Day 1: Lao Cai – Sapa – (B, L, D)
Morning transfer from Lao Cai to Sapa. Motorcycle and trek to the Black H’mong village of Lao Chai and the Dao and Giay village of Ta Van. Afternoon return to Sapa for welcome dinner and introduction to the Fansipan summit.
Day 2: Climb Fansipan’s lower ridges (elevation 2200m)(B, L, D)
Rising early, you follow your H’mong porters down into the valley past Cat Cat village and the Linh Ho river. Then you begin your ascent through rice fields and forest, climbing to a jungle camp at 2200 meters. Dinner in the forest.
Day 3: Establish base camp below Fansipan summit (elevation 2900m)(B, L, D)
You continue up through forest until it begins to give way to bamboo at 2400 meters. Higher still at 2900 meters the bamboo clears affording wide views back down into the Sapa valley and the mountains around. Base camp established. Night under the stars.
Day 4: Summit ascent (elevation 3143m)(B, L, D)
After an early breakfast, Togethe with Vietnam TripAdvisor.com's tour guide you begin your final ascent to the summit at 3143 meters. From the top you can look out into China and Laos. Free time at the summit. Afternoon return to first camp.
Day 5: Return climb to Sapa (B, L, D)
You can take your time climbing back down to Sapa where a hot shower, cold drink and other conveniences of the Victoria Sapa Hotel are at your disposal. Transfer to Lao Cai for the Victoria Sapa night train to Hanoi for departure.
Note: Trekking to the top of Mount Fansipan is possible for most people, but you must be reasonably fit and not afraid of walking up to eight hours a day, on steep slopes. We also camp on the mountain side and prepare our food over the fire. The best months to climb up Mount Fansipan are March, April, October and November. Also note that it can get very chilly towards the summit.
