Mundum Trek, opened in 2018, introduces you to a cultural walking trail in the eastern part of Nepal and grants an opportunity to indulge in Kirati culture and lifestyle. The Kirati people are a Sino-Tibetan ethnic group associated with Nepal’s history for thousands of years.

Mundum Trek got its name from the cultural practice of the Kirat people- Mundhum, also known as Kirat Veda. It is the folk literature of the Kirat people encompassing mythological stories, legends, prehistoric accounts, and pragmatic exhortations. And this guides their social and cultural lifestyle. And hence this trek is an undeniable opportunity to gain insights into the unique and enticing culture and lifestyle of the Kirati people.

The trail meanders through rhododendron and Himalayan bamboo forests, quaint villages of Kirati people, and several indigenous ethnic villages. Additionally, the trail features natural beauty, rich bio-diversity, dramatic landscapes, mid-hills, and commands stunning views of the Himalayas like Everest, Makalu, Nuptse, Lhotse, Kumbhakarna, Kanchenjunga, and surrounding peaks.

Mundum Kirat Rai culture Trek Route

Mundum Trek route initiates from and ends in Kathmandu. Diktel at 1650m is the starting point of this trek. Chakhewa, Diktel, Dhotre, Maiyung, Rawadhap, Salpa Bhanjyang, Hyakule, Hanspokhari, Silichung, and Bhojpur are the significant landmarks of this adventure. Ridge-walk, less-crowded trail, warm-hospitality of Kirati people, captivating Himalayan views, and low altitude trek are major highlights of this trek.

You will drive to Diktel from Kathmandu for 8-9 hours. From Diktel, you will hit the trail to Chakhewa. En route, walk past the beautiful villages of Dorap Chiuri Danda and Dobela. The trail offers pleasant trekking experiences and natural scenery.

Wake up early, enjoy light breakfast, and continue the trail to Dhorte. Traverse through grazing land, traditional trail, and rhododendron forest, and cross Maluwa, Dalsinga pass with Ridge of Merung Danda. After 5-6 hours of the trek, you will arrive in Dhorte and rest for the day.

Continue to Maiyung from Dhorte. Climb Matim Dada and admire spectacular views of lofty mountains. The trail meanders through a few uphills and downhills, but it will be an easy hike. Upon reaching Maiyung, your guide will manage the best room and food for you. Enjoy the meal, rest, and prepare for another day.

Furthermore, the trail stretches to Rawadhap. You will walk past grazing lands and cross Hayakule Dada. Today’s trek is admittedly arduous. Trek for a few hours and cross the Lauri dada before reaching Rawadhap.

On the 6th day, you will march towards Salpa Bhanjyang and stay another day acclimatizing. You will embark on a rewarding side-trip to Silichung. It is about 4-5 hours hike from Salpa Bhanjyang, but worthy. You will enjoy some of the best views. You can embrace the awe-inspiring views of Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Mt. Kumbhakarna, Numbur, Karyalung, Kusumkhang, Khangtega, Amadablam, Thamserku, Mere peak and surrounding peak from Silichung peak.

On the 8th day, you will descend to Hyakule. You will follow the easy route, avoiding steep uphill and downhill.

Next, you will trek to Hanspokhari and Bhojpur. The hike is relatively easier through downhill. Bhojpur is a small town with Bhojpur Bazar, famous for metalwork, particularly khukuri knives. You can buy khukuri as a souvenir. And on the last day, you will drive back to Kathmandu.

Mundum Kirat Rai culture Trek Difficulty

Mundum Trek is a low altitude trek. It is normally graded as an easy to moderate trek. It was opened in 2018 as an off-beaten trail. It is a pristine and remote trail that can be completed in 11 days.

The trek is possible throughout the year, but spring and autumn are considered the best time of the year for Mundum trekking.

It would help if you had the endurance to trek for 7-8 hours, and on average, you must trek for 6-7 hours. The highest elevation marked during the trek is 4200m. If you are physically fit, you can do this trek.