Mt. Ulap Traverse Dayhike
MT. ULAP TRAVERSE DAYHIKE
What could be a better recess from work and study than hiking?
I have once read this phrase, “In the mountains, there’s no fear. No fear of the past. No fear of the future”. Whoever wrote this line is brilliant. This is true because the mountains can make you feel how small you and your worries are. In the mountains, you feel alive and co-existent with nature.
I decided to join a solo hiking trip last week and found many amazing stories. Different stories from people and nature. A muscle scorching experience turned into something different kind of adventure.
As a solo joiner, I appreciated every moment not having to talk to anyone else and not having anyone telling me what to do. In short, I am free as a dove in a white-blue sky.
As much as I love unplanned trips, I managed to be prepared for this one, somehow. I make sure to bring necessary things like slippers and extra clothes. I settled to join Adventure Passport since I decided quite late. I am thankful to Hannah who accommodated me. At once, I thought that this hike will be a difficult hike without friends to talk to or to take a picture with, but I was wrong. This is so far the most spontaneous, free-spirited version of myself in a trip.
I made this blog to share with you what you need to know before hiking Mt. Ulap. Wherever you are, I want you to know that Mt. Ulap is one of the most hiking-friendly mountains I have hiked. Not to mention the popular Gungal rock formation which is amazingly crafted by nature, Mt. Ulap is definitely been on top of the mind in particular.
Short preview: Mt. Ulap is composed of 3 peaks: Ambanaw Paway, Gungal, and the summit Mt. Ulap.
MT. ULAP Traverse Dayhike
Entry point: Brgy. Ampucao, Itogon
Exit point: Brgy. Sta. Fe, Itogon
LLA: 16.2904 N, 120.6312 E, 1846 MASL (Mt. Ulap)
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 2-3 hours
Specs: Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-3,
Features: Grassland and pine ridges, scenic views of the Cordilleras, burial caves
Article from Pinoy Mountaineer
Follow the Official FB Page of the Mt. Ulap Eco-Trail, Ampucao, Itogon, Benguet https://www.facebook.com/pg/mtUlap/
Email: ampucaolgu@yahoo.com
You may call Text numbers 09284831133/09461159154/09463404561
Arrived at Itogon for registration at 3:30 am.
We started the trek at 4 am from Ampucao.
Reached the 1st peak, Ambanaw Paway at 6 am.
The scenes on the way to the 2nd peak.
At Gungal, the 2nd peak.
The Gungal Rock formation is the highlight of the hike.
Finally reached the summit at 10:00 am. Happy and proud to have survived Mt. Ulap!
Trekking down to Sta. Fe.
Pine trees lining downhill is a beautiful picture but be careful with the steep course trail.
There are few Sari-sari stores along the way where you can have your snacks.
At Sta. Fe exit point.
End of hike 🙂
Side Trips:
Lion’s Head at Kennon Road
Bridal Veil Falls
Updated Fees:
Mt. Ulap Eco-Trail Fees Latest update! | ||
As of Jan. 21, 2017 | ||
A. | Registration Fee/ Tourism Ecological Fee (Day Hike/ Camping) | |
Local/ Foreign/ Excursionist | ||
XXX | ||
XXX | ||
Students (Above 18yrs old) | Php50.00 | |
B. | Camping Fee | |
Group of ten (10) people and below | Php800.00 | |
C. | Guide Fee | |
Day Hike | Php600.00 | |
Camping | Php800.00 | |
Note: One (1) local guide only for a minimum of group of seven (7) individuals | ||
D. | Porter Fee | |
Day Hike | Php500.00 | |
Camping | Php800.00 | |
(Maximum load is 20kg per porter) | ||
Itinerary:
DAY 0 (Saturday)
10:30 PM – ETD Cubao
Day 1 (Sunday)
3:00 AM – ETA Itogon, Benguet: Register and secure local guides.
3:45 AM – Orientation
4:00 AM – Start Trek
6:00 AM – 1st Peak – Sunrise before or at Ambucao Paoay Peak
8:00 AM – 2nd Peak – Gungal Rock formation
9:00 AM – Resume trek to summit
10:00 AM – Summit – Mt. Ulap
10:30 AM – Start trek down
12:30 NN – Sta. Fe exit point
2:00 PM – Ride van to Baguio city
3:00 PM – ETA Mines View, etc
4:00 PM – Ride down to Kennon Road to Bridal Veil Falls
5:00 PM – Bridal Veil Falls
5:15 PM – Back to Manila
9:00 PM – ETA Cubao
Things to bring:
1. Jacket
2. 1-2 liters water (depends on how much you consume)
3. Trail food
4. Flashlight/ headlamp (trek starts at 4am)
5. Packed Lunch (you can buy this at the jump off area or bring your own food pack)
6. Trekking pole (only if you are used to it)
7. Extra clothes & slippers
Mt. Ulap Traverse Dayhike + Baguio side trip
Event fee: PHP1300 or around USD26
Inclusions:
– Roundtrip Van Cubao-Benguet-Cubao (driver, toll fees etc)
– Itogon Registration fees
– Hired guide fees
– Tour Coordinator fees
– Bagtag
Exclusions:
– Food (you may pre-order hot breakfast meals at Php 80) or you can buy at the jump off food stalls
– Restroom/shower fees
You may send a message to Adventure Passport’s FB page or contact Hannah (Contact Number: 09472204002)