Conquer the roofs

On top of Fansipan. Photo source: Saigon Travel

Small dot of mist

I have a group of friends, and whenever we have the chance, we climb Bang Am - a mountain located on the northern edge of Huu Nien Mountain (Dai Loc). We sometimes watch the sunset, sometimes hunt for early clouds, and welcome the sunrise. Sitting on the top is like letting our huge ego drop below, becoming a small dot of mist and clouds.

There are many ways to go up Bang Am. Sometimes the same old path is overgrown with wild plants and sharp thorns, blocking the way. Every time we go up the mountain, we have to grope and open different paths.

Sometimes we gave up because we could not foresee the danger ahead. I remember the day I got lost in a strange path, after a while of clearing the path, going through the forest, following the ravines, I discovered that I had reached a high, vertical cliff, right below Bang Am peak. I only needed to overcome that steep cliff to get there, but it was too difficult, so I had to turn back. At that moment, I realized that human strength was too small compared to nature.

We also had a few opportunities to climb the more majestic mountains in the North. Before the Fansipan cable car system was put into use in 2016, our group had to climb by road for more than a day.

To reach the height of 3,147m, known as the roof of Indochina, a continuous journey through stages of 2,200m and 2,800m, feeling the constant change of altitude and scenery. The temperature gradually decreases until near the top it is freezing at 0 degrees Celsius.

Every bend, every hill is a different perspective, sometimes dry forest, sometimes coniferous, sometimes accidentally encountering terraced fields valley, far away in the sky across the eye.

Occasionally, I would see rows of green tea trees stretching along a small path, in the middle of a hill that seemed to be floating in mid-air. Every now and then, I would turn my head to look back and see a scene even more beautiful than looking ahead. In return for all the hardships on the way, I would be greeted by the sunrise on the top of Fansipan, when the sun was like a ball of fire rising from behind the billowing clouds.

After each climb to the top, the feeling of comfort, immersion, and joy on the way back, tired legs but a carefree heart. Every now and then, passing through a forest, in the middle of the wild mountains, a blue smoke of the afternoon appears, feeling as peaceful as a woodcutter returning home after a day of chopping wood.

Continuing the journey of conquest

Another time, we had the opportunity to climb to the roof of the Central Highlands. That was Lang Biang peak, located in Lac Duong district, 12km from Da Lat city.

On top of Ba Den mountain. Source: Anhdep Free

Lang Biang is also the story of the troubled love of Lang and Biang - the two highest mountains of the range are Ba Mountain at 2,167m and Ong Mountain at 2,124m.

The journey to conquer Ba Mountain - Lang Biang is not as harsh as Fansipan peak but still brings unpredictable obstacles. We follow the red dirt road to the cool primeval forest, occasionally between the hills are a few houses built to grow flowers.

If Fansipan brings a sense of grandeur, Lang Biang brings a strange mystery. The entire path from the foot of the mountain to the top is under the pine forest, not giving us any view of the valley below. This in return for the 3-hour climb is complete isolation from the surrounding world.

An overwhelming feeling when reaching the 2,167m milestone with a panoramic view of vast flower valleys, the unique mesh houses of Da Lat, running along the poetic Dakia Golden Stream Lake.

Another Ba mountain but more pleasant in the South, that is Ba Den mountain, the roof of the South. Climbing Ba Den mountain only takes about 2 hours, following the trail from Quan Am pagoda.

Unlike the northern mountains that are usually located in a series, Ba Den Mountain lies alone in the middle of the vast Southern Delta. Without harsh terrain, steep cliffs, or rugged paths along the cliffs, climbing Ba Den Mountain brings a feeling of relaxation, like walking and breathing the fresh air.

We were lucky to go up on a beautiful day, with light sunshine and clouds gathering halfway up the mountain. When we reached the top, we emerged into the clouds, standing on the top like a fairyland. When we reached the height of 986m, our eyes could see the vast fields along the Vam Co Dong River or admire the vastness of Dau Tieng Lake.

Ability to connect with nature

Sometimes we tell each other that climbing mountains is like finding your way in life. You cannot succeed if you do not dare to start. Starting means getting rid of the fear that your body cannot withstand the hardships of the journey, the fear of the unpredictable risks that surround each stage. The first thing you need to prepare yourself for is good health. You also need to “prepare” or “find” the ability to connect with nature.

It is recognizing the pristine beauty of nature, feeling comfortable with trees, sun and wind, easily lying on a rock, comfortably camping, sleeping at the edge of the forest. Connecting sometimes from the "support" of nature, like a cool stream, or where there are dangers, like the story of a flood after the rain. Gradually, after climbing mountains, we also connect more easily with our own natural self, becoming strong and flexible like a forest person.

There are several directions around the mountain, each with a different experience. Sometimes you get lost, then you have to accept the change, choose a detour. No matter which path, if you keep on opening the way, you will find the way to the top.

And how you behave on the way is what makes you happy. Don't keep climbing the mountain and forget the simple beauty along the way, don't forget to stop and take a breath of fresh air when you feel tired, don't forget the companion who helped you through the painful parts. Because if you are alone at the top, can it be the loneliest moment?

Source: https://baoquangnam.vn/chinh-phuc-nhung-noc-nha-3142385.html