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Tả Liên Sơn, also known as Cổ Trâu Mountain, stands proudly at 2996 meters above sea level, ranking as the 6th highest peak in Vietnam. Situated in Tả Lèng commune, Tam Đường district, Lai Châu, this mountain is no stranger to explorers and conquerors. However, within its familiar facade lies a realm of enchantment, continuously enticing us to return.
The Phong Forest is currently adorned in its peak beauty.
Choosing the most intricate route, we embarked on a journey to Tả Liên. At 10 PM on Friday, we boarded a sleeper bus bound for Sapa. By Saturday morning, we rented a motorbike and headed straight to Tả Lèng commune. The 80-kilometer stretch, traversing the O Quy Ho pass, was nothing short of breathtaking.
Navigating the early morning on the O Quy Ho pass.
The thought crossed my mind, 'Why not leave the motorbike behind and trek from the village like other groups'?
Offroad adventure number one, navigating through rugged terrain.
After over an hour of trekking through the challenging slopes, we finally reached the edge of the forest. Joyful tears were shed, but there was no time to rest. The entire team, fully geared up, commenced the ascent as the clock struck noon.
Seizing the opportunity to capture commemorative photos at the forest edge.
The initial stretch posed no significant challenges, and the vegetation carpet was not yet diverse. The only remarkable sights were the ancient forest peach trees and the dwarf maples intricately lining the path.
Dwarf maples casting a cool shadow on both sides of the trail.
After trekking for a little over an hour, a beautiful bamboo forest unfolded before us. This proved to be the perfect spot for lunch and a brief rest.
Seizing the moment to capture a blink of the midday sun.
The afternoon trail took us from one surprise to another, adorned with lush vegetation and enchanting primary forests.
Clusters of moss showcasing their vibrancy on the roots of the oak trees.
Ancient trees stretching gracefully in the sunlight.
Mosses of various hues flourish abundantly, adorning even the roots of the majestic ancient trees.
The symbiotic life of the moss kingdom.
After approximately 3 hours of continuous ascent, the old forest area gradually unveiled itself. Near the region, there stood an ancient tree, spacious enough for three to hide within. Unfortunately, it succumbed to a storm and now lies felled by its forces.
Taking a rest beneath the shade of an ancient tree.
The next segment of the journey ascends to a new plateau, challenging with steep slopes but rewarding with a magnificent primeval forest, a delightful treat for the adventurous souls.
Striking a pose beside the massive tree trunk.
After nearly 4 hours of continuous ascent post-lunch, the entire team arrived at the resting plateau. Nestled in a flat area, hidden among towering trees, adorned with red-hued maple trees and ancient tea bushes.
A Páo's chosen resting spot.
The most vibrant red maple tree in the forest.
Grilled naked chicken on skewers.
A sumptuous and rich dinner spread.
As night fell, the temperature plummeted swiftly with the absence of the sun. All groups gathered around the dining table, not forgetting a bit of wine to warm the bodies, quickly surrendering to sleep before the clock struck 9 PM.
On Sunday (the third day), the entire team rose at 3:30 AM, starting the day with a bowl of hearty chicken bone noodle soup before continuing the journey to conquer Tả Liên peak.
The initial stretch involved consecutive steep and damp slopes, providing the ideal conditions for the moss family to thrive.
The enchanting world of the 'Moss Forest'.
The mystical garden.
Unusual trees resembling maple leaves thrive abundantly on the mossy clusters.
Are they distant relatives of the Maple family, perhaps?
A picture within a picture.
Besides the moss family, the mushroom family also thrives quite favorably.
Wild mushrooms dotting the forest floor.
Or perhaps, unfamiliar trees that we have yet to encounter.
Exotic plant species.
And the moss carpets serve as a picturesque backdrop for stunning photographs.
Mossy Background.
After about 3 hours of continuous ascent, the team finally reached the summit. Tả Liên's peak boasts a wide expanse of rhododendron forest interspersed with other soft-stemmed trees. Today, Tả Liên adorns itself with a cloak of mist.
The stainless steel pinnacle named Tả Liên Mountain Top.
Feasting and dancing in the misty veil for nearly an hour. Just as the thought of an entirely fog-covered day crossed our minds, the sun suddenly emerged as if understanding our hearts and then...
Clouds hovering over the rhododendron garden.
Seizing the moment to savor the vibrant hues of life in the late autumn weather.
Small yet mighty.
Coexisting with Mother... Tree.
Beauty in its own right.
Embarking on the mountain descent at 9 AM, the whole team finally had leisure time to admire the forest in the morning. The foggy ambiance added to the mystique, delaying our full appreciation.
A belated sunrise through the embrace of a mighty tree.
And here is the masterpiece of Tả Liên Mountain - the 'Red Maple Tree'.
The Red Maple Tree.
Although there is lingering nostalgia for Tả Liên, every joyous journey has its conclusion. We bid a temporary farewell to Tả Liên with a promise to return.
Farewell, Tả Liên Mountain Top.
Itinerary for a 2-day, 3-night adventure:
Return to the resting plateau at 11 AM, have lunch and take a break. Descend the mountain at 1 PM. Arrive at Tả Lèng by 4 PM. Reach Sapa by 6:30 PM. Freshen up, dine, board the sleeper bus to Hanoi at 10 PM.
Self-organized budget: 1,450,000 VND. Contact Porter A Đánh at 0332652511 or A Páo at 0787013149.
Mytour Golocal is a blog program showcasing beautiful destinations across Vietnam as part of the Mytour Go & Share initiative. It's a fantastic opportunity to promote local tourism. For each qualified article, you'll receive 800,000 VND and a chance to become a contributor with Mytour. Details about the program can be found at: https://trv.lk/golocal
