The trek connecting the two highest peaks of Langbiang plateau, Bidoup and Nui Ba, has been growing in popularity since last year. Known as the Bidoup - Ta Giang trek, it has enchanted countless tourists with its breathtaking scenery.
Stretching a distance of more than 30 kilometers, the Bidoup - Ta Giang trek takes explorers through Lam Dong, Ninh Thuan, and Khanh Hoa provinces.
Duc Anh, an experienced tour guide, said: "Bidoup and Ta Giang offer a fascinating combination, allowing visitors to encounter a diverse array of terrains and ecosystems, showcasing rich flora and fauna."
Bidoup has a peak altitude of over 2,200 meters above sea level, making it the highest mountain in Lam Dong Province.
The primary topography of the trek gradually descends towards the plains, ending at Ta Giang stream in Thanh Son Commune, Khanh Son District, Khanh Hoa Province.
The journey starts at Hon Giao Mountain in Bidoup - Nui Ba National Park in Lam Dong. Prior to embarking on the trek, visitors must check in with the Park Management Board, after which rangers will accompany and guide the group through the national park until the journey's end.
Bidoup - Nui Ba National Park features steep terrain. Visitors have the opportunity to see several plant species listed in the world's Red Book, including the unique flat-leaved pine found exclusively in Bidoup - Nui Ba, as well as Fokienia , Himalayan Yew, and five-leafed pine from Da Lat, according to the Bidoup - Nui Ba National Park website.
Along the route, visitors will encounter various types of forests, including evergreen forests, coniferous forests, mixed coniferous forests, dwarf forests, moss forests, and bamboo forests. Streams flow continuously throughout the year, with lush green moss coating the rocky surfaces, lending the forests an ancient ambiance.
Due to the presence of leeches in the forest, it is advisable for visitors to wear appropriate clothing.
As the trek progresses through Bidoup forest, the altitude gradually decreases until reaching the Phuoc Binh area.
Here, visitors will experience a second type of terrain, characterized by grassy hills. The expansive and airy space offers breathtaking views of the distant mountains.
"When walking along the path, the wind rustling through the grassy hills creates a melodious sound that evokes singing. We call this path the singing grass road," Duc Anh said.
He added that in late April each year, the cogon grass blossoms in white, adding a poetic touch to the scenery.
Visitors will come across several uniquely shaped, large tree trunks, big enough to be embraced by two people, serving as distinctive landmarks for trekkers to capture memorable photographs.
After a tiring day of trekking, visitors can set up their camp and rest on the grassy hills. It is crucial to obtain permission from the Park Management Board to trek and camp in Phuoc Binh National Park beforehand.
The grassy hills are perfect for unwinding after a day of walking. On cloudy days, clouds hover above the mountains, enhancing the atmosphere.
Visitors are responsible for bringing their own food, water, and cooking utensils. Bamboo tubes can be utilized for cooking rice and meat.
The final destination of the journey is Ta Giang Stream, situated in Thanh Son Commune, Khanh Son District, Khanh Hoa Province.
The stream has clear, refreshing water that is not excessively deep. It is surrounded by forest.
"Immersing oneself in the cool stream under the 40-degree sun is a natural reward for visitors," Duc Anh said.
Visitors can indulge in activities such as bathing in the stream, fishing, setting up tents, and creating campfires on the rocky beach. The area has natural food sources, including fish, bananas, and forest figs.
Duc Anh recommended that the ideal time for the Bidoup - Ta Giang trek was from January to September, with March onwards being particularly favorable, as the period preceding it tends to be windy. From June onwards, the rainy season sets in, making it less suitable for trekking.
While some treks in Vietnam offer vehicle services, participants of the Bidoup - Ta Giang trek will need to traverse the entire journey on foot, spanning three days and two nights. Therefore, visitors should possess good physical strength, particularly agility and leg strength, as the continuous descent on the first day could strain the knee ligaments.
