Natural masterpieces: Chu Hreng - Legendary screen of the mountain town

SYMBOL OF Kon Tum MOUNTAIN TOWN

The Chu Hreng mountain range is about 11 km long, stretching from Kon K'tu village (Dak Ro Wa commune) to Sao Mai pass (Hoa Binh commune), where it borders the Chu Pao mountain range ( Gia Lai ). The mountain runs in a northwest - southeast direction like a screen of the mountain town. The average height of the Chu Hreng mountain range is about 1,000 m, the highest peak reaches 1,150 m, between the clouds and the wind, the mountain is like a diligent gatekeeper of Kon Tum, quietly watching the Dak Bla river flowing below day and night.

The uniqueness of Chu Hreng lies not only in its shape but also in its diverse forest ecosystem. Mr. Dao Van Chinh, Chairman of the People's Committee of Chu Hreng Commune, said that there are about 20 hectares of primary forest here, and more than 1,000 hectares of regenerated forest. The cool, fresh climate of Chu Hreng is created by its altitude and diverse vegetation.

Chu Hreng Mountain is an ideal cloud hunting spot for those who love to travel, PHOTO: NGUYEN THINH

Not only is it known as the "roof" of Kon Tum City, Chu Hreng is also an ideal "observation fortress" for the mountain town's landscape. With its rugged terrain, many years ago, access to this area was mainly by specialized vehicles. Recently, to attract investment as well as develop tourism , the local government has built a road up the mountain.

Along the way up the mountain, lush green forests are one after another. The 500 hectares of planted forests are the result of the efforts of the local people and authorities to green the mountain over the past many years. The higher you go, the landscape, terrain and climate of the mountain gradually change. Rows of reeds and wild trees gradually give way to rows of straight pine trees. The climate becomes cooler and more pleasant.

Setting foot on the summit, visitors can admire a visual "feast": white clouds drifting, Kon Tum City in miniature below, Dak Bla River winding like a silk strip, embracing the fields. The villages of Ba Na and Xo Dang appear and disappear in the mist, the sound of roosters crowing echoes, familiar yet strange in the middle of the great forest.

Chu Hreng Mountain is like a screen blocking the south of Kon Tum City, PHOTO: DUC NHAT

LEGEND OF THE MOUNTAIN GOD

Mr. Tran Van Lam, Deputy Head of the Department of Culture and Family Management, Kon Tum Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, recounted a mysterious legend about the mountain god Hreng, the god who once reigned on the top of a high mountain.

According to legend, when heaven and earth had not yet been divided, the god Hreng ruled this place. The god had power but was arbitrary and cruel.

At that time, in a village at the foot of the mountain, there was a girl who had just reached marriageable age. Her beauty was famous far and wide. All the young men from everywhere wanted to marry her. But she refused them all, because in her heart she was still waiting for a worthy man. The story about her soon reached the ears of the mountain god Hreng. One day, when she was going to the forest to pick cotton to weave cloth, the god immediately captured her and brought her to a deep cave on the mountain top, intending to force her to be his wife.

At that time, in the village there were two twin brothers of the Ba Na people, both of whom were as tall and strong as giants. Seeing the injustice, the two brothers took their swords and went up to the mountain cave to fight the god to rescue the girl. The battle lasted for many days and nights without a winner or loser.

Chu Hreng attracts tourists with its fairyland-like scenery, PHOTO: BAN NGUYEN

Standing on the top of Chu Hreng mountain, visitors can let their souls soar, looking out at the majestic mountains, PHOTO: BAN NGUYEN

Kon Tum City at the foot of Chu Hreng Mountain, PHOTO: BAN NGUYEN

One night, when the mist covered the Hreng peak and the mountain god was deep in his proud sleep, the younger brother quietly followed the path up to the cave. Under the dim moonlight, he crept through the dense trees, squeezed through the narrow crevices, and then, as light as a shadow of mist, stole the precious sword. Just waiting for that moment, he let out a howl that echoed throughout the mountains and forests. Hearing the howl, the older brother immediately climbed the mountain to join the group, and the two joined forces to charge into the cave. The final battle took place fiercely in the quiet night of the mountains and forests. With love, intelligence, and courage, the two brothers defeated the ferocious god, restoring peace to the village at the foot of the mountain.

After destroying the mountain god, the two brave brothers brought the girl back to the village amid the joy of everyone. Her radiant beauty and talent made both of them fall in love with her. But between love and family, the younger brother chose to quietly leave the village. Before leaving, he went up the mountain, where the life-and-death battle had taken place, and used his precious sword to cut across a mountain peak. Then he brought the sword and placed it on the top of Chu Mom Ray (Sa Thay District, Kon Tum). From then on, he lived alone in the middle of the forest, every day looking up at the mountain peak he had been attached to, to ease his homesickness, his longing for his brother, and the girl who had made his heart yearn.

According to Mr. Lam, the mountain peak that was penalized was once used as a helicopter landing pad during the war. The cave where the gods once resided is still there, quietly in the middle of the green forest, undiscovered by anyone.

Mr. Nguyen Van Binh, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Kon Tum province, shared: "The mountain is not far from the center, has a pleasant climate, and diverse vegetation. If we know how to exploit eco-tourism properly, this place will become an attractive destination of the Central Highlands."

In fact, many groups of young people have chosen Chu Hreng as a weekend camping spot. Sleeping in tents under the stars at night and waking up in the morning amidst drifting white clouds, it feels like living in another layer of heaven. The landscape here is suitable for trekking, picnicking, cloud hunting, and has great potential for developing community tourism routes associated with indigenous culture. (continued)

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nhung-tuyet-tac-thien-nhien-chu-hreng-binh-phong-huyen-thoai-cua-pho-nui-185250507200741136.htm