A trek established by Jungle Boss in early 2018, the Hang Pygmy Exploration has been done by very few people. In fact, less people have been through these 2 caves than have stood on Everest. Being a freshly establish trail this route is an extremely authentic jungle trek to the “not so little” sister cave of Hang Son Doong, Hang Pygmy.
This trek is perfect for adventures looking for an exciting challenge with an incredible reward. You will walk and scramble to explore the 3.5km of Hang Over, and prussiking into the massive cavern of Hang Pygmy, the 4th largest cave in the world. You’ll trek, swim, and camp in the untouched Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
Tour departs daily at 8 am
What to Expect
This journey into the depths of the jungle requires porters, safety advisers & guides. You’ll explore the entire length of Hang Over and Pygmy Cave – a sister of hang Son Doong. Hang Pygmy is considered the fourth largest cave in the world with a tropical jungle inside. The caves are masterpieces of what nature can create, with otherworldly landscapes. Make your way through tropical Jungle inside Pygmy cave before setting up camp underground. Marvel at enormous stalagmites & statuesque stalactites rising from the ground & hanging from the ceiling like an alien species.
Day 1: Hang Over – Jungle Hiking and Camp
Starting at the Jungle Boss headquarters we will brief you and the team on what to expect, and check that everyone is prepared.
After the briefing we will make the 45min-1 hour ride in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park to the trailhead.
After saying goodbye to the last piece of humanity we will exit the road and begin the jungle hike. While walking through the jungle our guide will teach you about some local plant life, maybe feed you some tasty treats the jungle has to offer and show you some pieces of the minority people’s (the Ruc Ca Roong) culture -the Jungle people who survive off of the jungle resources.
Then, you have been supplied with filtered locally sourced water, helmet and headlamp the team will begin exploring the hang Over cave. Hang Over begins with a long narrow shaft with various cave formations, growing in size and beauty with each step. Eventually, the team will reach a massive grotto, filled with amazing stalagmites and stalactites, speleothems (decorations), and beautiful pools. Here in the grotto the guide will choose an appropriate location for lunch. After eating some cucumber salad and other snacks next to some amazing cave features you will proceed to the exit of Hang Over (see photo gallery for more!)
Hang Over and Hang Pygmy was once one large cave that experienced a ceiling collapse, creating 2 caves and a healthy unique jungle inside the cave system! After making the short jungle climb through the doline (the collapse) you will come to the massive chamber of Hang Pygmy. Here our guide and porter team will equip you with appropriate abseiling safety gear, brief you on safety procedures, and rig your harness with a fail safe system. Taking turns, one by one everyone in the company will descend into the bottom of the cavern, an 80 meter descent, with 23 meters done via abseiling. Once everyone is safely on the floor of the chamber the group will make a short walk, and turn the corner to the MASSIVE cathedral like exit of Hang Pygmy.
Pygmy cave, the fourth largest cave in the world where you will set up the campsite at the mouth of the cave or in the middle of the jungle inside the cave. While you are exploring this massive cave, our team of porters will prepare a hardy Vietnamese meal with rice, veggies, soup, and meat. Oh, and customary of Vietnamese culture, rice wine will be included, Cheers!; “Mot Hi Ba Zo!”
Day 2: Hang Pygmy the forth largest cave – jungle trekking come back
A day Underground.
The morning will begin with a solid breakfast and coffee or tea. After the meal our team of porters will clean up camp, making sure to leave nothing behind!
On the trek home we will again stop a few times for rest and some light snack breaks, with the opportunity to marvel at the amazing jungle valley you hiked out of. Upon exiting the jungle trail you will be greeted at the road with some cold beverages and a bus ride back to the Jungle Boss office!
What to bring
Long trousers & long-sleeved-shirt to avoid poison ivies and mosquitoes
Swim wear (optional)
Long socks
Small backpack
Sandals or flip-flops & extra clothes
Dry bag (optional)
Hiking shoes (optional)
Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent
Price Includes
Tour Guide & Porter Team
Entrance Fees ( 1,300,000vnd/pax )
Transportation in Phong Nha
VAT
Safety Equipment
Camping gears
All Food & Drink
Snacks
Use of trekking shoes Euro sizes 36 – 45 (We suggest bringing your own shoes if these do not suit you. We do not suggest Goretex/waterproof boots as these take these take a long time to dry)
Use of towel