Karst Exploration Adventures

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"The staff were professional and knowledgeable while they guided our students through the caving and rock climbing activities." - Rafael Barrett, American Community School of Abu Dhabi

Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Adventures

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A thrilling Introduction To Thailand’s Stunning Karst Topography Through Rock Climbing, Rappelling and Caving

The Karst Adventure Exploration is an exciting two-day introduction to rock climbing, rappelling, and caving, with an added element of cultural immersion. The program takes place in the Mae On Valley at the stunning Crazy Horse Buttress, a 60-meter high limestone outcrop surrounded by farm fields, villages, and rice paddies. The course will equip participants with the tools they need to rock climb on some of the best beginner and intermediate cliffs in Southeast Asia; explore vast, dark cave chambers that are accessed by a 30-meter rappel/abseil; and speak Thai with vendors in the local market. Combining exhilirataing outdoor adventure with rewarding community involvement, this program is guaranteed to bring a group together as they take on challenging new experiences.

The first day introduces us to the basics of rock climbing, including fundamental knots, climbing language, belay techniques, climbing movement, and safe practices. We also learn about local geology during an experiential adventure through a matrix of east-to-caves. After practicing rappel/abseil technique on a small 7-meter descent, we finish the day with an exhilirating 58-meter rappel/abseil into the airy main chamber of the largest cave at Crazy Horse. This is a rewarding culmination of the day's roped adventures, and it also prepares us for more difficult rappel elements on day two.

We spend the night in the Mon Khao Kwang homestay, just minutes from Crazy Horse Buttress. Before enjoying a delicious Thai dinner at Mon Khao Kwang, we have the option of taking a short hike to the Buddhist shrine and golden chedi that crown the summit of Crazy Horse. After dinner, CMRCA facilitators lead the group through leadership excercises and games around a large campfire, designed to complement the days' activies and refocus and reenergize the group for their trip ahead.

After a comfortable sleep, we wake early and drive together into Mae On village. At the bustling morning market, we purchace our own lunches and converse with the Thai phrases we learned and practiced the night before. Then we take a short hike to the Meuang On tourist cave, an impressive cultural experience that makes an amazing contrast to the natural caves we visit later the day.

A 10-minute walk from Meuang On Cave and we are back at Crazy Horse Buttress, ready for a second day of adventure caving and rappelling. With an introductory knowledge of cave geology, we embark on a technical vertical caving expedition. Rappelling into the cave passage and then moving through it, deep beneath the earth, participants will learn basic caving techniques that ensure a safe experience while witnessing the awe of this stunning ancient river passage.

We eat our market lunches in the cave and climb back out into the sun, ready for one final challenge. Participants now have the skills and trust they need to navigate the Tyrolean Traverse, a rope bridge that stretches across the massive Anxiety State Crisis cave, a breathtaking 40 meters above the ground. The Tyrolean provides an unforgettable and powerful end to two days of personal growth, adventure, and a whole lot of fun.

The Karst Exploration Adventure is ideal for adventure travel groups who are spending significant time in Southeast Asia, and can be expanded or customized to incorporate more rock climbing or community involvement elements.

Jungle Survival Cooking Dinner Option

Using bamboo and fire, participants must carve plates, bowls and utensils, prepare and cook an entire dinner as a team. Success is determined by the flavor of the food. This is an incredible program for groups to experience together requiring team work and planning as well as developing the ability to adapt quickly to difficult situations. This serves as an excellent precursor to helping the team develop strong trust and communication for difficult challenges ahead. CMRCA instructors and facilitators will be on hand throughout the program.

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