From September to mid-October, the mountain transforms into a sea of color as chi pâu flowers bloom across the slopes, painting the rugged landscape in shades of violet and pink. For travelers seeking both romance and challenge, the climb promises breathtaking views and a journey steeped in cultural tradition.
A mountain of legends and landscapes
Known to the local H’Mông people as “buffalo’s foot mountain,” Tà Chì Nhù has long served as pastureland where generations of herders brought buffaloes, goats, and horses to graze and drink from its mountain streams.
Trekkers encounter a shifting panorama as they ascend—dense primary forests, sweeping grasslands, bamboo groves, and even a hidden mineral spring at the mountain’s base. Each stage of the climb reveals new scenery, captivating visitors with its diversity.
A journey from Hanoi to the summit
The trip begins with a 270-kilometer drive from Hanoi to the Mỏ Chì trailhead, followed by a demanding trek. Despite the physical challenge, the reward is a summit view of golden sunlight and white clouds stretching like ribbons across the sky.
The chi pâu flower, a low-growing shrub, has become the symbol of the climb. Its name stems from a villager’s candid reply to a visitor’s question—“Tsi pau,” meaning “don’t know.” Yet this simple exchange has given rise to a celebrated seasonal spectacle. Hillsides and valleys burst into purple as the blossoms merge with mist and sunset, creating a scene that draws hikers from across Vietnam.
After navigating the Hai Cây slope and bamboo forest, trekkers reach the rest camp with the summit in sight. From there, it takes about two more hours to conquer Vietnam’s seventh-highest peak.
Beauty across the seasons
When the flower season fades, Tà Chì Nhù takes on new colors: winter brings snow and icy mists, while spring adorns the slopes with rhododendrons.
Most trips last two days and one night, with travelers advised to go in groups and hire local guides. For many, the climb is not only about reaching the peak but also about embracing nature, testing personal limits, and finding moments of serenity above the clouds in Vietnam’s Northwest highlands.
(Source: NDO)
