Khau Coc Cha Pass is up to 2.5 km long, with 14 levels of 14 consecutive sharp turns, challenging but no less attractive to backpackers.
According to locals, Khau Coc Cha was originally a trail less than half a meter wide, dating back to the French colonial period. At that time, this was a path for horse-drawn carriages, and many sections of the road were so narrow that there was not enough space for two people to walk in opposite directions.
In 2011, the pass was expanded with a 5 meter wide road, forming an official pass route to connect remote villages in the northern "fence" land.
Khau Coc Cha is where adventurous drivers can feel the most clearly the harmony between the natural beauty and the harshness of the road. With each road winding along the mountainside, continuous bends and deep abysses below, Khau Coc Cha requires drivers to have a steady hand and pay attention to every move.
Many backpackers share that on the pass, the feeling of excitement and strong heartbeat is like a challenge to themselves.
"The important thing when exploring Khau Coc Cha is careful preparation, including checking the motorbike carefully, mastering mountain driving skills and being mentally prepared," Nguyen Hoang Long (29 years old, Lang Son), an experienced backpacker conquering mountain passes, shared.
According to the experience of backpackers, crossing the pass in the morning is safest when the sun is still up, the light clearly illuminates each road and is not obscured by fog or darkness.
Even if you do not directly experience Khau Coc Cha pass, visitors can still trek through the forest to reach Pac Thoc peak - the opposite side of the pass to fully enjoy the nature and sharp hairpin bends.
Khau Coc Cha is a destination that those who love to explore mountain passes cannot miss. This is also a journey to touch your limits, immersed in the majestic natural scenery of Cao Bang land.
