Known as one of the most beautiful treks in Karnataka, Kudremukh is a day long trek that has a plethora of things to offer to both adventure and nature lovers alike. Standing at a height of 1891 M, it is the third highest peak in Karnataka and part of the Kudremukh National Park which is the second largest protected area in the western ghats. The national park is home to a variety of flora and fauna that can be spotted throughout the trek. Located in Chikmagalur district, the starting point of Kudremukh is in Samse village which is at a distance of 320 kms from Bangalore. From rolling meadows and dense forests to endless streams, Kudremukh is full of surprises and makes for the perfect weekend getaway from Bangalore!
This article lays down all the information pertaining to the Kudremukh Trek and is your go to guide when planning this trek!
The Kudremukh Trail
The hike to the peak of Kudremukh (which locally means horse’s face), takes you through the Kudremukh National Park which is a gateway to the rich flora and fauna that the Western Ghats hold. The hike starts at the forest office where you can get your permits for the trek. It is advisable to reach the office as early as possible to avoid queues and any hiccups in your plan for the day. The sound of the water gushing from the Somawathi Falls can be heard in the distance along with the morning birds chirping away. As you start your trek and enter the National Park, you will see the growing dense forest cover. Being a rainforest, the area is a biodiversity hotspot and home to a variety of flora and fauna. Leeches and earthworms are common on this route. Prepare yourself with some salt to tackle the leeches!
A gradual ascent through the forest will take you to a stream crossing. During monsoons, the water level rises and it can be difficult to cross the stream without ropes. The forest department has put up ropes to aid trekkers on the route. The trail through the forest treats you with a waterfall and stream every now and then making it even more enjoyable.
Although the trail is for beginners and fairly easy, it is advisable to wear trekking shoes to provide your feet with the required support and comfort to trek the distance without any difficulties or injuries.
The Trail Beyond the Forest
As the treeline declines, a standalone tree with a grand canopy appears. The forest department has set up seating arrangements under the tree where you can take a quick break. The views from here are rather mesmerising with the views of the valleys below and streams flowing, cutting through the lush green ghats.
From here, the trail flattens out. You will be walking through meadows and patches of dense forests until you reach a stream crossing. On the other side of the stream is a flat patch of land from where the peak of Kudremukh is now fully visible. The flat patch is followed by a steep incline which takes you to another big standalone tree where you can stop for a quick break.
Prepare yourself for the most beautiful section of the trek, because it starts from right here! A gradual incline takes you further up giving you bird’s eye views of the Kudremukh valley. The trails starts getting steeper as you approach the last part of the trek. The climb to the peak can be a little challenging but the views from the top make it totally worth it!
The top of Kudremukh is magical and gives you views of the valley carpeted in lush green colour with fluffy clouds rolling over to add some drama to the landscape. Unwind here with a relaxed lunch and some hot tea to sip on. The Kudremukh peak is the perfect place to do this so make sure you carry your goodies!
Please ensure that you begin your descent by no later than 1 PM. There are restrictions put in place by the Forest Department and the descent can get tricky in the dark.
Highlights of the Trek
The Kudremukh National Park
The walk through the dense jungles of the Western Ghats is straight out of a dream. Home to a diverse set of species, the forest is a nature lover’s paradise. If you are someone who is fascinated by reptiles, the jungles of Kudremukh will not fail to impress you. From cobras to a range of different kinds of frogs, the forest has so much to offer. The occasional streams and waterfalls add to the scenic beauty of this tropical rainforest, making it one of the main highlights on this trail.
Bird’s Eye Views of the Valley
Beyond the jungles lie the grasslands of Kudremukh which take you into the clouds. As the clouds begin to clear, the vast valleys below become visible. The smooth curves and rolling hills of the western ghats, carpeted in green make for a fantastic landscape. While the way to the top gives you glimpses of the valley, the views from the top of Kudremukh are unparalleled, giving you a bird’s eye view of the Kudremukh Valley below.
Kudremukh Itself!
Kudremukh translates to ‘horse’s face’ in the local language and the mountain gets its name from its shape which looks like a horse’s face from a distance. The fascinating shape of the mountain is a highlight in itself and makes for an interesting addition to the hills of Western Ghats!
Challenges
While the trail itself is not too difficult, there are sections of the trek that can prove to be challenging especially for beginners.
Leeches on the Trail
The forest sections are infested with leeches which can be an uncomfortable experience for some. Ensure you carry enough salt to keep them away. If possible, wear gaiters to make your life easier!
Slippery Sections
The path through the forest can get mucky and slippery, particularly during monsoon. A pair of good trekking shoes along with a trekking pole will go a long way in making your adventure easy and more comfortable!
Stream Crossing
During monsoon, the stream crossings can be extremely tricky given the heavy flow of water. Use the ropes put in place by the Forest Department and ask for help if you have never done it before.
The Climb to the Peak of Kudremukh
The final ascent to the peak of Kudremukh is a steep one and can prove to be challenging, more so if it is raining. Being in the best of health and fitness helps with the climb and the views from the top are rewarding to say the least!
Difficulty Level and the Bikat Rating Scale
Kudremukh is a level 2 trek on the Bikat Rating Scale.
About the BRS: The Bikat Rating Scale rates the difficulty level of all treks and expeditions in our portfolio after taking into account their geographical and climatic conditions.
According to this scale, if you are a beginner who is unsure of your fitness level and don’t know what to expect on a trek, a trek rated one will be a good place to start.
If you liked your very first trekking experience and are looking to test your limits next, the treks rated 2 or 3 will do the job for you.
A beginner who is sure of their fitness level on the other hand is welcome to skip the first two levels and directly start with one of the treks rated 3.
From 4 onwards, the rules change a little. It is mandatory to have trekking experience of the previous level to participate in the next level.
Best Time to do the Kudremukh Trek
The best time to embark on an adventure to the peak of Kudremukh is during the monsoon and winters. June to mid March has the ideal weather conditions to enjoy the trail to its fullest. The summer months can get extremely hot and the meadow sections of the trail will prove impossible to walk through!
How to Reach the Base
The base village for the Kudremukh Trek is Kalasa. Bangalore is the nearest major city to Kalasa at a distance of 310 kms. From Bangalore, you can book an overnight bus to Horanadu and get down at the Kalasa bus stand. Buses ply regularly between Bangalore and Horanadu and can be booked on the KSRTC website. From the Kalasa bus stand, the starting point of the trek is 10 kms away. Catch a bus towards Balagal village and request the staff to drop you at Kudremukh.
The bus journey from Bangalore to Kudremukh should cost you around INR 800.
One can also reach Kudremukh by road with a personal vehicle and of course Google Maps is your best friend!
Frequently Asked Questions about Kudremukh Trek
1. Is there network and connectivity during the trek
Given the dense forests and remote nature of the trail, there is no connectivity during the trek. However, you can catch a few bars of BSNL in Kudremukha town.
2. Are there food stalls on the trail?
There are no food stalls on the Kudremukh trail. You can get food from the homestays in Mullodi village. Breakfast and packed lunch is available here. Ensure that you are not carrying any packets of chips, biscuits and chocolates as they are not allowed inside the park. Bags are scanned at the forest checkpost to ensure sustainable trekking practices. If you are carrying mineral water bottles, they will be counted and will be tallied on your way back. It is advisable to carry food and water in reusable boxes and bottles.
3. Can the trek be done on our own or do we need a guide?
The Forest Department has made it mandatory to have a guide for the Kudremukh trek. There is no need to book a guide in advance, you will be assigned a guide upon arrival.
4. Is it a beginner friendly trek?
While the trek has a few challenging sections, it is most definitely accessible to beginners.
5. What to pack for this trek?
The Kudremukh Trek does not require you to carry any technical equipment. However, a good pair of trekking shoes and a trekking pole would make your trek more comfortable. Also carry a jacket and poncho to protect yourself from wind and unexpected downpours. Carry some food and water to keep you going and lastly enough salt to keep them leeches away!
6. How long does the trek take?
The trek takes 7-8 hours to reach the peak and return back to the starting point. It is advisable to start early in the morning and return before 6 PM.
7. Do I need any permits for this trek?
Yes, you require prior permission to do the Kudremukh Trek. You can reserve your entry on this website: https://kudremukhanationalpark.in/?page_id=1608. You will also have to visit the Forest Office at Basrikal to enter your details prior to the trek. You can also request your homestay owners to help with the permits. There are long queues at the Forest Office during the weekend so ensure you plan accordingly.
Camping is not allowed on the trail. There are many homestays and tent stay options available near the starting point.
This is pretty much all you need to know about the Kudremukh Trek in the Western Ghats! Get your trekking shoes on and make it your next weekend adventure. If you have any further questions about this trail, please feel free to reach out to our team.
