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Mt. Purgatory; Bokod, Benguet
Topic Started: Aug 29 2017, 02:45 AM (185 Views)
emancampos
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Mt. Purgatory

Bokod, Benguet

2080 MASL


LLA: 2080m (Mt. Purgatory);
Days required / Hours to summit: 2-3 days / 5-7;
Specs: Major climb, Difficulty 6/9, Trail class 1-3
Features: Pine forests, mossy forests, Views of Benguet mountains

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Mt. Purgatory summit

Positioned between two of the major Cordillera mountains – Mt. Pulag and Mt. Ugo – are the lesser-known but very beautiful peaks of Bokod, Benguet.

It has now become a favorite destination for hikers. Camping is also a favorite activity here because of the amazing view and the cool climate.

The first part of the Mt. Purgatory Traverse involves an eight-kilometer hike from the Japas jump-off to the summit of Mt. Pack, 2290 MASL. The trail features pine forests and mountain roads that, had they been established enough, would have enabled jeepneys to pass through. It is very much reminiscent of the early parts of the Ambangeg Trail, or Mt. Ugo. After 5 kilometers, the trail will transition into mossy forest, and become a bit steep though well-established throughout.

From Mt. Pack, it takes 2.5 kilometers to reach the peak or viewpoint called ‘Mt. Purgatory’. It used to be a relay station during the American period; and it was the Americans assigned there who found the cold, forbidding weather to be akin to ‘being in purgatory’, leading to the christening of the peak as such. However, it did not seen to be a distinct mountain from Mt. Pack. Near Mt. Purgatory, the village of Mangisi has a campsite where hikers on a three-day itinerary usually stay.From Mt. Purgatory, the trail goes on through the mossy forest, which at times seem endless but whose beauty is enthralling enough to sustain your interest and keep going. Finally, you will reach Aponan junction, which has a waiting shed, and if you head left, the Bakian Elementary School is very near, and this for its part is the traditional campsite for a two-day hike.

Because of its beautiful pine forests typical of the Cordilleras and an unusually long stretch of mossy forest unusual for the other treks in the area, the so called 'Mt. Purgatory Traverse' is a highly-recommended trek in Benguet, and paves the way for possible, future long distance connection to and from Ugo and Pulag. This is not recommended for beginners though due to the punishing 12-hr hike from jump-off to exit point.

More info about the PURGATORY TRAVERSE and suggested itinerary, click Pinoy Mountaineer


Mt. Pack or Mt. Banskila by the way, is the 2nd highest peak among the cluster of peaks in the Bokod area. You'll enjoy the thick cover of pine trees and the mossy forest. The highest is Mt. Komkompol, which is at 2,329 MASL.

The mossy forest along the trail is better than in other areas. There are the notorious 'Limatiks' or blood-sucking leeches but luckily none of us got bitten. One managed to cling to my belt bag's strap and I noticed another one crawling on my umbrella's stem. I simply flicked them off. The Limatik here is just less than a inch and are thin compared to those in Mt. Makiling.

You'll love the view of the wide expanse of pine-covered slopes and peaks. The pockets of thriving communities along the trail will even inspire you to join them and settle just to enjoy the kind of life they have there. Peaceful, cool climate, fresh supply of vegetables and the relaxing view.

Another part of the 'Purgatory Traverse' is Mt. Komkompol, which stands at 2,329 meters above sea level. We were not able to pass through this summit due to lack of time, since this was a dayhike.

The other peaks we went through were;

Mt. Mangagew (1705 MASL)
Mt. Bakian (around 2100 MASL)
Mt. Tangbaw (2200 MASL)


The most punishing part of the hike is the last mile to exit point. The series of concrete pathway and roads will make your feet feel the weight more because you will be pressing your body weight onto your foot sharply every time you make a step. The hard concrete pathway will not absorb some of the weight gradually unlike when you are stepping on soft ground. The constant angle of the slope will also keep you constantly trying to stop your weight as it hits the hard concrete instead of the varying angle of slope when on the unpaved natural contour of the terrain, which gives your feet some resting time when the ground becomes leveled for a few meters before rising or dropping again. It gives your feet and knees the needed time to recover. Again, soft soil acts as a shock absorber. But if it is all concrete road throughout the stretch then expect a constant heavy pressure on your feet and knees.

For this punishing trail, better wear hiking shoes instead of sandals. Wear thicker socks too. Keep your load to a minimum. ;)

Because of the very long walk, 6 hours up and 6 hours down, including the rests and lunch, this is not recommended for beginners. I suggest that they try the trails that only require 2-3 hours of climb and another 2 hours going back. Camping on a 2-day hike is another alternative for them.

Camping, by the way, is also a favorite activity by hikers. The view, the cool climate and the inviting environment are the reasons why hikers choose to make camp here.

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view from Mt. Tangbaw campsite


Mt. Purgatory-Mangisi Traverse

To guarantee a safe and easier trek for hiking the 6 mountains, a 2-day hike is necessary.

Day 1 includes Mt. Mangagew, Mt. Pack, Mt. Purgatory, Mt. Bakian and Mt. Tangbaw.

Hikers can set up tents there. There's also a bunker there where hikers only pay P100 per head. A sleeping blanket (matress) is given.

There's a store too where hikers can buy hot coffee or choco, instant noodles, and more. They also sell souvenir t-shirts.

The view around this spot includes the valleys that are covered partially by the thin clusters of clouds most of the time.

Day 2 is a trek to Mt. Komkompol and then down to the valley, where the exit point is.

For the sample itinerary for the 6-peak traverse, please see this Purgatory Mangisi Traverse.


Dayhike (5 mountains)

This is the event that we took.

We left jump-off at 7AM and reached Mt. Pack at around 12 noon. Had our lunch there.

We passed by Mt. Mangagew, then proceeded to Mt. Pack and Mt. Purgatory.

The group sought shelter at some huts on Mt. Bakian then left for Mt. Tangbaw when the rain weakened.

It took us 2 hours to navigate the trail from Mt. Tangbaw to exit point. We reached the exit point at around 7PM.


How to test if you can endure this trek?

If you have climbed several peaks already and you are not more than 35 years old or more, probably you can endure this climb safely.

For beginners and those 35 years old and up, try doing Sit Up exercises (or similar leg exercises) consisting of 40 repetitions daily. Push Ups of around 30 repetitions. If doing this becomes easy, then you may try this hike. Check your diet too. Take less fatty foods and sugar. Check your heart condition too. Jogging regularly will help you a lot.


Things to Bring

2-day hike

1. poncho
2. tent
3. raincoat or umbrella
4. flashlight
5. electric/rechargeable lamp
6. climbing gloves (protection from cold during the night)
7. toiletries
8. portable/camping stove
9. hiking pole
10. food
11. 2-liter water
12. hiking shoes
13. slipper / flip flops (while at the campsite and when you need to)
14. maintenance medicine
15. extra shirt, pants, socks and undies plus soap/shampoo

There are 2 water sources along the route leading to Mt. Pack. There are stores too. There's also a store at Mt. Tangbaw campsite.


dayhike

1. poncho
2. raincoat or umbrella
3. hiking shoes
4. maintenance medicine
5. slipper / flip flops (while at the campsite and when you need to)
6. climbing gloves (protection from cold)
7. toiletries
8. portable/camping stove
9. hiking pole
10. food
11. 2-liter water
12. extra shirt, pants, socks and undies plus soap/shampoo

You should have an extra cash for dinner at Good Taste Restaurant in downtown Baguio. Minimum of P150, which includes a Combo Meal and dessert.
Edited by emancampos, Aug 31 2017, 05:17 AM.
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emancampos
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Facebook videos and photos


Videos

Pine trees
https://www.facebook.com/emcamposph/videos/1382397705206807/

Mossy Forest at Mt. Pack
part 1
https://www.facebook.com/emcamposph/videos/1382362998543611/
part 2
https://www.facebook.com/emcamposph/videos/1382364005210177/
part 3
https://www.facebook.com/emcamposph/videos/1382364325210145/

Love House at Mt. Tangbaw
https://www.facebook.com/emcamposph/videos/1382378111875433/

Umulan, kumidlat at kumulog sa Mt. Bakian
https://www.facebook.com/emcamposph/videos/1382358365210741/


Photos

Pines
https://www.facebook.com/groups/hikersph/permalink/507180002952812/

Mossy Forest at Mt. Pack
https://www.facebook.com/groups/hikersph/permalink/507168696287276/

Dinner at Good Taste restaurant
https://www.facebook.com/groups/hikersph/permalink/507180949619384/


more photos soon!
Edited by emancampos, Aug 29 2017, 07:43 PM.
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emancampos
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at the Jump Off

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our guides, Gerrylin and Sabina
Edited by emancampos, Aug 30 2017, 09:51 AM.
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emancampos
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Initial stretch leading to Mt. Mangagew

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Mossy Forest territory

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Edited by emancampos, Aug 31 2017, 04:24 AM.
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emancampos
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Entering the Mossy Forest of Mt. Pack

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Edited by emancampos, Aug 30 2017, 10:08 AM.
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emancampos
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Clouds started to creep into the mossy forest.

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The Wooden Cross

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THE WOODEN LITTLE CROSS AT MT. PACK

The story here, based on what our tour guides have told us, is that there was a little boy who died right in this spot.

Long ago there was a small community near the summit of Mt. Pack. One day, a mother left their home for work. Unfortunately, her little son tried to follow her alone. He somehow got lost along the way and took shelter in this tree (photo), which is within the mossy forest.

As the fog crept into the forest and the rain began to fall, the coldness became too much for the little boy to endure. The hapless boy succumbed to hypothermia. They found the lifeless body later on beside this tree.

Mt. Pack sits beside another prominent peak, Mt. Purgatory. There was also an American military communication station on that peak before and it's this same unforgiving environment where this mountain got its name from. Now, you know why it is called 'Mt. Purgatory'.

Our guide reminded us to keep our voices down due to this mark. We'll never know what can happen if we disturb the wandering souls and other entities living in that cold damp forest.

Respect.
Edited by emancampos, Aug 31 2017, 04:25 AM.
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emancampos
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Mt. Pack summit

We reached the summit of Mt. Pack at around 12 noon. The group took their lunch here, right at the summit.

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We then proceeded to Mt. Purgatory, which is 2.93 kilometers away.

The stretch is still mossy forest. But after leaving the summit of Mt. Purgatory we began to see once again the pine trees.


To Mt. Bakian

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The relationship bench!

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Ang mga Bes

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Ang magjowa

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Ang naghihintay ng jowa

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At ang .... ewan!

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Rain fell while we were heading to Mt. Bakian.

I was a bit scary because of the thunder and lightning. We felt that all of us were at risk of getting toasted by the lighting. We took shelter in some of the huts there and waited until the rain weakened.

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Edited by emancampos, Aug 31 2017, 04:30 AM.
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Mt. Tangbaw

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Proceeding to exit point

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Edited by emancampos, Aug 30 2017, 10:47 AM.
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We reached the exit point at around 7PM.

After taking a bath and changing clothes, we proceeded to downtown Baguio and had dinner at Good Taste Restaurant, where the food taste so great yet affordable. Big serving, good taste and for almost half the price when compared to similar food in Manila.

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Edited by emancampos, Aug 30 2017, 11:03 AM.
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