Mundum Trail

                                        
                                        destination
                                        Temke Danda-Maiyung-Silichung Peak
                                    
                                        duration
                                        15 Days
                                    
                                        grade
                                        Moderate
                                    
                                        start/end point
                                        Kathmandu/Kathmandu
                                    
                                        max altitude
                                        4165m
                                    
                                        meal
                                        Available
                                    
                                        accommodation
                                        Available
                                    
                                        season
                                        Mar to May / Sep to Dec

Overview

Introducing the Mundum Trekking Trail, a brand-new cultural path across the tranquil highlands of eastern Nepal. The recently discovered off-the-beaten-path in eastern Nepal is home to stunning natural scenery, a plethora of biodiversity, the Kirati-Rai civilization, culture, and way of life, as well as an expansive panorama of the Himalayan, mid-hill, and Terai areas. Walking across the mountains that cross significant sites of the Rai, Limbu, Sunuwar, and Kulung ethnic groups of the mountains of eastern Nepal and their way of life that combines shamanism, animism, and Shiva worship is the best way to understand the Mundum cultural belief system of the Kirat people. The trail was first made available to hikers in January 2018. It runs from Chakhewa Bhanjyang on the Khotang-Bhojpur boundary via the Mehrung, Maiyung, Lauri, and Shilichung peaks, then on to the revered Shalpa Pokhari in Bhojpur before ending at Maiyung and Suntale peaks.
Looking at the summary of the trek after arriving by bus at Diktel (1650), the trail continues to Chakhewa (2300 m), Dhotre (2752 m), Maiyung (3122 m), Rawadhap (3426 m), the second-best viewpoint after Silichho (4156 m), and Salpa Bhanjyag (3348 m), from where hikers ascend to Silichho Peak (4156 m), early in Silichho provides a clear view of more than 22 peaks, including Makalu (8481m), Chalachuli (3636m), Nuptse (7861m), Nuptse (8461m), Nuptse (8516m), Nuptse (8848m), and Mt. Everest (8848m). Salpa Lake and Silichho Peak are revered for their spiritual significance since the Kirat Community considers them to be holy places. The trail descends to Salpa Phedi (1680 m), Chewa Besi (285 m), and Tumlingtar after an exhilarating ascent of Silichho summit (4165 m). Since there are no hotels or lodges in the woods, camping on the path is necessary.
We can alternate and customize the trip by entering Mahakulung and exploring the unique territory of the Kulung people and ending our trip in Sotang or Bung. We also combine our trip with Everest Base Camp or Mera Peak if you have a longer Holiday.
The 14-day route we suggest will give you a wonderful overall understanding of this walk and will enable you to spend one day basking in the stunning landscape of the Sanctuary. Kathmandu is where everything starts and finishes. Welcome to the Mundum Trail!

Trip Highlights

Historical, cultural city of the heritage places in Kathmandu valley
Scenic and thrilling drive from Kathmandu to Chakhewa and Bung or Sotang to Kathmandu
Temke Danda, Maiyung Danda, Hans Pokhari, Salpa Pokhari, Handi Pokhari and Silichong Peak. All of them carry the history of the local people back to hundreds of years back.
Picturesque meadows and green sceneries
Camping Trek is recommended - however, you can find some authentic and basic tea houses for night
Meeting the ancient Kirat and Rai people and seeing their rich culture and way of life while enjoying native food
Witness the many Himalayan vistas, ranging from Mt. Everest to Mt. Kanchenjunga
Ridge trekking with mountains, a brand-new hike with few other people and camping opportunities
Red pandas, barking deer, Himalayan black bears, partridges, wild ducks, and wild water buffalo are just a few of the endangered species
In the spring, 12 different species of rhododendron blossom.
One of the most significant Hindu religious sites is the Halesi Mahadev Temple
Flora and fauna

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive to Kathmandu (1350m), transfer to Hotel

You will be greeted by a representative of Rai Treks and Expedition Pvt Ltd; at the Tribhuvan International Airport when you arrive in the country of breathtaking mountains and the city of temples. Our personnel will accompany you to your Hotel room for the night. In the evening, we will host a dinner program and advise you on the trekking itinerary in a traditional Nepali restaurant

Day 2: Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu and trek preparation day in Kathmandu

SIGHTSEEING INCLUDES:

PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE: Pashupatinath is one of the most significant and the biggest Hindu temples of Shiva in the world, which is in the heart of Kathmandu nearby the airport. There is no certain data on how old the temple is, however; it is believed that the site had existed since 400 BC. The current temple was built in 1692 CE. Shiva is the God of Gods symbolizing the “destruction” among three main Gods according to Hinduism – Brahma, Bishnu, and Maheshwar (Shiva). Brahma creates living things, Bishnu preserves them and Shiva destroys them at the end. Pashupatinath is listed as a World Heritage site in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It was enlisted in 1979 AD. Pashupatinath is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams (Holy Abodes of Shiva).

BOUDHANATH STUPA: Also called Baudha, is the largest spherical stupa in the world. It was built in the 6th century CE, in the Licchavi regime. It was expanded around the 14th century. It is situated in the northeastern outskirts of Kathmandu, about 6 km from far from the heart of Kathmandu, Thamel. It was enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979AD. Boudhanath is one of the popular places to visit on your visit to Nepal.

SWAYAMBHUNATH (MONKEY TEMPLE): It is also called Monkey temple as you can see hundreds of monkeys around there when you visit there, which is the oldest religious site in Nepal. It was built in the 6th century CE, in the Licchavi regime. It was expanded around the 14th century. There is not enough proof of when it was built, however; it is believed that it was built around 2500 years ago. It is also believed that it was created itself at the beginning so it is named Swayam (self) bhu (earth) Nath (god) – which means it created itself from the earth. It was enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979AD. It is situated around 3 km far from Thamel, in the west direction. Swayambhunath is one of the popular places to visit on your visit to Nepal.

Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Haleshi Mahadevsthan (3100m)

Day 4: Drive to Chakhewa Bhanjyang (2300m) - 5/6 hrs

Day 5: Trek from Chakhewa to Dhotre (2752m)

Day 6: Hike from Dhotre to Maiyung (3122m).

Day 7: Trek to Guranse (3185m)

Day 8: Trek to Nikash (3213m)

Day 9: Trek to Salpabhanjyang/Kulupankha (3348m)

Day 10: Explore around Silchung Hill (4200m)

Day 11: Trek to Gudel (1968m) – 5/6 hrs

Day 12: Trek to Bung (1677m) – 4/5 hrs

Day 13: Drive back to Dhap (2932m) – 5/6 hrs

Day 14: Drive back to Kathmandu – 5/6 hrs

Day 15: Final departure for your home country

Inclusion / Exclusion

Inclusion

All airport transfers in Kathmandu on private vehicle
Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu including all transportation and entry permit to enter to the Heritage sites
3 nights accommodation in Kathmandu at Standard Hotel in Bed & Breakfast Basis
Trek on Full Board Basis (BLD - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Hot drink - tea/coffee) and boiled water for drinking
2 Men sharing Tent, Tents (Dining, Kitchen, Toilet), Mattress, Table, Chair
1 professional English speaking guide including all his meals, transportation and daily wages
Sufficient assistant guides including all their meals, transportations and daily wages
Sufficient porters including all their meals, transportations and daily wages
Trekking Permit, National Park & TIMS card fee
All insurance for trekking crew members
Medical kits including basic medicines for the trekking crew members
Trekking Map
Duffel Bag if needed
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu

Exclusion

International Airfare
Nepal Entry Visa Fee, which is USD50 for 30 days, USD30 for 15 days and USD125 for 90 days
Personal Insurance (Travel, Emergency Medical, Rescue)
Personal Trekking Gears, extra expenses Phone Calls, Mineral Water, Laundry, Bar Bills, Battery Recharge, Internet etc.
Main meals in Kathmandu (lunch and dinner)
Tips for trekking staff and drivers. It is not mandatory but it is customary in Nepal.

Overview

Urban and Anna

Switzerland

Dear Devendra Rai Treks guided us safely and considerately over the Mundum Trail. The trekking was flexible and solution-oriented. We really appreciated the very friendly and considerate team. It was very special for us to get to know the Kirati / Rai culture in a very personal way. We thank you for the excellent tour and wish you all the best. Namaste Urban and Anna