Nhìu Cồ San is famous for being an old forest with many hundreds of years old precious trees, and lush cardamom trees, or when you are tired, you can sit down and rest, play water at Ong Chúa waterfall, watch the beautiful waterfall, white pouring down like a silk strip in the middle of the majestic scenery. According to the locals, there used to be giant honeycombs and honey bees on the cliffs, so people named the waterfall Ong Chúa (Queen Bee)s
Geography Location of Nhiu Co San
Nhìu Cồ San (2,965m) is a majestic mountain located in Sàng Ma Sáo commune, Bát Xát district, Lào Cai province. There are many explanations for the name of this place, mainly based on its terrain and characteristics.
With two peaks pointing up to the sky, curving like a giant buffalo horn, this place is named Nhìu Cồ San by the H’Mong people, which means “buffalo horn” in their language. In the Hà Nhì language, Nhìu Cồ San also means “three big mountains”, referring to the shape of this place.
Best time to trek to Nhiu Co San
The best time to trek is from January to May. During this time, the weather is cool and pleasant, making the mountain climb more enjoyable. The skies are usually clear, providing stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Additionally, the trails are less crowded during this time, so you can enjoy a more peaceful and solitary experience.
If you choose to trek from November to December, you can see snow and ice on the summit. However, the weather is quite harsh at this time, with a bone-chilling cold that can affect your health and experience. Therefore, you need to carefully consider your options if you decide to go during this time.
How to go to Nhiu Co San
The cloud hunting journey in Nhiu Co San starts from Hanoi. Several tours take care of your trekking from Hanoi as well. Below, is a detail guide to help you visualize the journey
Hanoi – Sapa section
We will move to Sapa by BUS (about 5 and a half to 6 hours). The reason for choosing to take a bus is because the first road from Hanoi to Sapa is very far, if you travel by motorbike for too long, it will make us tired, so save your energy for trekking and hunting clouds.
The trekking route of Nhiu Co San
Day 1: Sapa – Den San-Sheter
5:00 AM: Arrives at the Sapa bus station. Rests eats breakfast, and leaves unnecessary items here.
7:00 AM: A 16-seater car takes the group to the trekking point in Dền Sáng commune (about 60 km from Sapa, more than 1.5 hours of driving on a mountain pass).
8:30 AM: Arrive at the center of the commune, and take a motorbike to the trekking point in Nhìu Cồ San village (~7 km, self-sufficient cost).
9:30 AM: Meet the H’Mong porters, get acquainted, receive trekking poles, and start trekking in the village. The way up to the hut goes through majestic steep slopes and dense old forests.
10:30 AM: come through Ong Chúa Waterfall – one of the most beautiful check-in spots on the trip.
Noon: stops for lunch along the way.
4:30 PM: Arrive at the shelter and rest
6:30 PM: Have dinner, socialize, and chat with the members of the group.
Day 2: Shelter – Peak – Sapa – Hanoi
5:00 AM: Wake up, wash up, eat breakfast, and sip a hot cup of coffee in the cold of the mountains.
6:00 AM: Start conquering the summit trail in the early morning sunlight shining through the forest canopy. The path continues to go up many steep slopes, mountain ridges and cliffs that are very majestic. The sea of clouds at Nhìu Cồ San is very beautiful.
10:00 AM: Reach the top of Nhìu Cồ San, the group takes photos, eats lunch and then returns down the same path.
1:30 PM: Back to the shelter. Rest. Pack your belongings and return to the village the same way.
4:00 PM: Back to the village, take a motorbike back to the center of the commune (at your own expense), then take a car back to Sapa.
6:00 PM: Arrive at Sapa and relax with a Dao herbal bath.
7:00 PM: Enjoys a hot pot of salmon – a specialty of Sapa.
11:00 PM: The group takes a sleeper bus back to Hanoi.
Famous attraction of Nhiu Co San
Ong Chúa Waterfall, also known as the Queen Bee Waterfall. Cascading down moss-covered rocks, its crystal-clear waters create a symphony of sound and movement. The waterfall’s beauty extends beyond its refreshing embrace. Lush greenery surrounds the cascading water, creating a postcard-perfect scene. Keep an eye out for colorful butterflies flitting through the foliage, adding to the magical atmosphere.
