Ta Chi Nhu, ocean on clouds

 With its 2,979 m altitude, the Ta Chi Nhu peak in the Tram Tau District of the northern mountainous province of Yen Bai has a harsh climate, but it is an ideal place to “hunt” clouds on beautiful days.

 

A peaceful village on the road to the peak of Ta Chi Nhu.

Ta Chi Nhu, also known as Phu Song Sung by the Thai ethnic, or Chung Chua Nha by the Hmong people, and is part of the Pu Luong mountain of the Hoang Lien Son range. It is the 6th highest mountain in Vietnam and it is compared to an ocean in the clouds by photographers and trekking enthusiasts.

Compared with the Fansipan, the peak of Indochina, Ta Chi Nhu is lower but the road to conquer this peak is much more difficult.

The trail leads to the peak is almost vertical, sometimes like walking on the ridge. From the foothills, dense fog surrounds mountaineers. That’s not to mention the strong winds, which gets stronger and stronger, whipping onto the face.

The path is precipitous to the top, discouraging people. But if you do not try to climb above 2,000 m elevation to camp overnight, you will not be able to admire the most beautiful moments in the clouds at dusk and dawn.

The tiredness and panting will follow you on every step, when you do not know where to stop. But just going out of the virgin forest, you will see a bamboo forest. The green of leaves, the yellow color of stalks mixed with opaque fog and clouds will give you more strength on the journey to conquer the mountain.

Striking camp and making a fire in the darkness to dispel the freezing. Then early next morning, when you open your eyes, you can touch the cloud dream.

However, the true sea of clouds is only at the top of Ta Chi Nhu. On the way from the 2,000 m height to the top you will see a grassland with brushwoods, white and violet flowers and horses.

The steppe-like scene on the peak of Ta Chi Nhu.

The higher you climb, more white clouds appear. Under the early crystal clear sunlight, clouds glow in pink. Going a little further you will see buffalo sheds.

Making hurried footsteps to chase clouds, at the top of Ta Chi Nhu, you will see the ocean of clouds. Looking afar, hills appear like the islands in the sea of clouds.

Perhaps you have never felt to be so close to the clouds and the sky when you stand on the peak of Ta Chi Nhu. Just reaching your hands out, you are able to touch the clouds. These clouds are not at the top but in front of you. They float indolently, are as soft as silk and creamy white. The scene is wonderful.

The sunny days in the early winter are the right time for you to conquer the Ta Chi Nhu because the sun is not too strong and the wind is not too cold. The sky is also blue enough to help the clouds show their pure white color.

If you do not have much time, only a day and a half is enough for you to discover Ta Chi Nhu. Remember to take tents, food and water with you for overnight camping.

 

 

 

 

 

The sea of clouds at a height of 2,979 m. The houses at the Ta Chi Nhu foothill. The hillside at the 2,000 m altitude. The grassland with purple flowers. Horses, cows, buffaloes and goats on Ta Chi Nhu. Climbers often encamp around the villages on the top of Ta Chi Nhu to avoid the wind. The last rays of sunlight on Ta Chi Nhu. The dawn on Ta Chi Nhu. The ocean of clouds on the mountain.

Ta Chi Nhu, ocean on clouds