Not a prominent name compared to other peaks in the Northwest, the terrain is not too complicated, but Nhi Co San is still a big challenge for first-time trekkers
The beauty of the road is created by the diverse and unspoiled terrain and vegetation. From waterfalls to primeval forests, rhododendron forests, bamboo forests, from thousands of green cardamom fields to goat grazing grounds... In November - December, if the weather is favorable, climbers can go to Nhi Co San to admire the beautiful sea of floating clouds like a paradise. This is also the time when the forest changes clothes, red and yellow maple leaves mixed in the green of the trees. If you come to Nhi Co San in March - April, you will get lost in the fairytale forests of rhododendrons. The journey to conquer Nhi Co San is reasonable, so it should last for 2 days and 1 night.
There are 2 directions to the top of the mountain: up the path of Ong Chua waterfall, down the goat grazing road or vice versa. We choose the first option. However, on rainy days, going up by Ong Chua waterfall road is not a safe choice.
At the gathering point in Den Sang commune, vehicles could not enter anymore because in front of them was an extremely rough and dangerous offroad road of about 7 km. We got off the bus, thanks to the support of a motorbike taxi to Nhi Co San village to start the walking journey.
Just a short time later, the sound of the stream began to rumble loudly with the wind, creating a chorus of mountains and forests. The path up is characterized by many waterfalls, overlapping rocky outcrops, and moss covered with greenery. On a small path lined with ancient shade. Although the sun penetrates the leaves and pours down yellow like honey, the signs of winter are spreading under the feet with dried leaves on the rocks and on the ground.
More than 12 noon, the majestic and towering Ong Chua waterfall stands tall in front of you. The white water flowed down from above, looking like a smooth white silk strip in the distance. The steep cliffs are covered with moss and green grass. All create a spectacular scene that makes everyone excited.
After resting and having lunch, the journey continues with the destination being a shack for the night. This section of road began to appear many steep slopes, cliffs that challenged the feet. When crossing the diverse vegetation from grass bushes and cardamom to large tree trunks with moss and mushrooms clinging to the stems,... The scent of the forest fills my chest.
When the sun poured the last rays of sunshine down the mountain, we had not yet arrived at the resting place. In an instant, the sunset fell in the middle of the wild mountains and forests, the sky changed colors brilliantly, making us stand dumbfounded, temporarily forgetting the constant worry. In the darkness in the middle of the mountain, the temperature was getting lower and lower, and the tired legs finally stopped at the camp at nearly 19 o'clock.
The Nhi Co San shack that day was also full of space because in the peak season, we set up a tent in the adjacent land to spend the night. The evening temperature was only 4-5 degrees Celsius, the wind was blowing. But in return, the clear sky gives dreamers a sea of sparkling stars. Milkyway photographers once again defy the cold to capture beautiful moments.
After a night of not being able to sleep because of the cold, the group started the 2nd day very early to ensure the schedule to go down the mountain. The most difficult part is from the shack to the top, the higher you go, the steeper it gets. Bamboo groves and rhododendron forests led us to the top of the Nhi Co San landmark after 2 hours. Because of the cloudy day, the overlapping layers of mountains are clearly visible in the sky. Here, zooming out into the distance, you can see both the peaks of Bai Moc Luong Tu and Lao Than.
The way back in the direction of the goat grazing yard is quite "easy to breathe". Along the way, the maple trees turned bright red in a corner of the sky. The arduous but emotional journey ended when we passed from the goat grazing ground to the village. This is a journey to cool the soul by waterfalls, green forest canopies, by sparkling sunlight, clear laughter, things that are difficult to find in the noisy city.
For me, trips are not only to take photos, to lengthen the check-in list, but most importantly, to bring a new perspective when trying to put myself in situations that are different from my daily life. And 2 days and 1 night exploring Nhi Co San once again helped me do that.
Articles and photos: Le Phuong