Phnom Aural

Phnom Aural rises to 1,813 metres in the eastern Cardamoms and is the highest point in Cambodia, protected within a wildlife sanctuary of evergreen forest. The climb is a genuine expedition by Cambodian standards: two days up from the villages at the base through forest and bamboo, camping on the mountain, with river crossings, steep sections and leeches through most of the year, and a summit that is forested and gives limited view, which is worth knowing in advance. Guides from the villages are essential and are arranged locally rather than through agencies. The forest holds gibbons, hornbills and, at least on paper, elephants and bears. Very few people climb it, and there is no infrastructure of any kind on the route.

What you actually see

• Cardamom forest - evergreen and bamboo on the long approach.
• Camp on the mountain - nights in the forest on the way up.
• The summit marker - the high point of the country, wooded over.
• Gibbon calls - the forest soundtrack at dawn.

When to go

November to March for the driest trail and lowest rivers. The wet season makes the crossings dangerous and the leeches intolerable. Even in the dry season expect mud.

Honest expectations

The summit is forested with no view, which disappoints many. The trek is hard, with steep ground, river crossings and leeches. Guides are village-arranged and English is limited. There is no rescue, no facilities and no marked trail.

Nearby

Kampong Speu lies southeast; Kirirom is south.