It's time to put all your hard work and training to the test as you make your way to the airport to begin your Cambodian trekking challenge.
Touching down in Cambodia, you will be met by your Charity Challenge team and will experience the buzzing vibrancy of Siem Reap. After transferring 1 hour to your hotel to check in, enjoy a welcome dinner. After dinner, you will receive a full trip briefing and have the opportunity to ask any questions about the challenge ahead.
Accommodation: Hotel
Today your challenge begins!
An early start today. After breakfast, you will take a short transfer out of town to the Chao Srei Vibol temple to start your trek. Today's route will take you through dazzling green rice-paddies and small villages, where you will receive friendly waves from the locals as you pass. There will be plenty of time to stop and take a closer look at some of the beautiful temples and pagodas as you pass them. The route is exposed so be prepared to protect yourself from the sun. After lunch in one of the villages, the path will continue on towards Wat Preah Bat Bunthan, a beautiful pagoda and its grounds, which will serve as your campsite for the evening.
Accommodation: Camping
This morning wake at sunrise, after witnessing the daily life of monks, you leave the Pagoda behind and head out across the paddy fields where you will be treated to fabulous views of Mount Kulen in the distance. Following the tracks, you'll wind your way towards the mysterious ruins of the Beng Mealea Temple. Here, you can venture into the thick jungle and hanging vines to explore the remains of the temple complex. Next, you will have a short walk to the evening's campsite at Beng Mealea Pagoda. In the evening, you can gain an insight into the way of life in this remote area by visiting the lively market or having a drink with the locals.
Accommodation: Camping
After an energising breakfast and another early start, you will have a short 250m challenging climb from camp to the top of Cambodia's sacred Mount Kulen. The top of the plateau will provide fabulous views across the forests and fields below. Next, you'll take an undulating track through the forest before stopping for lunch at Anlong Thom, a small village of stilted houses. Finally, head off the beaten path to visit the 'Bat Cave' and 'Elephant Pond,' before finishing at your riverside campground for a night under the stars.
Accommodation: Camping
Today will start with a short trek to the 'Big Buddha', a spectacular monument carved directly out of the mountain top. Continuing on, you'll arrive at the famous Kulen Mountain Waterfall and the 'River of 1000 Lingas (phalluses).' Here you can see the riverbed covered with hundreds of Lingas, along with the depictions of Hindu deities which have been carved into the rocks along the river. Finally, you'll travel through villages and past local schools and pagodas before reaching the campsite for the night.
Accommodation: Camping
After your camp breakfast, you will set off on the final 6km of your trek towards Phnom Bok. From there, you will finish your journey in style as you arrive into the Angkor Wat complex in a colourful procession of tuk tuks. Before lunch, you will be able to climb the steep stairs of the central spire of Angkor Wat for unparalleled views over the whole site. The afternoon will be spent at Ta Prohm, a temple widely recognised as the iconic setting of the 2001 Tomb Raider film. Over the years, the carvings and pillars have intertwined with jungle vines and tree roots to create one of the most picturesque and memorable temples in the Angkor complex.
At sunset, you transfer to the hotel where a long shower and a farewell dinner will be waiting for you. With a belly full of traditional Khmer food, you can celebrate the completion of your Cambodian challenge with your new friends.
Accommodation: Hotel
Enjoy a leisurly morning and a free part of the day to roam at ease around Siem Reap. Lunch (at your own expense) before heading back to the hotel early afternoon for the transfer the 1 hour to the airport for the overnight flight back to the UK to arrive early morning.
Arrive early morning into London.
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