Northwest Travel: Conquering Sa Mu Peak on the Most Beautiful Roads

The journey through the primeval forest and conquering the nearly 3000m high Sa Mu peak brings exciting adventurous experiences on the Northwest tourist route.

The moss forest is so beautiful that it is almost magical when conquering Sa Mu peak. Photo: NVCC

Huu Dat (25 years old, Ta Xua) has just conquered Sa Mu peak, also known as U Bo, 2,756m above sea level. This is a pristine mountain peak belonging to Ta Xua special-use forest - an extension of Hoang Lien range. This peak was summited in December 2022, located in Ban Mu, Bac Yen district ( Son La ) bordering Tram Tau district (Yen Bai). In recent years, Sa Mu peak has become a tourist attraction because of its wild beauty and rich flora that changes with the seasons. In particular, Sa Mu is not too difficult to conquer, suitable for even beginners.

Sa Mu is not a difficult mountain to climb, suitable for beginners. Photo: NVCC

From March to April, visitors can see the rhododendron forest in full bloom, from September to November, the maple leaves change to yellow and red, creating a poetic scene. From December to February is the time to hunt clouds on the mountain top. The young man confided that he used to live in Hanoi, but he was so passionate about trekking and exploring new lands that he decided to leave the city to live in the village. "After a while living in the village, being immersed in nature, conquering high mountains, I feel that the decision to come here was the right one," said Huu Dat.

Rich vegetation, primeval forest covered with moss. Photo: NVCC

Primitive forest covered with ghostly moss. Photo: NVCC

Sharing about the 2-day-1-night mountain climbing trip, the 25-year-old man said that there are many ways to conquer Sa Mu peak. Tourists can choose the route from Bac Yen town (Son La), going about 40 km deep to the climbing point in Xim Vang commune or another route from Tram Tau ( Yen Bai ). Huu Dat said that he has conquered Sa Mu peak 3 times and each time he took a different route: "The first time I climbed in the direction of Xim Vang with the longest route of 12km and returned in the direction of Cheu village 14km". According to the male tourist, this is the most beautiful route because tourists can experience moss forests, maple forests, bamboo forests and pass through small streams. On the way, the slopes are not too steep, but on bad weather days, the trekking journey will be quite tiring.

Ancient tree on the Sa Mu climbing path. Photo: NVCC

Ancient tree on the way to Sa Mu peak. Photo: NVCC

“The second time I climbed in the direction of Xim Vang, 7km, with many steep and winding slopes. You should practice climbing stairs before taking this route,” the young man said. The third time conquering Sa Mu, the young man chose the route in the direction of Hang Dong. This route is long, not too steep but lacks a natural water source. The primeval forest here is covered with moss everywhere, creating a mysterious atmosphere. In addition, the young man advises visitors to use specialized windproof, waterproof gear, and climbing shoes to reduce foot pain and grip the road better.

Vegetation changes with the seasons. Photo: NVCC

After a hard day of climbing, at around 5pm Huu Dat and his group of friends will rest at a hut of the local people on the mountain. The hut is made of wooden planks, windproof, has blankets and insulation mats to keep warm. Although not many amenities, it is cleaned very clean by the local people and can accommodate 20 people. The next morning, the young man and his group of friends continue their journey to the top to welcome the beautiful sunrise and touch the majestic Sa Mu peak. All the fatigue and hardship seem to disappear when reaching the top.

Watching the sea of clouds on Sa Mu peak. Photo: NVCC

On beautiful days, standing on the top of Sa Mu, visitors can see two famous peaks of Yen Bai province, Ta Xua and Ta Chi Nhu. After many times of conquering Sa Mu peak through the primeval forest, Huu Dat thinks he is very lucky. "Each time I come here is a different season, I have experienced the full combo of sunrise, clouds, wind, cold and the brilliant rhododendron flower season... each time is as wonderful as the first time for me", Huu Dat confided. If you are a nature lover and passionate about discovery, do not miss the opportunity to conquer Sa Mu peak, which is as beautiful as a fairy garden on the Northwest tourist route.