Conquering Ta Tao Peak

Located in Ngoc Chien commune, Muong La district, with an altitude of 2,720 meters above sea level, Ta Tao peak is among the highest peaks of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, attracting many mountain climbing enthusiasts to conquer and experience it.

Báo Sơn La•17/03/2025

The center of Nam Nghep village, Ngoc Chien commune, is the starting point for conquering Ta Tao mountain peak.

Ta Tao Mountain, in the Mong ethnic language, also means "Pheasant Mountain." According to the locals, this area was once home to a sacred pheasant. Legend says that the pheasant picked up rocks and dropped them to the ground, forming the Ta Dong and Ta Tao mountain ranges that protected the villagers from a great flood.

The hiking trail to the summit of Ta Tao mountain.

Ta Tao is a newly developed tourist destination that has quickly become an attractive spot for travelers who love mountain climbing and exploring nature, thanks to its beautiful terrain and short, moderately challenging climbing route.

Poster guides the group as they begin their mountain climb.

To conquer Ta Tao peak, we joined seven tourists from Hanoi , including teenagers aged 9-15. The group was led by two experienced Hmong porters (locals with extensive knowledge of the terrain, routes, and weather conditions of the area). They were dedicated guides, constantly monitoring and reminding each member about dangerous sections of the trail, ensuring the absolute safety of the entire group throughout the journey.

The path up the mountain was foggy after the rain.

Our mountain climbing journey was made even more difficult by the thick fog covering the path, along with drizzle making the trail slippery and prolonging the climbing time. Mr. Vang A Phenh, from Nam Nghep village, Ngoc Chien commune, our guide, shared: "The best time to conquer Ta Tao peak is from February to April each year. Guides must be familiar with the terrain, in good health, and also act as tour guides, assisting tourists with their movements and capturing beautiful moments for them."

Rhododendron flowers bloom on the summit of Ta Tao mountain.

The 6 km trail to the summit of Ta Tao starts from the center of Nam Nghep village. The first 3 km is a steep, winding road with many rocky sections and streams, which the group travels by motorbike. The remaining 3 km is a trek on foot.

The steep, rocky trail, coupled with the unpredictable weather, quickly tested the endurance and willpower of the entire group. Along the way, glimpses of simple, small huts where livestock herders lived added to the beauty of this mountainous region. We had the opportunity to experience the simple daily life of the local people, capturing moments and immersing ourselves in the peaceful, pristine atmosphere of the mountains and forests.

Venturing deeper into the old-growth forest, the journey became more arduous as the trail narrowed and steeped. With increasingly heavy steps, we felt the landscape change noticeably. The blue sky gradually faded, giving way to a dense canopy of primeval forest with towering ancient trees, their layers intertwined to create a cool, green dome.

A diverse array of flora unfolds before our eyes, from thick layers of moss clinging to tree trunks to towering, ancient rhododendron forests resembling buildings, all in full bloom and displaying their vibrant colors. The bright red maple leaves stand out against the vast green of the old-growth forest, along with the naturally formed ancient tea trees, creating a magnificent natural landscape.

Deep within the forest lie ancient trees with magnificent and unique shapes, covered in thick layers of moss, a testament to the enduring nature of time. Towering cliffs and majestic waterfalls cascade down, creating a breathtaking natural landscape that is both awe-inspiring and poetic, leaving everyone in awe.

Tourists take souvenir photos at the uniquely shaped ancient tree.

Ms. Dao Hong Khanh, a tourist from Hanoi, shared: "Taking advantage of the weekend, I brought my children to Ngoc Chien to experience the cultural space of the Mong people at the Hawthorn Flower Festival, combined with the challenge of conquering Ta Tao peak. The majestic mountain ranges hidden in the mist, and the rich vegetation, surprised everyone. Going during foggy times, the scenery becomes magical, like being lost in a forest from fairy tales."

Tourists take photos under the ancient maple tree.

The journey to the summit of Ta Tao offered unforgettable experiences amidst the majestic natural scenery and left us deeply impressed by the sophisticated approach to tourism taken by the people of Nam Nghep village. They skillfully exploited the local potential and cleverly incorporated and conveyed the unique cultural values and identity of their ethnic group.

Throughout the journey, the porters were not only dedicated guides and enthusiastic supporters, helping every member of the group overcome difficulties, but they were also talented performers, playing bamboo flutes and leaf-mouthed mouth organs. The melodious sounds of the flutes and leaf-mouthed mouth organs echoed through the mountains, giving the entire group added strength to conquer Ta Tao peak.

Poster featuring a bamboo flute performance along the route guiding tourists to conquer Ta Tao peak.

A carpet of rhododendron trees completely covers the path leading to the summit of Ta Tao.

Nguyen Xuan Quy Khang, one of the youngest members of the group from Hanoi, excitedly shared: "This mountain climbing trip is one of the most interesting journeys I've ever experienced. I not only got to admire the majestic nature and discover many unique forest plants, but I also learned more about the culture and people of the Mong ethnic group in Muong La. These experiences will become a treasure trove of valuable knowledge, contributing to enriching my understanding."

It took us nearly four hours of walking and resting, overcoming various challenging terrains, to reach the summit of Ta Tao. Conquering the treacherous path, all the fatigue seemed to vanish upon reaching the top. Standing on the mountaintop, the vast landscape of rolling mountains and forests stretched before our eyes, and the whole group enjoyed the fresh, cool air of the wilderness.

Tourists take souvenir photos under the forest canopy.

Mr. Nguyen Khac Thoai, the oldest member of the group, shared: "Farewell to Ta Tao. We are bringing back memorable photos, profound emotions, and deep lessons. This journey was both an adventure to conquer the peak and a journey to discover the beauty of the soul and the connection between humans and nature."

The younger members enjoyed taking souvenir photos during rest stops along the mountain climbing route.

The trees in the forest compete with each other to reach for the sunlight.

At the end of the mountain climb, all members of the group felt happy because they had explored, experienced, and overcome their own limitations. The special experiences at Ta Tao peak truly touched the emotions of the visitors. Besides the majestic beauty of nature, it was the simplicity and sincerity of the mountain people, along with the unique and well-preserved traditional culture, that drew visitors to this place.