Mount Phu Luong (Ta Chi Nhu Peak)

2,985 m (9,793 ft)

The entire climb usually takes two days and one night, camping at the shelters at 2,400m (7,874 ft).

Day 1: 5-7 hours up to the campsite.

Day 2: 2 hours up to the summit and about 4 hours to descend the whole way down the mountain.

This trek is generally considered a challenging trail. There is a variety of terrain including dense forests, grass, valleys, and bush. 

The very first stretch starting from Tram Tau is actually a dirt road (for most of the way) and is usually driven using a scooter/ motorbike since the road is not wide enough for cars for the whole way. The road is steep and windy with small boulders in some places. This section can take up to 5 hours if it has been rainy and the road is slippery. Though slow-going, this stretch is picturesque, with terraced rice fields and local villages along the way.

The trekking starting point is at a gate to a lead mine. You’ll walk for about 500 m (1,640 ft) before reaching the base of the mountain.

From Phu Luong Mountain base up to the campsite/shelter at 2,400 m (7,874 ft) the trail is steep and slippery most of the way up with no handholds or railings to hold onto. The trail even goes along the top of a ravine at one point. After this though, the trail does flatten out a bit. It takes about 5-7 hours to climb this section. You’ll pass through some forest, grassy hills, low vegetation and bushes. You’ll also see bamboo fields, and birds, and pass by a stream.

From the shelter/campsite up to the summit, the trail is a bit easier, and less steep than before, and, with nothing blocking your way, the views are truly something out of a storybook. It takes roughly 2 hours to get from the campsite to the summit. At the top, you’ll continue to see the breathtaking view that you’ve enjoyed for most of the way up the mountain.

Pu Luong Peak falls within a sub-tropical climate zone. Its average temperature usually falls between 18 °C and 38 °C (64-100 °F).

The recommended time to climb is in the winter/dry season between October and February. This time of year brings drier, milder weather, and sometimes even snow in November or January. The clouds tend to gather around the mountain creating an ethereal experience at this time of year as well.

From June to October is the typhoon season; climbing the mountain at this time of year is not possible. 

You may benefit from using poles to help with balance as it can be very slippery and steep,  and there are no places to hold on along the trail. 

With the complete lack of obstructions to the view comes the downside of very little shade. Make sure to wear a cap/hat and wear sunscreen. 

The temperature does drop as the altitude increases so make sure to pack warm clothes as part of your camping gear.

There is a wooden hut situated at 2,400 m (7,874 ft). It is very rough but does have functional toilets. You’ll need to take your own food and water for the duration of the trek. You will come across streams but it is not guaranteed that you will be able to access them or that the water is safe to drink.

A guide is definitely necessary for this climb. A porter would be helpful as well if you want someone to carry your camping equipment and other extras. Make sure to hire a qualified guide through a tour company. They should arrange a trekking permit for you.

Pu Luong Mountain is located within Phu Luong National Park in Xa Ho Commune, Tram Tau district, Yen Bai Province, Vietnam.  

To get to the nature reserve where the peak is located, from Hanoi it takes about 4-5 hours by car. You’ll need to go Northwest using Route 32 in the direction of Nghia Lo Town for roughly 150 km/93 mi. From there to Tram Tau it is roughly 40 km (25 mi) East.

From Tram Tau you’ll follow the dirt road for about 10-13 km (6-8 mi) to the base of the mountain on a scooter/motorcycle. 

You can also catch a bus from Hanoi to Ba Thuoc (Canh Nang town), but you’ll have to rent a motorcycle/scooter or hire a taxi for the remaining 20 km (12 mi).

The challenging terrain and lack of supporting infrastructure make safety very important up this trail. Make sure to go in a group and with a qualified local guide.