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Trong Cung is a freelance photographer who recently took a two-day trip to climb Mount Nhiu Co San. Like most other mountain peaks, the itinerary involved traveling to Sapa, then renting a motorbike to reach the climbing site at Cha Pha, at the foot of Mount Nhiu Co San, in Bat Xat district, Lao Cai province.
Trong Cung had a two-day trekking trip to Nhiu Co San.
Niu Co San is located about 60 km from the center of Sapa town, so many people often choose to visit Sapa first and then travel here. Niu Co San has an altitude of 2,965 m, making it the 9th highest peak in Vietnam, belonging to the Hoang Lien Son mountain range.
According to the Hmong language, Nhiu Co San means "Buffalo Horn." It's called that because, when viewed from a distance, Nhiu Co San has two peaks that jut out and curve like buffalo horns. Besides that, there are other explanations, such as Nhiu Co San in the Ha Nhi language meaning "three large mountains."
Trekking on rainy days can be slippery, but on sunny days, visitors can stop to rest and take more satisfying photos.
Buffalo Horn Peak is also an extremely impressive cloud-watching destination.
Conquering Nhiu Co San requires a rather challenging trekking trip. From Sang Ma Sao, you have to travel 7 km along a road full of gravel and rocks to reach Nhiu Co San village. The journey begins at the Cha Pha branch school; the first part of the climb is quite easy, not steep or treacherous, so it's not too strenuous.
From the bottom to the middle of the mountain, there aren't many tall trees or dense vegetation, so the Lao Cai sun will become increasingly uncomfortable. Therefore, bring light, mainly water to maintain your energy.
Nhiu Co San is called Buffalo Horn Mountain by the local Hmong people.
At an altitude of 2,965 meters, the summit of Buffalo Horn Mountain attracts many passionate mountaineering enthusiasts.
"The difficulty of this trip was that we traveled in very cold weather, with temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius, and there were no restaurants or rest stops along the way to the village, so we were quite careless. Afterwards, we had to ask a local family for permission to cook rice and prepare food. But that was one of the best meals I've ever had," Trong Cung recalled fondly.
Beautiful natural scenery along the road to Nhiu Co San.
The trees here make the forest scenery even more majestic, everything feels like something out of an adventure movie. Nhiu Co San doesn't challenge you with dangers; instead, it offers many fascinating experiences. Especially when you venture into a primeval forest where you'll find countless beautiful wildflowers, rare trees, and fragrant herbs filling the air.
Trong Cung shared: "The most memorable moment was when I was climbing down and saw the maple forest shedding its leaves whenever a strong wind blew through. At that moment, the forest was truly beautiful in the early morning light."
The slopes have narrow paths, with many sections clinging to the edge of cliffs, with precarious ravines and rocky mountains on either side. Therefore, trekkers consider Nhiu Co San not a mountain peak suitable for novice climbers, even though the route isn't very long.
The slopes have narrow paths, with many sections clinging to the edge of cliffs, with precarious cliffs and rocky mountains on either side. Therefore, trekkers consider Nhiu Co San not a mountain peak suitable for beginners, even though the route isn't very long.
For those planning to climb Mount Horn, Trong Cung also offers some important tips to keep in mind. The road from the provincial highway is in poor condition, making travel difficult in the rain, and the path becomes quite slippery during heavy downpours. Nighttime and early morning temperatures in Nhiu Co San range from 5-10 degrees Celsius, so warm clothing is essential for climbing. Visitors should bring thermal shirts, grippy shoes, and possibly hiking poles.
The mountain climbing route here consists of a series of steep slopes, crossing primeval forests, climbing cliffs, and clinging to streams with slippery, moss-covered, damp stones, but in return, the natural scenery is stunning and unspoiled.
"Nhiu Co San is a beautiful mountain peak, most beautiful during the maple season in November-December and the rhododendron season around September. It's also one of the best cloud-watching spots in Lao Cai, surrounded by majestic mountains. Furthermore, when climbing Nhiu Co San, remember to protect the environment and don't litter, as many shelters have been set up for tourists to rest. Everyone needs to be mindful of protecting the environment," Trong Cung added.
