Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 5-day, 4-night trekking journey through the mystical landscapes of Ta Xua and Ta Chi Nhu, two of Vietnam’s highest peaks. Nestled in the remote Tram Tau region of Yen Bai province, these mountains rise over 2,800 meters, offering adventurers a blend of challenging trails and breathtaking vistas.

Ta Xua is renowned for its magical “Dinosaur Backbone,” an exhilarating, narrow ridge that seems to float above a sea of clouds, and a surreal moss forest that feels like a scene from “Alice in Wonderland”. Meanwhile, Ta Chi Nhu treats trekkers to stunning sunrises above the clouds. Prepare for steep climbs, dense jungle, and endless wonder in Vietnam’s Northwest highlands!

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Hanoi – Tram Tau – Cong Village (1,300m) – Hut 1 (2,400m) (-L,D)

Morning: Start your adventure early! At 5:30-6 am, we’ll pick you up in Hanoi and head to Tram Tau. If it’s just the two of you, we’ll arrange a public bus to Nghia Lo or Yen Bai city. By around 11 am, we’ll reach Tram Tau, where we’ll take a break and have lunch at the cozy Zoni Homestay.

After lunch, we’ll travel by car or motorbike to Ta Xua village in Ban Cong. The real journey begins once the concrete road ends! From here, motorbikes will take us along rugged, muddy paths to the trekking starting point at 1,300m. Be prepared—the first stretch is a steep, slippery climb, but don’t worry; it gets easier as you go. After about 3.5 km, you’ll spot the iconic Turtle Head Rock, a unique sight!

By 4-5 p.m, we’ll arrive at our first camping site at 2,400m, where our porters will start preparing dinner. This is your time to rest, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and enjoy the simplicity of camp life. Here, you’ll learn some handy camping skills—how to build a fire, cook with wood, and experience a night in the wilderness without electricity, phones, or internet. As we share a meal, chat, stargaze, and leave the rush of modern life behind, you’ll find yourself truly connecting with nature.

Summary:

– Trekking time: about 3-4.5 hours, covering 5.5 km

– Terrain: steep, muddy slopes with no streams

– Overnight: Camp at Site 1 (2,400m)

Day 2: Hut 1 – Dinosaur Backbone Mountain – Magic Moss Forest – Ta Xua Peak (2,865m) – Hut 2 (2,550m) (B,L,D)

5:00 am: Wake up early, have a quick breakfast, and get ready for an epic day! Around 6 am, you’ll be treated to a gorgeous sunrise as the morning mist lifts from the mountains.

Today’s highlight is the thrilling trek across Dinosaur Backbone Mountain. This part of the trek is both challenging and unforgettable—you’ll climb steep rocks, hold onto cables, and walk along a narrow, windy ridge that looks just like a dinosaur’s spine, with steep cliffs on either side.

Next, you’ll pass through the “Magic Moss Forest”. Here, ancient trees draped in moss and mist create an enchanting atmosphere that feels straight out of a fairytale. Take your time to snap some photos, capture videos, and soak in the mystical beauty around you. This part of the trail is more relaxed, with gentler slopes.

Around noon, you’ll reach the Ta Xua summit at 2,865m! We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch on the way back down, taking a break to recharge. After lunch, we’ll head to Hut 2 at 2,550m. On clear days, you’ll see the incredible “ocean of clouds” rolling beneath the mountains.

Summary:

– Trekking time: around 6-6.5 hours  

  (Average: 4 hours to the summit, 1 hour back to Hut 2, 1.5 hours across Dinosaur Backbone)

  *Note:* If the weather, timing, and your energy allow, we can cross back over Dinosaur Mountain and return to Hut 1 today. It’s about 1.5-2 hours from Hut 2 back to Hut 1.

Day 3: Hut 2 – Return to Tram Tau

7:00 am: After a hearty breakfast, we’ll start our descent down the mountain. If the weather is clear, it usually takes around 4-5 hours to reach the bottom. We’ll have lunch back at the homestay, and then you can unwind and soak your tired muscles in a relaxing hot spring.

If it’s rainy, the descent can take closer to 6 hours. In that case, we’ll have a light picnic lunch along the way. 

Around 1-2 pm, we’ll arrive back in Tram Tau, where you can rest and recharge at a hot spring resort. Tonight, we’ll relax and stay at Zoni Homestay.

Day 4: Tram Tau – Ta Chi Nhu

7:30 am: After breakfast, we’ll hop on motorbike taxis to reach our starting point in Xa Ho commune.

Around 8:30 am, we’ll begin our trek. Compared to Ta Xua, Ta Chi Nhu has fewer dense bushes, giving way to sweeping, open views of the mountain landscape. The scenery is just as stunning, though some of the slopes are quite steep.

11:00-11:30 am: We’ll stop by a stream for a picnic lunch. After recharging, we’ll continue trekking up and down across several mountain peaks—a pattern that keeps you moving without feeling too exhausted.

Around 4:00 pm, we’ll arrive at the campsite, where our porters will prepare dinner. You’re welcome to join in cooking and get hands-on with the meal prep.

Summary:

– Trekking time: ~7 hours  

– Sleeping: in a hut with sleeping bags  

– Facilities: There’s a small stream for washing hands, but no showers or toilets.

Day 5: Ta Chi Nhu – Tram Tau – Hanoi

5:00 am: Rise and shine early to catch a breathtaking sunrise near the campsite. The view is worth every early morning minute!

After soaking in the sunrise, we’ll have breakfast and continue our climb to the summit. It’s about a 2-hour trek up to the peak at 2,979m, where you’ll find fields of beautiful wildflowers in shades of purple, adding a touch of magic to the mountain landscape.

Around 9:00 am: We’ll reach the top, where you’ll be rewarded with an incredible “sea of clouds” view. Take a deep breath, let the scenery sink in, and just enjoy this unforgettable moment.

10:30 am: We’ll head back to the campsite for lunch before beginning our descent.

Around 3:00 pm: We’ll arrive back at the resort, take a quick break, and then start our journey back to Hanoi. 

Around 6:00 pm: We’ll stop in Yen Bai for a hearty dinner, then continue on the highway back to Hanoi.

Around 9:00 pm: Arrival in Hanoi. We’ll drop you off at your hotel, where we’ll say our goodbyes and look forward to seeing you again on the next adventure!

Packing List for the Trek

Here’s a quick guide on what to bring along for our adventure:

– Clothes for Trekking: Bring 2-3 pairs of lightweight, quick-dry pants and 3-4 long-sleeved shirts to wear while trekking.

– Clothes for Camp: 2 pairs of shorts and a few T-shirts to relax in at the campsite, plus a swimsuit for the hot spring.

– Footwear: A good pair of trekking boots/shoes is essential for the tough terrain, and a pair of flip-flops or sandals to wear around the campsite.

– Socks: 3-4 pairs of calf-length, comfortable woven socks.

– Extra Clothes: A fresh set of clothes for the end of the trip.

– Personal Items: Don’t forget mosquito repellent, sunglasses, a hat, camera, toiletries, and some snacks or energy bars for extra fuel along the way.

– Optional Gear: If you have a trekking stick, bring it along! Otherwise, our porters can provide a wooden one.

– Essentials: Bring a headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries for evening use.

For colder months (November to March), remember to pack some extra layers for warmth in the evenings.

Price Includes

Price Excludes