Located in the central mid-hill region of Koshi Province, the Mundum Trail has recently begun attracting tourists thanks to its rich biodiversity and natural beauty. The rhododendron forests, bamboo groves, lakes, streams, landscapes, and cliffs here leave visitors spellbound. Encountering wildlife like yaks, Himalayan vultures, cliff bees, and red pandas bring an altogether different sense of refreshment.
The trail region is primarily inhabited by Kirati-Rai, Limbu, Sherpa, Tamang, Gurung, Sunuwar, and Yakkha communities. Mundum's main attraction lies in observing and studying the Kirati-Rai community's lifestyle, culture, traditions, daily life, various rituals, and their authentic traditional dress. Additionally, one can witness cultural richness through festivals like Sakela, Udhauli-Ubhauli celebrations, traditional attire, local arts, and nature worship practices. Silichung Peak stands as the trail's final religious destination, where Sumnima and Paruhang are believed to reside. This sacred place, which one must visit at least once in a lifetime, is considered the spiritual center of the Kirati-Rai community.
Salpa Pokhari, a natural lake situated at 3,386 meters with religious and cultural significance, represents another major destination. It's also regarded as the spiritual power center for Mundumi practitioners, shamans, healers, and traditional dancers. Mainamaini (923m) and Hatuwagadhi (1,600m), considered symbols of the Kirati kingdom, are also key tourist destinations where preserved palace ruins continue to keep Kirati cultural history alive.
From various points along the Mundum Trail, one can observe over 45 peaks including those above 8,000 meters i.e. Sagarmatha, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu. The Mundum Trail, becoming an increasingly attractive tourist destination, has started drawing foreign visitors from countries including Japan, America, and Switzerland alongside domestic tourists.
The journey begins at Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (80m) and extends through Baraha Kshetra Dham to reach Silichung Peak at 4,153 meters, a 150 km trek. This roughly 13 day journey is considered ideal from Falgun to Jestha and from Bhadra to Mangsir. However, efforts are underway to promote the Mundum Trail as a year-round trekking destination. Since different locations along the trail feature varied natural beauty and religious sites, one can also undertake shorter treks of as little as two days in various segments depending on available time.
Generally suitable for all age groups, the trail's destinations at Baraha Kshetra Dham, Mainamaini, Chuhar, Maibeni, Hatuwagadhi, Purnedanda, Bayang, Yun, Daburang, Pamakham, Tawa Bhanjyang, Chakhewa, Dhodre, Hans Pokhari, Kulu Pongkho, Mabu, and Baghkhor offer local hotels, lodges, camping facilities, and homestays for accommodation and meals. Year-round homestays are available in Dhodre, Hans Pokhari, Balaute Bhanjyang, and Juke, while seasonal stays can be found in Ghopte, Rawadhap, and Nikasamane. During the trek, one can taste organic local dishes and experience the local way of life.
How to reach Mundum Trail?
According to the trekking schedule shown in the table below, starting from Chatra Dham, one can reach Silichung Peak on the tenth day and on the final thirteenth day arrive at Bhojpur Bazaar via Maiyung-Ekrate-Pakhuwa Bhanjyang-Baghkhor (trekking)-Suntale.
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