Experienced trekkers who recently completed the 4-day “Lumin-awa Mountain Trekking Adventure” have unanimously agreed that one path of the expedition, the Colayo to Tulgao route can be one of Cordillera’s “toughest” in major climbing with a difficulty scale of 8/9 or of Trail Class 2-4.
Trail Class is an internationally recognizable prescription among mountaineers that describes what to expect in a trail and what skills one needs. Trail Class 2-4 means hiking along rugged terrain, scrambling (using hands for balance), and climbing cliffs with ropes.
“Yung trail from Colayo to Ballay, Tulgao after the rice terraces may similarity siya sa Bansalan Trail ng Mt. Apo. And then there’s a chance na magiging 8 to 9 na yung scaling,” relayed Gilbert Dizon who has been in hiking adventures for 8 years.
In an interview with Station 1 Radio, participants from Baguio, Benguet, Ifugao, Mt. Province and Kalinga echoed Gilbert’s statement as they all together wrapped up their experience of the Lumin-awa Mountain Trekking Adventure that took place February 2-5.
“Colayo to Ballay (route) ang isa sa pinakamahirap na trail doon, (it may take) 8 hours at a normal pace,” NR Rosito of Outdoors Kalinga informed.
The group also said that some of the trails have similarities with “Mt. Namandiraan (Cervantes, Ilocos) at trail ng Mt. Mingan (Aurora Province). Parang trail din dun sa Mt. Amuyao ng Barlig, Mt. Province.”
Aside from the physical demand of the terrain, they added that the difficulty rate could be attributed to one’s mindset and fitness level, including the heaviness of backpacks that can challenge balance and stability while traversing steep type and vertical downhill slopes.
In spite of these, they said that they highly recommend the place to anyone adventurous and who has trekked before and is up for a challenge.
“Most climbs kasi ngayon is more on leisure. Yung mga madadali ay ino-offer as commercial but for the adventure junkies who like challenges, these places are for them,” shared Arvin Balageo, the Baguio-Benguet team leader who also has been into hiking since 2016.
The group said the experience no matter how difficult tells a sense of achievement that is worth the effort. They likewise said that it is the perfect way to enjoy nature, forget daily stresses, improve physical health, encounter new landscapes, and experience the history and culture of Kalinga, noting that hospitality is one of their unforgettable moments during the event.
“Dahil din sa mga ganito is mag-iiba yung ibang perspective nila sa Kalinga dahil din sa mga kwento (stereotype) ng iba, but when you personally experience the place, it’s not all true, kulang na lang din is paliguan ka nila ng kape,” Arvin said.
Asked if they can recommend this to beginners, they advised that as long as they have the mindset and have conditioned themselves by exercising or walking, anyone including first-timers can accomplish even the hardest climb.
“Una diyan yung maglakad-lakad para ma-condition ang katawan, kasi yun naman ang gagawin, mag-hike, mag-lakad. Mag-research din muna tungkol sa pupuntahan, i-check din yung weather para well prepared,” shared Chester Buendia, a trekker for 15 years.
Day 1: Jump-off at capitol the PDRRMC, Capitol Grounds, Bulanao, rode to Batongbuhay, Balatoc. 2.29 kilometer hike from Batongbuhay National Highschool to the Sulfur Hills (approximately 1 hour). Ride to Colayo base camp, pitching of tent. Joiners socialized with the community.
Day 2: 5.32 km hike from base camp to Hudwiik (Suwiik) falls (approximately 3 hours). Back to base camp.
Day 3: Wake up call. Start of 15.8 km trek to Barangay Colayo to Ballay, Tulgao (approx. 8 hours). Overnight, socials.
Day 4: Hike to Palang-a falls (about 3km-4km, approx. 1 hour) then back to Bulanao.
“Lumin-awa Mountain Trekking Adventure” is one of the main activities of Kalinga’s celebration of its 28th Founding Anniversary and 4th Bodong Festival. Spearheaded by Governor James Edduba, it was joined by more than a hundred of trekkers from Mt. Province, Ifugao, Baguio, Benguet, Cagayan and Kalinga.
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