Siem Reap/Phnom Kurom
・Overview
Phnom Kurom is a small mountain rising near the port along the north shore of Tonle Sap Lake, which is close to Siem Reap town. On top of the mountain is an Angkor ruin. Climbers attention, however, will be focused on the wall which is an old quarry below the hillside. It is hard mudstone (pelite) with high iron content. Cracks appear in all directions, which have been caused by dynamite explosions. Therefore, the rock here might collapse all of sudden. We have been hesitant for some time, but one day we found a small red rock which is miraculously hard, and created two bolted lines. We called it Petit Red Cliff. They are easy climbing, but with some restriction of the holds, you should be able to enjoy those routes. On top of the rock, you will see a bush good for rappel and ropework training. It is not worth spending a whole day, though. Great view of the lake is a good reward for coming up here.
・Location
Chonkuneia commune, Siem Reap distict, Siem Reap province
・Access
From Siem Reap town, it is a 40 minutes bicycle ride, and 20 minutes by a motor bike. From the Chonkuneia port, walk along the forest path facing south for 5 minutes, to the hillside. The rock site is underneath the bush along the road.
・Gear
A 30 meter rope will suffice, bring 5~6 quickdraws, and several slings to make top anchors.
・Rock Description
It is mudstone at a quarry frequently blown up by dynamite. Even though it is hard, sometimes it disintegrates. Do not put weight on holds without checking.
・Routes
There is only one bolt line, and the climbing routes are on either side of the bolt line. Two bolts. Grade is 5.6. Even if we limit the width where the climber can touch, the grade will be 5.9. They might be good for climbers who just started leading routes. Also they can practice clipping into carabiners, reaching the top anchor, various actions at and around the top anchor, rappelling, or lowering down, and so on.
・Bathrooms
None
・Threat
Sunlight. There is no shade whatsoever. Morning or evening time is better. Or bring along an umbrella.
・Caution
There is a staircase from Chonkuneia entrance to halfway up the mountain. If you take this stairway, you are considered to go up to the ruin on the top, and you will be charged for a ticket for ruins.
・Topo
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