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Trekking Mount Cuixin, Lost in an Ethereal Cloud and Mountain Wonderland

Trekking Ky Quan San in late April, when the weather is pleasantly warm and rhododendrons are blooming profusely throughout the northwestern mountain forests. Let's go right away!

Administrator

21 April, 2024

Ky Quan San, also known as Kỳ Quan San or Bach Moc Luong Tu, is the highest peak in the mountains that share its name, which delineate the boundary between the provinces of Lai Chau and Lao Cai, and is the fourth highest peak in Vietnam with an altitude of 3,046 meters.

Famous for its wild, majestic beauty with billowing clouds, lush green, primeval forests, and pristine villages of ethnic minorities.

Trekking Ky Quan San is an excellent experience for those who enjoy exploring nature and challenging themselves. Plan an excursion with us today!

1 Introduction to Ky Quan San – Bach Moc Luong Tu

Standing tall in the Northwestern region at an altitude of 3046 meters, Bach Moc Luong Tu (also known as Ky Quan San or Kỳ Quan San) proudly rises, captivating those with an insatiable thirst for conquering peaks. This summit is renowned as the fourth highest mountain in Vietnam and is characterized by an exceptionally varied and challenging terrain that guarantees an unforgettable experience for all who dare to ascend it.

The journey to conquer Bach Moc Luong Tu takes you through dense jungle trails, across icy streams, up precarious cliffs, and even along flat paths that feel like walking through a vast草原. The mountain serves as a natural divide between the provinces of Lao Cai and Lai Chau, and there are two primary trekking routes: one starting from Sang Ma Sao (Lao Cai) and the other from Phong Tho (Lai Chau). However, the trail from Sang Ma Sao is more popular due to its widespread recognition and the unique challenges it presents.

Prepare for an epic journey to conquer Ky Quan San – Bach Moc Luong Tu, where your resilience and courage will be tested, and your reward will be breathtaking views from the summit and a profound sense of accomplishment.

Introduction to Ky Quan San – Bach Moc Luong Tu

2 Scaling the summit of Ky Quan San in 3 days

Day 1: Hanoi – Lao Cai – Campsite at 2100m

The journey begins

Embark on an overnight bus from Hanoi and arrive in Sapa at dawn.
Travel 50km by motorbike from Sapa to the village of Sang Ma Sao (note: do not confuse this with the Mai Chau route).
Leave your belongings with a porter and carefully check your gear before commencing your ascent at midday.
Goal for the first day: Reach the campsite at an altitude of 2100 meters.

The path to the summit

The path from the base to the campsite alternates between steep and flat sections, and the slope becomes progressively steeper as you approach your destination.
Tip: This is the first leg of the journey, and your body may not yet be accustomed to the strenuous activity. Stay determined and don’t lose hope!
Special feature: Along the way, you will encounter numerous locals selling food, beverages, and fresh fruit at reasonable prices. These stalls provide an ideal opportunity to replenish your energy levels.

Campsite at 2100m

Compared to Lao Than and Fansipan, the Bach Moc campsite is highly regarded for its cleanliness and privacy, offering separate rooms for each group.
The sanitary facilities and showers are more spacious than those at other campsites (relatively well-equipped considering the remote mountain setting).
Hot water for bathing is available for purchase at 50k/pot, which is sufficient for two people.

Natural surroundings

Completely isolated from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, there is no phone signal or Wi-Fi, providing you with an opportunity to immerse yourself in the pristine wilderness, breathe the fresh air, and clear your mind.
Spend tranquil moments on the mountain, reflecting on the path you’ve traveled and preparing yourself for the challenges ahead. These moments will create unforgettable memories.

Day 1: Hanoi – Lao Cai – Campsite at 2100m

Day 2: Ascend to the peak of Ky Quan San and return to camp

Sunrise at the mountain campsite

Depart from the campsite at 8 am due to the heavy hailstorm that occurred last night.
An unforgettable experience of spending the night in a simple shelter amidst the unspoiled wilderness, listening to the torrential downpour of hailstones.

Journey to the summit

Short but challenging distance: 4km with steep and slippery slopes due to the hailstorm.
Tip: Reduce the weight of your backpack, carrying only essential items such as water, gloves, rain gear, and a light jacket.
Support from porters and vendors along the trail gives you peace of mind regarding food and beverages.
Reach the summit of Indochina – the 3046m mark at noon – a proud and exhilarating moment.

Descent

More difficult than the ascent: long, steep, and slippery slopes demand utmost caution.
Remain focused and prioritize safety to ensure a safe return down the mountain.

Day 2: Ascend to the peak of Ky Quan San and return to camp

Day 3: Greet the sunrise at Muoi Mountain – Descend the mountain and return home

Start the day by witnessing the breathtaking sunrise from the summit of Muoi Mountain – an ethereal “sea of clouds” amidst the majestic Northwest. From the campsite, you only need to walk a few hundred meters along a gentle path to reach this natural masterpiece.

Muoi Mountain, part of the Bach Moc Luong Tu range, forms the natural boundary between Lao Cai and Lai Chau provinces. With an altitude of 2800m, it offers a panoramic view that captures the awe-inspiring beauty of the Northwest’s mountains and forests.

After capturing unforgettable moments on Muoi Mountain, the challenging yet rewarding 3-day conquest of Ky Quan San officially comes to an end.

Day 3: Greet the sunrise at Muoi Mountain – Descend the mountain and return home

3 Tips for trekking to the summit of Ky Quan San

Wear a good pair of hiking boots to protect your feet.
Using trekking poles will significantly reduce fatigue during the ascent.
Carry additional electrolyte drinks

Frequently asked questions

Ky Quan San is renowned for its wild and majestic beauty. The mountain boasts billowing clouds, lush green landscapes, primeval forests, and pristine villages of ethnic minorities. The trek to the summit offers a challenging and varied terrain, including dense jungle trails, icy streams, and precarious cliffs. It provides an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a physical challenge.

Standing tall in Vietnam’s Northwestern region, Bach Moc Luong Tu rises to an altitude of 3,046 meters. It proudly stands at the border between Lao Cai and Lai Chau provinces, offering a challenging and varied terrain for adventurers.

The trek to conquer Bach Moc Luong Tu takes you through dense jungle trails, icy streams, precarious cliffs, and flat paths resembling a vast草原. The mountain presents two primary trekking routes: one starting from Sang Ma Sao in Lao Cai and the other from Phong Tho in Lai Chau. The trail from Sang Ma Sao is more popular due to its recognition and unique challenges.

Adventurers embarking on the journey to conquer Ky Quan San – Bach Moc Luong Tu can expect their resilience and courage to be tested. The reward for their efforts will be breathtaking views from the summit and a profound sense of accomplishment. The trek offers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in pristine wilderness, enjoy fresh air, and clear their minds.

Scaling the summit of Ky Quan San can be accomplished in 3 days. Day 1 involves traveling from Hanoi to the campsite at 2100 meters via an overnight bus and motorbike. Day 2 is dedicated to ascending to the peak and returning to the camp. Day 3 starts with greeting the sunrise at Muoi Mountain, followed by descending the mountain and returning home.

Spending the night at the mountain campsite offers an unforgettable experience. You’ll be amidst an unspoiled wilderness, listening to the torrential downpour of hailstones in a simple shelter. The campsite provides a clean and private environment, with separate rooms for each group, spacious sanitary facilities, and hot water available for purchase.

Wear a good pair of hiking boots to protect your feet.
Use trekking poles to reduce fatigue during the ascent.
Carry additional electrolyte drinks and essential items like water, gloves, rain gear, and a light jacket.
Take advantage of the food and beverage stalls along the trail to replenish your energy levels.
Stay determined during the challenging journey, especially on the first day as your body adjusts to the strenuous activity.