Day 1: Dalat –trek to the pine forest
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The trip starts at 9am with a vehicle transfer from your hotel in Dalat to the trail head (about 5 km out of town). From the trail head we walk through a valley of small vegetable, flower farm and fruit orchards on a dirt road. Tuyen Lam Lake becomes visible after about 45 minutes of walking. As we get further south towards the lake the trail narrows to single track through pine forest. We head up at this point into the slightly higher elevation broad leaf evergreen canopy (jungle), and trek through this for about 3 kilometers. As we near the campsite for that night we drop down from the jungle area to the lake side where we will be pitching our tents for the night. Kayaks are available at the campsite to head out into the lake and watch the sun go down.
This day involves between 4 and 5 hours of walking and lunch is carried with us (picnic style). Total walking distance is about 14 kilometers.
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Day 2: Trekking day
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After a morning boat ride to the trail head, the first section of trail heads through small coffee plantations and pine forest. We continue to walk through forest paths until we meet the base of Pinhatt. Here you can take a short rest to gain strength for the steep uphill climb (45 minutes) to the summit of Pinhatt (awesome views of the lake).
After lunch we descend and you will notice a very dramatic difference in the flora and fauna. The valley you enter is no longer pine forest, but the jungle that Vietnam is so famous for. We emerge on the other side, at a campsite where you can relax, take a swim or head out into the lake on one of our kayaks and watch the sun go down.
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Day 3: Trek back to the main road
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Start your walk through pine forest near the lake. Soon there is a dramatic change in scenery from pine to thick jungle. Walk the rolling hills among the vines, broad-leaf trees, and enjoy the cool jungle breeze. If you’re lucky, you may see a wild orchid in bloom or a troop of wild gibbons. Upon exiting the thick jungle section, you will walk between Elephant Mountain and another area peak. Enjoy seeing the small minority farms that dot the valley floor. After lunch and a rest you continue walking through the valley until you come to a ridgeline, which you follow to a minority village and our vehicle pick up.
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