Mount Aural (Phnom Aoral)

1,813m (5,948ft)

There is one main trail up Mount Aural. It starts on a dusty road that takes about 2 hours to walk and leads you to Camp 1. The walk from Camp 1 to the top of Mount Aural takes an average of 5 hours, so the hike can technically be completed in 1 day. But most climbers choose to have an overnight stay at High Camp to break the long walk into two shorter walks in times of hot and humid weather.

Overall, the trail takes an average of 6-7 hours of walking time to reach the summit, with an overnight stay at High Camp before reaching the top, the next morning.

The terrain of Mount Aural can be split into 2 distinct sections: the dusty road and the bamboo forests.

The ascent starts with an uphill road which is used for the transportation of logs. It is dusty in the dry season and the elevation throughout this section is around 200 meters (656 mi). It is a relatively pleasant walk which is not seen as a challenge to most climbers, although due to the dust, the road can become sludgy and sometimes slippery after rainfall.

The longest section is the second one, the bamboo forest. It is steep, and requires good physical fitness to complete, especially if the weather is humid.

Most hikers choose to climb Aural from November to March, which are the drier months. This is because heavy rains can make the peak extremely challenging to climb during the wet months. Climbing during the dry months ensures an easier climb due to less challenging weather conditions and fewer mosquitoes and other insects.

The temperature during the dry months can be higher though, ranging from 20°C to 40°C (68°F to 104°F ), while the temperature during the wet season ranges from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F ).

No matter when you go though, be prepared for rain since the weather is still unpredictable even during the dry months and rainfall can still occur.

A good pair of hiking shoes will be sufficient for this hike.

There is no food or water available for this trail at the head, along the trail or at the summit base camp. Climbers are therefore advised to carry more than enough water to last them for the duration of the trip and to drink plenty of it.

There are rest-stop shelters such as huts and pavilions etc. along the trail, so make sure you get regular rests in the shade if the weather is hot. There are also shelters at the summit base camp for overnight rest.

The hike can be done without a guide, however, a guide may be helpful, as animals such as monkeys, boars, bears, and several species of big cats have been spotted at Camp 1, and the guides should be knowledgeable about the animals and the area and can be very informative.

Porters are not required unless you’re in a big group and would like your guide to bring up enough tents for everyone.

The Phnom Penh International Airport is the nearest airport and is 150km (93 mi) away from the starting point. The common way to travel to the starting point is by taxi or privately hired car. Climbers can also choose to take several local buses although this will take several hours more. Depending on the traffic coming out of Phnom Penh and the road conditions, the journey can take around 3 hours by road.

While the hike itself may not be technically challenging, mosquitoes that are mostly around during the wet season do carry some risk. Unfortunately, malaria is prominent in Aural and in the surrounding area.

Hikers are recommended to climb Aural in the dry season when there are fewer mosquitoes around. Climbers should always carry insect repellent and sleep with a mosquito net to minimize the risk of contracting malaria.

Heat exhaustion and dehydration: Climbers are advised to carry more than enough water to last them for the duration of the trip and to drink plenty of it. Heat exhaustion can be avoided by taking regular rests during the hike.

In all weathers, watch out for trucks winding down the dusty road at the start of the trail at high speeds. This road becomes sludgy and sometimes slippery after rainfall.