Ta Chi Nhu mountain is situated in Tram Tau District, in the northern mountainous province of Yen Bai, Vietnam. It is one of top places of mountain climbers and “cloud” hunters.
The mountain is also known as Phu Song Sung by the Thai ethnic, or Chung Chua Nha by the Mong people, and is part of the Pu Luong mountain of the Hoang Lien Son range.
Ta Chi Nhu is a perfect start to fulfill your dream of conquering the mountain top because there are not many obstacles or difficulties during the ascent.
The mountain is also home to horses, goats and cows. Local residents visit animal huts on the mountain every week, bringing salt to feed their animals.
How to get there?
To reach this mountain travellers from Ha Noi have to go through Nghia Lo Farm Town to Tram Tau District, then zigzag along small roads to Xa Ho Village, before taking an 8km ride to the foot of Ta Chi Nhu.
What’s the best time to conquer Ta Chi Nhu peak?
The best time of year to climb this mountain and to watch the clouds is between October and February, when the cool air causes clouds to gather around the mountain. This is also the winter in the northern Vietnam.
The weather conditions near the mountain are often foggy and windy. The path to the peak is almost vertical, sometimes like walking on a ridge.
From the foothills, dense fog surrounds the area, not to mention strong winds, which become stronger near the top, whipping climbers’ faces. On the way, you will see fields of flowers and small streams.
The trekking up was tough, but the nature scenery was worth it.
Ta Chi Nhu guided trek
Although Ta Chi Nhu peak is lower compared to Mount Fansipan (the highest mount 3,143m in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai), the way to the top is more difficult because of Yen Bai mountain’s sloping and tortuous roads.
To ensure that climbers’ trips are safe, they should contact local authorities and hire a qualified local guide.
If you book a guided trek through a local tour operator or join a group tour, the trekking permit will be handled by the tour company.
Where to stay?
Hikers who conquer the 2,000m height can stay overnight at the transient station where they can camp overnight, light a fire and drink hot tea, while enjoying the clouds and sky, as well as have a unique chance to watch the mesmerizing dawn and sunset among the clouds.
From here, visitors have to hike several kilometres to reach the final destination, where they will feel as though they can reach out to grab those lazy, floating clouds surrounding them, which create a fairy tale-like world.
Also from the peak, hikers can easily see the Ta Y Cho and Ta Xua peaks. In the ocean of clouds, those peaks float like stunning islands.
