Mt. Ugo

posted on Thursday, October 27, 2022

I didn’t realize I was in for a dangerous treat when I said yes to Ling’s invite to conquer Mt. Ugo via day hike. A major climb with a level of difficulty of 5 out of 9 and traversing more than 30 kilometers from Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya to Itogon, Benguet---it was a challenge I couldn’t resist as I got a year older on October 2022.

Ling and I joined the iCLIMBmountain organizer for the fee of P2,500 per pax. It is inclusive of private van transpo, entrance and exit fees, environmental and DENR fees, guide and coordinator fees and climb certificate. There were 12-14 joiners in the group and we were off to Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya by 10:00 pm.

After breakfast and barangay registration, we finally started trek around 5:15 am the following day. We were guided by 71-year-old Tatay Bernard, who is part of the indigenous ethnic group of Ibaloi found in Benguet province. Currently, there are around 30 local guides in the area. Mt. Ugo’s name is derived from the Ibaloi word, “ugoan,” which means to cut the neck. It was literally how invading Spaniards were killed as they trespassed through the mountain. Interestingly, Mt. Ugo became known during the aftermath of an aircraft crash way back June 1987, killing all 50 people onboard. But beyond these violent stories, I was enthralled with Tatay Bernard’s strength as he started his day hiking for three hours from Domolpos to the jump-off and all prepped to lead our 30-kilometer traverse. Age is indeed only a number for these resilient villagers.

What I love about hiking in the Cordillera region is its cool climate and splendid pine forests. However, the first leg of the hike took an unexpected turn as I experienced indigestion. More than an hour into the open trail, my stomach felt quite heavy. It took a gradual assault to help push the unwanted bulk out. This answered prayer carried me through the rest of the hike in good enough shape. It’s hard not to fall in love with Mt. Ugo’s pine and mossy forests, its unique flora and fauna...and the breathtaking Cordillera mountain range. We had lunch before proceeding with the last leg. The scenic 360-degree views would have been perfect if not for the heat. Ling and I endured until we reached Mt. Ugo’s summit at 2150 MASL. It was a sight to behold after 8 long hours!

The view couldn’t be any better during our descent. It was literally an overlooking trail of pine trees. But the 14-kilometer trail down became even more challenging as we trekked past sunset. We arrived at Lusod Village by dinner time and it took us another two hours to finally reach KM 3---ultimately testing my patience and persistence. Our 15-hour day hike conquering Mt. Ugo is certainly one of the hardest yet most fulfilling climbs I’ve had by far.

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, Mt. Purgatory Traverse, Tarak Ridge, Mt. Pulag via Ambangeg Trail, Mt. Pulag via Akiki Trail, Mt. Arayat, Mt. Balagbag, Mt. Amuyao, Mt. Pigingan and Mt. Timbak.