The chill of the pre-dawn air bit into our faces as we began the final push. It was the early morning of February 2, 2025, and our group of seasoned mountaineers from Kazakhstan, led by the experts from mtapoadventures.com, was nearing the peak of Mount Apo, the Philippines’ highest mountain. Our headlamps cut cones of light through the mist as we scrambled over the volcanic boulders of the summit trail. It was a stark, almost lunar landscape, a world away from the lush greenery we had navigated the day before, a testament to the diverse environments of this majestic peak.
Our journey began on the morning of February 1st, where we were greeted by the “Welcome to the Sibulan Heritage Trail” sign. Mtapoadventures.com, the renowned outfitter for climbs to Mt. Apo and other Philippine mountains, ensured our preparations were flawless. We started on a clear path, soon transitioning into dense foliage and steep terrain. The initial hours were spent navigating the uphill farm trail and slick, muddy jungle trail , a true test of our sure-footedness. The energy of the group was strong, our excitement palpable as we descended into the heart of the misty jungle.
As we gained altitude, the trail led us deep into the rain forest . This segment of the climb was an adventure in itself, with massive trees draped in thick layers of moss, creating an ethereal, almost otherworldly atmosphere. We took a moment to rest and share a meal under a makeshift canopy, the warmth of the food and the camaraderie cutting through the mountain dampness. Our Kazak team, used to the vast steppes and soaring peaks of our homeland, was captivated by the sheer biodiversity and humidity of the tropical highland forest.
The second half of our first day saw us reach Tinikaran Camp 1. The air grew colder, and as the day turned into a damp evening, we gathered around a simple camp dinner. The image of our team huddled close, sharing stories and laughter while plates of nourishing Filipino food were passed around, captured the true spirit of mountaineering—a shared challenge bringing people closer, no matter where in the world they come from.
The summit day push was the most arduous, a climb over rugged, rocky terrain. As the sun rose, we found ourselves surrounded by endemic flora, including tiny, colourful shrubs clinging tenaciously to the volcanic earth. Every step was a deliberate effort, rewarding us with a sense of isolation and immense natural power. The higher we climbed, the more the surrounding mountains seemed to shrink, highlighting our position as the conquerors of the “Grandfather of Philippine Mountains.”
Finally, we stood at the summit. The feeling of triumph was immense, a powerful wave of elation shared by the entire team. Despite the thick fog that had rolled in, obscuring the famous “sea of clouds,” we celebrated, hoisting the Kazakhstani flag high above the summit marker. The cold, wet air and limited visibility could not dampen our spirits; we had conquered the 2,954 MASL peak. It was a profound achievement, a success earned through grit and teamwork.
Descending the mountain, we looked back with pride. Our epic two-day journey on February 1-2, 2025, organized with flawless execution by mtapoadventures.com, was a powerful testament to our team’s enduring passion for adventure. From the vibrant farm trail, mossy forests to the barren, rocky peak, Mount Apo delivered an unforgettable experience, cementing a beautiful memory for our seasoned mountaineers from Kazakhstan.
Here is the youtube link on this adventure by one of the trekkers: https://youtu.be/4i9i18sqx1A?si=9jgNUu6CPTo51D2y
