Brian Jeffrey
Adventure at Ta Chi Nhu Peak
On the morning of Sunday, October 13, Thua Hoa from Hanoi, along with some friends, reached Ta Chi Nhu, which rises to 2,979 meters above sea level. They were greeted by a surprising number of fellow adventurers already at the location.
“After weeks of delays caused by super typhoon Yagi, we finally embarked on our weekend journey, only to discover a bustling crowd climbing Ta Chi Nhu—there were hundreds of them. Just as one group descended, another would ascend,” Thua Hoa recounted.
Upon reaching the peak, the group found themselves enveloped in thick fog. The trek from the rest stop at 2,400 meters had taken its toll, and they initially felt a bit disheartened by the lack of a clear view of the clouds below.
Fortunately, within half an hour, the sun began to rise, piercing through the fog and unveiling a breathtaking scene.
“We were all mesmerized as the atmospheric conditions unfolded. The sun emerged, the fog lifted, and a magnificent sea of clouds was revealed,” Thua Hoa added.
“Everyone rushed to capture this enchanting moment at the peak of Ta Chi Nhu.”
For Thua Hoa’s inaugural climb, they opted for the Tram Tau route for the ascent and the Nam Nghiep path for the descent. This route is favored for its relative ease, suited for most visitors, including those less inclined towards athletic challenges.
Starting their journey at 8:45 a.m. on October 12, they halted for lunch at 11:45 a.m. and continued to the 2,400-meter rest area, where they spent the night after hiking for two additional hours.
The next morning, they resumed their trek around 4 a.m., successfully reaching Ta Chi Nhu’s summit by 6 a.m. They spent an hour enjoying the view, checking in, and scouting for the clouds before making their way back down via Nam Nghiep.
Thua Hoa mentioned that despite the foggy conditions on the final stretch to the summit, climbers utilized flashlights to navigate and were ultimately rewarded with a stunning sunrise view upon arrival.
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Ta Chi Nhu stands as the tallest peak in the Tram Tau district of Yen Bai province and ranks sixth among Vietnam’s highest mountains, nestled in the Pu Luong massif of the Hoang Lien Son range.
Dubbed the “roof of Yen Bai,” this peak draws numerous trekkers each year, eager for both trekking and cloud observing, especially during the chi pau flowers’ blooming season.
The ideal season to conquer Ta Chi Nhu spans from September to April.
Thua Hoa recommends that prospective climbers check the weather prior to their journey and to plan excursions only on clear days.
It’s also wise for hikers to be well-prepared with appropriate attire, including windbreakers and light jackets, as temperatures can vary drastically between day and night. At the rest stop, temperatures may plummet to 13-14 degrees Celsius during the night.
For novice hikers, it is advisable to enhance endurance with some daily walks or stair climbing to boost stamina.
To escape the crowds typical of peak season, climbers might consider tackling Ta Chi Nhu on weekdays.
Furthermore, if hiking with a group, hiring a local porter is beneficial. They are intimately familiar with the trails and can guide you to the best spots for photographs while ensuring a safe adventure.
“Choosing vibrant colors like red, yellow, or blue for clothing and carrying a standard-sized Vietnamese flag can enhance your photographs at the Ta Chi Nhu summit marker,” Thua Hoa suggested.
