Mundum Trail has emerged as a vibrant platform for cultural exchange. More than 40 artists and writers representing all seven provinces of Nepal and 11 different countries have successfully completed a joint walk along the culturally significant Mundum Trail. The initiative forms part of a broader global cultural project aimed at promoting the heritage, traditions, and natural beauty of eastern Nepal on the international stage.
According to Project Director and cultural expert Dr. Bhakta Rai, the first phase of the litterateurs’ conference and field visit under the global Mundum Trail promotion project has been successfully completed. He noted that the combined participation of national and international creators marked a unique cultural exchange through travel, dialogue, and observation.
“Artists and writers from all seven provinces of Nepal and 11 countries of the world were taken on a hike together, and an international creators’ conference was also held in this connection,” Dr. Rai said, highlighting the integrated nature of the programme.
Mundum Trail Introduced as a Cultural and Natural Heritage Route
Dr. Rai expressed confidence that the trekking expedition will significantly contribute to introducing the Mundum Trail to the global community. He emphasized that the trail is not only a trekking route but also a living museum of indigenous culture, biodiversity, and history.
The Mundum Trail region, deeply associated with Kirat Mundum traditions, is known for its spiritual narratives, ethnic diversity, and unique landscapes. Organizers believe that such international engagement will help position it as a major cultural tourism destination in Nepal.
International participants also shared their enthusiasm, stating that they felt privileged to explore the region firsthand and engage with its cultural depth. Many described the experience as both educational and inspiring, especially due to the interaction with local communities and landscapes.
Academic Dialogue and Working Paper Presentation
During the conference held as part of the programme, a working paper was presented covering multiple dimensions of the Mundum Trail. The document discussed the origin of the trail’s name, the meaning and philosophy of Mundum, and the historical settlement patterns of ethnic groups in the region.
It also highlighted the current demographic composition, along with detailed information on climate, geography, environment, flora, and fauna found along the trail. The presentation aimed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the cultural and ecological importance of the region.
Organizers stated that such academic discussions were essential in linking creative expression with research-based knowledge, ensuring that future artistic outputs remain grounded in authentic understanding.
Future Plans: Songs and Creative Productions on Mundum Trail
Under the global project, participants will be further engaged through guided field visits and cultural immersion programmes. Following these activities, artists and writers will be encouraged to create songs, poems, and literary works inspired by the Mundum Trail.
The long-term objective is to produce musical compositions by both domestic and international creators, which will then be recorded by singers from Nepal and abroad. Organizers believe that this will help create a global cultural archive centered on the Mundum Trail, further strengthening its identity in international cultural circuits.
Diverse International Participation Strengthens Cultural Exchange
The programme witnessed participation from a wide range of international creators, adding global diversity to the initiative. Participants included Dr. Surendra Chamling, Prashant Thulung, Durga Rai from Darjeeling (India), Mohan Dungmali from Sikkim, Dhanraj Rai and Dilkumar Rai from Bhutan, Lin Zhong and Rong Zhang from China, Stephen Fodham from Australia, Zahid and Erkan Tetik from Turkey, along with writers from Russia, Singapore, the Philippines, Japan, Korea, and other countries. Their participation helped create a multicultural platform where ideas, traditions, and creative perspectives were exchanged freely, enriching the overall experience of the programme.
Local Government Backs Cultural Tourism Initiative
Chairman of Temkemaiyung Rural Municipality, Saroj Basnet, stated that such initiatives will contribute significantly not only to the development of eastern Nepal but also to the overall national development agenda. He emphasized that cultural tourism projects like the Mundum Trail have the potential to generate economic opportunities while preserving indigenous identity.
Basnet expressed commitment to supporting similar programmes in the future, noting that collaboration between local government, cultural experts, and international creators is essential for sustainable tourism development.
A Step Toward Global Recognition of Mundum Trail
The successful completion of the first phase of the Mundum Trail cultural expedition marks a significant step toward positioning the trail as a global cultural destination. With continued collaboration between artists, writers, researchers, and local communities, organizers hope to transform the Mundum Trail into a symbol of cultural unity, creative expression, and sustainable tourism for Nepal and beyond.
