Conquer Mount Fansipan, the roof of indochina

Hanoi, Vietnam Hiking & Trekking

Active Adventure

At 3143m Mt. Fansipan is the highest peak in Vietnam and the entire Indochina peninsula. This remote trek provides plenty to see and absorb, from the scattered rocks inscribed with drawings and designs of unknown origin, to the French influenced hill retreat town of Sapa with its minority groups, beautiful villas and cherry forests. As we ascend through the lower reaches of Fansipan, we will pass terraced rice paddies and villages of the H'mong, one of Vietnam's many ethnic minorities. Giant, centuries old pine trees and expanses of yellow bamboo mark the higher reaches of our climb and we may sight mountain goats and langur monkeys along the way. Our trek to the top of Mt. Fansipan is challenging and will be fully supported every step of the way by our guides, porters and cooks who's local knowledge and understanding of the different hill-tribe cultures we pass along the way will add to the uniqueness of this exhilarating journey.

Typical Day

Night 1: Night train to Lao Cai

Transfer from your hotel to Hanoi Railway Station for the night train to Lao Cai. Overnight in AC soft sleeper cabin.

Summary
Transfer hotel â€" railway station: AC vehicle
Accommodation: Soft sleeper in AC cabin

Day 1: Lao Cai â€" Sapa Town

Arrive in Lao Cai around 5.30 am. We will take 1hr bus ride uphill to the beautiful town of Sapa. The ride give you a glimpse of the stunning vistas and impressive rice terraces. Upon arrival in Sapa Town we have breakfast in local restaurant. Free time for the rest of the day to explore the town.
Overnight in Sapa.

Summary
Transfer Laocai â€" Sapa: 1 hr
Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa
Activity: Free at leisure
Meals: Breakfast

Day 2: Trek to the first campsite

After breakfast in the hotel we will meet our support crew, who will carry all equipment, foods and our clothing. We will carry our day pack with water, jacket and camera only. Today we will begin the first part of our ascent with a trek through terraced rice paddies and some of the hilltribe villages. Setting out from Sapa we descend into the nearby village of Cat Cat and cross Muong Hoa River. Past the river we start our upward trek to reach an elevation of 1,700m where we will have lunch break.

In the afternoon we will continue trek to the first base camp at an elevation of 2,300 m. The terrain in the afternoon becomes steeper and more difficult as we trek through massive Arrowroot plantations and up steeper slopes surrounded by bamboo. Our camp for the evening will be in a very small clearing on the mountain enclosed by bamboo. Sleep in bamboo hut or tent.

Summary
trekking: 7 hrs/ascend 2,300m from 1,600m (Sapa)
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Trek to the second campsite

Today we set out for a full day trek to the second base camp. As we continue on we will pass through primary forest containing giant, century old pine trees and expanses of bamboo. Our trek will take us to an altitude of 2,900m from this elevation we have a spectacular view across to the peak of Mt. Fansipan. After lunch we start climb down to an elevation of 2,700m. Our decent will be over large boulders, down a fairly steep slope. Our camp is on the mountain slope facing west, near a mountain stream. Dinner and overnight at the base camp.

Summary
Trekking: 7 hrs/ascend 2,900m/descend to 2,700m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Trek to the summit and descend to the third campsite

Today is the summit day, we climb to the roof of Indochina: the peak of Mt. Fansipan. The final climb will takes around three hours though dense bamboo forest . Once at the summit we will spend sometime soaking up the best panorama in Vietnam. We then descend 2,700m for lunch.

In the afternoon we will descend to the third base camp where we spend the last night on mountain.

Summary
Trekking: 7 hrs/ascend 3,143m/descend 2,000m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Back to Sapa. Night train to Hanoi

Today we trek downhill all the way. We will reach Sapa around lunch time. In the afternoon we will then be free to take shower and relax after the climb, In the late afternoon we will be transferred to the railway station for night train to back Hanoi.

Summary
Trekking: 4 hrs/descend 1,600m (Sapa)
Accommodation: Soft sleeper in AC cabin
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Back to Hanoi

Arrive in Hanoi early morning. Tour ends.

Age range, type of group

Group: 2 - 12

Sleeping and meals

Transfer hotel â€" railway station: AC vehicle
Accommodation: Soft sleeper in AC cabin
Accommodation: Camping

Rates

PRICE FOR PRIVATE TOUR (Per person)
Valid to 30 Sep 2011

1 person: US$ 775
2 persons: US$ 550
3-4 persons: US$ 452
5-6 persons: US$ 415
7-8 persons: US$ 411
From 9 persons: price on request
Single Supplement: US$ 21

Other Information

Inclusion:

* Sleeper cabin on train for two ways
* Twin shared room in Sapa
* Camping on the trek
* Transfer two ways in Lao Cai
* Transfer one way in Hanoi
* English speaking guide
* Porters & Cook
* First-aid kit
* Meals as indicated in the itinerary
* Water & Snacks
* Entrance fees & sightseeing fees

Exclusion:

* Travel insurance
* Visa
* Tips
* Personal expenses

Hanoi, Vietnam Hiking & Trekking

Hanoi, Vietnam Hiking & Trekking

Eric Nguyen (View My Profile)
ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA offers a wide selection of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia adventure tours, including hiking and trekking, biking, motorcycling, kayaking, overland touring and family travel packages. Our packages and custom itineraries will take you through exotic destinations to really experience the culture, history and nature of Asia. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy an unforgettable active vacation. We run the most adventure tours available in the area. Our active trips are designed for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.