MT. ULAP, ITOGON, BENGUET

Gungal Rock - one of the visuals of Mt. Ulap

Extending right here is the Cordillera Mountain

MT. ULAP ECO-TRAIL
Itogon, BenguetEntry 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

BACKGROUND

A “mini-Mt. Ugo” which showcases the best of what the Cordilleras has to offer: Pine 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 in Itogon, Benguet is the perfect dayhike from Baguio City, only 40 minutes away from Burnham Park by public jeepney. Spanning around 8 kilometres through several peaks along the Ampucao-Sta. Fe Ridge (not to be confused with the Philex Ridge), it is easy enough to be completed from 4-6 hours, making it feasible as a dayhike or even a half-dayhike for hikers of all levels.

The trailhead starts along from the road to Philex in Brgy. Ampucao, but as of December 2015, hikers have to make a 10-minute detour to the barangay hall to register and secure guides (required). The trail goes up a ridgeline that is immediately surrounded by pines, and soon becomes scenic 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.

A number of peaks and points of attraction are traversed via this relaxing trail: from the grassland slopes of Ambunao Paoay to Gungal Rock, and then to the highest point, Mt. Ulap (officially 1846m but 1856m according to our measurements). The descent from Mt. Ulap to Pong-ol Burial Caves is akin to the descent from Mt. Ugo summit to Tinongdan, with its steep, pine-forested terrain. The Burial Caves themselves are a nice attraction, and at Sta. Fe there are hanging bridge and cemented footpath that complete the experience. 

credits 

To be honest with you, it was my first time to hike ever in my life. And for me, it was the best experience that I had gone through since I was able to face one of my biggest fears -- HEIGHTS! The trail was not that easy for me since it was very steep but still, I had to face my biggest fear. 

And when you thought that I'm calm in the outside but seriously I'm bursting out in the inside because you know I have to conquer my fear of heights!

And yesss, since the weather is very cold, I had to wear my jacket. Also, the weather changed from time to time mainly because of convection current! Ever wonder why it was always raining and suddenly it will stop and it will rain again? Because mainly of the movement of air since Benguet is surrounded by mountains.

SAMPLE ITINERARY Day 00 (Saturday) meetup 09:30pm Assembly - Cubao open parking infront of burger king or four seasons hot pot buffet 10:00pm ETD Ampucao

Day 1 (Sunday) 04:00am breakfast/stopover at lissas 05:00am Arrive in Ampucao Registration, Secure guide,ready for trek 05:30am Start Trekking 07:00am Ambanao Paoay peak 2 summit 07:30am Gungal Rock 09:00am back trail to brngay ampucao 12:00pm (Wash Up) brangay ampucao 12:30pm Depart for Baguio's City side trip 01:30pm Baguio City Free Time **Lunch (2 1/2hr) The Mansion, Wrightpark, Minesview, Good shepherd, Lion`s Head 03:30pm ETD 6:00pm Stopover Early diner Liza's Restaurant 09:30pm Arrive in Manila

THINGS TO BRING Jacket Weather gear (gloves/bonnet) Extra Clothes, Toiletries Umbrella /Raincoat First Aid Kit including personal meds Trail foods (nuts, jelly ace, banana, chocolates etc.) Trail Water (2ltrs) Headlamp

One of the highlights -- the SEA OF CLOUDS! We were able to witness the sea of clouds when we went there. It was one of the surreal moment of my life since all the hard-works that we have gone through during the climb were totally paid off! 

Meet my travel buddies. It was the first time to meet them and I'm thankful that they guided me until we reached the Summit!

MT. ULAP + BAGUIO SIDE TRIP PACKAGE
- PHP 1,200 from Nakasone Travels
INCLUSIONS: (Mt. Ulap+Baguio)

Roundtrip van transfers (driver, gas, toll, driver's meal, parking fee) All entrance fees (except Cr fee ) Tour guide Coordinator Trekking and Sidetrip to baguio city in 1 day

EXCLUSIONS: Food and drinks