The seventh-tallest mountain of Vietnam, Mount Ta Chi Nhu, is known among the Vietnamese backpacker community as a spot offering a sublime 'cloud hunting' experience and a breathtaking sunset view.

At a height of 2,979 meters above sea level, Ta Chi Nhu can be found in Xa Ho Commune, Tram Tau District, located in northern Yen Bai Province.

It is part of Pu Luong massif, which in turn belongs to the renowned Hoang Lien Son range.

Ta Chi Nhu and Ta Xua are the two most popular mountains in Tram Tau District.

Climbing Ta Chi Nhu is by no means difficult – it takes about two weeks to prepare for the trip, including stamina and mental training, finding partners with adequate trekking skills, and observing weather.

The optimal time to climb Ta Chi Nhu is between September and March every year.

While Ta Xua is slightly harder to conquer, taking at least three days and two nights, a trip to Ta Chi Nhu only last two days and one night.

The two-way itinerary stretches a length of 18 kilometers, with only one straight route for the most part.

It is also considered a safe route for beginners with gentle slopes mixed with a few steep ones.

A hike at Ta Chi Nhu can be divided into three legs.

The first one starts from the foot of the mountain, crossing through an active lead mine and finishing at a stream at an altitude of 1,200 meters – a perfect place for a lunch stop.

From this point, hikers will continue toward a cabin at 2,400 meters for their night stay.

Lastly, the cabin connects with the mountain’s peak for the final length of the journey. 

What is interesting is the subtle terrain changes along the way – from the spreads of lower shade trees from the outset of the journey, the scenery gradually transitions to those of streamlets, bamboo forest, and lush meadows before entering the bare hills near the end.

The last leg is considered the most rewarding track of the trip, as with the right timing, the hills in sight will be blanketed in an overwhelming tinge of purple from Swertia – a peculiar kind of wildflower.

Trekking groups usually spend the only night on the trip at the cabin before going for 'cloud hunting' and sunrise spotting early the next day.

Others choose to rush the remaining 2.5 kilometers to the mountaintop, which may take 2-3 hours, within the first day and take in the blissful sunset view for themselves.

Being at the peak is without any doubt the paramount experience of the journey, as the bare hilltops open up a panoramic view of the majestic topography of the area.

Here, each traveler will find their own way to relish the transcendental experience when the last glints of daylight ebb into the distant horizon, shining pinkish, then purple glows before sinking into the depth of the night.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!