Lost in a fairy tale on top of Putaleng

Weaving under the canopy of ancient rhododendrons

Rhododendrons are in full bloom with all the colors of white, yellow, pink, red, purple, making anyone who comes here feel like they are lost in a fairy tale in the middle of nowhere.

The climbing season in March every year always attracts those who are passionate about conquering the peak towards Putaleng peak on the majestic Hoang Lien Son range.

Weaving under the canopy of ancient rhododendrons

Lost in a fairy tale on top of Putaleng photo 2

At an altitude of 3,049 m, Putaleng peak is one of the three highest peaks in Vietnam after Fansipan and Pusilung, where there is a beautiful rhododendron path.

There are 4 starting points to conquer Putaleng peak, 2 points in Ho Thau commune are Si Thau Chai village and Ho Thau village; Sin Chai village, Giang Ma commune and Ta Leng village, Ta Leng commune, all in Tam Duong district, Lai Chau province.

Lost in a fairy tale on top of Putaleng photo 3

Departure point from Ho Thau village, ending at Si Thau Chai village

Si Thau Chai-Putaleng route is considered the most challenging route, because the climbing distance is more than 16 km/way, with many steep slopes requiring the choice of rope swinging and ladder climbing. In return, the route is difficult to climb but has everything.

If you are lucky enough to have a pleasant day, there will be a sea of floating clouds, clear streams, and ancient moss-covered trees. Climbers will be able to relax on large rocks and listen to the sound of the wind blowing through the dense bamboo forest. And more than that, they will be amazed and amazed by the colorful forests covered by thousands of rhododendrons glowing in the sun.

Mr. Lu A Pao, owner of Pao Bach homestay in Si Thau Chai village, who often leads teams to conquer Putaleng, said that there were people who were climbing the mountain for the first time, had no experience, were not physically prepared, or were afraid of heights, and could not climb many steep sections, so they had to crawl and crawl, and had to be supported by porters. But when they admired the sea of clouds and rhododendrons blooming in the vast forest, everyone exclaimed, "How beautiful." At that moment, they seemed to forget all the fatigue from the journey they had just taken.

Having conquered many of the 10 highest peaks in Vietnam, Mr. Ha To (Long Bien District, Hanoi ) said that for those who love mountain climbing, each route, at each time, gives different feelings and experiences. But perhaps, this is the most impressive, most satisfying and also the most challenging route. Luckily, his team of 18 members, with the help of 7 porters, just completed the journey with a perfect ending, because of the right time, right place and right people.

To reach the top of Putaleng, visitors must travel 16km to reach the sleeping hut in the middle of the forest, next to a babbling stream and vast cardamom trees. At 4am the next morning, the whole group woke up early to go to the top of Putaleng at an altitude of 3,049m to welcome the sunrise over the sea of rosy clouds. On the way down the mountain, visitors will check in at the Do Rhododendron peak at an altitude of 2,619m among the vast ancient flowers.

From mid-February every year, rhododendron flowers will paint a beautiful colorful picture on the majestic mountains and forests. The more difficult the journey to reach the emotions, the more excitement and amazement at the fairy-tale scene will increase.

In the middle of the sky, you can relax your body and soul, blend with nature, listen to the sound of streams, birds chirping in the rustling sound of the forest wind and temporarily forget the hustle and bustle of life.

However, the necessary note when climbing mountains is that in addition to health issues, equipping yourself with safety knowledge and sharing experience, you should observe and listen to the weather, especially, you must have the help of local people to have the safest and most satisfying experience.

If you have a passion for adventure travel and mountain climbing, then don't hesitate any longer, rhododendron season is almost over.