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Whoever travels to Ha Giang, the land at the northern extreme point of Vietnam, is often introduced to the highest mountain in northeast Vietnam at the height of 2,428m. It is the summit of Tay Con Linh mountain, the peak that just a few adventure enthusiasts dream about. As it requires a lot of health and determination to conquer.
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Introduction of Tay Con Linh Mountain
Tay Con Linh is well known as a mountain range stretching across Hoang Su Phi district and Vi Xuyen district of Ha Giang province. On the Tay Con Linh mountain range, the highest peak is also called Tay Con Linh, the second highest peak is Chieu Lau Thi. Tay Con Linh is located at an altitude of 2,428m above sea level, about 46km away from Ha Giang city.
The primeval jungle in Tay Con Linh mountain range
Although it cannot be compared to Fansipan peak, many travellers believe that Tay Con Linh peak is more difficult to conquer because of the steep road with dense forests and deep chasms. Furthermore, it is also considered a sacred mountain in the legends of the La Chi ethnic group in Hoang Su Phi district.
The best time to conquer Tay Con Linh peak falls during the dry season, from September to April of the following year. During that time the air is fresh and there are many beautiful scenes to see, most importantly, the road is less dangerous.
Tay Con Linh mountain is the highest mountain in northeast Vietnam
There are many ways to conquer Tay Con Linh, depending on each person's health and purpose. However, the common feature of all routes is quite steep and dangerous, full of deep chasm. The pass road is steep and winding.
According to the experience of travellers who have conquered this peak, you can start from Thanh Thuy border gate in Vi Xuyen district, more than 20km northwest of Ha Giang city, to Xin Chai junction, then you could ask locals for directions to the Tay Con Linh summit.
In addition, tourists can also go from Tan Quang junction, 46km from Ha Giang town, to Hoang Su Phi district. After that, you follow the route to Tung San - Trung Phung and continue heading to the highest mountain in the northeast.
Mist floats over winding roads
During the journey to conquer Tay Con Linh, visitors have the opportunity to admire and discover the beauty of the mountains, terraced rice fields and daily activities of the local people.
In particular, there is an ancient tea tree hill where you can find the ancient tea trees with lush foliage, tens of metres tall with shaggy stumps as large as the arms of two people. Visiting Tay Con Linh mountain in tea harvesting season, you will see ethnic boys and girls climbing on tall tea trees quickly picking young green shoots in the early morning. If you come in spring, you will see the pink peach blossoms, the white of plum blossoms and dozens of other wild flowers.
During the hike to the summit, visitors are free to enjoy the terraced fields of Ho Thau, Ban Phung, Thong Nguyen communes... In each season, the natural landscapes wear a new shirt. In spring, the terraced rice fields are covered by a lush green shirt of young rice. In autumn, the fields change a bright yellow shirt, exuding the passionate aroma of new rice.
A climbing trail
On the way to Tay Con Linh, tourists pass through dense tropical leafy primordial forests with rich and diverse vegetation. Old trees grow together with many kinds of herbaceous plants creating a grand and poetic landscape.
The higher you climb, the scarcer the population, making the paths more mysterious. There are many legends and stories about King Hoang Van Thung of La Chi ethnic minorities. If you have a chance to visit this land, spend time with local people to learn more.
After a tough trek, visitors will burst into excitement when they have conquered an altitude of more than 2,428m. From the top of Tay Con Linh, enjoy your achievement by watching the floating clouds, admiring the peaceful scenery, villages, and local life. The experience of climbing to the roof of the Northeast will make you extremely proud of yourselves and love Vietnam more.
Trekking in the old primaeval forest Tay Con Linh
Harvesting Tay Con Linh ancient tea trees
Extra notes for Tay Con Linh mountain trip
Apply for a permit at the border guard station in Lao Chai. This is a mandatory regulation, without which you will not be able to climb the mountain. In fact, the procedure is very simple. Before you leave, prepare identity documents and local referrals.
Hire a porter. You will not be able to climb without the help of a guide. Ethnic porters, who have lived in the area for many years, have experienced trekking in the forest and are familiar with every tree and grass there. Your group also does not need to worry about getting lost. In addition, the furnishings are always double checked. In case there is any problem it can be solved calmly together.
Never climb mountains alone. Look for good travel partners with good physical health and a spirit of solidarity.
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