Three days of jungle, bamboo camps, and a summit at 1,813 m—this fully serviced trek to Phnom Aoral gives hikers a direct route into the Cardamom Mountains. Expect waterfall camps, a historic plane wreck, and local village visits en route back to Phnom Penh.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Dawn arrives humid and sharp in the Cardamom foothills as your group steps from the transfer into a green cathedral of dipterocarp and bamboo. The trail pushes upward, vines brushing sleeves, streams daring you to pick a cooler route; by late afternoon the forest opens to a bamboo camp beside a falling sheet of water where cooks set a simple, fragrant meal.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
3 days
Fitness Level
Good aerobic fitness with experience on sustained climbs and uneven terrain; ability to carry a daypack for full days.
Wildlife
History
The trek passes a 1970s-era plane wreck linked to civil war activity; the mountain and surrounding forests have long been home to rural Khmer communities.
Conservation
Parts of the Cardamoms are under protection and community management; follow guide instructions to minimize campfire and trail impact and support local conservation efforts.
Reserve your spot on the Aural Mountain Trek: Cambodia Tallest Peak Challenge today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Start Early Each Day
Begin hiking before 7:00 AM to avoid midday heat and increase chances of clear summit views.
Bring Insect Protection
Mosquitoes and leeches can be active in damp sections—use repellent and consider gaiters.
Footwear Matters
Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with good tread are needed for slippery, rooty trails and stream crossings.
Pack Light for Transfers
Operators limit luggage—bring a daypack with essentials and confirm baggage allowances before departure.
Sturdy hiking boots
Protects ankles and provides traction on muddy, root-laced jungle trails.
Light rain shell
Keeps you dry during monsoon downpours without adding much weight.
summer
Headlamp with extra batteries
Useful in early starts, camps, or any evening tasks when guides set up hammocks and tents.
Water purification (filter or tablets)
Helps supplement supplied drinking water on longer stretches or if you want to refill from streams.