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With its rich plant system, ancient primeval forests, and numerous wildflowers in bloom, Tả Liên Mountain remains a mystery for many, including professional mountain climbers.
Tả Liên Mountain, also known as Co Trau Mountain, is located in Tả Lèng commune, Tam Đường district, Lai Châu province. The mountain, with an elevation of 2,993 meters above sea level, is among the highest peaks in Vietnam. The majestic mountainous landscape, combined with the pristine forest vegetation of the Tả Liên Mountain range, has captivated the footsteps of adventure enthusiasts.
Information about Tả Liên Mountain
Location: Tả Lèng Village, Tam Đường District, Lai Châu Province.
Coordinates: 22°27’46.10″N 103°33’21.60″E
Elevation: 2,993 meters
Climbing Duration: 3 days 2 nights
Terrain: Pristine old-growth forest
Difficulty Level: 4/5
Campgrounds, Water Sources: Generally scarce and narrow.
Distinctive Features of Tả Liên Mountain Range
At the summit of the mountain, the terrain is expansive with numerous shrubs scattered about. Climbing a tall tree offers a clear view of Lai Chau city nestled amidst the undulating waves of mountains. On the other side, the Hoang Lien Son range unveils its peaks, including Pu Ta Leng, Bach Moc Luong Tu, and Nhiu Co San, shrouded in the sea of clouds.
Tả Liên forest exudes a dense, fairy-tale-like ambiance with towering ancient trees and moss-covered rocks in various shades. Early morning sunlight filtering through the leaves, combined with drifting mist, creates a mystical scene. The diverse flora of Tả Liên is highlighted by numerous maple trees that exhibit vibrant colors during the autumn season around October and November. Additionally, scattered throughout the forest are fragrant, petite camellia flowers. Azaleas flourish at the summit, blossoming in early spring around February and March. Dwarf bamboo forests are abundant, particularly near the peak, featuring small, delectable shoots suitable for grilling or cooking with meat.
The trekking trail near the summit involves substantial rock climbing and traverses precarious terrain. Hiking during the hot season provides a refreshing experience within the cool forest shade, sparing hikers from the scorching sun often encountered in more exposed mountainous regions. However, the journey requires navigating through tree hollows, rock crevices, and dense bamboo thickets. Therefore, compact gear and suitable attire are essential to avoid scratches from the surrounding vegetation. Protective equipment and waterproof covers for gear are crucial during damp and frosty winter weather. Particularly, gloves are necessary for climbing sections.
Preparation Checklist:
A camping tent, insulated mat, and warm sleeping bag according to the number of occupants.
Personal clothing, gloves, a hat, especially essential in chilly winter conditions, and a comprehensive set of towels.
Rain gear, backpack cover, and a personal flashlight.
First aid kit, essential medications, heat patches, and more.
Dining Essentials
For breakfast, pack instant noodles, rise early to cook and enjoy with sausages or leftover evening meat.
Lunch should consist of quick meals like dried provisions, sesame-salt rice balls, or pastries for time efficiency.
Dinner, the main meal, requires hot food. Choose a camping spot near a stream for convenient hygiene and cooking. Prioritize bringing hard-to-mash potatoes, corn, and various tubers, as well as high-protein meats like pork and beef.
Enhance your meals with a variety of spices; even small additions can make them more delicious and enjoyable.
You can borrow pots and pans from a porter (someone tasked with carrying equipment and guiding) in the village. Use disposable bowls, cups, and utensils, and discard them immediately after use.
Move to the climbing point
Stage 1: Hanoi – Tả Lèng commune (380 km)
Bản Tả Lèng is situated approximately 8 km away from the city of Lai Châu, near the main road National Highway 4D. To reach here, you have two options:
Option 1: Take a sleeper bus from Hanoi directly to the city of Lai Châu (390 km). Spend a night on the bus, and you'll arrive in Lai Châu early the next day. From there, hire a motorbike taxi to Bản Tả Lèng, or you can request the bus to stop at the Tả Lèng intersection on National Highway 4D. Since the bus arrives early, it's advisable to contact the local residents in advance to plan your transportation to the foothills.
Option 2: Take a sleeper bus from Hanoi to Sa Pa (310 km).
Both options provide unique experiences, and you can choose the one that suits your preferences and schedule.
Upon reaching Sa Pa in the early morning, you can easily rent a motorcycle. Traveling along the scenic Ô Quy Hồ pass through Bình Lư and then Tam Đường will lead you to Tả Lèng, covering approximately 80 km. Motorcycle rental services in Sa Pa are popular and reasonably priced.
This option allows you to take control of your journey to and from the foothills to Sa Pa without relying on buses. Moreover, there are convenient and frequent bus services from Sa Pa back to Hanoi throughout the day.
Stage 2: Tả Lèng Commune – Tả Liên Mountain Base (10 km)
From the center of Tả Lèng commune to the edge of the forest is about 10 km of steep dirt roads. The path winds along the mountain slopes and penetrates the dense forest with narrow trails. In case of adverse weather, such as rain or fog, only 5 km can be covered, and the remaining section must be traversed on foot.
If you approach the edge of the forest where locals park their vehicles, be cautious about securing your parked bike. For safety, it's advisable to leave your bike with a local resident since you'll have to trek further. It will take approximately 3-4 hours from the center of the commune to reach the mountain base.
Itinerary and Trail to the Summit
For a 3-day, 2-night trek to the summit of Tả Liên, you can allocate your time as follows:
Day 1
Start the ascent around noon on day 1, following a trail commonly used by locals for forest excursions.
You can overnight at a stone cave, often frequented by trekkers, as there are minimal campsites along the route. Look for a flat resting spot near a water source before nightfall. Day 1 requires only 3-4 hours of climbing to reach an altitude of 1,900 m.
Day 2
Ascend to the summit at an elevation of 2,993 m. Consider leaving unnecessary belongings at the resting point, carrying only water and lunch.
If day 1 involves minimal movement, on day 2, carry essentials closer to the summit, find a resting point around 2,400 m for extra summit time. Reach the summit before 2 p.m. to return to the resting point before nightfall. Leave belongings behind compactly, with rain protection, and always carry a raincoat.
Day 3
Descend the mountain, reaching the forest edge around noon. Head back to Sa Pa before evening. Take an overnight bus to Hanoi.
Image: Journey to Conquer Majestic Tả Liên Mountains
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Posted by: Tuấn Nguyễn Quốc
Keywords: Suggested Itinerary for Conquering Tả Liên Mountain
