The Chu Hreng mountain range covers around 11 kilometers and is situated to the south of Kon Tum's capital city of the same name, about 544 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. Its highest point reaches about 1,150 meters above sea level.
The mountain range straddles the administrative boundary of Gia Lai and Kon Tum provinces, and from its summit, one can marvel at the entirety of Kon Tum City to the north and the undulating hills of Chu Pah in Gia Lai Province.
What makes this spot captivating is not only its refreshing air but also the spectacle of thick, white clouds that grace the skies each morning. This phenomenon has transformed Chu Hreng into a prime location for cloud hunting and camping in Kon Tum Province.
Nguyen Dinh Hoang Khanh, a 29-year-old from Ho Chi Minh City, learned about Chu Hreng from his 29-year-old local friend, Dao Viet Viet. Curious, Khanh decided to try cloud hunting here on Sept. 30.
Their trek began around 4 in the morning at Chu Hreng Cemetery in Chu Hreng Commune. The journey spans roughly 3.5 kilometers from the mountain's base to its summit, typically requiring slightly over an hour to complete.
However, they took several rest stops along the way, extending their trek to about two hours.
Starting their journey in the dark, they were treated to the twinkling lights of Kon Tum City below. As the clock neared 5 a.m., the sky brightened, revealing the Dak Yen Dam in Hoa Binh Commune.
The landscape, terrain, and climate gradually shifted as they ascended. Lush reeds and wild trees gave way to pine trees and temperate flora. The Chu Hreng Mountain boasts roughly 20 hectares of primary forest, with 15 hectares of dense growth and nearly 5 hectares of scattered woodlands, while the remaining area is regenerating forest, totaling approximately 1,000 hectares. The higher they climbed, the cooler and fresher the climate became.
For Khanh, the journey from the mountain's base to the summit proved relatively undemanding, as this path was a well-traveled route. Even before reaching the peak, they could observe layers of white clouds floating mid-air.
Upon reaching the summit, Khanh was taken aback by the thickness of the clouds, describing them as "airy, cotton-like layers" despite the altitude of only around 1,000 meters. Occasionally, the clouds obscured the distant peaks, creating a scene of an endless sea of clouds.
Chu Hreng stands as an ideal and accessible destination for travelers from the south, according to Khanh.
Due to time constraints, Khanh and his friends ventured to Chu Hreng Peak to witness the sunrise, enjoy breakfast, and savor a cup of coffee. Around 8 a.m., as the sun ascended higher, they tidied up their belongings and waste to begin their descent.
Beyond cloud hunting, Chu Hreng Peak offers expansive fields, lush grasslands, and large rocky outcrops, making it suitable for self-sufficient camping. Viet, who introduced Khanh to this locale, has camped here many times while hunting clouds.
As per Viet's advice, the best time for cloud hunting on Chu Hreng Peak is from July through November, as these months offer a higher probability of encountering a sea of clouds. Visitors should check the weather forecast before planning their expedition and consider going a day after rain for the most spectacular cloud displays.
