Conquer The Summit: A Weekend Warrior’s Guide to the Thrilling Trek of Sa Mu Peak

Sa Mu Peak stands tall over 100km from Son La city, marking the border between Son La and Yen Bai provinces. Nestled within the Ta Xua special-use forest, an extension of the majestic Hoang Lien range, this pristine natural haven remains relatively untouched by tourism.

Sa Mu Peak beckons adventurers with its pristine beauty and diverse forest ecosystems. Photo: Nguyen Hoang Bao

For over a year, Sa Mu has been a beacon for trekkers eager to explore the Northwest. Its allure lies in the unique beauty of its forests, especially the enchanting moss-covered landscapes.

The primitive forest, veiled in an air of mystery, captivates nature enthusiasts with its unique vegetation along the trekking route.

The Sa Mu Peak trekking route reveals a lush forest with moss, rhododendrons, and maple leaves, accompanied by streams and waterfalls. Photo: Nguyen Anh Chiem

Adventurers embarking from Hanoi will journey over 200km to Ta Xua commune in Bac Yen district, Son La province. From there, the climbing starting point is about 20km away. It is recommended to arrive at the Ta Xua area the night before to rest and begin the climb early the next morning.

As trekkers venture along the Sa Mu Peak route, they will find themselves enveloped in a lush forest boasting moss, rhododendrons, and maple leaves, with streams and waterfalls adding to the serene ambiance. The vegetation transforms with altitude and the direction of the mountain slope, offering a dynamic visual experience.

The mystical forest of Sa Mu Peak, adorned with unique vegetation, captivates nature enthusiasts. Photo: Nguyen Anh Chiem

As trekkers ascend to 2,000 meters above sea level, an ethereal fog blankets the ancient forest, adding to the mystique. The winds grow stronger, the temperature drops, and the air becomes more humid as the peak draws near. During winter, temperatures can plunge to as low as minus two degrees Celsius.

The Sa Mu trekking route showcases different facets of beauty throughout the seasons, enchanting travelers and trekkers alike.

From September to November, the forest paints a poetic canvas as maple leaves don hues of red and yellow. March and April witness the brilliant bloom of azalea flowers, while the presence of large ancient trees with strange shapes and perpetual moss coverage adds to the allure. Sa Mu Peak also offers the opportunity for cloud hunting, enhancing the overall experience.

The Sa Mu trekking route showcases captivating scenery throughout the seasons. Photo: Nguyen Anh Chiem

For cloud hunting enthusiasts, the best time to visit is from December to February. On clear days, Sa Mu offers a panoramic view of two famous peaks in Yen Bai province: Ta Xua and Ta Chi Nhu.

The Sa Mu climbing arc spans a total length of 15-20 km, depending on the chosen direction. Along the way, adventurers will traverse small streams and old-growth forests, encountering ancient trees of all shapes and sizes.

On clear days, Sa Mu offers a breathtaking view of Ta Xua and Ta Chi Nhu Peaks in Yen Bai province. Photo: Nguyen Anh Chiem

Sa Mu stands as one of four peaks in the Northwest where adventurers can camp overnight, witnessing both sunrise and sunset. It is also one of the five high peaks in the Northwest, including Ta Chi Nhu, Lao Than, Ngu Chi Son, and Lung Cung, offering a breathtaking 360-degree panorama.

Cloud hunting on Ta Xua Peak offers a unique experience. Photo: Nguyen Xuan Hieu

Beyond its natural splendor, Sa Mu Peak boasts a unique ecosystem vital for the conservation of genetic resources. It serves as a sanctuary for a diverse range of wild animals, contributing to its ecological significance.

Culinary Delights in Son La

Son La, nestled in the northern mountains, offers a rich tapestry of culinary delights. Beyond its majestic peaks, Son La invites you to embark on an unforgettable culinary journey.

Canh Mo, a distinctive delicacy of the highland ethnic communities, is commonly served during the Tet holidays of the Kho Mu people. This flavorful dish combines minced dried rodents, birds, or squirrels with banana flowers, aromatic herbs, chili, mac khen (wild pepper), and glutinous rice, cooked to perfection in bamboo tubes, reminiscent of bamboo rice.

Conquer the challenging trekking route to Sa Mu Peak for a memorable weekend getaway

Braided beef, a specialty of the Northwest mountains, is another culinary highlight. The most renowned variation of this dish hails from Son La. Skillfully sliced and marinated with a harmonious blend of spices, the beef is then smoked with the aromatic wood from trees grown on the rocky mountains. The result is a mouthwatering delicacy that leaves a lingering smoky aroma without any discomfort.