Lakwatserong Hampaslupa

Mar 27, 20215 min read

Mount Ulap. The Treacherous Traverse.

A traverse hike is starting from the staging point and ending on the other side of the mountain trail. It offers the maximum fun in seeing so many landscape views and amazing rock formations from start to finish in just one pass - and never hiking back.

Mount Ulap Ecotrail.

It is a popular hiking peak with marked trails through grasslands to its three peak summits that brings a lot of fun and excitement. Showcasing the best of what the Cordilleras has to offer: pine trees and grassland ridges with stunning views of the mountains, and even a glimpse of culture with villages, burial caves, and hanging bridges, the Mt. Ulap Eco-Trail is a blast traverse hike destination for beginners.

Starting from Brgy. Ampucao, Itogon, Benguet, the traverse hike will end up at the bottom of the treacherous ridge of Brgy. Sta. Fe, Itogon, Benguet. From the Barangay Hall where we park our AUV, hikers are required to register with the local tourism office, and assigned with a local guide.

The hike began with the first few steps via the side of the cemented road going up to where there is no road at all. A few more meters passing a grassy stiff and you will find yourself hiking beside the pine trees all over the area and typical to Benguet Province, as well as in Baguio City.

The hike is relatively easy and consistently going up and downs on the trail with lots of fallen trunks along the way. For those with constant exercise and jogging, this traverse hike is very enjoyable - for those that are overweight and not kin to work outs, the legs would cramp and breathing properly is a challenge.

The 1st Peak.

When this rock appears after hiking with many pine trees, the trail is now leading towards the 1st summit called the "1st Peak".

The trail is now wide open in both sides - that you are seeing 360 degrees of amazing wonders of God - the mountains and valleys are endless from your sight.

But make no mistake here since both sides are sheer drops - and here, you would really want that bamboo stick made available to us by our tour guide for just 50 pesos each.

The serenity of the mountain top is amazingly beautiful. This reminds us of the power of God, and the wonder of His creations. No humans can acclaim to these wonders.

The 1st Peak is at 1,788 MASL when the trail ends on a flat surface with this marker. Seen here is one of my great buddy, Sir Tom.

We found some refuge to the dry and hot grass on top. Sir Arnel, one of my very good friend in airsoft, photography, and getaways, was taken aback by the beauty of nature around us.

The heat of the sun with the wind blowing took toll to Sir Jonathan - one of my very good friend from Iligan City, Lanao del Norte.

The 1st Peak was just the first taste of what Mt. Ulap traverse hike could offer.

At this point, the mountain is giving us the hint for more surprises that would come ahead to those that will persevere.

Gungal Peak.

Leading to the 2nd peak offers majestic scenery that would stop you from time to time.

The rocky path add more excitement and difficulties to the untrained legs like mine - though my wife Yvette enjoy this kind of activities.

There were lots of hikers (or joiners) as we push on. They too were amazed of the beauty of the surroundings.

At 1, 814 MASL, is the Gungal Peak where a huge rock opposing from where I had this photo is towering on the side of the cliff.

(CTTO)

I'd rather sit on this smaller rock on the other side of the trail and enjoy the view from there than to gamble my life on the edge of that rock that killed one of the mountaineer who happen to fall out of excitement and a little bit of unsafe behavior.

Mount Ulap Summit.

It was true - the most difficult part is when one is near the summit of any mountain. Under estimate it and you will have no power going down safely. Before actually seeing the summit (3rd Peak), you will pass again another grassy stiff hill. It was there that the weight of my backpack forced me to rest on the ground while my buddies pushed to the top.

After a few minutes of rest with my crumping legs, I did summit the 3rd peak - the Mount Ulap Summit.

On top offers the majestic scenery with views of Mt. Sto. Tomas and Baguio City; the perennially mist-covered Central Cordilleras from Ugo to Pulag; and to the south, even Mt. Arayat.

The summit stands at 1,846 MASL - it was a self-fulfilling achievement to reach the top though it's so easy for seasoned mountaineers.

We were so happy to achieve the first half of the journey - being on top of the Summit is just half-way - you have to go down.

What's surprising was, we have met this brave old woman with her very supported Apo's (grand daughter) to fulfill her wish to climb a summit before she dies - she did it wonderfully in reverse approach. From Sta. Fe Ridge, and on to Brgy. Ampucao.

Going down towards the edge of Sta. Fe looks easy - and it is not. It's a sloop down that if you slip, you will roll down to the bottom like thin can of beer bursting in tears.

Near the edge of Sta. Fe Ridge, there was a store offering food and drinks for hikers that luckily managed to reach this point. We cannot spend too much time since the rain starts to fall. If we traverse the ridge on wet soil, it's gonna be dangerous.

The Treacherous Sta. Fe Ridge.

Summing up all your efforts to the summit and then double it, is actually the effort require to trek down this treacherous wonderland. At some point, your vision feels like it's 90 degrees down - and actually, there were portions like it's almost unpassable without a safety harness.

(CTTO)

After the ridge, the path leads to many hanging bridges near the end of this journey. At this point, you will feel safe, relax, and very thankful to God for this opportunity in life.