In the middle of the Nam Nghiep highlands, Ngoc Chien commune, the ancient forest covered with moss and hidden in a thick layer of fog, is a unique highlight of the trekking route to conquer the peaks of Ta Chi Nhu, Ta Tao, Ta De Do, Ta Rong and Hau Na Ta mountains in the Hoang Lien Son range.
The climate here is always humid and cold, covered with clouds and fog, creating favorable conditions for the development of dynamics and plants. The pristine, magical beauty of the moss- covered ancient forest makes the mountain climbing journey in Ngoc Chien increasingly attractive to many tourists.
Ngoc Chien commune has more than 18,460 hectares of forest, possessing a rare primeval ecosystem. The deeper into the forest, the narrower and higher the trail, the sky is obscured by layers of old tree canopy. The space changes to a cool green color, covered with thick moss on the rocks and trunks, creating a feeling of entering the forest in an old story.
The most prominent is the moss forest hidden at the foot of the Ta Do mountain peak, nearly 2,920 m high. Sunlight filters through the leaves, fog spreads the path and moss covers the area, creating a dreamy scene of half-food and half- dreamy.
This moss-covered ancient forest is preserved by the Mong people as a treasure of the village. Visitors are amazed by the strange beauty, very few places can do that, said the Party Cell Secretary and Head of Khang A say village.
Not only the trees hundreds of years old from the roots to the moss tops, this area also owns the ancient mangrove forest in blooming season, the red maple trees standing out in the green background, along with the steep rocks and waterfall pouring in white, cool all year round.
This is the reason why the Nam Nghiep - Ngoc Chien trekking route is loved by young people when conquering the peaks of Ta Tao (2,720 m), Ta Rong (2,650 m), Ta De Do (2,520 m) and Ta Chi Nhu - nearly reaching the 3,000 m mark.
Mr. Luong Van Xien, Director of Ngoc Chien Community Tourism Cooperative, said that the most beautiful mountain climbing season lasts from November to April of the following year: "The cool moss forest, the bean sprouts bloom in the sky, the streams are clear. Everyone wants to come back because the beautiful scenery is very different".
Every year, the Cooperative welcomes thousands of trekking tourists, many of whom choose to climb unseasonably to see Ta Chi Nhu in the early morning sunshine - when the forests shine deep blue under the sun.
Mr. Khang A Denh, porter of Nam Nghiep village, said that more and more tourists come to experience the feeling of traveling in the ancient forest covered with moss, the magical space like in an ancient fairy tale. The increase in the number of customers helps people earn more income.
Ms. Nguyen Thu Hai, a tourist from Moc Chau ward, climbing Ngoc Chien mountain for the first time, could not hide her excitement when entering the ancient forest covered with green moss.
It felt like I was lost in another world, both magical and peaceful. The moss forest is so beautiful that I just want to stop for a long time to see and breathe that cool air, Ms. Hai shared.
The wild beauty of the ancient Nam Nghiep forest, Ngoc Chien commune, turns the journey to conquer high mountain peaks into an experience that is both challenging and magical. With its unique natural value, this place is becoming a typical destination for Son La and Northwest trekking tourism.
