Nepal is a land of mesmerizing beauty and boundless wonder. It is capable of leaving even the most seasoned travelers with utter fulfillment. However, delving deeper into the lesser-known paths reveals an abundance of previously concealed treasures patiently awaiting discovery. A prime illustration of such a wonder is the Mundum Trail, where every step uncovers a new gem to marvel at, beckoning to be explored. Yet, despite its lack of convenient accommodations and remote location, the Mundum Trail is one of Nepal's most spectacular secrets. It is home to scenic views, ranging from lush valleys to snow-capped peaks and pristine wildlife to bustling villages.
Mundhum Trail is the newly opened trekking trail in the eastern region of Nepal. It lures travelers with its ethereal natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and the Kirati Rai Civilization. The Himalayas, low mountain ranges, and verdant forests offer a breathtaking vista ideal for adventurous travelers seeking a remarkable destination.
Imagine spending days exploring landscapes that have yet to be seen by many. Followed by night under the stars or in a lodge or homestay; this is what trekking on the Mundhum Trail is all about. Mundhum Trail is located in eastern Nepal, the most heavily traversed region in the country. The trail is suited for trekkers at any level, from easy trails with some flat sections to moderately challenging trails on steeper slopes. You can choose your adventure with various trails for a unique experience. The Mundhum Trail is a recently discovered trekking route in Nepal's Far East region. It derives its name from the Mundum, the sacred book of the Kirati People. This trail passes through the lands of the Kirati People, and hence, it has been named the Mundum Trail.
The Nepalese government launched a trail in 2018, which offers an exclusive opportunity for adventure enthusiasts to discover the region's remote culture and unspoiled natural scenery. This trek will take you through the Eastern hills of Nepal, which serve as the ancestral abode of the Kirati People. The Kirati people belong to the Sino-Tibetan language family. This trail offers an opportunity to learn more about their culture and heritage. Mundhum Trail, also known as Salpa Silicho trekking, is a fascinating route that will mystify earth visitors. Along this trail, you can witness small lakes, go bird watching, explore the Rhododendrons Jungle and Bamboo Jungle, bathe in a natural stream, and spot wild animals like Tahr, Musk Deer, and the elusive Red-panda. The trail also offers a glimpse into local culture and agriculture life, as well as a chance to observe the daily life of shepherds and their Yaks. Don't forget to catch a breathtaking sunrise or sunset while walking along this trail.
The Mundhum Trail, a new and exciting trekking route in Nepal's eastern hills, comes from the ancient oral guide to the Kirati way of life. This place is Rooted in Kirati culture and history. So, Mundhum holds more traditional importance than religious purposes. The trail meanders through the rolling hills of Khotang, Solukhumbu, Bhojpur, and Sankhuwasabha, showcasing the region's vibrant cultural heritage deeply ingrained. This trek is an exceptional lark that guarantees to leave you spellbound with its natural beauty and cultural richness. With peaks soaring to heights exceeding 8000 meters, this region offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness some of the world's highest mountains, including China's Mt. Shisapangma, the awe-inspiring Mt. Kanchenjungha, and the legendary Mt. Everest Ranges. The views are simply captivating and will leave you in awe of nature's beauty.
When trekking on the Mundhum Trail, keeping the environment pristine by minimizing your use of single-use plastics, minimizing pollution, and respecting the local culture is important. Taking a local guide can be invaluable in understanding the area and minimizing your impact on the region. Between discovering the culture, biodiversity, and ancient villages, Mundhum Trail Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Discovering a place shielded from the modern world for an extended period is undoubtedly a privilege. Nepal's people have preserved the area in its pristine beauty for generations. If you're looking for a unique adventure with an extraordinary landscape and cultural treasure, a trek on the Mundhum Trail cannot be missed.
Best Time to Trek on Mundhum Trail
When to go on the trek is just as important as how. Undoubtedly, Nepal offers an array of seasons best suited to different kinds of adventurers. So one can never be sure which season to opt for the Mundhum Trail Trek. Spring and Autumn are the most widely accepted and celebrated seasons for embarking on the Mundhum Trail Trek in Nepal.
- Spring:- Spring, which arrives in the country around March and continues until May, is widely recommended as a time for trekkers to set out on their adventure in Nepal. Spring season is ideal for those seeking lush countryside, striking blooms of rhododendrons — Nepal's national flower — and a delightful humidity level in the region. The sunshine and the special warmth of the season make for a pleasant trekking experience. At higher altitudes, the winter snow melts, creating streams and rivers of crystal clear water, which merge into larger icy rivers winding around the jagged ridges of the mountains. The vibrant colors of nature come alive after the snow melts, as rich green moss spreads across the forest and wildflowers blossom in the meadows. The temperatures during the Mundhum Trail Trek in Spring are perfect for trekking. During the daytime, the temperatures range from 12°C to 25°C, providing a pleasant atmosphere for trekking. During the night, the temperatures can drop to 4°C, but one can easily stay comfortable with the right clothing preparations.
- Autumn:- On the other hand, Autumn is another highly sought-after season due to its mild temperature and the views it offers. Melting into the landscape, the fall foliage's golden and ochre tones reflect nature's beauty and light up the Mundhum Trail Trek. This season is great for hefty views and the best time to enjoy Nepali culture and the diverse culture of communities in the region. The temperatures during the Autumn months in Nepal may vary depending on the season and the altitude of the trek. In the first weeks, the weather is in of daytime temperature range of 20°C-28°C. But the nights cool down to around 5°C, providing a refreshing break from the daytime heat. As the trek progresses, the temperatures become slightly cooler as Autumn arrives. Towards the next weeks, temperatures may dive further, between 16°C-19°C during the day and a shivering 0°C at night. If the weather remains clear, trekkers can feast their eyes on the never-ending sky and relish in a breathtaking panorama of the neighboring mountain summits. As the trek progresses, however, trekkers may experience light to moderate rainfall, and the terrain will become increasingly boggy. The added moisture from the passing rain will give the landscape its characteristic autumn shade. The color includes deep reds, browns, and oranges, a truly mesmerizing sight.
- Summer:- which begins in June and continues until August, is a season that easily surpasses its peers when offering scintillating vistas. Summer in Nepal is also a time to come face to face with the local culture, for the locals reveal a more aggressive and intense side of their lives in summer. Visitors can enjoy the snow-capped summits and the lush green valleys because of the clear skies. However, trekkers must protect their skin by wearing high-SPF sunscreen because of the intense sunlight during this time of the year.
- Winter:- Winter produces a different atmosphere and mood in the region. With the snow-filled mountains as a backdrop, treks during winter can be pretty challenging. For those willing to embrace the weather and temperature fluctuations, braving the frigid climate will reward them with unmatched views. One must be prepared to encounter extremely low temperatures and harsh weather, so packing the right gear and equipment is paramount.
Route of Mundhum Trail trek
Mundhum Trail Trek, a 13 days hike along the picturesque and mesmerizing landscapes, offers an exciting and rewarding journey through the majestic hills of central and eastern Nepal. The trail is characterized by its lush green pastures, snow-capped mountain views, and many different cultural influences, making it an irresistible sample of unique local history.
The journey begins from the village of Diktel, located about 1,315 meters above sea level and 125km from Kathmandu. Diktel is famous for its natural scenic beauty, cultural and religious heritage, and traditional Nepali architecture. This is also one of the oldest routes of Nepal and is still used for trading by locals. From the beautiful village of Diktel, the trek begins the ascending trail of Chakewa at 2300 m. While trekking Chakewa, one can witness the diversity in local culture. This is the land of the Limbu people, trust them for their hospitality.
After reaching Chakewa, the trek heads towards Dhotre (2,752 m). The trek passes through traditional Sherpa villages, terraced rice farms, wheat, and many other crops, and multi-ethnic communities. The descending trails from Dhotre bring the trekker to Maiyung (3,122), where one can get the first glimpses of spectacular mountain views. From the top of Maiyung, one can witness the breathtaking mountain ranges. You will also pass the enchanting Chhimalung pass and pass by captivating mani walls in Phokte, Chautara, and Mattim Danda.
Rawadhap(3426) is the next stopover, famous for its terraced hills, dense forests, and gigantic trees. The villages of this region preserve a rich cultural heritage embracing the Limbu and Sherpa people's various religions and indigenous cultures. From here, the trek continues towards Salpa Bhanjyang, a crossroads of two major trekking routes of East Nepal, one leading to the Everest region and the other towards the Kanchenjunga mountain. You will discover the fascinating culture, unique traditions, and fascinating lifestyle of the Kirati and Rai people. Traverse across the Mani wall of Nikasa, the Mani of Handi Lake, and the Mani of Salpa Pass to experience the rich cultural heritage of these ancient communities.
On the way from Salpa Bhanjyang (3348), the trail takes a steep ascent to the village of Silchung. This is the last Tibetan-influenced village before the descent to lower-altitude lands. This village is best known for its ceremonial and spiritual monuments, age-old ruins, Goemba pagodas, ancient fortifications, and monasteries. You will also explore Silchung Peak at 4200 m. This is the highest elevation reached on this trek.
The trek continues onto Hyakule, a Sherpa settlement located in peaceful surroundings. From Hyakule, the trail includes many small villages, like Hanspokhari, Bhojpur, and Surung, and finally ends in Kathmandu.
The route of the Mundhum trail trek is a fantastic journey through the pristine terrain, local cultural richness, historical sites, and Buddhist trails. This route offers majestic views of mountain peaks, peaceful trails, lush forests, and unspoiled local culture and customs. The trekkers also explore Buddhist monasteries, sacred stupas, art galleries, local curiosities, and breathtaking nature. Every turn of the trail reveals new perspectives and memories that will be forever treasured. As you continue to trek on the mystical Mundhum trail, the darkness of the night may seem daunting. But fear not, for the moonlight will guide your way and add to the enchanting experience of the trek.
So, if you're an explorer looking for a rewarding experience with a blend of adventure, then the Mundhum trial trek is the perfect journey.
What is Cultural Mundhum Trekking?
Cultural Mundhum Trekking is an exciting way to explore not just the history and culture of the Limbu people but also to gain insight into their spiritual teachings and beliefs. Trekking through the hills of Nepal, one can experience a sense of connectedness between the region's people, land, and deities, as expressed through Mundhum.
Mundhum is the traditional religious scripture and folk literature of the Limbu people of Nepal. It is an ancient indigenous religion in the region. Moreover, Its literature provides excellent insight into the people's cultural, social, and spiritual beliefs. Mundhum means "the power of great strength" in the Limbu language. Its teachings and stories reflect a deep connection to the land and elements of nature, inspiring proper reverence and respect.
This reverence is mainly expressed when visiting the various temple sites associated with the Mundhum, such as Bajrab-enam, Samnok-pokodenam, Kungols, and Chumling. While exploring the spiritual beauty of these sites, a cultural Mundhum trekker can experience an intimate connection to the profound stories and beliefs behind them. Trekkers interact with locals and learn about their customs, traditions, and everyday lives. Moreover, a cultural Mundhum trek is an incredible way to engage with works of art, and traditional songs composed with poetry, music, and dance.
By taking a cultural Mundhum trek, one can expand their understanding of the region, learn about the history and culture of the Limbu people, and, most importantly, experience a connection to the spirituality and teachings of the ancient Mundhum. Through understanding and embracing the Mundhum, one can gain a deeper appreciation of this region and its people and come away with a profound sense of respect and admiration.
Mundhum is an important part of the cultural identity and heritage of the Kirant people, an ethnic group native to the eastern hill regions of Nepal. Also known as Kirant Veda, it is a holy scripture containing four book sequences highly revered by Kiranti communities. Mundhum is a unique and diverse set of oral and written texts that recount the mythology, rituals, history, and teachings of the Kiranti people. Not only does it form an integral part of Kiranti culture, but it has also been the cornerstone of communal relationships, religious and social behavior, and other shared values among the community members that date back centuries.
The Mundhum is said to be codified in the current Salpa Silicho area. As per the oral lore associated with Mundhum, the text is believed to be narrated and written by the Kirat saints, who are associated with the holy mountains in the region. Furthermore, it is said that the Mundhum embraces three primary related deities and symbols. These symbols are fire, water, and the sun. Through the Mundhum, the Kirat people call upon these gods to bless them with good harvests and prosperity.
