Journey to find the self

I always believe that every mountain has a story. Not only a story about geology and ecosystem, but also a story about the people who have set foot on it, about their dreams, aspirations and even the drops of sweat that have fallen on each stone. Ta Chi Nhu - the seventh highest mountain in Vietnam, located in Xa Ho village (Hanh Phuc commune), told me such a story, a story about perseverance, about love for one's homeland and about the unlimited strength of each person.

My journey began on an autumn morning, when the cool breezes had begun to blow, signaling the approaching winter.

Lead Mine, the starting point of the journey to conquer Ta Chi Nhu. Lead Mine is no longer active today, but it is still a familiar place for climbers.

Here, we met the local porters who would accompany and help us on the upcoming journey. They are the children of the mountains, with strong legs and gentle smiles, always ready to share their experiences and encourage us to overcome difficulties.

From Mine Lead, the road gradually began to climb. We followed a small stream, passing through dense forest where sunlight could only penetrate through the treetops. Facing the old forest, the experience of the city became small.

I remember what an old man in the village said when we visited: “The mountain does not lend anything to anyone, nor does it owe anyone anything. It only teaches those who know how to listen.”

Ta Chi Nhu was not easily conquered. The higher we went, the steeper and more rugged the path became, with large rocks. Sweat began to pour down our foreheads, and our legs felt heavy.

Sometimes, I feel my will wavering like an oil lamp in the wind; wanting to go out, wanting to stop. But the companions and words of encouragement suddenly become invisible strength.

A female friend in the group, who used to be an office worker, told of sleepless nights preparing her job application; another young man shared about giving up a stable job to pursue an agricultural project in his hometown... Those simple yet honest stories became a source of energy for her legs.

The rain reminds us that strength is not always a loud scream; sometimes it is silent patience, enduring every stumble, getting up after every fall.

After many tests of will and courage by nature, by about four o'clock in the afternoon, we had reached a position at an altitude of 2,600 m.

The guide said: “This is the only place where we can camp, otherwise we will go a little further to the hut to ask for a place to stay. But there is no water there.”

After some discussion, we decided to camp here. Quickly, two tents were set up, then we gathered firewood and set up a stove to heat the food we had brought. As the afternoon grew colder, the stove became more precious.

Sitting by the kitchen, we sipped hot coffee, watching the sunset. Oh my, that feeling is so precious, nothing can buy it because it is exchanged for human courage and will.

Dusk falls very quickly, but here, on this mountain in the Pu Luong massif of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, the moonlight will arrive just in time when the last ray of sunlight disappears behind the distant mountain.

By the fire, the local guides told stories about Ta Chi Nhu as if it were part of their memories. They told stories about the wildflower season that only blooms for one week each year, about the stream with fish, about the days when the road to the village was much more difficult.

Through these stories, love for the land is expressed not only through words but also through actions - protecting forests, protecting water sources, sharing crops. That love teaches me that conquering a mountain peak is not only about achieving personal ambitions, but also about understanding and respecting the places you pass through.

After a night’s rest at the hut, we woke up early to prepare for the journey to conquer the mountain peak. The morning air on the mountain was fresh and cool. The dew drops still lingered on the leaves, sparkling like gems.

From the hut to the top, the path became more difficult than ever. The slope increased significantly, many sections had to cling to the cliff to climb. The wind blew stronger, whistling in the face. But in return, the surrounding scenery also became more majestic.

We passed through low bamboo forests, burnt-yellow grass hills and purple chi pau flower slopes. Ta Chi Nhu taught me a harsh lesson: not all challenges are easy to overcome. There are stretches of road that force you to face your fears, your body’s limits and your own self. But in that difficulty, I found the essence of willpower, knowing how to accept current limits, then persistently train to overcome them.

Willpower isn’t about brute force. It’s about making small decisions: keeping going, taking breaks, asking for help when you need it, and giving back when you can.

And then, the moment the group had been waiting for had finally arrived. When I set foot on the top of Ta Chi Nhu, I couldn’t believe my eyes. A sea of white clouds spread out before me, covering the entire space.

The mountains rose and fell like islands in the ocean. The brilliant dawn light shone down, dyeing the sea of clouds a magical orange-yellow. I stood still, admiring the magnificent sight.

My emotions exploded. I felt so small in front of the vastness of nature, yet so strong because I had overcome my own limitations. Tears of happiness rolled down my cheeks.

The moment I touched the top of the mountain, I felt small but at the same time great. Because greatness lies not in how high you reach, but in having dared to begin the journey.

On the top of Ta Chi Nhu, I found the meaning of conquering a mountain is not only conquering the height, but also conquering myself. It is a journey to discover , to see that I am limitless, to train my will and to appreciate more the beauty of life.

We descended the mountain, Ta Chi Nhu gradually disappeared behind the clouds, leaving behind a space filled with echoes. I looked back, smiled and whispered to myself: “Touching the mountain top is touching a part of the soul. Now, let’s bring that part back - sow it again, cultivate it, so that each whisper of the mountain is the motivation to write one’s own dream”.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/hanh-trinh-tim-ve-ban-nga-post883686.html