Buzz
Tà Năng – Phan Dũng is a trekking paradise that everyone who has had the chance to experience can attest to its breathtaking beauty.
Embarking on a dream trek, Tà Năng – Phan Dũng
A challenging and grueling journey, trekking over 55km through mountains and forests, requires basic survival skills, physical fitness, a backpack with essentials (tent, sleeping bag, food, and most importantly, water) weighing around 15kg. Strong and resilient legs are a must.
The renowned Tà Năng – Phan Dũng trail attracts a growing number of trekkers, starting from the paper flower house – a gathering and vegetable washing spot for preparing the night camp. The host is friendly, but always ask for permission before doing anything. The journey begins on winding paths, passing through buffalo and cow pens on vast empty lands, to narrow paths just big enough for a foot.
After crossing about a dozen small and large streams, the first challenge is a series of consecutive steep slopes, surrounded by pine and warm cap trees growing at the base. You have to climb three consecutive high slopes, with 15kg on your back. Take a short break, gaze into the distance, and you'll see several other distant slopes. The destination for the first day is still a dozen hills away.
On that day, our group climbed swiftly, reaching the lunch break spot by midday. Facing us was the tri-province hill – the convergence point of Lam Dong, Binh Thuan, and Ninh Thuan provinces. After lunch and a rest, we moved towards the summit of the tri-province hill. The wind brushed against our faces at the summit, allowing me to freely gaze at the surrounding hills and mountains, realizing nowhere could be more beautiful than this place.
Our group pressed on, encountering sudden rain showers. We decided to don raincoats and forge ahead. Six individuals in the group assisted each other through slippery and muddy paths. With 15kg on our shoulders, almost every step with our faces down, everything became more challenging.
By 3 in the afternoon, the group reached the two pine tree hill, also the destination for the first day. Setting up tents, preparing a barbecue, and resting after the arduous journey. This hill is higher than others, camping here offers a panoramic view of the surroundings.
Setting up camp at night, after socializing with other groups, singing in various styles, and entering the sleeping tent, preparing for the next day's journey back to Phan Dũng. The way back to Phan Dũng is shorter but more strenuous due to the climate in the Phan Dũng forest being less cool than Tà Năng, drier air, and more fatigue-inducing.
Cleaning up by 7 am, gathering trash, and starting the journey back to Phan Dũng. Mostly trails, no steep slopes like in Tà Năng. The vegetation is different, with high grassy paths one after another. By noon, exiting the Phan Dũng forest, our group looked for a lunch spot, rested, and waited for the ride back to the city. Truly completing the Tà Năng – Phan Dũng trekking adventure, a feeling of surpassing myself, breaking through my own limits.
Important notes for Tà Năng – Phan Dũng trekking:
Pack your personal belongings, prepare the lightest and most comfortable gear. It's best to bring two sets of clothing, socks, hats, and reserve dry rations like dried noodles, candy, and biscuits for when hunger or fatigue strikes. Additionally, bring high-energy foods like brown rice with sesame salt, as rice has a long shelf life.
Water is the most crucial element of the journey. While there are many clear and clean water streams in the forest, the water here is contaminated with Dioxin, so limit consumption. Usually, during the green grass season with cool weather, it's less tiring to walk. Prepare about 6 liters of water per person to ensure a smooth journey, as there are no shops or supply points along the way.
Personal medical supplies include fever and cold medication, Paracetamol, personal adhesive bandages, cotton, mosquito repellent cream, salonpas. These may be small, but they serve various purposes during the trip.
By Peter Cao
***
Reference: Mytour Travel Guide
MytourSeptember 26, 2017
