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Let me recount to you an extraordinary odyssey to the summit of Lungle Cung, filled with numerous unexpected wonders. It encompasses the cloud ocean, ancient forest canopies, bamboo groves, and mesmerizing rock formations glistening under the midday sun. Picture a mystical night under the starlit Milky Way in the forest beside a babbling brook, with a campsite, a roaring fire, and the aroma of grilled meat filling the air. All accompanied by our trusty canine companion, Tun - an impressive forest enthusiast, adept at conquering slopes, always safeguarding and trailing with us throughout the journey.
We decided to conquer the Lungle Cung peak last winter. This peak, standing proudly at 2925 meters, is among the most beautiful in Vietnam. It draws its name from a village nestled deep in the most treacherous mountainous terrain in Nậm Có commune, Mù Cang Chải district, Yên Bái province. The expedition was marked by four companions and a dog named Tun. The arduous journey involved rough rocky paths and challenging weather conditions with cold rain and thick fog.
However, in return, we experienced an emotionally charged mountain climb filled with friendship, love, overcoming oneself, and sheer happiness amidst the majestic nature. Starting from Hanoi, driving up to Tu Le town, Yen Bai, we rested to prepare for the challenging journey ahead. Locals warned us about the difficulty of the road leading to Tu San village. A muddy, narrow, and steep path awaited. Conquering this stretch in adverse weather would prove extremely challenging. Despite our concerns, we remained determined to find the nearest village at the mountain's base for trekking towards this beautiful peak.
The morning forest scene is absolutely enchanting with pristine rays of sunlight cascading down. Sipping a cup of coffee amidst the ancient canopy, doesn't it sound absolutely exquisite?
True to the advice of the locals, we had to overcome an extremely challenging path. Pushing the vehicle through mud and tackling steep slopes, our belongings, clothes, and ourselves were drenched and covered in mud due to the slippery and treacherous road. The path was long, with few signs of human habitation. Luckily, we encountered someone living near the mountain named Ho A Nha. Despite his limited knowledge of the Kinh language, making the exchange of information about the mountain difficult, after some persuasion, A Nha agreed to be our guide, leading our group up the Lungle Cung mountain.
The muddy road leading to Tu San village made us spend the entire morning just reaching the base of the mountain.
After overcoming that perilous stretch and leaving the quiet Tu San village shrouded in thick fog, we stumbled into a field of swaying reeds, dancing in the wind. In the distance, a cauldron-like cloud formation was brewing as the sun began to set. Passing through fields of pink-tinted reeds under the warm hues of the sunset, we entered the forest as the day was nearing its end. The towering trees covered the sky, casting an early dusk over the forest.
Leaving Tu San village, we came across hills covered in swaying reeds dancing in the wind.
After a long day of driving, leaving everyone exhausted and eager to rest, A Nha led us into the forest for a stretch before deciding to halt at a flat spot near a stream. Setting up camp, lighting a fire, and preparing food for cooking, it was also the moment when the pitch-black night enveloped the ancient forest. The meals in the ancient forest were always impressive. Each person had a role - someone laid leaf mattresses for comfort, another roasted sticky rice cakes, someone skewered grilled meat, and someone gathered firewood. The dinner was quickly completed in the chilly air of the descending forest night.
Night in the forest, we divided tasks to set up camp, pitch tents, build a fire, and skewer grilled meat. An interesting experience with fellow companions.
Amidst the crackling warmth of the night fire, the sound of the stream's gentle flow, and the chorus of insects, we sat side by side, exchanging stories and banter to ward off the cold. The silent night, looking up at the sky and enjoying the breathtaking beauty of the Milky Way, was truly an indescribable emotion. The sky seemed closer, as if we were in a different world, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city outside. A Ho prepared firewood to keep us warm through the night. The colder it got as the night deepened, the more we retreated into our sleeping bags, donning hats, wrapping scarves tightly, and entering the tents to lie down. Someone even brought a small speaker, playing a few old songs. Sleep gradually took over the night. Dreams ensued.
Waking up to the pure freshness of dew, the morning feels invigorating, with sunlight casting a gentle glow on the tiny specks of forest dust, and everything adorned in shades of green. Packing our gear, the group sets out with the midday goal of reaching the summit of Lungle Cung before returning to Tu San village by nightfall.
The sunrise in the untouched forest area is truly magnificent. It feels like we are traversing the most beautiful landscapes in this Tu San region. Massive rocks, mossy formations, and flat terrain surround us. Waterfalls meander through the dense forest. Venturing further reveals unique plant life with intertwined bamboo canes creating scenes reminiscent of the movie 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.' As we ascend, more and more slender-leaved trees and smaller stems interweave, creating a dense tapestry.
Trekking through the enchanting bamboo forest is mesmerizing, akin to scenes from the movie 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.'
A Nha showed us mouse traps made from bamboo stems and trunks. These perilous traps are hard to detect as they blend with the brown and green hues of bamboo and slender stems. A Nha, concerned for our safety, improvised a leash from a rope to keep his dog Tun close. Tun runs swiftly, seemingly familiar with the forest path on every journey with its owner, displaying remarkable resilience and fearlessness.
Thanks to the mountain dog's sensitivity, there were moments we thought it had lost our group, only to find it waiting ahead after calling incessantly. We navigated carefully through traps, undeterred by dense forests, determined to follow our leader up to the summit. This mountain dog left a lasting impression on us.
Tun – the nimble mountain dog always leads the way or retraces its steps to find members of the group if anyone falls behind.
Near the mountain peak, rolling hills adorned with white flowers sway in the sucking winds of the deep valley. Despite the midday sun, it's bone-chilling due to the biting mountain breeze. Beyond the fields of white flowers, we paused by the slope of a windy hill to orient ourselves. The distant peak we sought was likely on the other side. The wind intensified. Steps on the golden and brown grassy hillside felt precarious as the gusts from below blew forcefully.
Adhering tightly to the sturdy grass stems, hands gripping the tough grassy terrain, we reversed our steps upwards. The sky deepened in color. Clouds rolled and drifted swiftly, akin to the images seen in time-lapse videos. These peculiar moments in nature spurred our footsteps even stronger.
Near the summit, the hills are kissed by abundant wind, and a sea of rolling clouds unfolds gracefully.
Navigating through windy stretches adorned with fields of white flowers, surrounded by small villages scattered across the valley, happiness fills our hearts as the distant shout of our fellow trekker echoes, 'We're here, at the peak of Lungle Cung!' The excitement, the pulsating cheer, resonates, making the journey even more emotional. Despite the wind tugging at our backs, pushing against our faces, we briskly climb to overcome this last slope and place our feet on the high summit. Eyes sting as we witness the red flag of triumph being hoisted by those who reached ahead.
We step onto the wind-blown grassy hill on the ocean of clouds. I want to lie down there, where the wind and clouds are dancing. Drifting into a blissful slumber, inhaling the sweet scent of golden grass.
The summit of Lungle Cung offers a vast and panoramic view. It feels like having a whole soccer field on the mountain top. In the distance, the sea of drifting white clouds blankets the Lungle Cung range. The enchanting scenery is beyond words. In that moment, each person finds their own spot, standing still before the precious gift that the mountain has bestowed upon those who endured hardships to reach this place.
And the joy of successfully conquering the majestic Lungle Cung mountain alongside fantastic fellow trekkers! In front lies the ocean of clouds, a place where paradise truly exists.
Standing amidst the sky-high clouds on a rocky outcrop, the surrounding towering mountains appear in layers of magnificence.
The wind rises from the valley below, rolling and stirring the clouds into waves. Clouds tumble, enveloping the grassy hills, winding and snaking up the mountain walls. Truly, a few moments to admire these breathtaking scenes are a gift for adventurers like us.
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Author: Nguyễn Hạnh Hà My
* This article is part of the Mytour Golocal program.
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