Experience the Tirad Pass Adventure

TIRAD PASS

Photo from: http://jinjiruks.blogspot.com/2012_04_01_archive.html

The Battle of Tirad Pass , sometimes referred to as the “Philippine Thermopylae”, was a battle in the Philippine-American War fought on December 2, 1899, in northern Luzon in the Philippines, in which a 60-man Filipino rear guard commanded by Brigadier General Gregorio del Pilar succumbed to over 500 Americans, mostly of the 33rd Volunteer Infantry Regiment under Major Peyton C. March, while delaying the American advance to ensure that President Emilio Aguinaldo and his troops escaped. Read More: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Tirad_Pass

Photo from: www.manilaoldtimer.net

Tirad Pass, also called as Pasong Tirad, is one of the most famous historic destinations in the Philippines. It is well known to be the place where Philippine General Gregorio del Pilar fought his last. The Battle of Tirad Pass occurred during the Philippine-American War in the year 1899.

Aside from its historical value, Tirad Pass is also popular among adventurers because of its beauty. Located in Cervantes, Ilocos Sur, Mount Tirad is ranked as the 3rd highest peak in the province. Meanwhile, it is ranked as the 446th highest mountain in the Philippines.

To those looking for a great adventure in the northern region, Tirad Pass is one perfect place to visit. The trail difficulty is rated 5 out of 10, so this can pose a challenge to both beginners and seasoned mountaineers. Mount Tirad is a place where you can experience a combination of adventure and history. Read More: http://www.trailadventours.com/philippine-mountains/tirad-pass-with-g-del-pilar

Tirad Pass Adventure

Join the Tirad Pass Adventure here –>

http://www.trailadventours.com/philippine-mountains/tirad-pass-with-g-del-pilar/schedules

Photo from: yobynos.wordpress.com

Reaching the Tirad Pass monument marker is accessible with an easy trail and trekking time varies from 1.5hrs to 3hrs. From marker up to summit is 2.5hrs – 4hrs. The trail class is 1-2 from jump off up to marker, class 3 on the upper portion of forest to small grass, beyond going to summit where segmented rope is needed is class 4. Due to sharpness and steepness, the summit can accommodate 7 persons at a time which present a 360 view including the view of Sigay town, Salcedo’s mountain range, Quirino Province and Gregorio del Pilar (GDP) downtown. The perfect time for climbing is during summer time where river is not yet high. Read More: http://mountaintipsandtops.wordpress.com/2014/04/20/tirad-peak-1388masl-of-gregorio-del-pilar-ilocos-sur/

Photo from: www.pinoymountaineer.com

After reaching Gregorio del Pilar, we proceeded to Barangay Mabatano (elevation 470m) on a very steep road. This is the jump-off for the hike to the Gregorio del Pilar Shrine (elevation 950m). The hike takes about 2 hours on a well-marked trail. The views along the trail are superb. The shrine consists of a statue of del Pilar on a horse, and several historical markers describing events of the Battle of Tirad Pass where del Pilar and his troops stopped the American forces long enough to enable Aguinaldo to escape to Lepanto, and where del Pilar was killed on 2 December 1899. The shrine is actually not at the Tirad Pass itself which is further up at an elevation of 1312m. Not to be missed is the Sniper’s Knoll, the site where an American sniper shot del Pilar from a distance of about 300 meters. This is indicated by a sign along the trail. Read More: http://www.manilaoldtimer.net/Travels/Tirad.html