Ta Chi Nhu

Ta Chi Nhu, also called Phu Song Sung, reaches 2,979 metres in the Tram Tau district of Yen Bai, and unlike most Vietnamese mountains its upper slopes are open grass rather than forest, which makes the walking easier and the views continuous. For a few weeks in October and November the chi pau, a purple wild flower, comes out across those slopes and the whole ridge turns violet - a very short window that fills the mountain with Vietnamese trekkers, since nothing comparable happens elsewhere in the country. The climb takes two days with a camp on the ridge, and it is cold and exposed up there.

What you actually see

• Open grass slopes - unlike most Vietnamese peaks.
• Chi pau flowering purple - for a few weeks in October and November.
• A ridge at 2,979 metres - with continuous views along it.
• A two-day climb with a camp - the standard route.

When to go

October and November for the flowers; October to April otherwise. Two days.

Honest expectations

The flowering window is short and shifts with the year - going a fortnight out means grass. It is cold and very exposed on the ridge. Guides and porters are usual. In flower season the mountain is crowded.

Nearby

Tram Tau and its hot springs are below; Nghia Lo is south.