| Distance: 8.2 kilometers | Elevation: 250m | Difficulty: Easy/Medium |
What to expect on this trail?
This short trail is another great option if you are looking for a nice trail in the Doi Kham area. It overlaps partly with the classic Doi Kham Stairs and Ridge trail, and it can actually be a nice alternative for it. The trail combines some rolling climbs on road and then takes you on a brutal climb to the top of the ridge. It is a fun downhill from there before connecting back to the road section.
Wat Doi Pao – Doi Kham Ridge Trail in detail
The trail starts at Wat Doi Pao, a local temple at the foothills of Doi Kham. It is very quiet and unknown, but it is a nice starting spot for a run. There are toilets and plenty of parking space available. Just outside the temple gate, where this route starts, there is a botanical garden. It can make for a nice area to warm up or cool down.
The first section of the route is on asphalt, mostly climbing but it also includes some declining sections. You will follow the road until you reach a plant nursery, this is where you turn left onto the trails. There is a short downhill section, but soon you will find yourself turning right onto a single-track trail. It’s all climbing from here until you reach the top of the Doi Kham Ridge. Some parts are runnable, but one section, in particular, is rather brutal. A steep incline and plenty of loose rocks make this a challenge for any runner.
Once you reach the top the fun starts though as you run along the ridgeline. The trail here is mostly flat or slightly downhill, so this is where you can make some speed. Instead of continuing on the trail to the Doi Kham temple, you will turn right for a nice downhill section that is a bit more technical. As you reach the double track below you will circle back towards the road section where you started to complete the loop.
You will plenty of “blessed” trees along the ridgeline and downhill section. 
The climbing section is challenging for any runner. Don’t worry, it’s not a snake. Someone was feeling creative and painted a tree root.
Tips for this trail
- There are no shops or watering stations along the way, you will need to take water with you
- The route is accessible to all levels of runners, but shoes with good grip are recommended. The steep climb has a lot of loose gravel and rocks and the downhill part also to a lesser extent. Good shoes can help a lot on these!
- This route is great for people who are starting out on trails as the route also has a bit of a road section.
- To be completely transparent, I did not explore or plan this route. It was actually the racecourse of Jungle Rush 3, organized by Hurry Up Sport.
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More Trails:
Pai Canyon Trail Loop (Mae Hong Son)
Mae Wang Waterfalls, Rice & Elephants Trail Loop
Huay Tueng Tao Short Trail Loop
