Mt. Cachup: A Rekindling Mountain

       
  It’s Holy Week, so my friends and I decided to spend Maundy Thursday on a mountain.  At first, we planned to go to a famous mountain in Benguet, but due to its high demand, we have decided to go somewhere quiet and less crowded. So, our feet lead us to MT. CACHUP, located in Ambiong, La Trinidad, Benguet.

You can either take a taxi or jeepney at Baguio Centermall to get there. Get off at their crossing, and ask the residents. You can see the signboard for Ambiong Central School, and follow that road. Since the mountain is not that high, you can just take a walk or jog to reach the mountain.    

But, you also have a choice to take a ‘tricycle’. We thought the jeepney driver was kidding when he said tricycles are available there because it is a rare transportation in Baguio. But, it does exist. However, I still suggest walking. Just try not to fear the dogs on the way. 

Going up to Mt. Cachup used to be at the back of the school. But, they already have built a barricade there, so follow another trail just a few walks probably 40 seconds to one minute before reaching the school. Make your way to the top slowly and savour the freshness of the air. 

 Make your way to the top slowly and savour the freshness of the air. 

 

You might think you have reached the top, but go around the barricade, and the wider view of the mountain will welcome you.

  

We were lucky to get there without people. We definitely owned the place!

 It is indeed a flourishing mountain anew as we have seen young pine trees surrounding it. Growing green grasses and other plants are also helping the mountain rekindle its beauty.  

If more trees are planted, Mt. Cachup will be a more beautiful natural park. No need for any reconstructions; by just planting trees, we can attain this idea. 

             

Take time to explore the mountain as there are many small slopes and trails you can tail. Don’t be scared of getting lost, you’re just in the vicinity of Baguio and Benguet. After all, the world is round.

                

              

Pitcher plants caught the eyes of my friend, Regina. According to them, they used to drink the water inside it. It definitely rekindled childhood memories as it rarely grows nowadays.

             

 

We chose to find our way to La Trinidad and stop by at a coffee shop. So, we just let our feet lead the way until we found a subdivision with no signs of exits. 

There are many crossroads and small paths everywhere, but we were not sure which one to follow. In this situation, learn to follow your instinct. “When you feel lost, always go right.” But, the dogs resting on the way will let you go left.

Is this related to the LION at Kennon Road?

 Some helpful residents showed us the way to get to Balili. To cut the story short, it was a knee-trembling steep descent.

the steep descent we challenged

Lunch at Kalei's Grill

You don’t need to hike on the most famous mountains; any mountain is enough to ease your stress. Just appreciate its beauty and treasure every part of it.