Some journeys don’t need to be loud to become unforgettable. For me, trekking up Putaleng via the new route from Muong Hum (in Lao Cai) was exactly that kind of journey—quiet, raw, yet deep enough to stay with me for a long time.
Instead of the usual hustle along familiar trails, Muong Hum welcomed me with a rare stillness. The journey began near a small hydropower dam, crossing layers of terraced rice fields where life seemed to slow down from the very first steps. The morning air was so calm and clear that I could hear every footstep, every whisper of the wind.
Leaving the terraces behind, I entered the pristine forest of Bat Xat Nature Reserve. What struck me most was its untouched beauty—something increasingly rare. Towering ancient trees, tangled vines, thick moss carpets, and sunlight filtering gently through the canopy created a world that felt almost undisturbed by human presence.
Interestingly, although this route shortens the trek from three days to two, it never feels rushed. Instead, it unfolds like a living exhibition of the wilderness, where each section reveals a different face of the forest.
I passed through vast green woods, walked along high ridgelines, and occasionally found myself in open spaces where the landscape stretched endlessly. Sometimes, just stopping for a moment was enough to take in the immense scale of the mountains and sky.
What I appreciated most was the rhythm of the journey. There was no need to rush—each step felt steady and intentional. It was about walking to feel, to observe, to truly see the subtle changes of the forest: light slipping through leaves, the damp moss underfoot, the earthy scent of soil and fallen foliage. This wasn’t a trek to simply “finish,” but one to genuinely experience.
From the Lao Cai side, the rhododendron forests may not be as dense or vibrant as those on the other slope, but in return, the landscape feels more diverse. From higher points, I could recognize the silhouettes of iconic peaks of the Northwest such as Fansipan, Ky Quan San, Lao Than, Nhiu Co San, and Ngu Chi Son—all appearing majestic and almost sacred in their own way.
As I climbed higher, the terrain became more demanding. Near the summit, the slope turned steep, and I had to rely on ancient rhododendron roots, covered in moss, to pull myself upward. Beneath my feet was a soft, velvety layer of moss, and around me, a silence so deep that I could hear my own breathing. At times, it truly felt like I was among the first to ever set foot there.
And when I finally reached the summit of Putaleng, what stayed with me was not so much the view, but the feeling within. A sense of relief, a quiet pride, and above all, a deep calm. In the end, this journey was not just about conquering a mountain, but about completing a path within myself.
The route from Muong Hum to Putaleng is therefore not just a new trekking option, but a different way to connect with the wilderness—slower, deeper, and more authentic.
And if you want to experience this route in an even more special way, you can join the “Putaleng Mountain Climbing Challenge – Rhododendron Forest Edition (1st time) ”, a journey that is both a physical challenge and a chance to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the Northwest:
- Time: 07:00 AM, March 28, 2026
- Location: Muong Hum, Lao Cai
- Race details: 12 km natural mountain trail, starting from Po Ho Village (approx. 1,100 m) to the summit of Putaleng (3,049 m), from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM the same day
- Registration deadline: March 25, 2026 (via Muong Hum Commune Culture & Social Office)
A journey not only to conquer elevation, but to connect with your own emotions—honestly and deeply—amid the vast forests of Northwest Vietnam.
