Thakhek (Pha Tam Kam) Rock Climbing
Areas in Thakhek (Pha Tam Kam)
Elevation: | 472 ft | 144 m |
GPS: |
17.45429, 104.91376 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
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Page Views: | 240,370 total · 1,487/month | |
Shared By: | Justin Loyka on Jan 31, 2012 · Updates | |
Admins: | moredaysoff, Nate Ball |
Description
The local name of Pha Tam Kam describes the area referred to by traveling climbers as "Thakhek" (the nearby town) or "Green Climbers Home" (the camp-style resort). It is a developed sport climbing area in the Karst limestone of central Laos. If you are looking to escape the party scene of Vang Vieng, Thakhek is the place to go. Currently, there are over 400 developed sport climbs, 100 boulder problems and new climbs are being put up every season. The climbs range from 5.6 up to 5.13d, with a few projects for the ambitious folks. The climbs at the "Roof" are steep and pumpy, but other cliffs also boasts a wide selection of vertical to slightly overhanging routes, and a few multi-pitch routes with magnificent views of the valley. The average approach of about 5 minutes, and wonderful lodging and food right next to the cliff, Thakhek is certainly a destination for climbers visiting Laos.
Getting There
The climbs are located about 12 km east of Thakhek, on several of the limestone towers surrounding the Green Climbers Home. If you're staying in Thakhek (Traveler's Lodge or Inthira Hotel are recommendable) you can rent a bicycle or scooter in town and head west out of town on Rt 12 (towards Vietnam). Just past km marker #12 on the right is a dirt road to a farmhouse. Take the dirt road past the farm and back to the Green Climber's Home and you're 20 m from the climbs.
A better option is to get a tuk tuk out to the Climber's Home on your first day and stay there. The food is amazing the camp stunning. Visit their website for more info: greenclimbershome.com/
All the climbs are an easy five minute or less walk from the Climber's Home. They also have a newly published guidebook for sale ($20), with great descriptions of all the climbs.
Classic Climbing Routes at Thakhek (Pha Tam Kam)
Route Name | Location | Star Rating | Difficulty | Date |
---|---|---|---|---|
● Kim und Struppi | Canyon > Canyon Left |
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5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a Sport | |
● White Rabbit | Tree Lounge |
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5.10- 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a Sport | |
● Mon General | Hilton |
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5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c Sport | |
● Donkey Kong | Canyon > Canyon Left |
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5.11- 6c 22 VIII- 22 E3 5c Sport | |
● Fat Doobies | Hangover |
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5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c Sport | |
● Mr. Keo | Worldtrip |
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5.11d 7a 24 VIII 25 E5 6a Sport | |
● Cheeky Fucker | Roof Right Side |
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5.11d 7a 24 VIII 25 E5 6a Sport | |
● Schwitzerland | Hangover |
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5.11d 7a 24 VIII 25 E5 6a Sport | |
● Stalker | Hangover |
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5.11d 7a 24 VIII 25 E5 6a Sport | |
● Whiplash | Weiße Wand |
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5.11d 7a 24 VIII 25 E5 6a Sport | |
● Sound of Music | Schöffl Block |
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5.11d 7a 24 VIII 25 E5 6a Sport | |
● L-4 One of the Best | Open All Hours |
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5.12a 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a Sport | |
● Zehnte Sinfonie | Music Hall |
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5.12a 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a Sport | |
● Jungle King | Roof Right Side |
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5.12b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6b Sport | |
● Small World | Roof Center |
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5.12c 7b+ 27 IX- 27 E6 6b Sport |
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