Embarking on a 3-Day Cloud Quest at Tà Chì Nhù

Perched at an altitude of 2,979 meters in Tram Tau district, Yen Bai province, Mount Tà Chì Nhù endures a harsh climate. Yet, it stands as an ideal haven for witnessing the grand ocean of clouds on those enchanting clear days.

Nested within the Pu Luong mountain cluster of the Hoang Lien Son range, the path to conquer this sixth-highest peak in Vietnam is deemed arduous. The challenging climate demands resilience and flexibility. However, the allure of a myriad of clouds and mountain winds at this lofty summit is irresistible for photography enthusiasts and intrepid adventurers.

Embarking on a 3-Day Cloud Quest at Tà Chì Nhù

Duration

The early days of winter or spring are opportune times to conquer Tà Chì Nhù. The weather is delightful, avoiding excessive heat or cold, ensuring a moderate effort ascent.

If you're starting your journey from Hanoi, allocating 3 days to conquer this peak is not only reasonable but also ideal. It provides just the right amount of time for hiking, enjoying the breathtaking scenery, and maintaining your well-being. For those looking to shorten the duration, a day and a half can be sufficient, but it requires excellent physical stamina.

Transportation

Take a bus from Hanoi to Yen Bai; the one-way ticket costs 100,000-160,000 VND. Then, rent a motorbike in Yen Bai city to travel to Tram Tau district before reaching Xa Ho village. From the village center, an additional 6-7 km journey requires leaving the vehicle behind to commence the challenging mountain ascent.

Essentials

At least 2 weeks prior, engage in physical exercises to enhance endurance. Lack of necessary fitness may impede the group's pace, leading to unexpected situations such as fainting along the way or being unable to reach the resting point before nightfall.

Personal Gear: Sleeping bag, just enough clothing, hat, hiking boots, walking stick, lighter, mosquito repellent, food, medical supplies, and, if carrying a camera, opt for a waterproof bag to safeguard against rain and humidity in the high-altitude terrain.

In addition to common medications like cold, fever, and cough remedies, ensure to pack a few bags of ginger tea. Having it hot in the early morning helps stabilize body temperature. Also, prepare heat patches, warm bags, and a power bank.

Food: Take the initiative to bring your own food; avoid purchasing in Tram Tau district as acquiring necessities here can be challenging. To lighten your load, you can buy everything you need upon reaching Yen Bai city rather than carrying it from a distance.

Itinerary Reference

Day 1: Hanoi – Nghia Lo

The journey from Hanoi to Nghia Lo town in Yen Bai province spans 200 km and takes approximately 5 hours. Upon arrival, take the time to rest, eat, explore some places in the town, and prepare for the mountain ascent the next day.

Day 2: Nghia Lo – Tram Tau – Xa Ho – Ta Chi Nhu

From Nghia Lo town to Tram Tau district, it's approximately 31 km. Continue towards Xa Ho village to begin the ascent of Ta Chi Nhu mountain.

Note: The mountain slope is steep, trails are narrow and slippery, the living conditions on the mountain are perilous with no footholds. In many sections, you might have to crawl, keeping a low center of gravity to conserve energy. The bare mountain is susceptible to strong winds, so a walking stick is essential for support. It takes around 6 to 7 hours to reach the horse camp, a natural water source suitable for camping. Hence, aim to start the journey from the parking area beneath the village no later than 10 AM to reach the destination before nightfall.

Day 3: Cloud Watching – Descending, Returning to Hanoi.

The sunrise atop Ta Chi Nhu is the reward for the challenges endured. However, the sight of beautiful clouds depends heavily on the weather. After cloud-gazing and moments of relaxation on the mountain peak, make sure to clean up the litter before heading back. The descent is much quicker, but be cautious of lingering dew making surfaces slippery.

Important Note

– It's advisable to hire a local guide for a reliable companion. You can also consider hiring an additional person to carry shared heavy items for the group. If unsure whom to hire, ask for directions to the home of the village secretary in Xa Ho for assistance.

– If the sky begins to darken, and you haven't reached the resting point, it's best to halt. Find a sheltered spot, spacious enough for camping. It's unsafe to continue climbing in the dark.

– The camping site is windy, necessitating a secure method to anchor down the tent with sturdy ropes.

– After completing the mountain ascent, the journey back to Nghia Lo offers picturesque views of the tranquil local life. Take a moment to appreciate scenes like grazing cows on the mountainside and capture these moments with your camera.

Source: VnExpress

***

Reference: Travel guide from Mytour