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With its rich flora, pristine old-growth forests, and a plethora of wildflowers blooming, Tả Liên mountain remains an enigma to many, even seasoned mountaineers.
Tả Liên mountain (also known as Cổ Trâu mountain) is situated in Tả Lèng commune, Tam Đường district, Lai Châu province. Standing at an elevation of 2,993 meters above sea level, it ranks among the tallest peaks in Vietnam. The majestic landscape of towering mountains along with the expanse of pristine forest vegetation in the Tả Liên Sơn range has captivated the footsteps of adventurous souls.
Information about Tả Liên mountain
Location: Tả Lèng hamlet, Tam Đường district, Lai Châu province.
Coordinates: 22°27’46.10″N 103°33’21.60″E
Elevation: 2.993 meters above sea level
Duration of ascent: 3 days and 2 nights
Terrain: Primeval old-growth forest
Difficulty level: 4 out of 5
Campgrounds and water sources: Generally scarce and narrow.
Distinctive Features of Tả Liên Sơn
At the summit of the mountain, the expanse is dotted with dense shrubbery. Climbing up tall trees offers clear views of Lai Chau city nestled amidst the undulating waves of the mountains. On the other side, the Hoang Lien Son range stretches out, with peaks like Pu Ta Leng, Bach Moc Luong Tu, and Nhiu Co San shrouded in the sea of clouds.
The Tả Liên forest is dense and incredibly 'fairytale-like' with its large ancient trees and moss-covered rocks in various shades. Early sunlight filtering through the leaves, combined with lingering mist, creates an enchanting scene. The flora in Tả Liên is diverse, characterized by numerous maple trees that blaze brilliantly during the autumn months. Leaf-changing season typically occurs around October to November. Additionally, tea flowers are scattered throughout the forest, emitting a delicate fragrance. Rhododendrons thrive at the peaks, blooming brightly in early spring around February to March. There is also a considerable amount of dwarf bamboo, particularly near the summit. This bamboo variety has tender shoots and is delicious when grilled or cooked with meat.
The trekking trail, especially near the summit, involves significant scrambling and traversing through perilous terrain. Hiking during the hot season offers respite from the heat as the dense forest provides ample shade. However, hikers must navigate through dense thickets, rocky crevices, and bamboo bushes. As such, it's essential to pack light and wear appropriate attire to prevent scratches from forest vegetation and bamboo. Protective gear and careful equipment wrapping are necessary, especially during humid days or frosty winter mornings. Gloves are particularly essential for climbing.
Preparation Checklist:
Tents, insulated mats, and warm sleeping bags, ensuring adequate quantities for the number of campers.
Personal clothing, gloves, hats, and scarves, especially crucial for cold winter conditions.
Raincoat, backpack cover, and personal flashlight.
Medical supplies, basic medications, heat patches...
Food Tips
For breakfast, bring instant noodles, wake up early to cook and have them with sausages or leftover meat from the previous night.
For lunch, opt for quick meals like jerky, sesame salt rice balls, or pastries to save time.
Dinner should consist of hot meals. Choose a camping spot near a stream for easy cleaning and cooking. Prioritize bringing potatoes, cabbage, root vegetables, lean pork, and beef for cooking.
Don't forget the variety of spices, although small, they will make the meal much more delicious and interesting.
Pots and pans can be borrowed from a porter (someone tasked with carrying equipment, giving directions) brought from the village. Use disposable bowls, cups, and chopsticks, dispose of them immediately after use.
Move to climbing point
Stage 1: Hanoi - Tả Lèng commune (380 km)
Tả Lèng village is about 8 km from Lai Chau city and is close to the main road, National Highway 4D. To get here, you have two options:
Option 1: Take a sleeper bus from Hanoi directly to Lai Chau city (390 km).
Spending a night sleeping in the car brings you to Lai Chau City early the next day. From there, you can hire a motorcycle taxi to Tả Lèng village, or you can ask the bus driver to drop you off at the Tả Lèng intersection on Highway 4D. Since you're arriving early, it's advisable to contact the locals in advance for transportation arrangements to the foot of the mountain.
Option 2: Take a sleeper bus from Hanoi to Sapa (310 km).
Upon arrival in Sapa in the early morning, rent a motorbike here. Travel via the Ô Quy Hồ pass through Bình Lư and then Tam Đường to reach Tả Lèng, approximately 80 km away. Motorbike rental services in Sapa are quite popular and reasonably priced.
This option allows you to have control over your transportation to and from the mountainous area to Sapa, without depending on buses. Moreover, transportation from Sapa to Hanoi is very convenient with numerous trips available throughout the day.
Leg 2: Tả Lèng Commune – Tả Liên Mountain Base (10 km)
From the center of Tả Lèng commune to the edge of the forest is approximately a 10 km journey on steep dirt roads, traversing along the mountain slopes and penetrating through the forest with narrow, winding trails. In adverse weather conditions such as rain or fog, only about 5 km can be traversed, and the remaining stretch must be covered on foot.
When approaching the edge of the forest, where locals still park their vehicles, make sure to lock your bike securely. For safety, consider leaving your vehicle with a local as you'll have to trek further. It will take approximately 3-4 hours from the village center to reach the foot of the mountain.
Itinerary and Route to the Summit
For a 3-day, 2-night trek to the summit of Ta Lien, you can allocate your time as follows:
Day 1
Start the ascent around noon on day 1, following the well-trodden path used by locals for forest exploration. You can spend the night at a rock shelter commonly used by forest explorers, as there are hardly any campsites along the way. Look for a flat resting spot near a water source before nightfall. Day 1 typically involves a 3-4 hour climb, reaching an altitude of 1,900 meters.
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Day 2: Summit Day!
Ascend to the peak at 2,993 meters. Leave unnecessary gear at the campsite, only carry water and lunch.
For those who had a light trek on day 1, bring gear closer to the summit on day 2. Aim to find a resting spot around 2,400 meters for extra summit enjoyment time. Summit before 2 p.m. to return to camp before nightfall. Ensure gear left behind is compact and waterproof; always carry rain gear.
Day 3: Descend and Return
Descend the mountain, reaching the forest edge by midday. Return to Sapa by early evening. Overnight bus back to Hanoi.
Source: Vnexpress.net
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MytourJanuary 5, 2016
