Tay Con Linh is a mountain peak considered the roof of the Northeastern mountainous region of Vietnam. Starting from the upper reaches of the Chay River, this mountain range lies deep in the territory of Hoang Su Phi and Vi Xuyen districts of Ha Giang province. The highest peak of Tay Con Linh is 2428 m high, with typical high mountain terrain. At the foot of the mountain, the climate is tropical monsoon, while the mountain peak has a temperate climate of the high mountains. The temperature decreases with altitude, so the mountain peak is always immersed in cold, with fog and clouds covering the surrounding area, creating an indescribable wild and majestic beauty.
The sacred land of Ha Giang is called Tay Con Linh.
Temporarily leaving office life, Linh Phan (26 years old, Quang Ninh) just had a trip to climb Tay Con Linh mountain and shared: "Actually, at first, I didn't even intend to go climbing this time because I was afraid that after climbing, I wouldn't be in good health to participate in the Half Marathon the following week. But one fine day, while surfing Facebook, I saw a woman posting an ad recruiting members to climb Tay Con Linh, so I tried to find out what it was like. Seeing that this mountain was quite easy to climb and the scenery was very beautiful, I signed up to join the group to conquer it right away."
The calls of birds echoing through the cliffs and the chirping of insects in the quiet space make visitors feel like they are lost in a fairyland that can only be seen in science fiction movies.
Tay Con Linh is not only a sacred mountain but also home to many diverse ethnic communities such as La Chi, Dao, Nung and many others. Their lives are closely tied to nature and they have their own customs, habits and beliefs.
Legend has it that Tay Con Linh was the birthplace of Saint La Chi, who taught people the secrets of farming, hunting and community building. The area is also famous for its rich flora and fauna, with primeval forests containing many rare species of trees and diverse animals. This has created an attractive environment for the convergence of many rare bird species.
The best time to climb is during the dry season, which starts in late September and lasts until April. During this time, you have the chance to experience all the grandeur of the landscape, from the golden rice terraces in autumn, to the flooding season in April or the bright red rhododendron flowers in early spring.
The whole group stopped to rest by a small waterfall in the middle of the forest.
Having been trekking before, this was the first trip that Linh Phan joined a group without knowing anyone before. Sharing with Travellive, she said: "At first, I was hesitant, because I was a girl, joining a group of strangers and going up a high mountain, so I was a bit hesitant. In addition, I was also afraid that no one would take pictures for me, although going hiking is mainly to immerse myself in nature and relieve stress, but having beautiful photos to bring back is still better. In the end, I still took the risk, considering it an experience to escape from my comfort zone. And it's true that God does not disappoint people, I had a great trip with everyone and also have many beautiful photos to bring back."
The journey to conquer Tay Con Linh opens with a 6km motorbike route from the village to the foot of the climbing point. This road is very bad, requiring the drivers to be local people with steady hands to be able to overcome the jagged rocks. The road is not too long but you will be able to go through the houses of the locals, see the terraced fields, and cross the babbling streams.
Linh Phan recalls: "I got to cross the forest, go on dirt roads, gravel and sometimes even muddy roads. And we didn't just sit straight to reach the foot of the climbing point, we had to stop twice, just to let the motorbikes rest after each stage of exhausting acceleration to overcome the slopes. I had been to a few mountain peaks before, but this was truly the road that left the deepest impression on me."
Majestic nature and impressive vegetation open up many interesting things for curious tourists.
On the journey to conquer Tay Con Linh, curious tourists will discover many interesting things, not only about the unique culture but also about the wonderful beauty of the mountainous nature. They will admire the landscapes that wild nature brings, something that is hard to find in urban life.
The road to Tay Con Linh peak leads through a series of dense forests and primeval forests, where there is a variety of flora, from hundred-year-old trees to herbaceous plants and lush green reeds. With each step up, visitors will feel the constant change of landscape, from quiet forests to mysterious hidden ones. This area has a cold and humid climate, so it is not difficult to see moss-covered trees, strange tree trunks growing on other trees, creating a beautiful, mysterious natural picture.
The journey was memorable not only because of conquering the roof of the Northeast, discovering majestic nature, but also the companionship of new friends.
Throughout the trip, for Linh Phan, every memory was truly memorable. From everyone sitting around the fire, the fragrant smell of roasted potatoes and the stories that connected the group. Although not a delicacy, the experience of eating roasted potatoes on the high mountains gave her a different feeling, adding to the color of the trip.
"When I got to eat a hot piece of roasted pork leg, just lifted from the fire, biting into the crispy skin was so great. And I will surely remember forever the drunken Northwestern drinking session in the afternoon going down the mountain. That day, our group decided to go down the mountain to the porter's house to sit and eat comfortably, then I realized, ah, it turns out that the porter's enthusiasm and thoughtfulness are all in our genes. From the porter's grandparents to his parents, everyone was very hospitable and treated us very thoughtfully, thoughtfully from food to drinks, so that day I really had a memorable meal," Linh Phan recalled.
The rays of light through the primeval forest are as beautiful as a film.
Notes for those who want to conquer Tay Con Linh
Tay Con Linh is a newly emerging mountain climbing route with an altitude of 2428 m, which can be conquered by all ages, as long as you have enough physical strength and perseverance. Most of the trips are carefully prepared by porters, you just need to take a bus to Ha Giang City, the rest is taken care of by porters. With the experience of having climbed a few peaks before, Linh Phan has advice for tourists who intend to climb Tay Con Linh or other peaks to wear colorful and outstanding clothes, this will increase your recognition in a group of people, and help you have super beautiful check-in photos in the middle of the green forest. In particular, don't forget to bring light, quick-drying clothes. If climbing in winter, thermal shirts and windbreakers are the two things you need to pay attention to first.
In addition, bring cloth gloves in case you have to hold on to branches and tree trunks on the way up the mountain, it can injure your hands. Fully prepare hats, gloves, spare batteries, spare medicine and basic first aid kits are essential. According to Linh Phan, with 2-day 1-night trips like Tay Con Linh, visitors also need to bring an extra set of clothes to change for the next day. Although it is an easy route, participants should exercise at least a week before climbing the mountain to ensure good health and enjoy the trip to the fullest.
Another slice of Vietnam tourism that you may not have touched.
"A good pair of shoes and a trekking stick will help you a lot when walking on muddy, slippery roads. If you don't have a stick, the porter can cut bamboo branches on the side of the road for you. I think a stick is really necessary for the trip, it is both a support to help you save energy and helps you find your way when encountering muddy places. The porter will ensure you have enough food and drinks for the whole trip, but I think you should also bring your own water because on the way down the mountain, the drinking water will be spring water boiled on a wood stove, it is inevitable that the smell of charcoal will stick to the water, it will be a bit difficult to drink for those who are not used to it.
For those with a history of low blood pressure or poor health, you should bring some candy and sweets. Finally, because this is a new route and not too high, there is currently only one rest area, about 15 - 30 minutes of climbing from the top of the mountain. The rest area is quite small, a bit muddy, the toilet is not as close to the shelter as some other mountain peaks, it takes a few minutes to walk and is not very clean. Actually, when going climbing, everyone is determined to be in harmony with nature, so I tell everyone to prepare mentally," Linh Phan enthusiastically shared.
Careful preparation is also the way to give you a complete experience of a journey.
