Trekking Legendary K50 Waterfall: Finding the Forest Spirit of Kon Chu Rang
Deep in the forests of Kon Chu Rang stands a magnificent waterfall that has existed for a very long time. It is K50 Waterfall, also known as Hang En Waterfall. Rising like a guardian spirit, the waterfall watches over the land and breathes life into the whole forest. Join To Ong on a journey into the legendary land of Kon Chu Rang and trek to K50 Waterfall.
1. A brief look at K50 Waterfall:
K50 Waterfall is located in Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve, Kbang District, Gia Lai Province. Water from the Con River winds through ancient forest, meets a high rocky ledge, and pours down to form this waterfall.
The waterfall is more than 50m high, and its width ranges from 20 to 100m depending on the season. In the rainy season, water from upstream increases and the waterfall spreads wider. In the dry season, it becomes more modest, like a gentle and graceful young woman.
The K50 Waterfall trekking route is not too steep and offers an engaging experience immersed in nature. The total distance there and back is 17km. Trekkers need two days and one night to complete the route.
For a safer trip, you should trek during the dry-season months, from August to May of the following year. The beginning of the year is especially beautiful, when forest plants begin to sprout and the whole forest is covered in fresh green.
2. The legend of K50, the forest guardian:
Since ancient times, the great forest of Kon Chu Rang has been guarded by three deities, each linked to a waterfall: Giang Tkoi Buk Jai at K50 Waterfall, Tkoi Srieng at Bom Dan Waterfall, and Tkoi Moi at To Ong Waterfall.
Among the three Giang, Tkoi Buk Jai was the most respected by local people. He was not only skilled in magic and possessed unmatched treasures, but was also kind and virtuous. Thanks to him, villagers learned farming and weaving, and their lives became more prosperous.
Seeing this, Giang Tkoi Moi grew jealous and repeatedly fought Giang Tkoi Buk Jai, causing storms to rage across the area for a long time. After one ambush, Giang Tkoi Buk Jai was wounded and his body shattered. Large boulders fell and lay scattered along the stream. Today, the waterfall still bears cracks and broken lines, believed to be traces of that ancient battle.
3. Memorable experiences when trekking K50 Waterfall with To Ong:
Explore the primary forest ecosystem:
The deeper you go on the K50 Waterfall trek, the denser the forest becomes. The narrow trail beneath the canopy has been carved into grooves by rainwater. Many trunks cross the view, creating the mysterious charm of the great forest. As you walk, you can admire the grand beauty of nature.
Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve is considered one of Vietnam’s leading genetic reserves. It is home to rare plant and animal species such as the gray-shanked douc langur, Asian golden cat, black-crowned barwing, jewel orchid, and short-leaf podocarp. When people think of ferns, they often imagine delicate plants with slender stems. In Kon Chu Rang, however, ferns are different. They grow strongly with woody stems and leaves as large as giant fans.
Soak in the cool water
Sunlight slips through the tree canopy and dances across the water like sparkling spirits. The stream seems to invite travelers from afar to relax. Its clear, cool water helps wash away every trace of fatigue.
Watch hundreds of swallows circling overhead
K50 Waterfall is also called Hang En Waterfall because it is home to hundreds of wild swallows. When the sun rises high, flocks of swallows fly into the air. They swoop, perch, call, and fill the space with lively energy.
Use ropes to cross the waterfall:
To visit the rock cave behind the waterfall, you need to hold onto a rope. The path into the cave is very damp, with moss and lichen growing thickly, making it slippery, especially after heavy rain. Prepare a fit and flexible body so you can handle this waterfall more easily.
Cook with simple tools
You do not need the specialized cooking equipment you use at home to make delicious meals. Simple tools can still create food that tastes just as good. Grilled meat is one example. With a few clean wooden skewers, a glowing fire, and a little skill, you can enjoy fragrant grilled meat. Bamboo-tube rice, with white, sweet, nutty grains cooked inside bamboo, will satisfy hungry trekkers.
Camp overnight in the forest
When night falls, the birds search for a place to sleep, and so must we find a place to camp. To Ong has chosen an open area near K50 Waterfall as your resting spot. In the dark, quiet forest, the campfire lights up the surroundings. The whole group gathers together, sings, and listens to old stories. The sound of the waterfall echoes like music lulling us to sleep.
Paddle a SUP through the ancient forest
One of the most relaxing activities while trekking K50 Waterfall is morning SUP paddling. Sitting calmly on the board and letting your mind drift with the slow current, you can feel peace rising inside you.
Discover Bahnar culture
The Bahnar people have lived in Kon Chu Rang since ancient times. On the K50 Waterfall trek, you can see simple Rong communal houses, places that preserve customs handed down by previous generations. You will also witness daily life in Son Lang Commune, a simple lifestyle filled with distinctive cultural beauty. You may also observe the process of harvesting wild honey, a local livelihood.
K50 and its flowing water will continue the mission of sustaining the green life of Kon Chu Rang. The myth of K50 will continue to be told, and its wild beauty will continue to enchant nature lovers. Come visit the forest spirit, K50 Waterfall, with To Ong.
Suggested reading:
View the K50 Waterfall – Hang En Waterfall Hiking Tour, 2 Days 1 Night, at To Ong Adventure
Upstream on the Khe River to explore Ta Giang
Capturing every breathtaking moment on the Lao Than trail
