Mount Ngọc Linh

2,598 m (8,524 ft)

It takes 2 – 3 days to conquer Ngoc Linh.  

Day 1: 5 hours from the starting point to the campsite at about 2,100 m (6,890 ft).

Day 2: 3 hours to the peak and the option to proceed the rest of the way down to the foot of the mountain, or spend another night at the campsite.

Day 3: If a second night was spent at the campsite, day 3 is used to descend the rest of the way down.

The terrain and scenery on the way to and up Ngoc Linh Mountain is diverse. The trail itself leads trekkers through layers of terraced fields, local villages, waterfalls, slippery, steep and rocky inclines, moss-covered forests, jungle, cliffs, streams, and caves.

The higher you get the colder and steeper it gets. The path also gets narrower and is often obstructed by mist in the evenings.

At the summit, you’ll find an amazing view of the rice fields and scenery below, azaleas and the treasure of Ngoc Linh – ginseng.

The closest major city to Ngoc Linh Mountain is Da Nang. The weather in this region is overcast and oppressively hot and humid in the dry season, and in the wet season, it is warm, overcast and muggy. It is relatively hot year-round.

The best time of year to plan a climb up Ngoc Linh is between December and March because in this period you have a higher chance of clear skies, cooler, less humid weather, and a lower chance of rain. 

The wetter season lasts from mid-August to mid-December with October being the rainiest month. The drier season lasts from mid-December to mid-August, with February being the month with the least rain. 

The hottest period of the year is from early May to early September with the highest temperature reaching 34°C (93°F) and the lowest being 25°C (77°F). The cooler period of the year is from the end of November to late February with the highest temperature reaching 26°C (79°F) and the lowest being 19°C (66°F).

A few essentials for this trek are hiking boots, rain gear, insect repellent, camping gear, and warm clothing for the nighttime. 

You’ll also need to take about 25 m (82 ft) worth of rope to help you and your companions traverse a steep section of the trail, and some sulphur powder to ward off snakes near your campsite, if your guide or porter doesn’t offer these things.

There are no rest stops or facilities of mention, besides the campsite at roughly 2,100 m (6,890 ft) above sea level.

Since Ngoc Linh Mountain is situated within Ngoc Linh Nature Reserve, and contains a special-use forest, you’ll need to get a permit from the relevant Vietnamese authorities 15 days before you want to hike. 

You’ll also have to hire a local guide/porter who can lead you safely to the summit and back.

A 5-6 hour drive from Da Nang, Ngoc Linh Mountain is a part of the Annamite Mountain Range in Vietnam. It is located in both Quang Nam commune/province and Kon Tum commune/province. 

To get there, one can catch a bus to Ngoc Hoi Town in Kon Tum and then use a hired vehicle for the rest of the journey.

Climbing safety

Beware of snakes, and take proper gear to avoid slipping and falling on the tricky terrain.