The 3rd Fansipan Conqueror
Written by Mike Tran (mike@vietnamimpressive.com)
Tuesday, 11 September 2007


Sometimes, people will think that, climbing up to the roof of Indochine - peak 3143m above the sea level is too enough once a life. It is reasonable to say so as this is so hard adventurous trip. There will be so much challenge awaiting you.

Good preparation prior to the trip is essential and highly recommended. It does not mean that you will bring as many as you can - just to be sure you are neat and as light as possible. For winter climbing, warm cloth, glove, proper shoes with stockings are the must but for those who wish to do it in the summer then apart from mentioned above, a light jacket is replaced by warm one.

This time, I went with a big group, 40 climbers including me - the more difficult thing is the majority of participants are girls who are more or less increase the slow of the entire journey let alone some of them will withdraw after a short trekking or try to reach the first stop then stay there do not want to go to the final peak.

We arrived at Royal Sapa hotel at 07h40 having a quick shower and breakfast. Some would like to take short walk of little charming Sapa town before a 'real trip' comes. We drove to Tram Ton (1900m) to start trekking. The first day was an easy one as it took us only 5 hour trek. Everyone was delighted and they did not think that why there are so many stories telling about the hardness of climbing up Fansipan but here all was very easy! Ah, yes, as this is nothing the first day, real climbing is waiting for you the next day!!

Lunch break was the highlight of the day with bread with butter and milk, eggs and fresh fruit. People enjoyed alot as all was very very hungry. Group arrived at camp site around 16h00, still so early, happy to have that!!

Evening 'gala dinner' started with a BBQ pork, people gathered together around fire to have songs and chattings. A frugal but warm dinner prepared and served in a very cozy atmosphere.

Night began. Luckily, it did not rain and we had a good sleep in the open air camps.

The next day was really a big challenge. We had to climb 5 times more than the first day under rough condition. We overpassed so many stiff cliffs or waded through the damp bamboo forests. From the camping site to top one way was at least 5 hour for medium trek climber and around 3 hour climb for good trekkers. We climbed up peak at around 12h00 really tired but very pround as if we all sacrified a very significant thing. Exclusive photos taken, video clips made to keep memorial moment on top. Weather at peak is rather different: cloudy wind for a moment then sunshine and it is normally cold in whatever summer or winter time.

The way back was easier with less energy consuming - the idea of going back via Hmong Sinchai village is best but again it is not easy in compared to other routes. We had opportunity to see Pomu tree - symbol for Hoang Lien Mountain Range but all burnt by a tragedy fire in 1985 which destroyed entirely the area. It seems that, there is only one left nowadays.

When we were all at hotel in Sapa, we had a feeling like we have done a miracle. Although, this is my third time but I admit that, that feeling is true as the way we have conquered is really applausing. We boarded LC train back Hanoi the same day with a wish that, we will have another chance to be there, at Hoang Lien Mountain Range to be on the 3143m again. Goodbye Sapa, goodbye Fansipan and see you soon.


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