Experiencing Early Winter on Lao Than Mountain
November marks the start of mountain-conquering season. Have you prepared your gear for Lao Than and its early winter atmosphere? This is when the mountain enters its most beautiful time of year, sure to stir the hearts of nature lovers and challenge seekers. Explore early winter on Lao Than Mountain with To Ong.
Early winter on the mountain:
By November, northern regions of Vietnam are only just beginning to turn cold. In the south and subtropical areas, it can be hard to feel the crisp chill of winter. That winter feeling arrives earliest in high mountain areas because the higher you go, the lower the air temperature becomes. Early winter cold is not too harsh, making it very favorable for trekking.
The early winter scenery on the summit is deeply rewarding. You can lose yourself among floating layers of cloud. At times, there may even be mist, frost, and snow.
Lao Than Mountain:
Lao Than Mountain rises to 2,860m and is located in Phin Ho commune, Bat Xat district, Lao Cai province. From November, cold air arrives and causes water vapor to condense into mist and clouds. The whole space sinks into a dreamy white atmosphere. Temperatures here can drop below 2°C, offering a striking winter experience.
Step by step through winter on Lao Than Mountain:
The Lao Than trekking route is beautifully captivating
Most slopes along the 16km journey to conquer Lao Than Mountain are not too steep. They are mainly gentle inclines, with steeper sections appearing only closer to the summit.
Along both sides of the trail, the scenery carries a quiet, muted tone as green leaves give way to bare, dry trunks. Yellowing grass sways lightly whenever the wind passes through. Lao Than leaves many trekkers with an impression of calm, touched by the slight melancholy of year-end days.
The shelter at 1,800m
After around 5 hours of moving, you will reach the shelter at 1,800m. Spending a night in nature is an experience you should not miss. Nighttime on Lao Than Mountain is colder than daytime.
During the day, you may sweat from continuous movement under the sun, but night brings an entirely different atmosphere. Night mist combined with cold highland wind creates the chance for the whole group to gather around the fire, enjoy a little wine, and share grilled dishes. The stars shine brightly and appear especially numerous in the sky.
When the meal ends and the conversations quiet down, wrap yourself in a warm blanket and sleep well to recharge for the next day.
Watching sunrise on Lao Than Mountain
The greatest reward for trekkers may be the feeling of reaching a high mountain summit. Lao Than Mountain is where the winter experience feels most vivid. Cool wind brushes the skin in a refreshing way. Mist and white clouds, like snow, cover the entire space.
Standing high above, you will be among the first to receive the morning light. The sun wakes with a soft glow that spreads everywhere, beginning from the highest point. The scene is sure to leave you amazed.
Notes for trekking Lao Than Mountain in early winter:
- Warm clothing: warm trekking clothing is essential when trekking Lao Than Mountain. Prepare layered clothing that is stretchy and close-fitting so you can move easily. Wool, fleece-lined fabrics, and polyester are suitable choices for winter trekking.
- Food and drinks to warm the body: the body turns food into energy to stay warm, so do not let yourself go hungry. Bring dry rations, chocolate, ginger candy, warm ginger tea, and similar items to replenish energy throughout the trip.
- Good health for each stage and the cold: finally, you need good health. You can improve endurance with exercises such as walking, running, cycling, planks, and squats so your body gets used to sustained movement. You should also support your immune system with balanced meals, enough nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
- Get used to Lao Than’s climate first: especially for trekkers from southern Vietnam, you can arrive in Lao Cai 1-2 days early so your body has time to adapt to the northern cold.
Lao Than is entering early winter, a very convenient time to discover its beauty. If you love cold weather and the landscapes of Northwest Vietnam, contact To Ong and set out on a Lao Than Mountain trek.
Suggested reading:
Reach Bach Moc summit and capture clouds around the mountains
Essential specialized trekking gear for Ky Quan San
Ta Lien Peak: Falling for the beauty of autumn skies and mountains
