Mount Fansipan: The Roof of Indochina

Mount Fansipan: The Roof of Indochina

Standing 3,143 meters from the ground, Mount Fansipan is the highest mountain in Indochina, but also one of the most difficult trails to conquer. Known as the Roof of Indochina because of its very high altitude, it serves as a challenge to both professional and amateur climbers who not only want to climb the mountain successfully, but also to prove to themselves that they can overcome any obstacle that come their way.

Mount Fansipan is located in the Northern Province of Lao Cai, about nine kilometres from Sapa Town. It is part of the Hoang Lien Son Range and notorious for having narrow trails, clogged pathways, steep slopes, sharp cliffs, heavy fogging, slippery stones and even wild animals. The Tram Ton Pass, otherwise known as Heaven’s Gate, is the less treacherous route so to speak, as it is usually the one taken by amateurs, but even it has its own set of dangers. Located at the gate of Hoang Lien National Park, it has an altitude of 1,800 meters and covers 16 kilometers of land area.

It takes two days and one night to complete the hike. Climbers are obliged to be physically, mentally and emotionally able and ready to take the challenge because it will exhaust all their energy and may even build discouragement along the way. But upon seeing a steel block carved with the words “Fansipan – 3.143,” it means you have reached the summit and all the weariness and impediments become worth it as nature welcomes you in all its glory.

   More than being a popular tourist destination, Mount Fansipan serves as an instrument to everyone that as long as we are courageous and determined enough, we can overcome all struggles in life and come out a winner, better person.