Getting lost inthe primeval forest on Tay Con Linh Mountain’s peak

BHG - Tay Con Linhhas the wild beauty of a primeval forest with rich vegetation stretching from the foot of the mountain.This is an ideal destination for visitors to immerse themselves in the space of nature.

With an altitude of 2,431metresabove sea level,the entire Tay Con Linh special-use forest covers a total area of 15,000 hectares and is home to about 900 plant species,including 54 rare species both in terms of science and environment.

In recent years,the trekking route from Lung Tao Village in Cao Bo Commune, Vi Xuyen District, which is 30 kilometres from the centre of Ha Giang City, has attracted numerous travellers to experience and admire.

The visitors must use the motorbikes of the indigenous people to pass 6.5km offroad from the foot of the mountain in Lung Tao Village, with a narrow dirt path. Four porters accompany the group to guide the way and assist the travellers in carrying belongings.

The trekking route begins by passing through the canopy of the over 3m trees in the black cardamom forest. Porter Dang Tung proudly introducedthat besides Shan Tuyet tea, black cardamomis the main crop of the locals.

On the walking road through the forestto conquer the “roof of the Northeast”,there are dry roads that are very easy to pass, but many paths are full of mud and many steep slopes challengethe climbers’ dexterity. The tree roots somehow form stairs leading the way, as if welcoming visitors.

The highertravellers go, the scenery of the beautiful primaeval forest appears dimly in the mist.

The wildflowers such ashoadaochuong(bell-shaped peach blossom) and sen da (stone lotus) grow along the paths. The carpets of softgreen mosscover the rocks and rough tree bark.

The scene is both peaceful and full of vitality when the sunlight slants through the ancient trees with mossy trunks.

This was the first time Pham Kieu Trang (24 years old, from Hanoi) went trekking. She said: “On the first day of travelling,I was exhausted but determined not to give up. Coming here, I had to take the opportunity tobreathe fresh and fragrant air and admire beautiful naturebefore I returned to the smoky city”

The total trekking distance to Tay Con Linh mountain’s peak, which is 2,431metres high, has a length of 14 kilometres. The season of do quyen(azalea) flowerlasts from March to April. The azalea flowersbloom brilliantly around the mountain.

The dawn on Tay Con Linh peak.

Photo: KHANH LINH