(1) Kupwuriso (koo·pwoor·so)

District: U
Elevation: 2,394 feet*

he third highest mountain on the island, Kupwuriso, towers over the small municipality of U. The climb starts with a drive up the foot of the mountain on a paved road just before Saladak. The beginning of the hike is moderate, with a slowly rising trek through open jungle and past some local huts. After about a quarter mile, the terrain grows steep and the path becomes hard to follow. This part of the trek consists of scrambling up muddy slopes assisted by whatever foliage is available. FOLLOW YOUR GUIDE! This is the most dangerous part of the climb!  About a half mile from the start, you reach the top of the ridge. Turn left (southeast) and follow the ridge for another half mile or so. The final ascent to the peak winds through dense mats of soft jungle grass (great for jumping into), but be careful, as there are hidden cliffs! Near the southeastern tip of the ridge, it flattens again and there is a small exposed rock from which you can see almost 360º views. Objects of interest: Joy island, Na, Napali, Kolonia Town, interior mountains, and dense kotop⁽¹⁾ palm forests toward Kolonia (NW). It takes about two hours to reach the summit, depending on the weather.  If one can reach the top, there are a pair of Japanese defensive cannons to examine. For more adventurous people, a descent/ascent is available up the face of the cliffs just down and to the east of the summit. This is afforded by many sturdy, moss-covered trees, growing from the side of the cliffs. This climb should only be attempted by experienced climbers. The climbing is strenuous and dirty, but the view is the best on the island, surpassing Pwisehn Malek, Paipalap or Pohnlehr.

(2-3) Nahnalaud & Ngihneni (nah·na·laut / ngeeh·nay·nee)

A.K.A.: Big Mountain & Giant's Tooth
District: Nett & Kitti, respectively
Elevation: 2,532 feet / 2,558 feet*

he two highest mountains on the island sit on the proposed borderlines of three municipalities; Nett, Madolenihmw and Kitti. Nahnalaud is the geographical heart of Pohnpei, to be sure. It jabs up from the very center of the interior regions. Ngihneni rests a little further south and east. It seems to be unclear which of the two mountains is the highest. Some sources say Ngihneni, the Giant's Tooth, is the greatest of them all, while others seem to be satisfied reporting them as about the same height. Apparently, the elevations that are typically recorded for these peaks are not very accurate. Climbing either of these mountains should be considered a serious endeavor, requiring a professional service. Micro TOURS can arrange guided hiking trips into the interior and up these mountains.  Weather, however, is a big factor.

HOME | VENTURING OUT --- Dolen Lamwer & The Village Restaurant | Pwudoi's Hills | Three Mountains: Kupwuriso,  Nahnalaud & Ngihneni | Paipalap (Sokehs Rock) | Pohndolap (Sokehs Mt.) | Pohnlehr | Pwisehn Malek (Chickensh*t Mt.) | Takaiuh Peak

White-tailed Tropic Bird (Phaethon lepturus): Just about the first bird species everyone notices when coming to Pohnpei is the graceful tropic bird, called sihk (seehk). The brilliant white birds are frequently seen gliding high up, set off from the dark green of the mountainsides.

(1) Kotop (ko·chop) Clinostigma ponapensis is a slender, ram-rod-straight palm species that grows only on Pohnpei. The heart of the palm is sometimes eaten.

HIKING & CLIMBING HAZARDS!

Climbing or hiking in Pohnpei's mountains is for the brave and determined only. The island's remote location and lack of adequate emergency medical services make it an especially bad place to get hurt.  To protect yourself, keep in mind the following:

• There are no defined trails up the major mountains
• Slopes can be very steep and are frequently very slippery
• Climbers may be required to move along narrow ledges
• In all cases, use good judgment and use a knowledgeable local guide
• Never hike or climb alone
• Never trust trees or shrubs as supports, because they are frequently not well anchored in the ground
• Keep an eye out for falling rocks
• Be prepared for rain at all times
• If the weather takes a nasty turn, do an about face and go down
• Do NOT climb at night

• Text by Daniel Moor and Alex Zuccarelli, 2003.
• Image/Photo credits: Mountain photo courtesy of Daniel Moor ©2000-01. Kotop photo courtesy of Dana Lee Ling ©D. Ling. Gallery; all photos courtesy of Daniel Moor ©2000-01. All other photos, images and maps property of Alex Zuccarelli.
• *Elevations as recorded on the U.S. Geological Survey contour map, 1983--Kupwuriso: 630 meters, Nahnalaud: 772 meters, Ngihneni: 780 meters.
• All photographs on this page were used with the written permission of their perspective owners, except where otherwise indicated.

 Primary Sources

• Ashby, Gene
  1993. Pohnpei: Island Argosy. Rainy Day Press: Eugene.
• Glassman, S. F.
  1952. Flora of Ponape. Bernice P. Bishop Museum, Honolulu.
• Levy, Neil M.
  1996. Micronesia Handbook. Moon Publications, Inc.: Chico.
• Lonsdale, Peter. Trip Report: Pohnpei (Micronesia), January 24-26, 1999. Scripps Institution of Oceanography. 
• Merlin, M., D. Jano, W. Raynor, T. Keene, J. Juvik & B. Sebastian
  1992. Tuhke en Pohnpei (Plants of Pohnpei). Department of Education, Pohnpei State, Office of Historic Preservation, FSM & Environment and Policy Institute, East-West Center, University of Hawaii.