Dolen Nahnsapwe, “hill of thunder,” is a small peak near the Nett–U border. As the crow flies, it’s about 1.3 km (0.8 mi) southwest of the Kupwuriso summit. Though rarely visited and not the highest point in the area, Dolen Nahnsapwe is intriguing because it’s associated with stories about the traditional thunder god, Nahnsapwe, and is said to be the place where thunder storms originate. It’s also the source of the Pwong-Kapwungapwung watercourse, a stream that forms a waterfall below the Lou Rahn ridge in Nett. It’s a challenging climb that follows a trail only part of the way, but the pay-offs come in the form of soaring vistas and gorgeous upland forests. You can approach the peak from either Nett or U or do a full traverse (6.75 km / 4.2 mi) from one side to the other.
Nett Approach
The Nett approach to Dolen Nahnsapwe feels wilder and is steeper and more strenuous. It begins on the side of an unpaved road in Paremkep. The first 0.6 km (0.37 mi) follows the same track that goes to Lou Rahn waterfall and cave with a gentle slope average of about 12%. After that, it branches off and climbs more steeply along the Lou Rahn ridgeline for 2.65 km (1.65 mi) with a slope average ranging between 20% and 25%. This brings hikers to the foot of the peak — a swampy area dominated by thickets of kotop (Clinostigma ponapensis) palms.
U Approach
The way up from U begins behind a cluster of houses at the end of the last road before the Madolenihmw border. On this side, things are much more developed and the trail is clear and well-maintained nearly to the top of the pass north of the peak. One conservation worker told us that sakau farmers from U frequently use this route to access illegal plots in the watershed on the Nett side. The 3.2 km (2 mi) trail meanders through inhabited areas and past a number of a small huts and residences (23% slope avg).
The last bit up to the tiny summit (593 m) is an over-grown, steep (46% slope avg), grubby, and sometimes unnerving scramble from the northwest side. The summit is tiny, and the ground up there has a springy, unstable feel as if you’re actually standing on layers upon layers of ferns and moss rather than solid ground — which may be the case. The effort and unease, however, are rewarded with a truly marvelous 300-degree view. Sokehs Mountain (276 m), Kolonia Town, the open summit of Kupwuriso (630 m), and Dolen Saldenre (629 m) are all visible — weather permitting.
You can do this climb as a day-hike, but a better option is to camp somewhere along the upper Pwong Stream (Pilen Pwong). Remember to pack out everything you packed in. A responsible camp site is one that is invisible once its occupants depart.
- Plan for 8 hours for this hike.
- Please visit the Local Guides & Tour Operators page for a list of experienced guides available for hikes to Dolen Nahnsapwe. Offer $50.00 for a group of five or less.
Map Guides >> Nett & Western U >> Dolen Nahnsapwe
