Better known as Roof of Indochina, Fanxipan Mt. is 3,143m above the sea level. Although only 9 km as far as the crow flies from Sapa townlet, it takes tough trekkers at least 2 days to conquer the summit and back.
The area, as part of Hoang Lien Son, nature reserve, is to be approved as one of the few eco-tourist spots of Vietnam, with about 2,024 floral varieties and 327 faunal species. The summit is accessible all year round, but the best time to make the ascent is from mid-October to mid-November, and again in March. As there are no mountain huts along the trails, trekkers often need to stay in camps. No ropes or technical climbing skills are needed, just endurance and plenty of energy. The terrain is rugged, wet and often cold.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Hanoi - Sapa. Our trip starts with an overnight train journey from Vietnam's capital city to the border town of Lao Cai. The train departs at 21:30 pm. (No meal included)
Day 2: Sapa. Arrive early in Lao cai at 06 00 am, we start our drive up the spectacular Sapa pass, which is 1300 m high, 33 km long. Arrive Sapa in the morning; we have some free time to wander around, exploring this beautiful multi-ethnic town. In the afternoon, we take a bus ride to Taphin Village of the Red Dzao. Dao women are particularly striking as they wear a large red turban often covered with old coins or jewelry. They also shave their hair and eyebrows. Drive back to Sapa.
Optional activity: visit Ham Rong Mt. for some good panoramic views of Sapa town and the surrounding valleys. (B/D)
Day 3: Sapa - first camp (2,500 m). Today the real climb starts. A jeep will take you to Cat Cat Village of the Hmongs. From here you walk down to Cat Cat Valley at 1,100 m. You will cross a river and from here it is uphill on narrow trails and through small spectacular passes with subtropical forest. Once we reach an elevation of 1,700 m we stop for lunch and an energy boost before climbing up to an elevation of approximately 2,500. Here we set up camp for the night. Our guide and porters will prepare the food on a open fire. (B/L/D)
Day 4: Trek to summit and return to first camp (2,500m). Today is summit day, so after an early breakfast we leave our base camp around 7.00 am and start climbing upwards. As we continue on we pass through primary forest containing giant, centuries old pine trees and expanses of yellow bamboo. Our continuing trek will take us to an altitude of over 3,000m as we arrive at the roof of Vietnam: Fansipan Peak. The duration of our stay at the summit depends on the weather conditions, but normally it takes around four hours to get back to our camp, where we have a little feast celebrating the climb and simply enjoy life! If the weather is clear, once at the summit we will have time to savour the best panorama in Vietnam. From here, you can see all the way to China in the North and West and Lao in the South. (B/L/D)
Day 5: First camp - Sapa. Today it's downhill just about all the way. Following breakfast we begin our descent and reach Sapa by around lunchtime. The afternoon will then be free to explore the charms of Sapa town and take over night train back to Hanoi. Train departs at 21:15 and arrives in Hanoi at 5 am. (B/L)
Day 6: Hanoi. Upon arrival at Hanoi Railway Station you will be transferred back to your hotel.
The summit of Fansipan is accessible all year round, but the best time to make the ascent is from mid-October to mid-November, and again in March. However, the best time for the trek to the mountain is from the end of February to the start of March, when the flowers all flourish and the climbers may behold the carpets of brilliant blossoms, violets and orchids, rhododendrons and aglaias. The temperature can drop down to freezing or below during the months of December and January.
Depart from: Hanoi
Return to: Hanoi
Activities: Trekking, mountain hiking
Grade: Challenging
Recommend Bringing:
- Good trekking boots
- Rainwear
- 2 sets of clothes
- A warm fleece in the winter
- Camera and film
- Flash light
- Medicine for personal use
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Included:
- English speaking guide
- All transportation and transfers by A.C bus, A.C soft sleeper train
- Hotel accommodation in Sapa
- Tents, sleeping bags on mountains
- Meals as indicated in itinerary
- All admission fees and permits
- Drinking water during the trek
- Local supporting team during the trekking (porter, cook ...)
Not Included:
- Pre/post trip arrangement
- Meals not indicated (allow US$ 5-6 /meal/person)
- Travel insurance
- Other personal expenses
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Vietnam
Hiking & Trekking
Ecotourism
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