I found Trekking Sapa via their website, a few days before our arrival in Sapa while trying to arrange to climb Mt. Fansipan. Their manager Tammy was very helpful and was able to put together a hiking package at very short notice and despite the hike being on Boxing Day.
Their guide, Mr. He, collected me from my hotel at 6.30 am and took me up to the Tran Tong pass, where our climb began. Initially, we climbed through the beautiful ancient forest with gurgling streams, gradually climbing until we reached the first ridge near the lower campsite. Then a long level section in the early morning sunrise, before turning up a slope and going up and up and up to the higher campsite, nearly 1,000 meters above our start point. We stopped here for light refreshment (provided in the package Tammy put together for me), and then continued towards the peak which came in and out of view behind its nearer twin peak. After reaching that peak, we dropped down a narrow gully and then back up and underneath the cable car lines.
Reaching the peak, now around 3,100 meters above sea level and slightly dizzy from the climb, we went up past a giant bronze buddha and a smaller Guan Yin, and at last up to the very top. Also included in the package was a trip back down in the cable car, saving our knees a tough descent!
A very satisfying climb and a definite recommendation for anyone who visits Sapa. Allow 4 to 6 hours for the climb, at least.
Jack Gillet – United Kingdom
