Conquering Bach Moc Luong Tu - an unforgettable first love.

Bach Moc Luong Tu, also known by its original name Ky Quan San, is located between Sin Suoi Ho commune (Phong Tho district, Lai Chau province) and Sang Ma Sao commune (Bat Xat district, Lao Cai province). The peak is approximately 3046 meters high, ranking among the top four highest mountains in Vietnam, after Fansipan, Putaleng, and Pusilung. Although the name is often confused with Bach Moc Luong in China, Bach Moc Luong Tu is actually the name given to this mountain by the trekking community, while its original name is Ky Quan San.

"I was intrigued by a story a friend told me during a previous trip, and then we made a plan to trek to a spot she liked. In the end, we decided to climb Bach Moc Luong Tu," Trung Anh, a photographer from Hanoi who just conquered the peak, excitedly shared.

This route is one of the must-see attractions for those passionate about conquering nature and challenging themselves. The climb up Bach Moc Luong Tu mountain can start from both directions, namely from Lao Cai province and Lai Chau province. The route from Lao Cai is usually preferred because it has pre-developed trails, which somewhat alleviate the difficulties of navigating through the forest. On the Lao Cai side, there is also a rest stop at an altitude of 2100m, allowing trekkers to stop, rest, recharge, and prepare for the final leg of the journey.

The distance from the foot of the mountain to the summit is about 30 km, traversing diverse terrains, from barren hills covered in green grass, lush bamboo forests, dense thickets of tall trees, to steep, moss-covered cliffs. Trung Anh said: "For someone like me who is still in the process of training my physical fitness, I found conquering this peak not too difficult. There were many children, adults, and even people climbing for the first time like me. Personally, I think this sport requires willpower, not physical strength."

For those who love and intend to conquer Bach Moc Luong Tu, it's probably best to plan your climb during the transitional period between spring and summer. At this time, the weather is neither too cold nor too hot. Climbing in the summer, when the sun is scorching, requires traveling long distances, often leading to dehydration and fatigue. However, climbing in winter is also a worthwhile experience; in years with very cold weather, the snow-covered mountain trail is incredibly picturesque.

"I was lucky to go on a day with fairly stable weather, so the climb was much easier. However, I wore shoes not designed for mountain climbing, which made the climb painful and very difficult," Trung Anh recounted. It can be said that conquering Bach Moc Luong Tu is beautiful in any season, but be sure to avoid climbing on drizzly days, when the path becomes slippery and dangerous. Because the journey is quite challenging, it is recommended that participants go in a group, use porter services, and have a guide, avoiding going alone.

It's no coincidence that Bach Moc Luong Tu is a favorite among trekkers, because the trekking route along the entire journey creates an irresistible attraction. For the most part, the entire ascent consists of uphill and only a few flat sections. Therefore, the journey is divided into two rather long and tiring sections: a long trail (about 2 km) and a steep slope of 1600 m, with some sections reaching 2100 m.

Bach Moc Luong Tu is not just a mountain with rich vegetation, but also a natural treasure trove with its mysterious primeval forest. Rare flowers and unique plants bloom amidst the pristine wilderness, offering adventurous hearts a thrilling and novel experience. This is also what captivated Trung Anh the first time they met Bach Moc Luong Tu; he confessed: "Standing surrounded by majestic high mountains, I felt incredibly small amidst this natural beauty."

However, the real impression came not only from the stunning natural scenery but also from the camaraderie and solidarity of the entire climbing group that Trung Anh felt. Conquering the challenging Bach Moc Luong Tu peak was difficult, but the words "keep going" from everyone he passed gave him extra motivation and strength to complete the journey.

As a photographer, it's not surprising that by the end of this trip, he had compiled an album of incredibly beautiful photos of the mountains and forests here. He shared: "As a photographer, I often observe everything around me and appreciate the scenery slowly. I also frequently seek out pristine places to capture images that truly reflect the essence of the mountains and forests."

The appearance of Bach Moc Luong Tu will surely captivate anyone who attempts to conquer it:

Climbing Bach Moc Luong Tu mountain is a challenging journey that requires thorough preparation. Here are some valuable tips if you intend to conquer this mountain:

- If you choose to hike from Phong Tho, Lai Chau, remember to obtain permission from the border guard station in that area. This helps ensure safety and compliance with local regulations.

Before embarking on the journey, research information about this mountain. This includes the terrain, weather conditions, and potential emergencies.

- Train your physical fitness before climbing the mountain. You should practice basic exercises such as climbing stairs, walking, and jogging…

- Weather is a crucial factor. Check the weather forecast carefully before your trip. Avoid hiking on days with bad weather, including heavy rain, landslides, and flooding.

- Allocate approximately 3 days and 2 nights or 4 days and 3 nights to conquer this mountain. The route is quite long and full of difficulties and challenges.

- Please keep the mountain area clean by always cleaning up your trash after each rest stop. This helps maintain the beauty of the mountains and protect the natural environment.

- Absolutely do not stray too far from the group, as this increases the risk of getting lost, which is extremely dangerous.

- The weather after the rain can make the roads slippery. Please be careful when traveling and always ensure your own safety and the safety of your teammates.

- Bring extra warm clothes because the weather in the forest and on the mountaintop is very cold.

Ha Mai Trinh - Photo: Trung Anh