Pu Gio Peak shrouded in clouds...

"Sea of clouds" on the summit of Pu Gio.

Xuan Lien National Park is located in five communes: Bat Mot, Yen Nhan, Luong Son, Van Xuan, and Thuong Xuan, covering a total area of 25,601 hectares. It includes special-use forests, production forests, and the semi-submerged area of the Cua Dat irrigation and hydroelectric reservoir. Xuan Lien National Park is known as one of the five major biodiversity centers in Vietnam, boasting a population of ancient fir and cypress trees thousands of years old, which have been recognized as Vietnamese heritage trees.

Furthermore, Xuan Lien National Park boasts majestic and expansive natural landscapes, with mountains reaching thousands of meters above sea level (Pu Gio, Pu Ta Leo, Pu Hon Han), beautiful waterfalls, and numerous historical and cultural values, reflecting the development of the land and its people. Among these, the summit of Pu Gio, shrouded in clouds and mist, is a truly unique, skillful, and captivating feature, imbued with a touch of natural mystery.

The mountain ranges in the western districts of Thanh Hoa province share a common characteristic: they are a continuation of the mountain ranges that originated in Hua Phan province (Laos), gradually decreasing in altitude towards the east. Pu Gio Peak, at 1,620 meters above sea level, is often shrouded in mist, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius in the summer. Standing on the summit of Pu Gio, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the majestic Xuan Lien mountain range and feel the humid air of the swirling clouds. Here, visitors can admire the picturesque scenery of the primeval forest, take in the breathtaking view of Cua Dat Lake, see the blooming white rhododendrons, and visit the remnants of the anti-aircraft artillery positions used by the Vietnamese army and people during the war against the US.

From the summit of Pu Gio, small streams cascade down to form the most beautiful and largest waterfall in Xuan Lien National Park, Hon Yen Waterfall. Hon Yen Waterfall has water flowing year-round, cool in summer and warm in winter. A special feature that sets Hon Yen Waterfall apart from other waterfalls in Thanh Hoa is the presence of numerous rocks of varying sizes blocking the flow of water. At the points where the water falls and contacts the rocks, it creates a layer of white foam that spreads in all directions, forming a cool waterfall area.

For those who love exploration and adventure, the trekking tour to conquer Pu Gio peak promises to offer valuable and unforgettable experiences. This is one of five trekking routes located within Xuan Lien National Park (along with routes visiting heritage trees such as the Pơ Mu and Sa Mu; observing gray langurs and white-cheeked gibbons; observing gray langurs and white-cheeked gibbons and visiting heritage trees such as the Pơ Mu and Sa Mu; and Pu Xeo peak - 7-tiered waterfall - Lung Nhai Oath Historical Site) organized by the Thanh Hoa Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism to diversify products and bring breakthroughs to the tourism industry in the mountainous region.

The adventurous trekking tour to conquer Pu Gio peak takes about 3 days and 2 nights, covering a route of over 20km, starting from Hon Can Forest Ranger Station and ending at Cua Dat Lake. Leaving behind the hustle and bustle and pressures of modern life, visitors slowly and leisurely explore the vast forest, discovering a world of fascinating and mysterious nature. The Xuan Lien forest remains endlessly green; countless forest birds chirp and sing their welcoming melodies; colorful flowers and leaves adorn the paths; the fresh, cool air fills the lungs... The clear, lively melody of the song "My House is on the Hillside" (music by Duc Trinh, lyrics by Le Tu Minh) resonates in my thoughts: "My house is on the hillside / Where forest birds sing sweetly / The sky is a gentle blue / The wind blows freely / My house is in the golden sunlight / The stream overflows the rocky banks / The scent of the forest in summer / The winding road in the evening..."

The routes and experiences on the journey to conquer Pu Gio peak are both exciting and challenging. To ensure safety and convenience for tourists on the trekking trip, in addition to preparing a positive mindset, tourists need to equip themselves with essential items such as: backpack, trekking shoes or walking shoes, high socks to protect against leech bites, drinking water, personal hygiene items, some common medicines (for colds, fever, stomach aches, diarrhea, digestive disorders, etc.); cotton swabs and bandages; flashlight, folding knife or multi-tool; spare batteries, national ID card or passport...

No matter when you visit Pu Gio, you can discover and experience its beauty and charm. For those who love cloud hunting, visiting Pu Gio in spring and winter is the best. The vast forest shrouded in swirling white clouds gives visitors the feeling that they can reach out and touch a fairyland. It's a dreamlike scene in reality.

Statistics from the Xuan Lien National Park Management Board show that, on average, the park welcomes over 1,000 visitors annually for sightseeing, experiences, and learning experiences, including international tourists. This is a positive sign, but it also highlights the gap between the potential and advantages of tourism and its exploitation and development in Xuan Lien National Park.

To enable tourism in this area to "take off," establish its brand and identity, the Xuan Lien National Park Management Board needs to further promote the value and potential of the park; boost promotional activities and attract investment in ecotourism development; improve existing tours and routes; invest in infrastructure and facilities to enhance attractiveness and attract tourists; and develop more tourism products that reflect the unique characteristics and cultural nuances of the region. Along with this, relevant levels and sectors need to pay attention, create favorable conditions, and provide guidance and solutions to overcome difficulties and obstacles related to legal regulations on attracting investment in projects leasing forest land for ecotourism development in special-use forests...

PCĐ

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/dinh-pu-gio-trong-may-255371.htm