Mt. Fansipan at 3143m, and on the border with China, is Vietnam's highest mountain. It is only 9km from Sapa town but it takes at least three days to get to the peak and back. Sapa, at an elevation of 1600m, has been described as "Not easily reached... Sees few tourists... Unbelievable mountain scenery... Still retains many French cultural and architectural influences... Has been under the control of at least four countries over the centuries... Unlike other Vietnamese hill towns, different ethnicities cohabitate peacefully here." The region around Sapa is indeed home to various colourful ethnic minorities, wearing traditional attire.The climb is rough, wet and cold, but the views are rewarding. The top is accessible year-round to anyone who is in good shape. As there are no mountain huts on the way, we will be camping. No ropes or technical climbing skills are needed, just endurance and plenty of energy. The equipment and food will be carried by our porters. Trekking time is 5 - 8 hours per day.
Day 1 : Friday Arrive Hanoi - Lao Cai (Train)
Pick up at the airport. Welcome dinner, catch an overnight train (about 9 hours) to Lao Cai, 346 km to the northwest. Lao Cai is the last station in Vietnam on the French built train line toYunnan, China. (D)
Day 2 : Lao Cai (Ride/trek) - Sapa (1600m) (B,L,D)
Arrive early morning in Lao Cai and transfer by minibus to Sapa.
Free time to visit Sapa market. Overnight at Cat Cat hotel.
Day 3 : Start the climb(B,L,D)
Commence the ascent of Mt. Fansipan by trekking through terraced rice fields and a hill tribe village of the H'mong. You will follow buffalo paths, crossing streams, until an elevation of 1700m, where break for lunch. In the afternoon, continue to ascend for another 500m where a suitable camping ground is reached. This is the first peak, at 2200m elevation.
Day 4 : Camp 1 - Camp 2 (2700m) (B,L,D)
Breakfast. Trekking through a primary forest of giant, centuries-old pine expanses of yellow bamboo. Continue climbing to a second peak at 2900m where stop for lunch. After lunch, leave the gear in Camp 2 and push for the summit with just our cameras and water. After taking in the scenery and atmosphere on Vietnam's highest point, roll back down to Camp 2 for dinner and Overnight there.
Day 5 : Camp 2- Sapa - Hanoi (B,L,D)
After breakfast, break camp for the last time and descend to Sapa in time for a hot shower, dinner. Free time. Overnight at Cat Cat hotel.
Day 6 : Sapa -Hanoi (B,L,D)
8h30 Depart to Hanoi by morning train.Arrive Hanoi at 20h00.Overnight in Hanoi
Day 7: Hanoi (B,L,D).
Arrive in the early morning and transfer to our hotel. The rest of the day is for our own exploration. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 8: Hanoi ( B,L)
After a week of breathtaking adventure in North Vietnam, goodbye with fond memories. Transfer to the airport for your departure.
