Conquering the Sea of Clouds at Ky Quan San's Peak Towards the Year-End

Ky Quan San, one of Vietnam's highest peaks, stands as a dream destination for passionate trekkers and cloud hunters alike, nestled amidst the vast, majestic mountains of the Northwest.
The Journey to Conquer the Sea of Clouds at Ky Quan San (Bach Moc Luong Tu)
Ky Quan San, also known as Bach Moc Luong Tu, is renowned as one of Vietnam's four highest peaks and consistently ranks on the 'must-visit' list for any adventurer eager to conquer and explore.
Standing at 3,046 meters above sea level, Ky Quan San (in Bat Xat District, Lao Cai Province) is the 4th highest peak among Vietnam's top 10, following Fansipan, Putaleng, and Pusilung.
The name Bach Moc Luong Tu for Ky Quan San was given by travelers, a slight oversight by trekkers before consulting accurate maps, as this peak is very close to Bach Moc Luong Peak (Po Ma Lung, 2,967 m) in Phong Tho, Lai Chau.

Conquering the Sea of Clouds at Bach Moc Luong Tu Towards Year-End
On April 7, 2018, the Bat Xat District authorities officially replaced the old summit marker with a new stainless steel one, engraving the name Ky Quan San, thereby officially restoring the mountain's true name. Since then, the name Bach Moc Luong Tu is no longer official. However, among mountaineering enthusiasts, the name Bach Moc Luong Tu is still passed around, serving as a fond memory of unforgettable conquering journeys.
According to experienced trekkers, the best time to explore Ky Quan San is from mid-September to April of the following year. During this period, the northern provinces of Vietnam enter their dry season, bringing cool weather and infrequent rain. This also happens to be a beautiful and perfect winter season for climbing. Gentle golden sunshine, a relatively blue sky, and layers of silvery light will make you feel as if you're lost among nine layers of clouds. If you're hoping to 'hunt' for a floating sea of clouds, this is your golden opportunity!
Another special feature is that from December to January, Ky Quan San also offers its 'specialty' – snow. If you haven't yet witnessed snowfall or touched the cold, pristine snow, this would be the ideal time to experience it.
Trekking Ky Quan San offers two main routes: one from Lao Cai and another from Lai Chau. The Lao Cai side is influenced by northeasterly winds from China, while the Lai Chau side is affected by southwesterly winds from Laos. This is because the two sides of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range are subject to two distinct climate patterns.

Trekking Bach Moc Luong Tu offers two main routes: one from Lao Cai and another from Lai Chau.
Ky Quan San is beloved by many trekkers because its trail offers immense appeal throughout the journey. For the most part, the entire ascent of Ky Quan San involves continuous climbing with only a few flat sections. Therefore, the trek is divided into two rather long and strenuous segments: a long flat path (approximately 2km) and a steep ascent starting from 1,600m, with some sections climbing up to 2,100m.
Cham Anh, a female trekker from Thai Nguyen, shared: 'Ky Quan San was an important milestone I wanted to conquer and successfully did in 2023. As a woman, when I planned to complete this route, I had to train my physical fitness extensively, as the journey is quite long and demanding, with many steep sections and rather poor trails. Fortunately, with the support of my group members, we successfully completed the trek to the summit.'
Mr. Ngoc Duc, a tour guide, noted: 'The path up Ky Quan San is by no means easy. Trekkers must cross numerous cornfields and buffalo grazing areas belonging to the local Hmong people, so getting dirty with mud is almost unavoidable. You'll also have to overcome high peaks and precarious rocky ridge trails. But simply conquering these challenges makes your journey truly admirable.'

Visitors can't help but marvel upon reaching the summit of Ky Quan San, where a floating sea of clouds creates the sensation of soaring effortlessly through an seemingly unreachable sky.
Mr. Duc added: 'You need to contact the Provincial Military Command in advance to obtain a letter of introduction if you're taking the Lai Chau route before climbing, to avoid any issues when encountering border guards.'
The average time to climb Ky Quan San typically ranges from 2 to 4 days. At the 2,100m mark, there is a single campsite built by a group of porters from Sang Ma Sao commune, serving as a mid-way stop for meals and rest. Trekking groups have no other option but to sleep at this camp if they cannot reach the summit during daylight hours. Here, trekking groups usually call ahead to reserve food and accommodation.
From the campsite to the summit of Ky Quan San, the terrain shifts to rocky cliffs with slopes reaching up to 65 degrees. Climbers must hold onto rock crevices and trees growing on both sides to ascend.
Perhaps the greatest challenge for visitors is the final stretch up Ky Quan San. By this point, everyone's physical strength is significantly diminished. Overcoming steep, moss-covered cliffs or pushing through ancient forests all present difficulties for climbers. But it is precisely through these struggles that they can truly savor the 'sweet reward' of their arduous efforts as Ky Quan San's peak gradually reveals itself before their eyes.

Perhaps the greatest challenge for visitors is the final stretch up Ky Quan San. By this point, everyone's physical strength is significantly diminished. Overcoming steep, precarious, moss-covered cliffs or pushing through ancient forests
Throughout the Ky Quan San trek, visitors will likely move from one surprise to another, captivated by the incredibly pristine and beautiful scenery, from ancient primary forests with moss-covered trees to, at times, vibrant old rhododendron trees blooming brilliantly, clinging steadfastly with tenacious vitality even at an altitude of 3,000m.
Visitors can't help but marvel upon reaching the summit of Ky Quan San, where a floating sea of clouds creates the sensation of soaring effortlessly through an seemingly unreachable sky.

With its towering, precarious cliffs interspersed with pristine bamboo forests, Ky Quan San is enveloped by magnificent and breathtaking scenery amidst the mountains and forests of the Northwest, making it an unforgettable destination for exploration and experience for every traveler.
Lao Cai 5679 view
Update day : 21/01/2024
Source : Công luận .VN Affiliate links
Monuments close by
See allNearby tourist attractions
See all

























