Bach Moc Luong Tu

Bach Moc Luong Tu, also called Ky Quan San, rises to 3,046 metres on the boundary between Lao Cai and Lai Chau and is the fourth highest mountain in Vietnam. It is climbed over two days with a camp partway, and what makes it one of the more sought-after climbs is the ridge near the summit: on clear cold mornings the valleys below fill with cloud and the ridge stands out of it, with Fansipan visible across the gap. The route passes through bamboo, old forest and grass ridges. Guides and porters are required and arranged through the villages at the foot.

The landscape

• The fourth highest peak in Vietnam - 3,046 metres on the provincial line.
• A ridge above cloud - on clear cold mornings.
• Fansipan across the gap - visible from the top.
• Bamboo, forest and grass ridge - the route through them.

When to go

October to April, when the cloud seas are most likely. Two days.

What to expect

Guides and porters are required and are not optional in practice. The trail is steep and long. It is cold and wet at the camp. The cloud sea is not reliable and many mornings produce nothing.

Nearby

Y Ty is north; Sapa and Fansipan are south.

Key facts