Have you ever taken a trail that didn’t just test your legs, but also pushed you to confront your deepest fears? 🏔️
The Kibungan Cross Country Dayhike is not your ordinary hike—it’s an epic traverse across the legendary Crying Mountains, a hike that challenges your courage while rewarding you with soul-stirring views of the Cordilleras.
This fearless Chill Adventure in Benguet reminded me how fear can transform into courage, and how one mountain can lead you to pure happiness. 🌿 Whether you’re a beginner seeking inspiration or a seasoned mountaineer craving your next big challenge, Kibungan deserves a spot on your bucket list.
Is It Fate or Pure Luck?
Originally, I planned to take on this traverse as a multi-day hike. But with limited vacation leaves and back-to-back work schedules, a dayhike was our only option.
It almost didn’t happen—zero sleep from my night shift, my partner exhausted from his full day work, plus Manila’s traffic. By some miracle, our van service was also delayed, and despite arriving late, we made it—just 15 minutes after the driver.
From Mandaluyong, we left around 7:30 PM (instead of the 4:30 PM call time) and after hours of travel, we finally arrived at the Tanap jump-off point in Kibungan, Benguet past 4 AM.
Not an Ordinary Dayhike
This was more than just a hike—it was a tri-province adventure, crossing Benguet, Ilocos Sur, and La Union. Many young hikers dream of this trail, and here I was, about to face it head-on. Was I ready? Honestly, no. But sometimes the best adventures are the ones you don’t overthink.
Let me walk you through the Time, Trail, and Toil of this unforgettable hike. 🌄
Time and Trail
With a quick warm-up, we began our Kibungan Cross Country Dayhike around 5:30 AM—later than most, since many hikers start at midnight to cover the Litalit Trail in daylight.
The start was gentle: rice fields, hanging bridges, sleepy mountain villages. Then came the climbs — endless and brutal, but softened by the beauty around us.
At one point, we stopped at a hilltop church. The Cordillera views stretched endlessly, and I couldn’t help but think: people here wake up to this every single day. And yet, so many farmers and communities here are still struggling to make ends meet. It was humbling.
From there, the trail got serious. Uphills that made my lungs burn. Slippery steps. Steel rails and stairs that saved me more than once. Until past 7am, we reached the Buga Campsite.
But there were also moments that made me smile — like sitting on a huge rock with the group, swapping stories, laughing at leech battles, and realizing again that hiking is never just about the summit.
We soon passed through:
Mt. Tagpaya Campsite with 360-degree Cordillera views 🌲
Silent pine forests of Benguet where beauty spoke louder than words
A burial site, where respect and reflection silenced the group
By past 10 AM, we reached a community where the Crying Mountains were finally in sight. Excitement filled the air. After regrouping, we descended rough roads, crossed rice paddies, and finally stood before the waterfalls cascading down the Crying Mountains. Their thunderous roar echoed like music, leaving us in awe.
From there, the journey continued—uphill climbs under rain, lunch at Batangan Elementary School, and breathtaking 360-degree viewpoints of Ilocos, Cordillera, and La Union’s coastlines.
Of course, the mountain wasn’t done with us.
The rain still ongoing. The clouds closed in. And then — the infamous Litalit descent. If you’ve ever been there, you know. If you haven’t — imagine an almost 80-degree descent, slippery from weeks of rain, and seemingly endless. Two hours of pure fear for someone like me who hates heights.
I honestly thought I’d cry. My legs were shaking, my shoes sliding, my hands clinging to anything I could grab. But somehow — I made it down. And that moment, when I finally reached the bottom, felt like my own little victory.
We waited for a couple of hours in a community in Ilocos Sur. Then later past 7PM, with only our flashlights cutting through the night, we began the downhill trek toward the most slippery stretch of the traverse. Every step felt like a gamble.
Then finally, we crossed the longest hanging bridge I’ve ever been. Alone in the dark, my imagination was running wild. Ghosts, shadows, the rushing water below. But step by step, I pushed through. And just like that, another fear was behind me.
By 9 PM, drenched and exhausted, we made the final assault to the road where the monster jeep waited in La Union. That last climb in the dark nearly broke me, but when we finally reached the top, I knew this wasn’t just a dayhike — it was a memory etched deep in me.
Toil
Online reviews often rate this trail 8/9 in difficulty, but for me it was a solid 9/9—mostly because of my fear of heights. The Litalit Downhill almost broke me, and the endless hanging bridges tested my nerves.
This trail is not for beginners. But for those ready to challenge their limits, it’s an unforgettable journey.
Would I go back? Absolutely. Next time, better prepared and faster.
Take on This Hike
This hike drained me — physically, mentally, emotionally. But it also gave me something priceless.
The Cordilleras have a unique beauty that humbles you. The Crying Mountains, with waterfalls cascading down their cliffs, aren’t just natural wonders — they’re lifelines for local communities.
The Crying Mountains alone made it worth it, but this trail taught me more than just endurance. It reminded me that courage doesn’t mean being fearless — it means moving forward even when you’re terrified.
FAQs
1. Where is the Kibungan Cross Country Dayhike located?
The trail starts in Kibungan, Benguet, and traverses across Ilocos Sur and La Union. According to my Strava tracker, it was a total of 24.4 KM traverse.
2. How long does the hike take?
Most groups finish in 14–18 hours depending on pace, weather, and rest breaks.
3. What is the difficulty level?
It’s rated 8–9/9 in difficulty. This trail is best for experienced hikers due to steep climbs, slippery descents, and long distance.
4. What are the highlights of the hike?
- The Crying Mountains with waterfalls flowing down their slopes
- Mt. Tagpaya Campsite with 360° Cordillera views
- The infamous Litalit Downhill challenge
- Hanging bridges, pine forests, and cultural sites
5. Is it safe for beginners?
No, this trail is not recommended for beginners for a dayhike. Proper preparation, endurance, and guidance from local guides are essential.
6. When is the best time to hike Kibungan?
If you want to see the Crying Mountains at their most dramatic, with waterfalls in full flow, the rainy season offers that view — but expect the trail to be much more slippery and challenging.
- Dry Season (Nov–May): Safer, easier, but waterfalls may be smaller.
- Rainy Season (Jun–Oct): Best for stunning waterfall views, but prepare for mud, leeches, and tougher climbs.
This wasn’t just another hike; it was a chill adventure that pushed me past my fears and gifted me stories I’ll carry for a lifetime.
So, if you’re searching for a trail that challenges your body, sharpens your spirit, and rewards you with beauty only the brave will see—Kibungan Cross Country is waiting. The mountains don’t just call here…they dare you. 🏔️✨
I hope this guide inspires and prepares you for your own #ChillAdventures here in the Kibungan Cross Country. Remember—every summit conquered is Just One More Step closer to your next great chill adventure. ⛰️💫
For more hiking stories, travel tips, and hidden gems in the Philippines, follow me on Chill Adventures with Joms across all social media platforms.
Till the next climb, mga ka-Ahon—see you on the trails! 🚀🌄
Chill Adventures with Joms 