Ngu Chi Son Summit – Vietnam’s Challenge Peak 2D1N

Level - Trekking

The journey to conquer the 15th highest mountain among Vietnam’s top 15 highest peaks. Ngu Chi Son is known as the “most majestic mountain of the Northwest” due to its stunning rocky ridges, sheer cliffs, and diverse vegetation, all of which create a regal and awe-inspiring landscape.

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.

Thế Giang

Adventure Guide

Sun does not make Giang complain, and rain does not make him give up. A former public security officer, Giang proves his reliability through resilience, steadiness, and a strong spirit in any weather.

Tour Summary

Overview chart for Ngu Chi Son Summit – Vietnam’s Challenge Peak 2D1N

Best months:

September – April

Maximum group size:

20 people (support ratio of 2 guests : 1 guide)

Pick-up time:

10:30 PM – Every Friday night

Pick-up location:

My Dinh Bus Station

Meeting point:

Lao Cai

Duration:

2 days 1 night

Medical access time: 6 hours
Route distance: 15km
Peak elevation: 2,858m
Elevation gain: 1,650m
Active hours per day: 8 hours

Detailed itinerary

Departure: HANOI – SAPA, LAO CAI

10:30 PM Start the journey 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 10:00 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 Sapa.

Day 1: SAPA – TA GIANG PHINH – NGU CHI SON

Accommodation::: Trekking Lodge (Includes blankets and pillows)
Distance::: 6 km, 8 hours of trekking
Meals::: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Highlights::: Cross the lush green grass hills – Admire Ta Giang Phinh village

5:30 AM The group arrives in Sapa city center and moves to the breakfast spot in Sapa.

7:00 AM The group departs from Sapa in a 16-seat van, heading to the rocky road leading to Ta Giang Phinh village – at the foot of Ngu Chi Son.

8:00 AM The group reaches the starting point, where the tour guide provides the itinerary, rules, and warm-up before beginning the journey.
The group will cross grassy slopes and enjoy a panoramic view of Ta Giang Phinh village below.

11:30 AM The group stops for lunch.

1:00 PM The group continues the journey to the sleeping hut, passing through grasslands and barren hills along the way.

5:00 PM The group arrives at the hut, collects belongings, and rests.
Enjoy the view of the distant hills while preparing dinner (hut altitude: 2,800m).

7:00 PM The group has dinner together at the hut, engages in activities, and rests.

Day 2: NGU CHI SON – TA GIANG PHINH – SAPA

Distance::: 9 km, 8 hours of trekking
Meals::: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Highlights::: Reach the 15th highest peak in Vietnam – Experience a Red Dao herbal bath

6:00 AM The group wakes up early for breakfast, preparing for the summit journey.

7:00 AM The group warms up and begins the ascent.

9:00 AM The group reaches the peak. Everyone takes a moment to capture the successful conquest of the Ngu Chi Son trail.
Afterward, they begin the descent.

11:00 AM The group returns to the hut, packs up, and has lunch at the hut.

1:00 PM The group continues the descent.

4:00 PM A shuttle bus picks up the group at the mountain’s base to return to Sapa.

5:00 PM Experience a Hot bath in Sapa

7:30 PM The group returns for dinner and celebrates the end of the journey.

9:00 PM The group enjoys free time to explore the night market and buy souvenirs.

10:30 PM The group boards the bus back to Hanoi, saying goodbye to the "city in the mist" – Sapa. Estimated arrival in Hanoi at 4:00 AM the next morning, concluding the summit journey.

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
Main meals as per the itinerary
Professional tour guides with experience in various trekking terrains across Vietnam, certified in first aid and rescue safety.
1.5-liter water bottle provided at the start of the trek and replenished at the campsite
Shelter: Sleeping bag, pillow, and sleeping pad
Trekking gear: trekking poles, raincoat, flashlight, waterproof bag, and gloves.
Camping equipment
Relaxation service: Hot bath in Sapa
Standard medical equipment
Travel insurance
Completion Award: Medal or Summit Trophy
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
VAT

Packing list:

CLOTHING: Lightweight, stretchable, breathable, quick-drying
BACKPACK: Compact, with a capacity of 20 - 40 liters
SHOES: Opt for shoes half to one size larger. Shoes with deep treads, good grip on mountain terrain, anti-slip, with ankle support to prevent injuries
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.
2. Routes located in border or island areas may be restricted for foreign travelers. Please contact To Ong for assistance.
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 Ngu Chi Son trekking tour, each To Ong Adventure group consists of 20 members, with a support ratio of 1:3. This means that for every 20 participants, there will be at least 6 support staff from To Ong Adventure.

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.

What are the health requirements for joining the trek?

Ngu Chi Son 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 Northern region for the first time, it is recommended to arrive one day in advance to acclimate to the climate of Lao Cai before starting the journey.

Can I join the Ngu Chi Son trekking tour if I am traveling alone?

If you are traveling alone, you can still join To Ong Adventure's trekking routes. We organize group tours with a maximum of 20 members every weekend, allowing you to connect with new friends and enjoy an exciting adventure!