This weekend, I decided to conquer Mount Ket alone. After the rains, the path up the mountain was cool and refreshing, and the vegetation revived after the intense drought. In terms of altitude, Mount Ket is not considered the "highest" of the Seven Mountains, but it is still majestic and challenges the will of many. After the first brisk steps, I reached the Son Than Temple. Because of the investment in tourism development, Mount Ket has many structures serving the religious needs of visitors, including the Son Than Temple. Symbolized by a giant tiger head, the Son Than Temple gives off a sense of solemnity. After passing the Son Than Temple, I started sweating profusely.
On this trip, I had a few companions. They were pilgrims from Can Tho City , visiting and paying homage to the supernatural beings at Ket Mountain. They said that their pilgrimage to Ket Mountain was an annual tradition driven by spiritual needs. Leaving aside the sacred legends associated with the mountain, the majestic natural scenery, the strangely shaped rocks, and the unique beauty bestowed upon it by nature are all the charm of Ket Mountain.
The rocky outcrop gives the mountain its name, Két Mountain, in folklore.
Like many others, my first goal was to reach the majestic, parrot-head-shaped rock that has stood tall amidst the changing landscape, enduring the vicissitudes of time. From the foot of the mountain, "Parrot's Beak" looks quite similar to a parrot's head. But upon closer inspection, I realized that wasn't entirely accurate. Nevertheless, thanks to nature's arrangement, the rock remains the highlight that gives the mountain its name, "Parrot Mountain."
At the "Ong Ket" mine, I enjoyed taking photos of the scenery, savoring the optimism of someone who loves to explore. Meanwhile, other tourists came to light incense at the shrine of the Five Peaks and Seven Mountains. They respectfully lit incense and prayed for good fortune for themselves and their families, looking quite sincere. Some, like me, went to the "Ong Ket" mine to enjoy the cool air and admire the expansive landscape, exclaiming, "The scenery in An Giang is truly beautiful!"
Since I only came to Mount Ket for the experience, I moved quite quickly. Leaving behind the friendly smiles of the pilgrims, I became the sole traveler on the path up the mountain. The higher I climbed, the more treacherous the path became. The steps piled one on top of another, challenging the endurance of the hiker. Sweat soaked my shirt and streamed down my face as I trudged along, breathing deeply and constantly observing my surroundings to take in the natural scenery.
Despite tourism development, Mount Ket retains its pristine beauty. Being alone, I felt completely at one with nature. The silence was unexpected, broken only by the sound of my footsteps, my heavy breathing, and the chirping of cicadas in some treetop. For a moment, I felt as if I had wandered back to the untouched wilderness of Mount Ket hundreds of years ago. At that moment, I remembered what my friends in Tinh Bien town had said: that to maintain good health, one should regularly climb Mount Ket to test their physical fitness.
Along the way, I occasionally encountered hikers. They would walk a short distance, then sit down to rest. Despite their fatigue, everyone was excited to reach Mount Ket to pay homage to the supernatural beings. The higher I climbed, the more tired my legs became. While resting by a rock by the roadside, I met a local man. He was carrying a rather heavy sack of materials, slowly making his way up the mountain. Perhaps, given the steep slope, this was the only way to transport supplies. When asked how much he did going up and down the mountain each day, he just smiled and replied, "It depends on fate." A few other visitors asked, "How much longer until the summit?" He replied, "Just a little further." Having often conquered mountains in the Thất Sơn region, I knew that his "a little further" meant he still had a little more sweat to shed. After about 10 minutes of effort, I finally reached the summit of Mount Ket. At the mountaintop, one can visit many pilgrimage sites, such as the Fairy Well, Fairy Courtyard, and the Amitabha Temple… all located in high positions, offering expansive views of the majestic natural landscape of the Seven Mountains region.
Standing at Tien Well, I thoroughly enjoyed the fruits of my nearly hour-long climb. In front of me, Nha Bang ward, with its bustling market towns, blended with the green foliage. On this side, Tra Su mountain, after several rains, was lush and refreshing. Occasionally, the purple hues of the mountain crape myrtle trees caught my eye, further enhancing my sense of tranquility. Leaving behind worries and anxieties about the future, I felt my heart lighten as I immersed myself in nature.
Descending the mountain with the joy of having accomplished my goal, I leisurely climbed the steps. At this moment, I remembered the words of my friends in Tinh Bien town: "If you have the chance, you should go up Ket Mountain to visit, to feel the beauty of the mountains and forests, to see that Tinh Bien always offers unforgettable experiences!"
Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/duong-len-nui-ket-a419253.html
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