Mt.Fansipan at 3143m, and on the border with China, is Vietnam's highest mountain. It is only 9km from Sapa town but it takes at least three days to get to the peak and back. Sapa, at an elevation of 1600m, has been described as "Not easily reached... Sees few tourists... Unbelievable mountain scenery... Still retains many French cultural and architectural influences... Has been under the control of at least four countries over the centuries... Unlike other Vietnamese hill towns, different ethnicities cohabitate peacefully here." The region around Sapa is indeed home to various colourful ethnic minorities, wearing traditional attire.The climb is rough, wet and cold, but the views are rewarding. The top is accessible year-round to anyone who is in good shape. As there are no mountain huts on the way, we will be camping. No ropes or technical climbing skills are needed, just endurance and plenty of energy. The equipment and food will be carried by our porters. Trekking time is 5 - 8 hours per day.
Night 1 :Hanoi - Lao Cai (Train)
8h30pm Our tour guide take you from your hotel in Hanoi to Hanoi Railway Station for the night train at at 9:30 PM to get to Laocai Station. Sleep on the train.(4 people/cabin or 2 people/cabin on request).
Day 1 : Lao Cai (Ride/trek) - Sapa (1600m) (BLD).
Arrive early morning in Lao Cai and transfer by minibus to Sapa.
Free time to visit Sapa market. Overnight at hotel in Sapa .
Day 2 : Start the climb(BLD).
Commence the ascent of Mt.Fansipan by trekking through terraced rice fields and a hill tribe village of the H'mong. You will follow buffalo paths, crossing streams, until an elevation of 1700m, where break for lunch. In the afternoon, continue to ascend for another 500m where a suitable camping ground is reached. This is the first peak, at 2200m elevation.
Day 3 : Camp 1 - Camp 2 (2700m) (BLD).
Breakfast. Trekking through a primary forest of giant, centuries-old pine expanses of yellow bamboo. Continue climbing to a second peak at 2900m where stop for lunch. After lunch, leave the gear in Camp 2 and push for the summit with just our cameras and water. After taking in the scenery and atmosphere on Vietnam's highest point, roll back down to Camp 2 for dinner and Overnight there.
Day 4 : Camp 2- Sapa - Hanoi – Night Train (B,L, - ).
After breakfast, break camp for the last time and descend to Sapa in time for a hot shower, back to Sapa and free to explore the town. In late afternoon, get on the bus to Laocai station for the night train to Hanoi (air-con. berth). The end of the tour.
--- Number of Persons in Group/Pax --- Tour cost per person (in USD)
Class
Group
Private
Single Room
2
3- 4
5 Up
2
3 - 4
5 Up
Standard
210
170
155
250
210
195
15 $ Extra
Deluxe
260
220
209
290
250
235
Tour Cost includes:
- Train: (Soft-sleeper) Hanoi-Lao Cai - Hanoi.
Full transportation as tour program indicated.
Twin-share accommodation with daily breakfast;
1/2 day hotel on day 1.
Permission fee to visit Fansifand summit.
Full meals as indicated in the itinerary.
English- speaking guide
Sightseeing fees
·Porters, camps for trekking.
Equipment that you should bring
The only thing you should bring yourself is a pair of good walking-boots, or another kind of solid foot-wear. You should have tried them out beforehand, and know that you can walk in them all through the day !
Recommended equipment :
·2 pairs of thick socks ( for use in the walking-boots)
Sandals or light footwear ( for use in the evening )
Sun-cream (with a high factor ; 10-20 )
Mosquito repellent
Hat or cap, with a shade
Bathing suit
Medicine for your own use (fever, bad stomach etc.)
1 warm jacket (fleece-jacket etc.,- for the evenings)
1 sweat-shirt
1-2 pair of long trousers (loose,- for your comfort)
1 pair of short trousers ( for warm days)
2 –3 shirts, or T-shirts
Socks (for use in the evenings, and against mosquitoes)
Underwear (for the women : also a Bra !)
Towel
Toilet requisites
NB :The personal baggage you bring on the trek, should not exceed approx. 10-12 kg, and should preferably be packed in ordinary plastic-bags that fit easily into the soft, barrel-shaped, watertight Blue bag. This bag will only contain your baggage and your sleeping-bagAll your personal baggage in the Blue bag will be carried by the porters. You shall only carry a small rucksack with the things you need during the day (camera, water-bottle etc.)
Equipment we supply :
Sleeping bag
Sheet sleeping bag (silk)
Sleeping mats
Rucksack
Waterproof Blue bag (for your baggage)
Plastic rain coat
Torch / flashlight
Water-bottle
Water-filters (to purify drinking-water)
Cooking-gear
Plates, cups, forks, knives, spoons, and chop-sticks
Tents (incl. Mosquito-net)
First-aid kit
Tour Cost excludes:
Airport taxes; Visas; travel insurance; tips; personal expenses, emergency transfers.
Trip Summary:
Where:
Trip starts and ends in Hanoi;
When:
All year round;
Grade:
Moderate to Strenous;
Accommodation:
- Simple guest-houses (Standard), - 3 Stars Hotel with Deluxe Tour
