Phnom Aural

Facts

• Elevation: 1,813 m (5,948 ft)
• Prominence: 1,744 m
• Ribu category:  Kurang Tinggi
• Region: Cambodia
• Coordinates: 12.0325, 104.1708
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• Other names: ភ្នំឱរ៉ាល់
• World Ribus ID: 68514

At 1,813m, Phnom Aural is Cambodia’s highest peak and a challenging but rewarding hike for those enjoy remote terrain and few facilities. It lies in the Phnom Aural Wildlife Sanctuary (established in 1993) in Kampong Speu province, part of the eastern Cardamom Mountains, and is most easily accessed from the village of Srae Kan in Aoral district to the south-west of the peak. There is very little in the way of signposts or tourist infrastructure, so local guides are strongly recommended both for navigation and to arrange access with the authorities.

From Srae Kan, the hike begins with a few kilometres along a rough and often boggy logging track, which can be traversed on foot, tractor or by motorbikes depending on road conditions which varies with the seasons. The proper trail ascends steeply through bamboo forest and occasional dense jungle via two main rest areas wth simple structures at around 450m and 1,175m. Some hikers camp at the second one before making an early morning push to the summit, though it may be possible to camp at the top.

The trail is occasionally overgrown and can be slippery in wet conditions, but no scrambling is required. The final section to the summit is steep, with ropes in place, but relatively gentle once on the ridge approaching the summit. The highest point is marked with two structures each containing a small Buddhist shrine. While views can be limited due to forest cover, occasional clearings offer glimpses across the Cardamom forests. Wildlife sightings are certainly possible, especially birds like the Cambodian Laughingthrush, and elephant tracks have occasionally been reported along the trail. There’s an impressive plane crash site not far from the summit, requiring an extra hour to visit.

The full route is typically completed over two days and although very fit hikers can do it in a long single day (12–14 hours round-trip) most guides will not be keen. Three days is unnecessary. Due to the remote setting and complete lack of mobile signal, it’s best to treat the trip as a genuine wilderness hike. There are no villages or settlements along the trail once you leave the base area and although water is available at a couple of streams, it must be filtered or boiled.

Although Phnom Aural is not as well known as peaks in neighbouring countries and despite the obvious signs of logging, its status as the country’s highest and its remote and undeveloped nature make it one of Southeast Asia’s more rewarding country high points to bag.

Practicalities

• • Getting there: From Phnom Penh, take a car or shared transport west to Aoral district (approx. 3–4 hours), then continue to the trailhead near Srae Kan village via a local vehicle.

• • Permits: Required for entry into the wildlife sanctuary and are ideally arranged in advance via local guides or forestry officials. You may end up signing a document upon arrival at Srae Kan. Most local guides will not speak English.

• • Water sources: Streams are available near the rest areas but should be treated or boiled before use.

Local Average Monthly Rainfall (in Phnom Penh)

Location