The year 2025 is going to be celebrated as the Mundum Trail Tour Year to attract at least 100,000 tourists. At a press meet organized in Kathmandu on June – 17, 2024, Ramesh Kumar Rai, President of Mayung Temke Salpa Silichung Tourism Promotion Center, informed that they aim to attract at least 100,000 domestic and foreign tourists whilst promoting the newly explored trail.
The Mundum Trail, an off-the-beaten trail lies in Bhojpur, Khotang, Solukhumbu and Sankhuwasabha district. Hikers have views of Mt Everest, Cho Yu, Makalu, Mt Kanchenjunga and many others in wide Himalaya range.
President Rai shared that they are planning to establish more accommodation, drinking water tap, toilets and rest places along the trail for the visitors. Further he informed that they are paying attention to management aspects of the Mundum Trail Visit Year such as setting up the Information and Rescue Centre.
Speaking in the press meet, Nilhari Bastola President of Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) asserted that the Trail could not be promoted until the local government assumes its ownership. Meanwhile, former Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Sudan Kirati emphasized ‘It’s imperative to do branding of the Mundum Trail and attract tourists in all seasons,’ urging the organizer to plan conserve the native cultures and nature.
Likewise, the “Agriculture, Tourism, and Cultural Fair” had been organized from April 13 to April 15, 2024 in Chakhewa, Bhojpur to promote the Mundum trail. Mundum Trail is among the top 100 tourism destinations listed by the government.
The Mundum Trail
The term Mundum or Mundhum is an oral based cultural practice of the Kirat community. The trail passes through the settlements of the Kirat community. The name Mundum highlights the cultural experience of the region in addition to exploring nature and the mountains.
The Mundum Trail goes up to the highest point of 4,153 meters from sea level, Silichung Peak. The trail starts from Chakhewa Bhanjyang and passes through Dhotre, Maiyung (Hans Pokhari), Hyakule, Rawa Dhap, Nikas, Salpa Bhanjyang (Kulupankha), and Silichung peak along the crest border of Bhojpur, Khotang, Solukhumbu, and Sankhuwasabha districts.
Mundum explains Kirat civilization, Kirat history, culture, rituals, technology, language, etc. So, the Mundum Trail is a culturally, spiritually, and religiously important trail. This trail is also the best place to study about Shamans.
Salpa Pokhari (lake) situated in Salpa Silichho Rural Municipality of Bhojpur district at 3,672 meters from sea level. Festivals are held in Salpa on the full-moon days of Baisakh Purnima (May), Janai Purnima (August) and Mangsir Purnima (December). Tourists and devotees visit Salpa Pokhari and Silichung with the belief of getting one’s wishes come true. Visitor feel pleasure to see snowfall in hills and beautiful mountains view including Mount Everest from the Silichung peak at 4,153 meters from sea level.
Rudraksha (Elaeocarpus ganitrus) trees are seen in the fields and bare hills in the villages of Bhojpur district. Rudraksha is supposed to be teardrops of Hindu God Shiva. Rudraksha fruits are used for chanting, wearing as beads and offering to god and goddess, and for medicinal purposes.
Mundum Trail Highlights:
Kirat Heritage trail
5 mountains view above 8000 mt including Everest and Kanchenjunga
Beautiful rhododendron forest, bamboo bushes
Wild animal Red panda, Himalayan Honk Eagle, wild boar, deers
Many lakes, meadows, pastureland, cow shed, nomadic herders
Local culture and lifestyles
Home stay and Goth Stay
Mundum (Kirat Rai Cultural) Trail Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu, Transfer to Hotel 1,400 m / 4,600 ft
Day 2: Half Day Sightseeing in Kathmandu and trek preparation
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Diktel 1,650 m / 5,415 ft (8 hours)
Day 4: Drive to Chakhewa Bhanjyang 2,300 m / 7,550 ft (2.5 hours) and Trek to Dhotre 2,752 m / 9,030 ft (6 hours)
Day 5: Trek to Maiyung (Hans Pokhari) 3,122 m / 10,240 ft (4 hours)
Day 6: Trek to Rawa Dhap 3,426 m / 11240 ft (7 hours)
Day 7: Trek to Salpa Bhanjyang (Kulupankha) 3,348 m / 10,980 ft (4.5 hours)
Day 8: Explore Silichung Hill 4,153 m / 13,625 ft and around Salpa Pokhari
Day 9: Trek to Ghyangkharka (3,612 m / 11,850 ft) via Runa Danda (3,605 m / 11,830 ft)
Day 10: Trek to Biskham (2,400 m / 8,870 ft) – 6 hours
Day 11: Trek to Para (1,700 m / 5,580 ft) – 6 hours
Day 12: Drive to Halesi 1,400 m / 4,590 ft (4 hours)
Day 13: Drive to Kathmandu 1,400 m / 4,600 ft (7 hours)
Day 14: Transfer to International airport
