Nhiu Co San Highland Trek 2D1N

Level - Trekking

Conquering Nhiu Co San Peak – the Ox King of the Northwest region. This is the 9th highest mountain in Vietnam, offering a trekking route with extremely diverse terrain, ideal for those with a passion for adventure, exploration, and discovering nature.

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 Mai Phương

ADVENTURE GUIDE

Phuong is one of To Ong’s female guides, bringing bright energy and joy to every group. She loves travel, values each experience deeply, and helps guests enjoy a memorable journey.

Tour Summary

Overview chart for Nhiu Co San Highland Trek 2D1N

Best months:

September - May

Maximum group size:

16 - 20 people

Pick-up time:

10:30 PM - Every Friday Night

Pick-up location:

My Đinh Bus Station

Meeting point:

Lao Cai

Duration:

2 days 1 night

Medical access time: 8 hours
Route distance: 13km
Peak elevation: 2,965m
Elevation gain: 1,651m
Active hours per day: 10 hours

Detailed itinerary

Departure: HA NOI - SAPA, LAO CAI

Sleeping Conditions::: Sleeper bus with 34 seats

The journey starts at 20 Pham Hung - My Đinh Bus Station.

For customers coming from other locations, To Ong will pick you up at Noi Bai Airport, Hanoi. Please book a flight that arrives at the airport before 10:00 PM.

To Ong will send the pickup details and specific timing via email three days before departure time (if there are any changes).

DAY 1: SAPA – NHIU CO SAN VILLAGE

Accommodation::: Trekking Lodge
Distance::: 06 km, 06 hours of travel
Meals::: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Highlights::: Explore the scenic spots of the 9th highest peak in Vietnam

5:00 AM The group moves to the breakfast spot in Sapa.

7:00 AM The group departs from Sapa, taking a minibus to the stone road leading to Nhiu Co San village.

9:00 AM The group arrives at the equipment gathering point and transfers to motorbike taxis for a 9 km ride along the stone road.

9:30 AM The group reaches the starting point, where the leader announces the itinerary, safety rules, conducts warm-up exercises, and begins the trek.
The tour guide will review the safety regulations and lead the warm-up for the journey to conquer Nhiu Co San – the 9th highest mountain in Vietnam.

11:00 The group arrives at Ong Chua Waterfall - a towering waterfall cascading hundreds of meters across the cliffside, its flow stretching like a strip of white silk.
Check-in at Ong Chua Waterfall.

11:30 AM The group stops for lunch at Ong Chua Waterfall.

1:00 PM The journey continues. The afternoon terrain is mostly uphill, passing through ancient forests and grassy hills.
The group will trek across grassy hills and enjoy panoramic views of Nhiu Co San village below.

17:30 The group arrives at the trekking lodge to rest and prepare dinner.

The group will stay overnight and have dinner at the trekking lodge run by the Hmong community, enjoying local specialties such as táo mèo rice wine and listening to stories of the Northwestern mountains and forests.

Day 2: NHiU CO SAN PEAK - SAPA - HANOI

Distance::: 07 km, 06 hours of travel
Meals::: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Highlights::: Reach the summit of Nhiu Co San – Enjoy sturgeon hotpot – Hot shower at the mountain base

4:00 AM The group wakes up, freshens up, welcomes the sunrise, and has breakfast.

4:30 AM The group begins the ascent to the peak, enjoying the sea of clouds along the way.

6:30 - 7:00 AM The group reaches the Nhiu Co San peak. Everyone captures the moment of successfully conquering the 9th highest mountain in Vietnam.

8:00 AM Begin the descent to the campsite to pack personal belongings and return to the mountain base.

10:30 The group returns to the trekking lodge for lunch, enjoying local dishes prepared by the Hmong community.

11:30 AM The group departs to the mountain base.

3:30 PM Arrive at the base and arrange motorbike taxis to return to the pick-up point.

4:00 PM Reach the main road, bid farewell to the local guides, and take the minibus back to Sapa.

6:00 PM The group arrives in Sapa. Enjoy a hot shower to improve blood circulation, speed up muscle recovery, and help your body feel more relaxed.

7:00 PM The group heads to a local restaurant to enjoy the regional specialty – sturgeon hotpot. Over a glass of wine and fresh sturgeon, they reminisce about the journey.

8:30 PM Free time to visit Sapa’s night market, explore unique local products, and buy souvenirs from the trip.

10:30 PM The group boards the bus back to Hanoi, bidding farewell to the "city in the mist - Sapa," with an estimated arrival in Hanoi at 5:00 AM the next morning. This concludes the journey to conquer Nhiu Co San peak.

Guests are advised to choose flights departing from Nội Bài Airport after 6:30 AM.

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 to carry luggage (2-3 kg/person) at a ratio of 2 guests to 1 porter
Round-trip motorbike transfer from the foot of the mountain to the forest edge
Local guide support: One guide per three guests, professionally trained by Tổ Ong, with extensive expertise in mountain navigation
Main meals as per the itinerary
Camping gear: blankets, pillows, sleeping mats
1.5-liter water bottle provided at the start and replenished at the campsite
Camping equipment
Trekking gear: trekking poles, raincoat, flashlight, waterproof bag, and gloves.
Standard medical supplies
Relaxation service: Hot bath in Sapa
Completion Award: Medal or Summit Trophy
Travel insurance
Professional support team and private chef, ensuring nutritious meals with strict hygiene standards

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 have restrictions 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 Nhiu Co San 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 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?

Nhiu Co San is classified as a trekking-level route by To Ong Adventure. Participants should have prior experience in walking or hiking and maintain regular physical training. If you are from Southern Vietnam and trekking in the Northwest for the first time, it is recommended to arrive one day early to acclimate to the Lao Cai climate.

Can I join the Nhiu Co San 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.