Buzz
Lảo Thẩn Mountain, known as the rooftop of Y Ty (Lao Cai), offers an ideal setting for a two-day trek combined with marveling at the sea of clouds atop the highlands.
When mentioning the towering peak in the land of clouds and skies, Y Ty, Bat Xat district, Lao Cai province, one immediately recalls the name Lảo Thẩn. Simply uttering its name evokes a sense of mystery shrouded amidst the lofty realms of swirling clouds. It's a captivating destination for trekking enthusiasts and cloud hunters alike.
About Lảo Thẩn Mountain
Location: Phin Ho Hamlet, Y Ty Commune, Bat Xat District, Lao Cai Province.
Coordinates: 22.610420°, 103.686535°.
Altitude: over 2,800 meters.
Climbing Duration: 2 days 1 night.
Scenery: Sharp and expansive peak offering a 360-degree view. At 2,400 meters, adorned with numerous vertical rock slabs facing west towards the Dền Sáng valley, Mount Nhìu Cồ San presents a stunning sight.
Terrain: Rolling hills, burnt forest patches, sparse woodland, and shrubbery atop the summit.
Complexity: Moderate ascent and descent, steep near the peak, with prevailing winds.
Campsite, Water Source: A stone cave at 2,560 meters altitude, half an hour away from the water source, and a one-hour trek from the summit. The mountainous region has few streams and watercourses.
Essential Gear
Tent, insulated sleeping pad, and adequate sleeping bag for the number of individuals.
Personal clothing, gloves, hats, and towels, especially in cold winter conditions.
Rain gear, backpack cover, and personal flashlight.
First aid kit, basic medications, heat patches...
Food and Drink
For breakfast, consider bringing instant noodles, boil water in the morning, and eat with sausages or leftover meat from the previous dinner.
For lunch, opt for quick meals like dried fish, sesame salt rice balls, or pastries to save time.
Dinner is the main meal, so opt for hot dishes. Choose a resting spot near a stream for convenience in hygiene and cooking. Potatoes, cabbage, root vegetables that are hard to spoil, and high-protein meats like pork and beef should be prioritized for cooking.
Don't forget various spices, though small, they'll make meals much tastier and more interesting.
Pots, pans can be borrowed from a local porter (native guide) from the village. Disposable bowls, cups, and chopsticks should be used, which can be disposed of immediately after use.
Characteristics of Lảo Thẩn Mountain Region
The mountain climbing path isn't overly complex, mainly traversing grassy hills and low shrubbery, so it's advisable to equip yourself with a sun hat to avoid intense sunlight.
The ascent to the summit is covered with bushes and thorny trees, making movement difficult, and the wind is quite strong.
The resting point is an empty patch of land beside a stone cave inhabited by a Mông couple. The cave can only accommodate around 4 people. The water source is half an hour's trek from the cave through the forest. During dry seasons, water is scarce, so it's essential to carry ample drinking water.
The trail to the resting point has some beaten paths but many forks, so hiring a porter is necessary. They are local villagers familiar with the terrain who will guide the way and assist with carrying gear.
Travel Route to the Climbing Point
Stage 1: Hanoi - Y Ty Commune (380 km)
Y Ty is a highland commune situated near the northern border of Lao Cai province. Perched at an altitude of nearly 2,000 meters above sea level, its pristine climate and picturesque scenery, adorned with drifting clouds, make it a beloved destination for many travelers. Getting here offers several options:
Option 1: Take a coach or train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (280 km)
Rent a motorbike in Lao Cai city. Travel along the route Lao Cai – Bat Xat – Lung Po – Y Ty.
Lao Cai – Bat Xat (7 km) – Ban Vuoc (10 km) – Trinh Tuong (20 km) – Lung Po (20 km) – A Mu Sung (7 km) – A Lu (7 km) – Ngai Thau (5 km) – Y Ty (7 km). Total distance: 80 km.
If you opt for this route, make sure to arrange motorbike rental and depart early. The road to Y Ty from Lao Cai is quite challenging, as it runs along the border. Additionally, motorbike rental prices in Lao Cai are usually higher than in Sapa.
Option 2: Take a coach or train from Hanoi directly to Sapa (310 km)
Rent a motorbike in Sapa. Travel along the route Sapa – Mường Hum – Dền Sáng – Y Ty.
Sapa – Ta Giang Phinh – Ban Xeo (38 km) – Dền Sáng (19 km) – Y Ty (16 km). Total distance: 73 km
This option is more convenient, both in terms of motorbike rental and the timing of coach stops in the early morning. The road from Sapa to Y Ty is also more favorable and shorter.
In both cases, you need to quickly reach the center of Y Ty for lunch. Contact your guide porter in advance to depart early afternoon.
Alternatively, you can rent a car with a driver to take you directly to the climbing point and arrange for a pick-up time. The road from Sapa to Y Ty can now accommodate 24-seater vehicles. However, the mountainous road is prone to causing motion sickness.
Stage 2: Y Ty Commune – Foot of Lảo Thẩn Mountain (5 km)
Y Ty – Chung Chai (4 km) – Vegetable farm at Phin Ho – Mountain ascent
The mountain ascent point is a vast vegetable farm along the road to Phin Ho village, which used to be a military airfield during the French colonial period. You can park your motorbike here.
Stage 3: Ascending Lảo Thẩn Mountain (over 2,800 m)
Day 1: Trek to the resting point
It takes about 4 – 5 hours to reach the resting point. This is an empty patch of land with a stone cave where locals often rest.
If you start climbing in the early afternoon, try to hike early to reach the resting point and catch the sunset over the mountains.
Day 2: Summit Day
Wake up early, ascend to the summit to watch the sunrise before returning for breakfast. Typically, by 5:30 AM, the sun has risen, making it the most beautiful time atop the mountain. It takes only about an hour to move from the resting point to the summit, so there's no need to carry gear.
Return via the same path, enjoying views of the clouds and the mountainous landscape perched on large rock slabs, jutting out towards the Dền Sáng valley.
Descend from the mountain in the early afternoon, then hop on a vehicle back to Sapa for the journey back to Hanoi.
According to Vnexpress
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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour
MytourDecember 18, 2015
