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Last May, Anh Tuc made her first trip to Chu Mu – a relatively unspoiled and little-known route. Just a few months later, she decided to return, this time with a clearer goal: to place her own summit marker on the peak of Chu Mu. For trekking enthusiasts like her, the summit marker is a symbol of conquest, an indelible mark of their journeys.
For Huynh Vuong Anh Tuc (29 years old, a gym trainer in Nha Trang), the more challenging the route, the more appealing it becomes.
A green paradise amidst the vast forest.
While conquering the summit of Chu Mu, Anh Tuc was able to admire the Vong Phu peak located in Ea M'Doal commune, M'Drak district, Dak Lak province. From afar, the Vong Phu peak resembles the image of a mother and child turned to stone, waiting for her husband to return. The Chu Mu peak is over 2,000 meters high, near the border between Khanh Hoa and Dak Lak provinces. The journey to conquer the Chu Mu peak, with its pristine and majestic scenery, offers an unforgettable experience as one gazes upon the Vong Phu peak, approximately 2,140 meters high, amidst the vast natural landscape of the Central Highlands.
The trekking route through Chu Mu is very diverse. Anh Tuc was able to admire lush green primeval forests, winding streams, and moss-covered rocks. Standing on the summit of Chu Mu, she could see a sea of clouds floating below, embracing the vast primeval forest. The ancient trees remaining in the dreamy forest left her feeling overwhelmed and delighted.
With its title as the "foremost majestic pass in Southern Vietnam," Chu Mu is certainly a challenge not to be missed.
The challenging trekking journey to conquer Chu Mu requires physical fitness and a courageous spirit to reach an altitude of approximately 2,000 meters. However, upon seeing the majestic Vong Phu peak in the distance, the pride and happiness make all the effort worthwhile.
“Mountain climbing is a sport that demands high levels of health, endurance, and willpower. A new mountain route with a higher difficulty level than the ones I’ve done before requires even more rigorous training in physical fitness and willpower. Sleeping in a hammock in the rainforest for the first time, climbing a steep 5km slope for the first time until I was exhausted, navigating through rocks and climbing sheer cliffs for the first time… all of these things caused my dopamine levels to skyrocket,” Anh Túc recalled.
The trekking routes in Chu Mu are very diverse.
3 days and 2 nights facing nature
On the first day, Anh Túc departed from Ninh Hòa, stopping at Dục Mỹ market to enjoy a hearty local breakfast. Afterward, she continued her journey to M'Đrắk to meet the rest of the group. Upon reaching the edge of the forest, the group divided up their belongings, prioritizing lightness and safety. While on other tourist routes you might be a little more adventurous, in the Chư Mư forest, simply being able to drag yourself along is a great achievement.
The slope was steep and slippery, and there were fallen trees blocking the path.
The first 500 meters were a treat, with a smooth and relatively pleasant path. However, soon after, Anh Tuc faced a "desperate slope" that rose like a giant rock wall blocking her way. She felt like just "burying her head in the sand" because all she could see above was the lush green of the forest. The steep, slippery slope, coupled with fallen trees blocking the path, forced her to crawl along inch by inch.
The next section of the trail required Anh Tuc to use his hands to cling to tree trunks, with a sheer drop of water on one side. It felt like walking on a precarious path; even a small misstep could lead to disastrous consequences.
Even a small mistake can lead to unforeseen consequences.
After overcoming the challenging stretch of road, Anh Tuc began the downhill journey. The slope was very slippery, and she had to keep her head down. By the time she reached the campsite, it was already getting dark. Her brothers once again demonstrated their strength by helping the sisters carry their belongings and set up the tents. After a long day of activity, she just wanted to immerse herself in the cold stream to cool down. The stream water was so icy cold that it numbed her skin, but the feeling was incredibly refreshing.
In the evening, the group hung hammocks and enjoyed the fresh mountain air. However, the night in the forest was quite cold, so she had to crawl into a sleeping bag to keep warm. The feeling of lying in a hammock in the mountains, listening to the chirping of insects, was wonderful.
The road ahead is still full of challenges.
A moment to stop and rest.
On the second day, the group woke up early to prepare for the final leg of the journey. After a light breakfast, the group began their trek to conquer the summit of Hon Vong Phu. The path remained challenging with steep slopes and slippery rocks. After reaching the summit, Anh Tuc returned to the campsite to rest and have lunch. However, because she was quite tired, the group decided to stay at the campsite for another night to ensure everyone's safety.
After showering and having dinner, everyone went to bed early to prepare for a good night's sleep. However, a sudden downpour shattered the group's sleep. Initially, it was just a light drizzle, but then the rain intensified. The tent tarp was ripped open by the wind, and rainwater poured in. The guides struggled to keep the tent from collapsing. Anh Túc tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep due to worry. Fortunately, thanks to an old tree blocking the way, her tent remained intact. The next morning, everyone felt relieved and grateful for being safe and sound.
A memorable 3-day, 2-night trip to Chu Mu.
In addition, while sleeping that night, Anh Tuc felt a cool breeze blowing across her face. When she woke up, she touched her forehead and found a bright red bloodstain from a leech bite. Blood was flowing profusely, soaking her hair. The sight was quite frightening, but she calmly treated the wound.
On the third day, the whole group woke up early and prepared to return. Everyone felt a little sad to leave the mountains and forests. The three-day, two-night trip to Chu Mu ended, filled with memories. Although tired, everyone felt incredibly happy to have had such memorable experiences with good friends.
Memorable experiences alongside good friends.
