Putaleng Peak Challenge – The Roof of Lai Chau 3D2N

Level - Trekking

Known as the second roof of Indochina, Putaleng, rising to 3,049 meters, is a peak that tests the endurance of adventurers. Its diverse terrain ranges from dense ancient forests and rocky streams to bamboo groves and vibrant red rhododendron forests. It is the ideal destination for those eager to explore the mysteries of nature and push their physical limits.

Expert Guide

To Ong Adventure is one of Vietnam’s leading hiking and trekking organizers, with a professionally trained team in mountain skills, survival skills, and route safety.

Nguyễn Cao Minh Trí

Adventure Guide

Since joining To Ong, Tri has grown from an introverted Bao Loc local into a guide with energy in every direction. Tall, enthusiastic, and thoughtful with photos, he brings warmth to the route.

Tour Summary

Overview chart for Putaleng Peak Challenge – The Roof of Lai Chau 3D2N

Best months:

September - May (February to May: Rhododendron
blooming season)

Maximum group size:

16 people

Pick-up time:

9:00 PM - Every Thursday Night

Pick-up location:

My Dinh Bus Station

Meeting point:

Lai Chau

Duration:

3 days 2 nights

Medical access time: 6 hours
Route distance: 24km
Peak elevation: 3,049m
Elevation gain: 2,685m
Active hours per day: 8 hours

Detailed itinerary

Departure: HA NOI

Sleeping Conditions::: Sleeper bus with 34 seats

The journey begins at 20 Pham Hung - My Dinh Bus Station.

For customers arriving from other locations, To Ong will provide pick-up at Noi Bai Airport, Hanoi. Please book a flight that arrives at the airport before 9:30 PM.

To Ong will send specific pick-up location and time details via email 3 days before departure (if any changes occur).

A transfer vehicle will pick you up and take you to the sleeper bus for the trip to Ta Leng, Lai Chau.

DAY 1: TA LENG – HO THAU, LAI CHAU

Accommodation:: Trekking Lodge
Distance::: 6.5 km, 8 hours of trekking
Meals::: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Highlights::: Admire the sunset at the third highest peak in Vietnam

5:30 AM The group arrives at Ta Leng, freshens up, has breakfast, and prepares their belongings.

7:30 AM A shuttle picks up the group to depart for Ho Thau's mountain base – Lai Chau.

8:00 AM The group arrives at the mountain base, organizes their gear, and meets with the local porters who will assist them. The guide will explain safety rules and lead a warm-up session for their expedition to conquer Putaleng – the second highest peak in Indochina.

Departing from Ban Ho Thau, the group starts by following a gentle 3 km trail, then continues for about 4 km along a large stream under the ancient green forest canopy.

12:00 PM The group stops for lunch at Thao Qua hut, taking a one-hour break.

1:00 PM The journey continues across mountain slopes and steep inclines to reach Ho Thau Hut at an altitude of approximately 2,600 m.

5:00 PM The group arrives at the hut, enjoying the sunset view from the mountaintop.

6:00 PM Rest and prepare for dinner.

DAY 2: HO THAU SHELTER – PUTALENG PEAK – TA LENG SHELTER

Accommodation:: Trekking Lodge
Distance::: 10 km, 8 hours of trekking
Meals::: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Highlights::: Reach the summit of Putaleng – Watch the sunset and hunt for clouds

6:00 AM The group wakes up, freshens up, enjoys the sunrise, and has breakfast.

7:00 AM The journey to conquer the peak begins. Though the summit is just a 3-hour climb away, the steep and rugged terrain, dominated by bamboo forests, makes it a real challenge.

10:00 AM The group reaches the summit. Everyone takes the opportunity to capture the moment of conquering the route to the second highest peak in Indochina.

12:00 PM The group descends back to the hut, has lunch, and rests at the hut.

1:00 PM The group packs up and starts descending toward Ta Leng for the second night. The route down to Ta Leng is relatively easier, with gentler slopes, passing through ancient forests and along paths adorned with many wild maple leaves.

4:00 PM The group arrives at the hut, offering another chance to enjoy the sunset and hunt clouds on the slopes of Putaleng.

6:00 PM The group prepares dinner, enjoys a warm meal together, and rests for the night.

DAY 3: TA LENG SHELTER – SAPA

Distance::: 7.5 km, 6 hours of trekking
Meals::: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Highlights::: Enjoy sturgeon hotpot – Experience a Dao Red herbal bath

6:00 AM The group wakes up, freshens up, enjoys the sunrise, and has breakfast.

7:30 AM The group warms up and begins the journey down the mountain toward Ta Leng commune.

11:30 AM Arrive at the foot of the mountain. Motorbike taxis pick up the group and transfer them to the center of Ta Leng commune for lunch.

12:30 PM The transfer vehicle takes the group back to Sapa.

4:00 PM Arrive in Sapa, where the group experiences Hot bath in Sapa—a precious product of the Northwest region, known for its benefits in relieving joint pain and improving overall health.

6:00 PM The group heads to a local restaurant to enjoy a specialty of the Northwest region—sturgeon hotpot. Together, they sip on wine, savor the fresh fish, and share stories of the adventure.

8:30 PM Free time, allowing the group to visit the Sapa night market, admire the unique local products, and purchase souvenirs.

10:30 PM The group boards the bus back to Hanoi, bidding farewell to the "city in the mist" – Sapa. They are expected to arrive in Hanoi at 5:00 AM the next morning, marking the end of the journey to conquer Putaleng peak.

Cost structure

Included:

34-seat sleeper bus with private cabins from Hanoi to Sapa
Professional tour guide experienced in Vietnam's trekking terrains, certified in first aid and rescue (English-speaking guide available upon request)
Shuttle service from Sapa to the starting point
Porter service (2-3 kg per guest), ensuring careful handling of luggage to prevent damage or loss
Motorbike support for descent from the mountain base
Local guide support: One guide per three guests, professionally trained by To Ong, with extensive expertise in mountain navigation
Main meals as per the itinerary
Camping gear: blankets, pillows, sleeping mats (2 nights in camping huts)
1.5-liter water bottle provided at the start of the trek and replenished at the campsite
Standard medical equipment
Trekking gear: trekking poles, raincoat, flashlight, waterproof bag, and gloves.
Completion Award: Medal or Summit Trophy
Relaxation service: Hot bath in Sapa
Travel insurance
Professional support team and private chef, ensuring nutritious meals with strict hygiene standards
Support ratio: 1 guest : 1 guide/local/porter

Not included:

Personal expenses outside the tour
Tips for guides and porters
Airfare

Packing list:

CLOTHING: Lightweight, stretchable, breathable, quick-drying
BACKPACK: Compact, with a capacity of 20 - 40 liters
SHOES: Opt for a pair that is 0.5 - 1 size larger than your usual fit.
WARM JACKET
SUN PROTECTION: Sunscreen, hat, sun gloves, mittens
PERSONAL ITEMS AND NECESSARY ELECTRONICS
MEDICATION: Rehydration tablets, electrolyte supplements, insect repellent
SNACKS: Energy bars, chocolate, candy
SOCKS: Choose thick socks, bring at least 2 - 3 pairs as a backup
SLIPPERS: For use at the campsite
HEAT PATCHES: Available at the mountain base
IDENTIFICATION: National ID or passport (required).

Notes:

1. From April 2024, all participants will receive a CONQUEROR CARD upon completing the trek. Customers registering after Wednesday will not receive the Conqueror Card.
Rates are based on weekly scheduled group tours. For private tour inquiries, please feel free to contact us.
The package tour price will not be reduced if you do not use transportation, meals, or camping services. Extra charges may apply during holidays.

Frequently asked questions

How many participants are there in each group?

For the Putaleng trekking tour, each To Ong Adventure group consists of 16 members, with a support ratio of 1:2. This means that for every 16 participants, there will be at least 8 support staff from To Ong Adventure.

What are the health requirements for joining the trek?

Each trekking route has different difficulty levels and specific health requirements. Putaleng is classified as a trekking-level route by To Ong Adventure. To participate in this trek, you should have prior experience with walking and hiking routes and maintain a regular fitness routine.

For those traveling from Southern Vietnam who are trekking in the Northwest region for the first time, it is recommended to arrive one day in advance to acclimate to the climate of Lai Chau before starting the journey.

Can I join the Putaleng trekking tour if I am traveling alone?

Yes! Even if you are traveling alone, you can still join To Ong Adventure's trekking routes. We organize group tours with a maximum of 16 members every weekend, allowing you to connect with new friends and enjoy an exciting journey together.

What are the restroom and hygiene facilities like during the trek?

At each camping site, To Ong Adventure arranges temporary restroom facilities for the group. Our logistics team ensures that the area is properly cleaned after departure. Additionally, we follow responsible waste management practices by separating organic and inorganic waste throughout the journey.