Mundhum Trail Trek

Q: Which is the toughest trek in Nepal?

Three Passes trek (Everest region) Difficulty: Strenuous.Island Peak trek (Everest region) Difficulty: Strenuous, mountaineering skills required.Teri La and Saribung La (Upper Mustang).Kanchenjunga North.Saipal Base Camp trek (Far Western Nepal) …Makalu to Everest trek.

The Mundhum Trail trek is a recently established, moderately challenging cultural trekking route in eastern Nepal that opened in 2018. Named after the sacred religious scripture of the indigenous Kirati people, the trek offers a unique cultural immersion into the lives and traditions of the Rai and Limbu ethnic groups, combined with scenic views of Himalayan giants like Kanchenjunga and Everest. The trail features camping and is ideal for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure in a pristine environment with diverse flora and fauna, including possible red panda sightings.

Highlights

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Highlights

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

The Mundhum cultural Trail Trek features a collection of villages largely populated by Kirati in eastern Nepal. Along the route, you will stay in community-based homestays primarily managed by locals to promote sustainable tourism and also contribute to uplifting the lives of local communities. They also provide you with freshly cooked meals.

Staying in these local villages allows seamless interaction, fostering a deeper connection with the regional culture guided by Mundhum Philosophy, which is also a spiritual practice of the Limbu and Rai people rooted in animism and ancestral worship. Trekkers can observe and even participate in locals’ day-to-day activities, which are primarily agriculture and animal husbandry.

Depending on your time of visit, you might get to witness some of the grandest festivals, such as Chasok Tangnam, Dhan Naach (dance), and others celebrating the harvest seasons with dance, songs, and communal feasts, also showing vibrant costumes and intricate footwork.

Passing by the typical tiny yet beautiful villages in Dhotre, ChaKhewa, Maiyung, RawaDhap, Silchung, Hakule-Hanspokhari, Salpa Bhanjyang, and finally, Bhojpur, you get to taste authentic Limbu dishes like Kinema, Sukuti, Tongba, and others typically prepared with fresh, local ingredients, providing a farm-to-table dining experience.

Trip Highlights

Take a pilgrimage tour with Kiranti tribe, discover the ancient Mundhum manuscripts as well as being familiarized with the colorful culture of the eastern Nepal.
Enjoy an electrifying drive to the remote Himalayas of Nepal and vice versa along the banks of riveting rivers, typical Nepalese villages, lush hills, and amazing mountain views.
Explore Salpa Silicho and its historic Kiranti spiritual pilgrimage sites.
Wonderful sunrises, sunsets The United States is blessed with some of the best sunrises and sunsets in the world, golden mornings on towering mountains and serene valleys.
Visit the Halesi Mahadev temple, a pilgrimage site for Hindus, Kirat, and Buddhists.
A golden chance to receive an insider insight into the Kiranti ways of life, their unique culture, traditions, and customs.
The Mundhum Trails adventure is a culture, nature and an adventure all wrapped up in an organized manner to provide you with a lifetime experience
Take an incredible side hike to lofty Mayur Hill and Salpa Pokhari (3,750 m).
Explore the city of temples, the Kathmandu Valley, home to at least seven of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Everlasting mountain views of some of the tallest peaks in the world, such as Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and others.

Day 01 :

Arrival In Kathmandu:

The moment you step off the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel by Adventure Himalayan representatives.

After refreshments, there will be a briefing session led by our tour guides and leaders about your tour. Make sure all your doubts are cleared before hopping on the trip.

Day 02 :

Sightseeing or Free Day In Kathmandu:

You will have one full of vacant days to prepare for the trek, which is unlikely to consume most of your time. So, on this very day, you will be visiting some of the unique landmarks of the valley listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

These sites include Pashupatinath temple (the cremation ceremony is performed here), Boudhnath (one of the largest stupas in Asia revered by Buddhists around the world), and Swyambhunath (one of the oldest temples in the town that dates from 2,000 years).

Not to worry! You will not miss roaming around the backstreets of Patan with fine arts. The evening is the hour to meet your trekking guide and check for necessary equipment.

Day 03 :

Drive from Kathmandu To Dhiktel Bazaar (1,650 m):

In the morning, after breakfast, you will take a ride to Dhiktel Bazaar in Khotang District, above 1,650 meters from sea level.

It is 252.4 km away from the Kathmandu Valley via the Khurkot-Ghurmi Madhya Pahadi Highway.

Day 04 :

Dhiktel Bazaar to Chakhewa Village (2,300 m):

You will fall in love with the beauty of Dhiktel Bazaar, precisely in the morning. Then, after a 2-3 hour drive, you will reach the Chakhewa at 2,300 meters, well acquainted with tea houses and Gothesingh Homestay.

You will have lunch here and then set off for a sightseeing visit to Temke Danda at an altitude of 3,010 meters (m) in approximately 2 hours.

From here, you will see a magnificent view of several mountains, including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Sisapangma, Choyo, and Maklu, along with some of the sides of India, Bhutan, and Tibet. After grasping all the possible beauty from here, you will head back to Chakhewa for an overnight stay in a lodge or camp.

Day 05 :

Chakhewa Village to Dhotre:

Driving to Dhotre at a height of 2,752 meters from Chakhewa begins after breakfast, which will take 6-7 hours to arrive at the destination.
On the way, you will see the vibrant forests with a mixture of rhododendron, Chimal, and other species passing through several remote lifestyles.
In Dhotre, there are two tea houses where you can stay or go camping.

Day 06 :

Dhotre to Maiyung (3,122m):

Today, the walk for Maiyung is initiated after breakfast. The hike is for 6-7 hours, descending at Hanspokhari (Dove Pond) at an elevation of 3,122 meters (m) above sea level.

Throughout the trail on this day, you will enjoy the scenic beauty of Chautara, Mattim Danda, and Basspani Devisthan.

Due to the rare founding of tea houses and lodges, you will get millions of stars as a roof while camping.

Day 07 :

Maiyung to Rawadhap (3426m):

It is the longest trekking day when you will be walking for 7-8 hours to do an overnight camp in Rawadhap.

To reach Rawadhap, situated at 3,426 m, you will leave Maiyung after breakfast throughSatdobato, Hyakule, and Lauri Danda.

Day 08 :

Rawadhap to Salpa Bhanjyang (3,348m):

After morning breakfast in Rawadhap, you will hop for Salpa Bhanjyang Basecamp at 3,348 m above sea level.
A 4-5-hour walk will take you to the place of your overnight stay in camp.

Day 09 :

Transverse around Silchung Hill (4,200 m):

This morning you will head to the highest point of the Mundhum Trail, Silichung Hill, at an elevation of 4,200 m with the grandest views of the surrounding Himalayas, lush forests, and glimpses of avalanches. You will not let the epic views of the snow-capped peaks, including Kanchenjunga, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu, Thamserku, Kangtenga, Ama Dablam, Dorje Lakpa Numur, etc., slip your sight.

Additionally, you will also visit Salpa Lake at the bottom of the hill at 3,700 meters, on the border of Makalu-Varun National Park and Sagarmatha National Park, following the route walked through by the first successful expeditors of the highest peak in the world, Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest, 8,848 m), Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hillary.

Day 10 :

Trek to Hyakule (2,972 m):

After breakfast, you will retrace the way from Rawadhap to Hyakule, which takes around 7-8 hours through the groggily deon of the hill area.

Hyakule is situated 2,972m high in the hilly region where you will spend a night in a camp.

Day 11 :

Trek to Hanspokhari, 2,962 m from Hyakule:

On the eleventh day, you will use the same way to walk from Hyakule to Haanspokari, Maiyung.

If you prefer, you can visit Maiyung as well, which provides you with two lodging options: a tea house and a homestay.

The trail of this day consists of the Kiranti Villages named after their oral holy book ‘Mundhum’ which elaborates on the life cycle-style, culture, and traditions of the Kirati people, which is the main reason for naming the trail after it.

Day 12 :

Trek from Haanspokari to Bhojpur, 1,700 m:

After breakfast, you will walk through Ekraate, Kakhuwa, Barshe Danda, Suntale, and Dhapkharka to the headquarters of Bhojpur district, Bhojpur Bazaar, situated at 1,700 meters high.

It boasts Bhojpuri knives and Taksar, which carry historical, religious, and tourism importance. You will get tea houses and a middle-class hotel here, where you will be staying overnight in a camp or tea house.

Day 13 :

Drive/Flight back to Kathmandu:

This is the last day of the trek when you will leave for Kathmandu by air or drive all day to the capital of Nepal.

In the evening, you will get to relish a farewell dinner with a Nepali cultural dance in a restaurant in Kathmandu.

Day 14 :

Departure from Nepal:

This is your final day in Nepal. You will be transported to the airport by our team members a few hours before your departure time.
We thank you for trekking with Everest Alpine Trekkings!

FAQS

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How difficult is Mundum Trail Trek?

The Mundum Trail Trek is relatively easier in terms of altitude compared to the Everest Base Camp Trek. The highest point on the Mundum Trail is Silichung Hill, at 4,153 m (13,625 feet). However, the hiking trail is more technical because it is newly explored. Trekkers do not require technical training or rock climbing skills, but good physical fitness is essential for hiking 6 to 8 hours daily. It is recommended to engage in physical fitness programs such as running, swimming, and hiking before your journey.

What is the best time to do the Mundum Trail Trek?

The best months to do the Mundum Trail Trek is February, March, April, May, September, October, November, and December. During these months, the weather is generally favorable with clear skies and mild temperatures, making for optimal trekking conditions and stunning mountain views.

Who are my Guides and Porters?

Our trekking guides are trained and hold a trekking guide license issued by the Nepalese government. All of our guides are local with a deep understanding of the mountains, culture, health and your safety. All of our guides are skilled, experienced, courteous and helpful. They are proficient in English and will be able to communicate effectively with you throughout the trip.

What type of Foods available during the trek?

There are limited local tea shops along the trail, where you can get Nepali Dal Bhat (rice, curry, and lentils) and instant noodle soups. Therefore, on this trip, we will manage breakfast, lunch, and dinner for you. We will take all necessary food provisions, food will be prepared by our cook.

What about Drinking Water?

We need to carry 3 to 4 liters of drinking water per person during the hiking days. Boiled water will be available at our lunch stops and overnight stays. We do not recommend drinking water from taps, lakes, or rivers.

What types of Accommodations available?

You will be accommodated in 3 or 4-star hotels in Kathmandu. In Diktel and Halesi, you will stay in guest houses. During the trek, you will have home stay or tent accommodations. All rooms or tents are on a shared basis, with each accommodating 2 persons. Single supplements are available for an additional charge if requested in advance.

Do I need Travel Insurance?

Yes, it is necessary to have insurance to join this Annapurna Circuit Trek. Your insurance should cover cost of Helicopter rescue and treatment.

Do I need Day Backpack?

Yes, while porters can carry the majority of your belongings, it’s recommended to carry a small day backpack yourself. This backpack can hold essentials such as drinking water, snacks, sunscreen, camera, sunglasses and any other items you may need easy access to during the day hike.

Is there Porter Luggage Limit?

Yes, trekkers should note that the luggage limit for a porter is 20kg, and typically, there is one porter assigned for every two trekkers. It’s advisable to pack efficiently and within this weight limit to ensure ease of transportation during the trek.

Which is the toughest trek in Nepal?

Three Passes trek (Everest region) Difficulty: Strenuous.
Island Peak trek (Everest region) Difficulty: Strenuous, mountaineering skills required.
Teri La and Saribung La (Upper Mustang).
Kanchenjunga North.
Saipal Base Camp trek (Far Western Nepal) …
Makalu to Everest trek.