Nhiu Co San: The Contrasting Beauty of Forest and Grassland
In the Northwest of Vietnam, there is a mountain shaped like the horns of a gentle buffalo. People named it Nhiu Co San, meaning Buffalo Horn in H’mong. The mountain is famous for some of the richest natural scenery in the region, especially the striking contrast between forest and vast grassland. Join Tổ Ong to learn more about that contrast through a Nhiu Co San trekking tour.
1. A quick look at Nhiu Co San Peak:
Nhiu Co San is the 9th-highest mountain in Vietnam, reaching 2,965m. It is located in Sang Ma Sao Commune, Bat Xat District, Lao Cai Province. The mountain has two pointed peaks with a dip in the middle, covered by forest and grassy hills.
A corner of Nhiu Co San Peak
With typical Northern Vietnam mountain climate features, Nhiu Co San is cold year-round. Winter temperatures range from 2 to 10 degrees Celsius, so ice and frost are common near the summit. The trekking trail is often wrapped in mist. Trekkers need 2 days and 1 night to complete 12km through forest. The terrain has many steep slopes, making this a route for experienced trekkers with good fitness.
If you want to trek Nhiu Co San, it is best to go during the dry season from September to May. In the remaining months, heavy rain and landslides are more common, which is unsafe for trekkers.
The trail up Nhiu Co Mountain
2. The contrast between forest and grassland:
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Ancient old-growth forest:
The forest of Nhiu Co San feels deeply primeval, as if it has existed unchanged for hundreds of thousands of years. In the lower mountain areas, you can easily spot cardamom forests cultivated by local people. This plant is known as the “Queen of Spices” thanks to its distinctive sweet-spicy flavor.
Interspersed with the cardamom forest are broadleaf and coniferous primeval forests. Most trees in Nhiu Co San are large, with all kinds of shapes, twisted, bent, and leaning. Moisture-loving moss and lichen cling to trunks and branches, creating an almost mysterious atmosphere.
Mysterious moss-covered dense forest
Here and there, red maple leaves appear. The cold climate, almost temperate in feel, is an excellent condition for maples to grow in the Northwest mountains. The leaves resemble red hearts trembling whenever the wind passes through.
Of course, rhododendrons are also part of the cold Nhiu Co summit landscape. Rhododendrons are woody plants with rustic, slender trunks. Through the long winter, they remain asleep, waiting for warmer weather to bloom. When they flower, brilliant rhododendron colors cover the old forest. They bring not only color, but fragrance too. Their gentle scent spreads softly along the trekking route, leaving visitors captivated.
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Sun-filled grassland:
The return route from the summit passes a peaceful goat-grazing area. In contrast to the ancient forests, the vast grassland feels fresher and more youthful. Primeval tree trunks give way to grass, shrubs, and boulders. Sunlight becomes brighter here too. Buffaloes and goats graze leisurely. From them, you can sense a freedom that feels carefree and unburdened.
The trail is still quite steep, but because it descends, it takes less energy. Looking across to the other side, you can see layers of mountains covered in green forest. In Nhiu Co San, one mountain follows another, as if arranged skillfully by Mother Nature.
A vast grazing area on Nhiu Co San Mountain (Photo: Tran Trung Hau)
Beyond forest and grassland, Nhiu Co San has many other special sights: Ong Chua Waterfall, a summit where clouds drift by, crystal-like winter forests, and terraced fields that change color with the seasons. All of these contribute to the appeal of this 2,965m mountain.
Ice clinging to tree trunks in winter
The opposite beauty of forest and grassland creates the uniqueness of Nhiu Co San. March is coming close, and the mountain is preparing to wear its colorful rhododendron coat. Start planning your Nhiu Co San trekking trip with Tổ Ong now.
