This was Gianne's first multi-day hike (3 days). We did not hire any porters.
There is another trail in Mt. Ugo other than the popular Kayapa-Itogon traverse.
This trail is called the Ambasa trail as the trail starts in sitio Ambasa
The trail is more pristine and is rarely use, proof is that dry leaves cover the trail, which sometimes are also covered in grass.
One famous site seen along the trail is Mt. Marikit. The guide told us the story on how the mountain got its name but I can hardly recall, and yes the mountain is climbable.
Another famous trail mark of the mountain is the "7 steps" which are seven steep slopes and flat ground which looks like seven stair flights for giants.
West summit of the Mt. Ugu is part of this trail, until our trek I never thought that this peak exists.
Trivia (from the guide):
- Former name of Mt. Ugo is Mt. Umugaga which means first to see sunrise ( on all the mountains in the place)
- Mt. Ugo got its name from the word "Ugo-an" or to slith the throat
- The summit site of Mt. Ugo is where the head hunter tribe Busul do their throat slitting
- One of the famous Busul victim was the Spanish Secretary General Juan Cito
- There was once a tri-partite marker in the summit that points to the direction of Pangasinan, Benguet and Nueva Viscaya. This marker was stolen/broken down as treasure hunters thought gold was buried underneath.
Map of the Mountain Regions. Since these are montainose region, wonder how many regions needs to be discovered. |
The traditional KM0 marker photo |
She was so happy to be so close to a pine trees. And look how pristine the trail is |
Traditional Ibaloi house |
This will be our lodge for the night. |
More bridges |
Mt. Marikit on the background, and yes it is hikable. |
One of the popular "Seven Steps" |
Another one of the "Seven Steps" |
One of the good place to take a photo. A view not found on the tradtional Kayapa-Itogon traverse. |
Our guide Ramsey! |
Beautiful flat ground that looks like a park |
West Summit view. On plain eyesight Pangasinan can be seen. |
On our route to the main summit |
Traditional summit head-stand |
Summit group photo |
Bushfire or Kaingin |
Another local Ibaloi house at Lusod where we had our second night stay |