LAO CAI – Thuy Duong witnessed a primeval forest growing moss all over the body and red maple trees changing leaves on the way to conquer Nhiu Co San in the early winter days.

Located near the Vietnam-China border, Nhiu Co San belongs to Sang Ma Sao commune, Bat Xat district, about 60 km from the center of Sa Pa town. Nhiu Co San in the H’Mong language means “buffalo horns” because the mountain has two peaks pointing out into the sky, bending like a giant buffalo horn.

Hoang Thuy Duong (31 years old) chose a 2-day-one-night climb with a porter for this trip. This is one of the 10 highest peaks in Vietnam and is considered by climbers to be difficult to conquer.

With an altitude of 2,965 m above sea level and soil and climate conditions, Nhiu Co San’s vegetation is richly developed and clearly stratified by altitude.

At the foot of the mountain is a growth layer of shrubs, and grass, interspersed with cliffs.

Higher up is the cardamom forest that radiates the fragrance of an area, the bamboo forest of thousands of trees crowded around the shallow streams.

Thuy Duong shared: “This mountain climbing is difficult for me because the road is quite long, there are many vertical rocky slopes, slippery, some have to cross the forest, cross streams and sometimes have to crawl up. Here, I can not only experience cloud hunting but also see diverse and colorful vegetation.”

Halfway up the mountain is a primeval forest with old trees of all shapes, covered with moss from the trunk to the canopy and branches. Interspersed between the trees are wild orchids blooming.

The closer to the top of the mountain, the more red maple trees are in the changing season. The maple here is a 5-petal leaf like in temperate countries, not the maple (later) which is grown a lot in the northeastern provinces such as Quang Ninh, Cao Bang….

“The maple leaf is a symbol of Canada and is also very famous in Korean and Japanese films, did not expect that even in Vietnam there is a place where the maple leaves changing leaves so beautiful. In addition, I also got to see the area with my own eyes. unspoiled mossy forest with all kinds of exotic plants, combined with the chilly air and wind, makes me feel like I’m lost in the scene of the movies Harry Potter, Avatar,” added Thuy Duong.

Conquering the top of the mountain, Duong said she was satisfied, forgetting all difficulties and fatigue.

To get to Nhiu Co San, you can travel by car or motorbike from the center of Sang Ma Sao commune to the foot of the mountain and then start a 20 km-long climbing journey. The destination is not for first-time climbers. You need to practice first, prepare for good health and try out the easier climbing arcs before coming here.

Photo: Internet