Kudremukh Trek: A Breathtaking Adventure in the Western Ghats

Are you looking for a thrilling and rewarding trekking experience in the Western Ghats? Do you want to witness the beauty and diversity of one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites? If yes, then Kudremukh Trek is the perfect choice for you.

Kudremukh Trek is a 10 km trek to the Kudremukh Peak, which is a 1892-meter-high peak that lies in the Kudremukh National Park, in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. The name Kudremukh means “horse’s face” in Kannada, as the peak resembles the shape of a horse’s face from one side. The peak is also the source of three rivers, namely Tunga, Bhadra, and Nethravathi.

The trek is one of the most popular and challenging treks in the Western Ghats, as it offers a variety of attractions and activities that will keep you hooked and amazed. You can enjoy the views of the lush green forests, cascading waterfalls, gurgling streams, and misty mountains. You can also spot some of the rare and endangered wildlife species, such as the lion-tailed macaque, the Malabar giant squirrel, the tiger, the leopard, and many more. You can also learn about the history and culture of the region, and the conservation efforts of the national park.

Location and How to Reach

Kudremukh Trek is located in the Kudremukh National Park, which is about 350 km from Bangalore, 100 km from Mangalore, and 80 km from Chikmagalur. The nearest town to the trek is Kalasa, which is about 20 km from the national park entrance.

The easiest way to reach Kudremukh Trek is by taking a bus, taxi, or self-drive from Bangalore, Mangalore, or Chikmagalur to Kalasa. From Kalasa, you can take a jeep ride to the national park entrance, which is about 6 km. From there, you can start your trek to the Kudremukh Peak.

You can also reach Kudremukh Trek by taking a train to Mangalore or Chikmagalur, and then taking a bus, taxi, or self-drive to Kalasa. From there, you can follow the same route as mentioned above.

Timings and Tickets

Kudremukh Trek is open on all days of the week, from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The trek can be done in a single day or two days, depending on your preference and availability of time. The trek is of hard difficulty level, and requires good fitness and stamina.

The tickets for Kudremukh Trek are priced at Rs. 575 per person, which includes the entry fee, guide fee, and forest department permission. The tickets can be booked online or offline, depending on your convenience.

You can book your tickets online through various platforms, such as Bikat Adventures, Plan The Unplanned, or Thrillophilia. You can also book your tickets offline at the forest department office at the national park entrance, but you may have to wait in long queues or face unavailability of slots.

Itinerary and Attractions

The itinerary and attractions of Kudremukh Trek depend on whether you choose to do it in a single day or two days. Here is a sample itinerary for both options:

One Day Trek

• Start early in the morning from Kalasa and take a jeep ride to the national park entrance, which is about 6 km. Register yourself at the forest department office and get your tickets and guide.
• Start your trek from the national park entrance and follow the trail that goes along the Kudremukh River. You will pass by a hydroelectric power plant and a dam on the way.
• After about an hour, you will reach a bridge that crosses the river and leads to the village of Mullodi. You can take a short break here and explore the village, which has a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and some shops and cafes.
• From Mullodi, the trail becomes steeper and more scenic, as you enter the dense forest of pine and deodar trees. You will also see some waterfalls and streams on the way.
• After another hour, you will reach a clearing, where you can see the Kudremukh Peak in the distance. This is a good spot to rest and have your packed lunch.
• From the clearing, the trail becomes more challenging, as you climb up the rocky and slippery path. You will also cross some grasslands and meadows on the way.
• After about two hours, you will finally reach the Kudremukh Peak, where you will be greeted by the sight of the clouds and the mountains. You can enjoy the panoramic views of the Western Ghats and the surrounding valleys. You can also spot some of the other peaks in the region, such as Kurinjal, Gangadikal, and Ballalarayana Durga.
• After spending some time at the Kudremukh Peak, you can start your descent back to the national park entrance, following the same route. The trek will take about 3-4 hours to reach the national park entrance, where you can catch a jeep ride to Kalasa.

Two Day Trek

• Start early in the morning from Kalasa and take a jeep ride to the national park entrance, which is about 6 km. Register yourself at the forest department office and get your tickets and guide.
• Start your trek from the national park entrance and follow the same route as the one day trek till you reach the clearing. The trek will take about 4-6 hours, depending on your pace and fitness level.
• Once you reach the clearing, you can check into one of the many campsites or guesthouses that are available there. You can choose from a variety of options, ranging from basic tents to luxury cottages, depending on your budget and preference. The average cost of accommodation is around Rs. 1500-3000 per person, including meals.
• After settling in, you can relax and enjoy the views of the sunset and the stars. You can also explore the nearby temple and enjoy the bonfire and music.
• The next day, you can wake up early and witness the sunrise over the mountains. You can also do some yoga and meditation to refresh your mind and body.
• After having breakfast, you can start your ascent to the Kudremukh Peak, following the same route as the one day trek. The trek will take about 2-3 hours to reach the peak, where you can enjoy the scenic beauty and take some amazing pictures.
• After spending some time at the Kudremukh Peak, you can start your descent back to the national park entrance, following the same route. The trek will take about 3-4 hours to reach the national park entrance, where you can catch a jeep ride to Kalasa.

Difficulty Level and Tips

Kudremukh Trek is of hard difficulty level, and requires good fitness and stamina. The trek is suitable for experienced trekkers, as it offers a challenging and rewarding experience. The altitude of Kudremukh Peak is about 1892 meters, which may cause some breathing problems or altitude sickness for some people. Therefore, it is advisable to acclimatize yourself before starting the trek and carry enough water and snacks with you.

To make your trek to Kudremukh Peak more enjoyable and memorable, here are some tips and tricks that you should keep in mind:

• Dress appropriately: The temperature at the peak can be around 15-20 degrees Celsius, so you should dress warmly and in layers. You should also wear comfortable shoes and socks. The park provides raincoats, but you can also bring your own if you prefer.
• Arrive early: The park can get crowded during weekends and holidays, so you should arrive early and book your tickets in advance. You should also check the availability of the slots and the timings of the sessions before you visit the park.
• Follow the rules: The park has some rules and regulations that you should follow for your safety and convenience. You should listen to the instructions of the staff and the guide, and follow the signs and directions in the park. You should also avoid carrying any valuables, food, or drinks inside the park, and use the locker facility provided by the park.
• Have fun: The most important tip is to have fun and enjoy yourself at the park. You can try out different activities and attractions, and make the most of your time. You can also capture some amazing moments and memories with your friends and family, and share them on social media.

Conclusion

Kudremukh Trek is a 10 km trek to the 3rd highest peak of Karnataka, where you can enjoy the views of the lush green forests, waterfalls, and misty mountains. The trek is one of the most popular and challenging treks in the Western Ghats, as it offers a variety of attractions and activities that will keep you hooked and amazed. You can spot some of the rare and endangered wildlife species, such as the lion-tailed macaque, the Malabar giant squirrel, the tiger, the leopard, and many more. You can also learn about the history and culture of the region, and the conservation efforts of the national park.

The trek can be done in one or two days, depending on your preference and availability of time. The trek is of hard difficulty level, and requires good fitness and stamina. The best time to visit Kudremukh Peak is during the post-monsoon months, from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the trails are at their scenic best.