Truong Manh Cuong, Vice Chairman of Hanh Phuc commune People's Committee, reported that Ta Chi Nhu received approximately 1,200 visitors between 21 and 27/9. Since the beginning of September until 27/9, the total number of visitors surpassed 3,000.

Phan Hanh, a tourist from Hanoi, decided to climb Ta Chi Nhu on 26-27/9 after waiting since the beginning of the month for good weather and the Chi Pau flowers to bloom. She was surprised by the crowds from the foot of the mountain to the peak. At the parking area near the Cang Chi Khua lead mine entrance, many cars and tourists gathered, and her group had to wait a long time to move inside. On some narrow sections of the Nam Nghiep route, she had to stop and wait as multiple groups passed. Upon reaching the summit, Hanh had to find an opportune moment to take a photo without too many people in the background.

Crowds on Ta Chi Nhu peak on 27/9. Video: hanhph19.

A Pao, a local serving at a rest stop, stated that the lunch area was continuously full between 11 AM and 1:30 PM on 26/9. His group of six people was overwhelmed trying to serve hundreds of visitors simultaneously. Many groups also struggled to find porters as demand for transporting gear and food to the rest stops increased, forcing even kitchen staff to assist with carrying, extending service until nearly 6 PM.

Manh Chien, founder of Hoi Dam me leo nui and Yolo Trekking, observed that from 26/9, groups continuously moved along many sections of the trail. Duy Anh, a local guide, also mentioned that since mid-September, the rain had stopped, and the flowers were in full bloom, drawing large crowds on weekends, with all rest stops fully booked.

Ta Chi Nhu, standing at 2,979 meters, is among Vietnam's 10 highest peaks, located in Hanh Phuc commune, Lao Cai province (formerly Tram Tau district, Yen Bai province). The trekking route has a moderate difficulty. The trail starting from the lead mine area typically attracts many visitors in September and early October, coinciding with the Chi Pau flowers blooming purple on the mountain slopes and near the summit. According to tour operators, visitor numbers usually decrease from mid-October when the flowers fade and other mountain trails become more popular.

Local authorities reported no traffic congestion at the lead mine area, on the route to the rest stops, or at the summit. The commune also required service providers, guides, and visitors to collect trash and minimize impact on vegetation and scenery. As of 27/9, no unusual levels of littering or environmental damage had been recorded.

Rest stop on the way to Ta Chi Nhu peak was full of trekkers stopping for lunch. Video: A Pao.

Mr. Cuong noted that some sections of the trail are steep, narrow, and slippery, posing potential safety risks. Given the increasing number of visitors, the commune People's Committee is reviewing infrastructure, travel routes, capacity, and service capabilities. They are also surveying options for opening new routes to the peak to reorganize visitor flow.

"The long-term vision is to develop Ta Chi Nhu as a trekking and nature exploration destination, but with controlled access, based on capacity, infrastructure conditions, and safety requirements, rather than increasing visitor numbers at any cost," Mr. Cuong stated.

Bich Phuong - Hoang Linh