In Nepal’s far-eastern hills, a remarkable trekking route is gaining attention for its blend of spirituality, culture, and mountain scenery: the Mundhum Trail, also spelled Mundum Trail. Stretching across the districts of Bhojpur, Khotang, Solukhumbu, and Sankhuwasabha, this ridge trek introduces visitors to the ancestral lands of the Kirat people, offering a journey rooted as much in cultural depth as in natural beauty.

A Living Cultural Experience

At the heart of the trail lies the ancient Kirat tradition of Mundhum—the oral scripture that preserves the myths, rituals, and cosmology of the community. Trekkers walking this route encounter authentic Kirat settlements, sacred sites, and ritual landscapes where shamans still perform age-old practices. 

Festivals such as Sakela Ubhauli and Udhauli, along with honey-harvesting rituals and traditional performances, enrich the journey. These living traditions make the trail a rare opportunity to experience an indigenous culture that has preserved its identity across centuries.

Geography and Trek Highlights

The Mundhum Trail spans roughly 80 kilometers, beginning at Chakhewa Bhanjyang at about 2,300 meters. From there, it follows a ridge that passes through key points such as Dhotre, Maiyung (also known as Hans Pokhari), Hyakule, Rawa Dhap, Nikas, and Salpa Bhanjyang. One of the most revered locations along the route is Salpa Pokhari, a sacred lake situated at approximately 3,672 meters, which draws both pilgrims and trekkers. 

The trail culminates at its highest point, Silichung Peak, which rises to roughly 4,153 meters. From its summit, visitors are rewarded with sweeping views of the eastern Himalayas, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga. The entire route blends ridge walking with cultural immersion, making it both scenic and meaningful.

A Spiritual and Ecological Sanctuary

The Mundhum Trail is being promoted as a Tapobhumi, a spiritual zone ideal for meditation, introspection, and reconnecting with nature. Local governments have placed restrictions on road construction along fragile ridge areas to preserve the landscape’s spiritual and ecological integrity. 

The trail traverses biodiverse forests rich in rhododendrons, temperate woodlands, alpine meadows, and habitats home to Himalayan wildlife such as red pandas and rare bird species. This combination of spiritual significance and ecological richness makes the trek appealing to travelers seeking peace, nature, and cultural authenticity.

Visit Year 2025 and Local Initiatives

The Nepal Tourism Board has officially declared 2025 as the Mundhum Trail Visit Year, with the ambitious goal of welcoming at least 100,000 visitors. In preparation, local municipalities across the four districts are actively upgrading essential infrastructure, including homestays, drinking water taps, rest shelters, and public toilets. 

A number of festivals and special events are planned throughout the year—such as the Rhododendron and Horse Riding Festival in Temke-Maiyung, the Honey Hunting and Gothstay Festival in Kepilasgadhi, and ultra-marathon and mountain cycling events hosted by Bhojpur Municipality. 

Cultural celebrations like the Nachhong (Dhami) festival, Rudraksha festival, and Chakchakur festival aim to further enrich visitor experiences. Development funding is being jointly provided by local governments, the provincial government, and Swiss partners, making this one of the most coordinated regional tourism campaigns in eastern Nepal.

Trekking Experience and Difficulty

The Mundhum Trail is considered moderate in difficulty, making it accessible to a wide range of trekkers. The gradual altitude gain along the ridges gives travelers sufficient time to acclimatize comfortably. 

On average, Nepali trekkers complete the route in about ten days, while international visitors typically take between twelve and thirteen days, depending on acclimatization needs and cultural exploration stops. Some sections of the route are historically significant as they were reportedly used during early Everest expeditions, adding a historical dimension to the trek.

Why the Mundhum Trail Matters

Trekking the Mundhum Trail allows travelers to immerse themselves in Kirat culture, experience sacred landscapes, and enjoy panoramic Himalayan views—all while supporting community-based tourism. 

Homestays, local guides, and small family-run businesses benefit directly from trekking activities, helping preserve both livelihoods and cultural heritage. For visitors seeking an alternative to crowded trekking routes, the Mundhum Trail offers a quiet, meaningful, and community-centered Himalayan experience.

In every sense, the Mundhum Trail is more than a trekking route—it is a journey into the spiritual and cultural heart of eastern Nepal. With the 2025 Visit Year initiative underway, this is an ideal time for travelers who appreciate nature, culture, and sustainability to discover one of Nepal’s most unique ridge treks. The trail’s blend of heritage, spirituality, and pristine mountain landscapes makes it a compelling choice for anyone looking to explore a lesser-known but deeply rewarding part of the Himalayas.