Mundum Trail Blossoms with Rhododendrons, Attracting Tourists

Khoteang. Rhododendrons of various types are currently in full bloom on the 'Mundum Trail' trekking route, which is among the 100 tourist destinations designated by the Government of Nepal. The sight of rhododendrons of different colors and species blooming abundantly in the same forest and on the slopes around the Mundum Trail captivates anyone who visits there.

The scene created by the mix of red, white, and pink colors of rhododendrons blooming abundantly in the green forests and meadows around the Mundum Trail is mesmerizing to everyone.

Locals have said that domestic and international tourists are currently visiting the Mundum Trail to see the red rhododendrons, chimals, and chaps blooming in the forests around the Mundum Trail, which starts from Tawabhanyang in Sakela Rural Municipality-3, Khidima, Khoteang.

A team led by Ojhanbabu Acharya from Diktel Bazar, Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality-1, known by the nickname 'Hidine Manche' (Walking Person), who recently completed a trek on the Mundum Trail, has stated that the area is very beautiful.

The team included Lalbahadur Magar 'LB' from Kharmy, Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality-11, Sanjiv Rai from Chyashmitar, Halesi Tuwachung Municipality-3, and Sanjit Rai from Khidima, Sakela Rural Municipality-3. The pictures of rhododendrons of various colors and species posted on social media platforms Facebook and Instagram by the team that completed the four-day Mundum Trail journey have now become a favorite for many.

Nature lovers in the district are sharing the rhododendron pictures taken and publicized by the 'Hidine Manche' team on their Facebook, describing the Mundum Trail. Due to the impact of the pictures publicized on social media, the number of domestic tourists visiting the Mundum Trail to observe rhododendrons is increasing.

'Hidine Manche' has stated that the Mundum Trail is an unparalleled gift of nature, and they visit at least twice a year, in spring and autumn. "At this time, rhododendrons of various colors and species are in full bloom on the Mundum Trail. Rhododendrons are found blooming on the slopes in other places. But here, rhododendrons are found blooming in the meadows," he said. "In autumn, alpine flowers bloom. The Mundum Trail is an unparalleled gift for nature lovers. There are large meadows on the Mundum Trail. Observing them brings heavenly bliss."

The Mundum Trail area, established as a unique confluence of natural beauty, biodiversity, cultural heritage, and adventure trekking, is becoming an even more scenic destination, currently covered in rhododendrons.

Researchers have stated that 18 species of rhododendrons have been identified in the meadows of Maiyung, which fall in the areas around the Mundum Trail, and the exact data is yet to be confirmed.

LB Magar said that he goes to the Mundum Trail during his free time to relieve the fatigue of work and enjoy nature. "When going to the Mundum Trail, one can enjoy nature and also drink yak milk heated by oneself. One can also ride horses raised in the meadows there," he said. "This time's Mundum Trail journey was even more unforgettable. I felt delighted to be able to observe so many colors and species of rhododendrons for the first time."

With the onset of spring, local residents have been taking sheep, yaks, and horses to the meadows around the Mundum Trail for grazing. Sheep herder Laxman Sampang 'Sameep' from Fedi, Kepilasgadhi Rural Municipality-1, said that the meadows in the Maiyung, Merung, and Dhodre areas around the Mundum Trail are suitable for sheep farming, and there are dozens of sheepfolds and yak sheds.

This Mundum Trail, located on the border of the eastern hilly districts of Khoteang, Bhojpur, Solukhumbu, and Sankhuwasabha, is related to the history of the Kirat community. The Mundum Trail, located on the border of Khoteang and Bhojpur, ends at Silichung (4,165 meters) via Temke Danda (3,165 meters) and Salp Pokhari (3,750 meters) in Maiyung.

It takes approximately 13 days for foreigners and 10 days for Nepalis to complete the Mundum Trail, which is built on the peaks of mountains. Ramesh Rai, Chairman of the Maiyung-Temke-Salpa-Silichung Tourism Promotion Center, informed that for domestic and international tourists who want to get close to the Himalayas and enjoy its beauty in spring, the fatigue is not felt while trekking and observing the blooming rhododendrons.

Large meadows, wide yak pastures, and sheepfolds, as well as the opportunity to ride horses, continue to attract domestic and international tourists. Most of the settlements along the trekking route belong to the Kirat community, and this trekking route is named 'Mundum Trail' because it describes the Kirati lifestyle, customs, and culture mentioned in their oral scripture 'Munmum'.

One can also play hide-and-seek with various species of birds, red pandas, thars, blue sheep, and various wild animals found in the Hanspokhari area of Maiyung. Another attraction of this area is the opportunity to enjoy observing more than a dozen species of rhododendrons, chaps, katush, lokta, various medicinal herbs, and dense forests.

On the Mundum Trail, where human settlements are scarce, local herders make arrangements for food and accommodation as tourist activity increases. The traditionally operated sheds have been upgraded to provide 'Goth-Stay' (shed stay) facilities, prioritizing local dishes, yak milk, buckwheat and millet dhido, local chicken, mustard greens, potatoes, simi, and other local produce.