Snapshot – Phou Ya Kha

SNAPSHOT

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PHOONSAB THEVONGSA TEXT BY JASON ROLAN

The Phou Ya Kha area in Oudomxay’s Xay District has only recently been explored for tourism. This rocky mountainous area is great for trekking and camping, and it is easy to access with a local guide, as the trailhead is located just 32 km outside of Oudomxay. One and two-night trekking adventures are available, so you can marvel at impressive views and unusual rock formations only found here, as well as breathing fresh mountain air as the stars twinkle overhead.

Immense boulder dot the landscape around Phou Ya Kha

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GETTING THERE Lao Airlines has frequent fl ights to Oudomxay from Vientiane. Adventurous travelers can make their own way to KM32 village and fi nd a local guide for the trek. Otherwise, Nam Kat Yorla Pa Resort (namkatyorlapa.com) can arrange 2 and 3-day excursions.

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1. It is important to take a local guide from KM 32 village as the trail is not well marked. 2. Large rock formations which resemble a whale and a dolphin. 3. A traveler hikes past a rock that look like leathery reptile skin due to centuries of erosion. 4. Sunset at Phou Ya Kha summit

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A bird’s eye view of Phou Ya Kha summit

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1. Another interesting rock formation located on the return hike to KM 32 village 2. A traveler stops for a photo of a mountain cliff 3. Starry night on Phou Ya Kha summit