic Hmong and Kamu enclaves. The Hmong people are known as ‘Lao Seung’ highlanders, who traditionally inhabit the higher peaks of the mountainous Lao countryside – however the village in the Nong Tok valley has re-settled to this lower altitude. A Hmong trekking guide will join you and your Lao guide, to lead your hike of six to seven hours of walking time. Begin first with an ascent to a skyline ridge, offering views over Nong Tok village and its enclosing valley. On the way, you might see crops of rice, coriander, chilli, and local herbs planted by local villagers who live in the valley. Follow a marked trail, which will be steep in parts, and slippery in the wet season (from April to September) – make sure you wear sturdy boots or shoes. Make a stop at Nong Long koot, a watering point for local animals, and in a picturesque setting. Around half way in to your hike, stop for a picnic lunch (provided) and take a short rest, admiring views of surrounding hills. The latter half of your walk will be a descent through forests towards Ban Long Lao. Here, you will be met by your driver for the return to Luang Prabang. Expect to arrive back at your hotel by around 4:00pm, after a day of walking in the wilderness of Luang Prabang Province.
