Rhododendrons bloom along Mundum Trail, attracting tourists to Khotang

In Khotang, the ‘Mundum Trail’, one of the 100 tourist destinations designated by the government, is currently adorned with a variety of blooming rhododendrons. The sight of different colors and species of rhododendrons blooming in the forests and hills surrounding the Mundum Trail captivates all who visit.

The vibrant red, white, and pink hues of the rhododendrons in the lush forests and meadows around the Mundum Trail enchant visitors. Locals report that both domestic and international tourists are flocking to the trail to witness the blooming rhododendrons, including the laligurans, chimal, and champ.

A group led by Ojan Babu Acharya, known as the “walking man” from Diktel Bazaar, recently completed the Mundum Trail trek and described the area as very picturesque. The group included Lal Bahadur Magar ‘LB’ from Kharmi, Sanjiv Rai from Chyasmithar, and Sanjit Rai from Khidima.

After completing the four-day trek, the group shared photos of the various rhododendron species on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, which have become popular among viewers. The photos shared by the walking man’s group have inspired nature lovers in the district to post about the Mundum Trail on their Facebook pages, further increasing the number of domestic tourists visiting the trail to see the rhododendrons.

The Mundum Trail is considered a unique gift of nature, and the walking man notes that people visit at least twice a year during the spring and autumn seasons. The area is becoming an increasingly popular destination due to its natural beauty, biodiversity, cultural heritage, and adventurous trekking opportunities.

Researchers have identified 18 species of rhododendrons in the Maiyung fields near the Mundum Trail, with more data yet to be confirmed. LB Magar shares that he visits the trail whenever he has free time to unwind and enjoy nature. “Visiting the Mundum Trail allows you to enjoy nature and taste yak milk heated by yourself. You can also ride horses in the meadows,” he said. “This trip to the Mundum Trail was unforgettable, especially seeing so many colors and species of rhododendrons for the first time.”

With the onset of spring, locals take their sheep, yaks, and horses to graze in the meadows around the Mundum Trail. The grassy areas in Maiyung, Merung, and Dhodre are ideal for sheep farming, with numerous sheep pens and yak sheds, according to Laxman Sampang ‘Samip’, a sheep farmer from Fedi.

The Mundum Trail, located at the border of the eastern hill districts of Khotang, Bhojpur, Solukhumbu, and Sankhuwasabha, is historically significant to the Kirat community. The trail starts at Tavabhanjyang in Sakela Rural Municipality-3, Khidima, and ends at Silichung, passing through Temkedanda at 3,165 meters, Maiyung, Salpakhori at 3,750 meters, and Silichung at 4,165 meters.

The trail, built along mountain ridges, takes about 13 days for foreigners and 10 days for Nepalis to complete. The blooming rhododendrons provide a refreshing experience for tourists who wish to enjoy the beauty of the Himalayas during spring, according to Ramesh Rai, chairman of the Maiyung-Temk-Salpa-Silichung Tourism Promotion Center.

The expansive meadows, wide yak pastures, and sheep pens, along with the opportunity to ride horses, continue to attract both domestic and international tourists. The trail is named ‘Mundum Trail’ because it passes through Kirat settlements and describes the Kirati lifestyle, customs, and culture as mentioned in their oral literature ‘Mundum’.

In the Haspokhari area of Maiyung, visitors can also observe various species of birds, red pandas, thar, cliff bees, and other wildlife. The region offers the chance to enjoy more than a dozen species of rhododendrons, champ, katus, lokta, various herbs, and dense forests.

With the increase in tourist activity on the Mundum Trail, local herders have started providing food and accommodation for visitors. Traditional herder huts have been upgraded to offer ‘goth-stay’ experiences, prioritizing local dishes such as yak milk, buckwheat, millet, wheat porridge, local chicken, mustard greens, potatoes, and beans.