Mundhum Trail – New Route 12 Days

Explore the Kirat Rai Cultural Trail

The Mundhum Trail Trek follows the popular Kirat Rai Cultural Trail and navigates the center of the Kirati people. This trail not only features sacred sites but also the cultural practices and traditions that the Kirati people have upheld over the years. To top it off, you will experience the great hospitality these wonderful people have to offer.

The typical starting point of the trek is the Diktel Bazaar, and from there, you will trek through beautiful settlements such as Chakhewa, Dhotre, Maiyung, Rawa Dhap, Salpa Bhanjyang, Silichung, Hakule, Hanspokhari, and Bhojpur in sequential order. Each of these settlements is a window to typical Kirati life, customs and heritages.

The trek features many amazing sites, one of which is Silichung Peak (4152m). From this spectacular viewpoint, you can see Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, and numerous other peaks. Some of the other features this trek will take you through are sacred lakes, various grasslands, and sites that practice the Mundhum philosophy.

This trail is perfect for people who enjoy untouched wilderness and who like to interact with the locals. The culture, hospitality, and beauty of the Himalayas make this one of the best hidden trekking spots in Nepal.

The Mundhum Trail is one of the best spots in Nepal for people who enjoy spirituality and adventure, and who love trekking through untouched nature. This section of Nepal is rarely seen by trekkers and, for this reason, makes it truly special.

Best season

The perfect season to trek to the Mundhum Trail is in the spring (March to May) and the fall (September to November), when the weather is temperate and stable, with clear views of the Himalayas. Springtime also brings blooming forests with rhododendron and magnolia blossoms among other wildflowers. Autumn is the best trekking season with clear views of post-monsoon Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, and Shishapangma.

Winter (December to February) is trekking season for those experienced trekkers who want an unobstructed view of the mountains and want to trek in solitude. However, temperatures during this season can be frigid. Summer (June to August) is the worst season to trek in Nepal. The rains make mudslides and reduce the visibility of the mountains.

How Difficult is the Mundhum Trail Trek?

The Mundhum Trail is a moderately challenging trek. It does not have any technical climbing, but does require the ability to trek for multiple days on an undulating path. The highest elevation is encountered at Silichung Peak at 4,153 meters.

The trek is further simplified for those with an average level of fitness due to the gradual increase in elevation and the well-established pace of the itinerary. Mundhum trail Trek offers trekkers not only the views and cultural experiences that the Himalayas have to offer, but also provides an experience that is less physically demanding and away from the most populated trails.

Can Beginners Join Trek?

Yes, the Mundhum Trail Trek is accessible for beginners, provided that they have the right mindset and prepare adequately. This trek, unlike an expedition to a high altitude peak that involves a long, technical climb, follows a standard, well used trail. Thus, one does not need to have any sort of technical climbing skills to complete the trek. The hours trekked each day are kept at a reasonable limit, and the trek itself is designed to promote natural acclimatization.

There is, however, a prerequisite level of fitness expected of participants who plan to partake in this trek. Those who have maintained at least a minimal level of fitness on a regular basis will complete the trek comfortably. The use of an experienced guide along a safe, well-planned route also ensures a comfortable trek. With the combination of the scenic vistas and the diverse culture and natural beauty of Nepal, the Mundhum Trail Trek is a perfect option for those who enjoy adventure travel, yet do not wish to partake in a strenuous trek.

Maximum and Minimum Walking Hours Per Day

The number of hours trekked each day on the Mundhum Trail is dependent on the chosen itinerary. On average, trekkers will spend 4 to 7 hours on the trail each day.

These daily averages can change dramatically due to the exploration of the villages and the numerous local cultural sites and attractions. Some trek days can even extend to 7 or 8 hours if there are multiple, lengthy settlements to traverse and multiple ridges to cross along the trail. The route is deliberately designed to promote and allow frequent rests. There will be numerous opportunities to take in the scenic beauty of the area and the local culture, and to interact with the local citizens.

Preparation and Training

Preparation enhances your experience on the trek. Training for the trek at least four to six weeks before your trek is important. Hiking, jogging, cycling, stair climbing, and walking help with the cardiovascular and leg strength endurance required. Training with a small packed backpack helps prepare your body and build endurance and stamina for the trek. Strength training for the core and legs helps with comfort for uneven trails, along with the preparation of gear.

The waterproof jackets, sturdy hiking boots, layered clothing, and a comfortable day pack are essential trekking gear that also help with comfort on the trek. Mental training is important as there are remote areas on this trek with limited facilities in comparison to popular trekking areas in Nepal. An adventurous spirit and a good attitude help with the comfort and ease of the trek.

Alternative Trekking Routes in Eastern Nepal

Exploring more of Eastern Nepal provides good trekking alternatives to the Mundhum Trail.

Everest Base Camp Trek, along with the world’s best mountain view treks, helps with the cultural aspects of trekking with the local Sherpas.

Gokyo Lakes Trek gives an alternative trekking route to the Everest base camp with great views of the Himalayas and treks through nature.

One of the most remote and wild treks in Nepal is the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek that explores the base of the 3rd highest mountain in the world.

Makalu Base Camp Trek helps with a wild trek through nature directly under Mt. Makalu.

Pikey Peak Trek provides shorter treks to view the sunrises over Everest.

Rich in traditional villages and outstanding mountain scenery, the Arun Valley Trek showcases some of the best biodiversity available in Nepal’s least visited regions.

Every trekking route provides opportunities to engage with unique cultures and matchless landscapes. The thrill of the Himalayas is always present on the trek.

Trekking at High Altitudes

The highest part of the Mundhum Trail is Silichung Peak at an elevation of 4,153 meters, and a few trekkers may register symptoms of altitude sickness like headaches, tiredness, and breathlessness, as well as sleeping difficulties. For the most part, the risk is much lower than most of the high altitude treks in Nepal, which is due to the route’s gradual ascent. The risk of altitude sickness is lower with proper hydration and a good trekking speed, along with an organized itinerary. As with altitude sickness, the best route of action is to descend to a lower elevation.

Accommodations

Along the Mundhum Trail, lodging is largely found in HOMESTAYS like local teahouses, community lodges, and guesthouses run by local families. Rooms may be basic, but they offer an authentic cultural experience and hospitality. The variation in community lodging facilities is a result of the village location; in a few of the remote villages, the lodging may even have a shared bathroom. The hospitality of the local community is one of the most memorable components of the trek.

Food/drinks

During the trek, you can discover an array of meals that are freshly prepared, including Nepali meals, such as Dal Bhat (rice with lentils, vegetables, and pickles). Other foods, such as noodles and fried rice, along with soup, fried potatoes, eggs, bread, and vegetables in season, are also commonplace. International meal options, however, do exist in some of the bigger villages. These lodges offer a selection of tea and coffee, as well as hot lemon and broth to warm you. Bottled water is sold in some of the villages, but using a water filter or purification tablets is a better option for both you and the planet.