Lai Chau province has 7 out of the 15 highest mountains in Vietnam. In particular, Nam Kang Ho Tao peak, with an altitude of 2,881 m, belongs to Thao A village, Ho Mit commune, Tan Uyen district, the boundary between Lai Chau and Lao Cai. This is one of the most difficult peaks to conquer in Vietnam, according to the website of Lai Chau province.
Since the end of 2019, when the communal road system was upgraded, Nam Kang Ho Tao is a place where many backpackers come to explore. With diverse, majestic and rugged natural landscapes, Nam Kang Ho Tao is being exploited for tourism through climbing tours, said Mr. Lo Van Binh, Vice Chairman of Ho Mit Commune People's Committee.
In the climbing season, some households in Hao A village will make local porters to lead guests to conquer Nam Kang Ho Tao peak. Local authorities orient tourism development in the form of community by sending people to learn tourism experience in villages in the province to practice in Hao A and Nam Kang Ho Tao communes.
Most climbers cannot reach Nam Kang Ho Tao peak in one day but have to spend the night to convalesce, because this route is much more difficult than other peaks in Lai Chau such as Putaleng, Ta Lien Son.
The trekking distance is arduous, but Nam Kang Ho Tao has its own beauties with maple leaf forests, bamboo forests, many streams, waterfalls, rich high and low flora. In addition, a feature of this route is the thousand-year-old poplar trees, azalea forests and cardamom forests that are taller than per capita.
The natural landscape is beautiful, but Nam Kang Ho Tao has many streams and waterfalls, and these are potentially dangerous areas. Areas near water sources will mostly have hard rocks of all sizes from large to small and slippery due to clinging to algae and moss, so it is easy to have an accident if moved carelessly. In the rainy season, the water upstream pours in, causing the spring water to flow more tightly.
For mountaintop trekking tours, especially difficult ones like Nam Kang Ho Tao, the most important thing is that visitors should go with an experienced guide. There are no shacks on the way, it is recommended to bring blankets, tents and camping supplies. Hire a porter to help transport your luggage. The way up Nam Kang Ho Tao has sections that require rope or homemade wooden ladders to climb.
The right time to conquer Nam Kang Ho Tao peak is from May 9 to May 4. The current time is the beginning of the most beautiful climbing season in Nam Kang Ho Tao, it is dry, the weather is favorable, the plants in the forest are lush, sporadic with some maple trees changing the color of leaves. May 3 and 4 also have azalea season. By May 4, when the rainy season begins, climbing tours will be suspended to minimize risks for tourists in the process of conquering and exploring nature.
According to VnE