New Mountain Community Trail in Laos Ready for Female Hikers from Australia

Beyond Laos’ river valleys and towns, the Camino Women
 hikers will be hosted by mountain villagers in homestays

A pioneering trekking route in northern Laos, designed to combine the spirit of adventure with community-focused tourism, is set to debut this February. The new Soum-son Trail offers a distinctive four-day trekking experience, exclusively for female hikers, and promises not only breathtaking landscapes but also an immersion into the rich cultural tapestry of Laos’ mountain communities.

The inaugural trek, which begins on February 16, will see six Australian women embark on this exciting journey. Organized by Camino Women (Australia) and Khiri Travel (Laos), the trek is part of a larger 12-day exploration of northern Laos. Participants will enjoy a scenic slow boat ride along the Mekong River, take a train journey through the region’s lush landscapes, visit Buddhist caves, explore an elephant park, walk through paddy fields, meet local villagers from various ethnic groups, and discover the UNESCO World Heritage site of Luang Prabang.

However, the highlight of this trip is the new Soum-son Trail, a community-based initiative that emphasizes sustainable and responsible tourism, particularly benefitting three remote mountain villages along the route.

Empowering Local Communities Through Tourism

The trail’s creation has been a collaborative effort between the villagers and tourism experts from Khiri Travel and Camino Women. In December, 26 men and women from the three villages underwent specialized training in Luang Prabang, covering topics such as community-based tourism, safety standards, waste management, customer service, and food preparation. These hands-on training sessions were led by experts from the Lao government, preparing the villagers to welcome guests with the highest level of hospitality and care.

Julie Beaufrère, the Country Manager for Khiri Travel Laos, highlighted the importance of balancing tourism with sustainability: “Our approach is to treat tourism as a supplementary source of income for the villagers, who are primarily rice farmers. We aim to prevent over-dependence on tourism, ensuring that it supports the community without altering its core way of life.”

The training, funded by Khiri Travel’s charitable arm, Khiri Reach, not only focused on hospitality skills but also extended support to the villages in the form of donated resources. Camino Women and Khiri Reach provided two laptops, school books, and preserved food to the villages, aiding their long-term development.

A Journey of Two-Way Learning

The partnership between the villagers and the hikers is designed as a two-way learning experience. While the women hikers gain insight into the daily lives and culture of the villagers, the villagers also have the opportunity to learn from their visitors. The trip is an enriching exchange of stories, traditions, and knowledge, fostering mutual respect and understanding.

Lisa O’Donnell, lead trip designer for Camino Women, expressed her excitement about the project: “We are thrilled to see our hard work come to fruition. The villagers have shown incredible dedication, and we believe the hikers will truly appreciate their immersion in Laotian village life.”

Looking Ahead: A Growing Community Tourism Model

Following the inaugural trek in February, Camino Women and Khiri Travel plan to expand the initiative, bringing five hiking groups to the Soum-son Trail in 2025. This number will increase to two groups per month during the peak tourist season (November to February) from late 2025 through early 2026.

Each trek will feature a local guide from the villages, alongside a seasoned Laotian community guide from Khiri Travel. This collaborative guiding model ensures that the hikers experience both the authenticity of local culture and the expertise of a well-trained guide.

A Model for Sustainable and Regenerative Travel

The collaboration between Leatherback Travel, which operates Camino Women, and Khiri Travel, exemplifies a commitment to responsible and regenerative travel. Willem Niemeijer, founder of Khiri Travel, emphasized the importance of this partnership in promoting sustainable tourism: “The Soum-son Trail and the greater Laos experience offer a powerful example of how close cooperation between operators can create travel experiences that benefit both the tourists and the local communities.”

With a strong focus on responsible tourism, community involvement, and sustainable development, the Soum-son Trail is poised to become a shining example of how tourism can empower local populations while providing visitors with unforgettable, culturally immersive experiences.

For more information, visit Khiri Travel and Leatherback Travel.