Bokod, Benguet: Mt. Purgatory Traverse

posted on Thursday, February 1, 2024

For me, it’s the name. Any curious hiker would definitely take on the challenge of conquering Mt. Purgatory. Located in Bokod, Benguet, it is considered a major hike soaring at 2210 MASL, with a 6 out of 9 level of difficulty. And if that’s not scary enough, keep in mind that it’s not just one but six peaks in one go.

To keep the excitement going, this has been one of those climbs that I didn’t read anything about the hike. But I’ve sure heard stories...and it only made the wait (and the preps) all the more thrilling. Ling and I joined the iCLIMBmountain organizer for the fee of P4,800 per person. It is inclusive of private van transpo, registration, guide and environmental fees plus two meals. There were 9 of us in the group and we were off to the Japas jumpoff in Bokod, Benguet past 11:00 pm.

Luck was on our side as we were the only group ascending Mt. Purgatory mid-January 2024. We were led by 46-year-old Tatay Mero, who is part of the indigenous ethnic group, Ibalois. There are around 20 local guides in the area and this has been a major source of their livelihood. After breakfast, registration and orientation, we started our hike around 9:20 am. The first part of the traverse is an 8 kilometer trek going through Mt. Mangagew (at 1705 MASL) and Mt. Pack (at 2810 MASL). We were welcomed by pine forests and mountain roads. And of course, the enchanting mossy forest. But don’t be fooled because at this point, the trail will only get steeper...and longer. I sure got tired asking Tatay Mero how far we were from Mt. Purgatory’s summit. The route just seemed endless.

After more than 6 hours, we finally reached Mt. Purgatory’s peak. There was no clearing. And so, I understood why it has been named as such. Cold, waterless, forbidding. It was like being in purgatory according to the Americans assigned there before. The summit’s allure, however, wasn’t in what was lacking. It was the journey through the mossy forest and the challenge that really upped our game. We took on two more peaks (of Mt. Bakian and Mt. Tangbaw) before finally reaching the bunkhouse at 6:16 pm. That breathtaking sunset was one helluva view.

The following day, it took us more than an hour to conquer the last peak. At 2325 MASL, the ascent to Mt. Komkompol sure jumpstarted our day. I got two strikes down the mossy forest...but the summit view was literally heavenly and oh so worth it. We left the bunk house by 9:30 am and our last stretch out took us two hours and a half. The trail down, by the way, is cemented. Despite the challenging trail, I'd prefer this kind of purgatory anytime. Check out the pics and decide for yourself.

For DENR/tourism inquiries, contact Serfina Palnac: 0930-298-8245. For joiner climbs, you can contact iCLIMBmountain thru Alfred Asan: 0905-707-0178.

See also our climb up Mt. Apo, Mt. Pulag via Ambaguio-Tawangan traverse, Mt. Napulauan, Kibungan Cross Country, Tarak Ridge, Mt. Ugo, Mt. Pulag via Ambangeg Trail, Mt. Arayat, Mt. Balagbag, Mt. Amuyao, Mt. Pigingan, Mt. Pulag via Akiki Trail, and Mt. Timbak.