Mundhum Trail Trek

The word “Mundhum” finds its roots in kirati culture and history; it’s an oral guide to the kirati way of life and holds more traditional implications than religious tones. It is this fact that’s behind the christening of a new and up-and-coming trekking trail in Nepal’s eastern hills, the Mundhum Trail. The trail charts hilly districts such as Khotang, Solukhumbu, Bhojpur and Sankhuwasabha.

The trail begins at Halesi, 223km from Kathmandu. There are rewards here from the get-go. Halesi, arguably the most prized destination in the trail, is most famous as a religious site for Hindus, Buddhists, and kiratis, coming alive during festivities such as Sakela, Shivaratri, Bala Chaturdashi, Ram Nawami and Teej, among others. Places such as Panchadevi, Kakani, Bhairavthan, Kalikasthan, Murdhum Cave, Maratika Gompa and Mahadev Cave see visitors in droves during these festivals. It is believed that the Mahadev Cave hosted Gautam Buddha for his penance. Most visitors to Halesi like to take a dip in the Dudhkoshi River in Jayaram Ghat in the town. But there’s more to Halesi than its religious heritage.