Mundhum is an ancient religious scripture and literature of the Limbu, Rai, and Kirat peoples of Nepal, who are also known as the Yakthung of Nepal. The Mundhum is a narration about myths, legends, historical events, and philosophical exhortation. Indeed, it is the ritual and cultural life of the Limbu, Kirat, and Rai peoples of Nepal. The word "Mundhum" means "strength" and "great power" in the Limbu and Kirat languages. Majorly, these Kirat and Limbu are the indigenous peoples of Nepal. The habitat of these indigenous tribal people is the eastern part of Nepal: Bhojpur and Khotang. Hence, the beautiful mountain trail of Bhojpura and Khotang became the Mundhum trail in Nepal. The Mundhum trekking trail, named after a sacred Kirati scripture, offers a beautiful, off-the-beaten-path, wonderful Himalayan views, dense forests, and a deep immersion into Kirat culture. The Kirati culture encompasses the Rai, Limbu, Sunuwar, and Yakkha peoples.
The wonderful Mundhum trail features the panoramic vistas of Mt. Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Silichung peak, Myaur hill, and Salpa Pokhari. The Salpa Pokhari trek is very popular on the Mundhum trail, where sacred Salpa Pokhari and beautiful surroundings can be explored. Moreover, beautiful rhododendron forests and traditional villages blend the adventure of nature and history, making your journey mesmerizing. Authentic Kirati cultures and lifestyles, and immersing yourself in beautiful Mundhum culture, make you feel deeply spiritual. During the Mundhum trail, you will pass by amazing villages like Chakhewa, Dhotre, Hyakule, Rawa Dhap, Nikas, and Hasanpur. These villages have a deep density of Kirati peoples, where you will explore the Mundhum and Kirati cultures. Indeed, the Kirat Mundhum believers can be found in Nepal, India, and Bhutan.
Highlights of the Mundhum Trail in Nepal
- Panoramic Himalayan views of Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, and Makalu from Tamke Danda and Silichung Peak.
- Explore varieties of flora and fauna, including rhododendron forests, endangered red pandas, Himalayan Thar, Danphe birds, and leopards.
- Immersing myself in beautiful Mundhum cultures and unique Kirati traditions through festivals and wonderful rituals
- Visit stunning places like Salpa Pokhari, Halesi Temple, Hans Pokhari, Mayur Hill, and Kirati villages.
- Trekking through less crowded trails, offering beautiful off-the-beaten-path trekking paths, and exploring the pristine and solitary mountains.
- Hike the most beautiful Silichung peak, which is the highest peak (4,153 m.) during the trek.
- Moderate adventure yet beautiful exploration of the wonderful Himalayas, unique local culture, and varieties of flora and fauna.
Mundhum Trail Overview
The beautiful trekking trail, Mundhum, is nestled in the remote hilly area of eastern Nepal’s Khotang and Bhojpur districts. The Mundhum trail was named after the sacred scriptures of the Kirati cultures and their traditions. The trail is an 80- to 90-kilometer pilgrimage route that weaves through the pristine landscapes while offering the thrilling views of the Himalayas. The most ancient Himalayas living culture, beautiful caves, traditional villages, solitary mountains, and beautiful nature make the journey beautiful. The wonderful and dramatic terrain, beautiful ancient living heritages, beautiful mountain views including Everest and Kanchenjunga, alpine meadows, and off-the-beaten-trekking paths are the main attractions of the Mundhum trail. The wonderful Mundhum trail journey will start with the Kathmandu to Diktel scenic drive and continue to Chakhewa. Trekkers will start the trek from Chakhewa to Dhotre and continue to Maiyung, Rawadhap, and then Salpa Bhanjyang.
You will explore the Silichung Peak at 4,153 m, which is the highest altitude of the trek, and then go back to Salpa. The next day, trek to the Hyakule and continue to Hanspokhari. From Hanspokhari, you will trek to Bhojpur, which is the last trekking destination of the Mundhum trail. Travellers explore the beautiful and historical Bhojpur and drive back to Kathmandu. Hence, the most beautiful Mundhum trekking trail will finish on arrival in Kathmandu. The renowned Mundhum trail is also known as the Pilgrimage trekking route in Nepal. The Buddhist, Hindu, and Kirati believers will take a Mundhum trail as a pilgrimage trip. However, the Mundhum trail is one of the best trekking trails for those seeking Himalayan adventure and nature lovers.
About Kirat Mundhum Trail
The Kirat Mundhum trail is a beautiful mountain trekking trail in the homeland of Kirat Mundhum religion believers. About the Mundhum trail, travelers will be exploring beautiful local culture, traditions, beautiful landscapes, and innocent indigenous local people. The Kirat Mundhum religion is one of the oldest and most unique religions in Nepal. The unique blend of Kirat culture includes Rai, Limbu, Dewan, Lepcha, Lingden, Yakthumba, and other indigenous tribes of people. You will have beautiful local culture, cultural significance, beautiful Himalayan scenery, wildlife, and a variety of vegetation during the trail. Sacred sites, traditional ethnic groups of people, wonderful terrain, and off-the-beaten-path trekking paths are the most wonderful experiences during the Kirat Mundhum trail trek. The moderate adventure Mundhum trail is one of the best-renowned trekking routes in Nepal.
Complete Guide for Mundhum Trail
The Mundhum Trail trek is one of the off-the-beaten-path pilgrimage trails, which offers the authentic and ancient Kirati culture. The Mundhum trail map and itinerary will be 14 days, of which 8 days will be trekking. There will be 3 days of scenic road driving, one day will be Kathmandu city sightseeing, and 2 days will be arrival and departure days. It will be approximately 80 to 90 kilometers of total trekking trail from Chakhewa to Bhojpur. The maximum altitude for the trek will be 4,153 meters at Silichung Hill. The best time to trek the Mundhum trail is from March to May and September to November. The winter season, from December to February, will be much colder, and the monsoon season will have heavy rainfall and slippery trails. Travelers will be exploring beautiful Kirati cultures, which include Rai, Limbu, Yakkha, Dewan, and other indigenous people.
There will be majorly Kirati, Buddhist, and Hindu believers' ancient traditional local experiences. During the Mundhum, you can explore spectacular views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Nuptse, and others. The approximate cost of the Mundhum trail will be USD 1000 to 1500 for the trip. The beautiful and ancient culture, rich in unique traditions, rituals, and varieties of flora and fauna, makes the Mundhum trail mesmerizing.
What is Mundhum
Mundhum is an ancient religious scripture and folk literature of the Kirati people, which includes the Rai and Limbu, also known as the Yakthung of Nepal. The Kirat are an indigenous tribe of eastern Nepal in Khotang, Bhojpura, Ilam, and other parts of eastern Nepal. There is a belief that Mundhum is a great power; while understanding the Mundhum scripts, you will have strength and power in your life. The Mundhum is a guide for the Limbu and Kirati people’s rituals, traditions, and unique culture. Indeed, the Mundhum scripts provide the rituals of the Lumbu and Kirat communities’ ceremonies, such as birth, death, marriage, and other important life events. The oral traditions, stories, and legends of Mundhum, performed by the rituals, should be passed to the inheritance or new generation.
Moreover, the Mundhum performs as Phedangma, Yeba, Yema, and Samba, which are the keys to keeping the tradition alive. The performance of Mundhum is not only storytelling but also gesture, words, and music, which makes it a multifactorial cultural practice. The scriptures cover various topics and creations, likewise myths, the origin of the Lumbu and Kirat people, ancestors, stories, sin, and spirits. Hence, the Mundhum is strongly associated with Kirat and Limbu people, which encompasses Kirati religious traditions and practices of ethnic groups Rai and Yakkha.
Flora, Fauna and Natural Wonders in Mundhum Trail
The Mundhum trekking trail is rich in flora, fauna, natural wonders, and unique local cultures. Wonderful varieties of vegetation, wildlife, and amazing landscapes make your Mundhum trail tour beautiful. Moreover, the unique Mundhum tradition in the Kirat Limbu community immerses you in beautiful culture. In the lower elevation, there will be sal, pine, and bamboo forests, and in the upper elevation, there will be a variety of rhododendrons, oaks, birches, blue pines, chinquapins, orchids, and other medicinal plants. There are alpine meadows with wildflowers; varieties of plant species make the surroundings colorful. You will be exploring the endangered wild animals like the red panda, musk deer, Himalayan Thar, Himalayan black bear, and wild boar. Furthermore, you will be exploring varieties of birds, including Nepal's national bird, the Danphe (Himalayan Monal), and different species of butterflies.
Travellers will be hiking to the natural wonderlands, panoramic mountain views, and beautiful terrain. The Silichung, Salpa Pokhari, Tamke Danda, Maiyung Danda, many pristine forests, and beautiful waterfalls make your journey amazing. Traditional Mandhum-influenced villages let the travellers immerse themselves in a unique culture.
Planning Mundhum Trail Adventure
Planning for a Mundhum trail adventure includes an itinerary, trekking seasons, choosing the best agencies like Touch Planet Treks, mountain guides, budget, and permits, which are crucial. Trekkers will have to choose the best season, which will be spring or autumn. Travellers will have 3 days of road travel, from Kathmandu to Diktel, continuing to Chakhewa or Hile, and the last day from Bhojpur to Kathmandu. However, travelers can return from Phaplu to Kathmandu via flight or road. You need to have perfect backpacking, proper trekking gear, and the toiletries for the Mandhum trekking trail. The trekking itinerary will be 11 days to 14 days for the Mundhum trail. The best places to explore during the Mundhum trail are the beautiful Himalaya ranges, including Mt. Everest and Kanchenjunga, Silichung Peak, and Tamke Danda.
Moreover, you will be experiencing the beautiful Mundhum Kirati culture and tradition. There are traditional villages likewise: Diktel Bazaar, Chakhewa Village, Dhotre, Maiyung or Hanspokhari, Rawadhap, Salpa Bhanjyang Hyakule, and Bhojpur Bazaar. Indeed, the Mundhum trail height is about 4153 meters, which makes the trek a moderately difficult adventure. The off-the-beaten-path trek, rich in biodiversity, beautiful Mundhum Kirati culture, amazing local hospitality, and wonderful landscapes, makes the Mundhum trail memorable and worth visiting. Hence, the key notes to visiting the Mundhum trail are choosing the best agency, guide, porter, season, trekking gear, itinerary, and proper acclimatization during the trek.
Cultural Immersion Along the Mundhum Trail
The Mundhum Trail trek in eastern Nepal offers rich cultural immersion in the beautiful ethnic groups of Rai, Kirat, Limbu, Yakthumba, and other people. Majorly, there are Kirat Rai cultures and rituals. The festivals there are Sakela, Ubhaulu, Udhauli, Dhan Nach, and Chasok Tangnam. These festivals keep alive the Mundhum culture and traditions. Throughout such a vibrant festival, the travellers will understand the unique cultures of Mundhum. In traditional villages, the traditional farmers live their unique lifestyle in a purely organic way. Travelers during the Mundhum trail will have homestays, teahouse lodges, and, more importantly, organic local foods. The fresh farm meal and locally made drink Tumba, which is made from the vaporization of millet, will be amazing. The Kinema, dry meat, local hen’s Tite, organic boar, rice, and Dhindo are the major local meals.
You will be visiting spiritual sites like Salpa Pokhari, Silichung, Halesi Mahadev cave, Hanspokhari, Patal Bhanjyang, and beautiful Mani walls. The popular Jaljala mountain and Jaljale village are also beautiful places to be explored during the Mundhum trail. Likewise, rich culture and tradition, beautiful villages, rich biodiversity, wonderful terrain, and innocent indigenous locals make the Mundhum trail wonderful. Mundhum culture is one of the best intangible heritages of Nepal, and it is unique among human traditions.
Benefits of The Mundhum Trail with Touch Planet Treks
- Explore the panoramic Himalayas views, including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Kanchenjunga, and other beautiful mountain views.
- We offer professional and well-experienced trekking guides and porters who offer you the best service in a friendly way.
- Touch Planet Treks is one of the most reputable and best trekking companies in Nepal.
- We have offered the best price and the most competitive and reasonable packages.
- Free first aid medical kit carried by our professional guide
- Beautiful company t-shirt to be yours and a duffel bag for trekking
- Seasonal fruit salad after dinner during the Mundhum trail.
- We have a CSR community support program, in which 2 percent of our total sales goes to the local community for their children's education and health care.
- Touch Planet Treks will offer personalized services, which will make your Limbu Mudhum trail a wonderful experience.
- We are one of the best trekking and adventure travel companies in Nepal; travellers will have the best lifelong experiences.
How Difficult the Mundhum Trail
The Khotang and Bhojpur Mundhum trail is considered a moderate difficulty trekking route in the Kirat Mundhum region. The maximum altitude of the Mundhum trail is about 4,153 meters at Silichung peak. During the Mundhung trail, you will have uphill and downhill trekking trails, off-the-beaten-path trekking paths, rocky terrain, alpine meadows, and beautiful, lush forests. Due to the off-the-beaten-trail nature, there is the potential to get lost on the trail. Stunning scenery, amazing Kirat Mundhum cultures, and deeper spiritual peace will provide a beautiful vibe. The Mundhum trail involves lush forest, riverside, steep climbing, and off-the-beaten-path trails. The Bhojpur Mundhum trail is less developed than the Everest base camp trek and the Annapurna circuit trek, so it will be a confusing trail.
Trekkers for the Mundhum trail will need good physical fitness and stamina. For the first time, trekkers need pre-training and cardio exercise before going to the Mundhum trail. Indeed, generally healthy and physically fit Himalaya enthusiasts can manage the Mundhum trail. In general, 10 to 80-year-old physically fit travellers can go to the Mundhum trail trekking.
Mundhum Trail Trek Cost
The Mundhum trail trek cost depends on group size, required services, premium quality of food and accommodation, itinerary, and trekking season. Trekking the Mundhum trail costs USD 1,000 to 1,500 per trekker. The Mundhum trail is also known as the Kirat Rai cultural trekking trail. Indeed, the Silichung trek and the Kirat, Rai, and Limbu cultural exploration trek are the Mundhum trail. Touch Planet Treks will be offering the best hotel accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu. Beautiful homestays, teahouses, or lodges will be available during the trek, offering full-board meals. Additionally, we offer a welcome and farewell program with the best celebrations in Kathmandu after the trek. Moreover, Touch Planet Treks provides professional trek guides, porters, and comfortable transport according to the itinerary. The group cost of the Kirat Mundhum trail trekking starts from USD 1,000 to 1,500, including a hotel in Kathmandu and accommodation and food during the trek.
- The solo trek cost of the Mundhum trail is USD 1470.
- For 2 to 7 trekkers, the Mundhum trail costs USD 1390.
- For a group of 8 to 14 travelers, the Mundhum Trail trek costs USD 1285.
- The 15 to 20 trekkers on the Mundhum trail trek cost USD 1180















