Karnataka trek
Kudremukh Trek
The Western Ghats' grassland peak
Kudremukh is a moderate day hike in Karnataka's Kudremukh National Park to a peak of about 6,200 ft over rolling shola grasslands. Entry is by forest department permit with limited daily slots, and the best season is October to February.
- Max altitude
- About 6,200 ft (1,894 m)
- Duration
- 1 long day, usually with a night nearby
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Best time
- October to February
- Base
- Mullodi or Balagal, near Kalasa
- Getting there
- Mangaluru (rail and air), about 3 to 4 hours by road
Kudremukh trek: Kudremukh Peak Closer
Why people pick Kudremukh
- Rolling green grasslands and shola forest
- Stream crossings on the lower trail
- Easy to pair with Chikmagalur or Coorg
Route, day by day
The usual shape of the trek. Exact camps and timings vary by operator and conditions.
Drive from Mangaluru or Bengaluru, overnight nearby.
Early start with a forest guide, summit and back the same day.
Fitness
Moderate. A long day of walking in humid weather.
What to carry
- Trekking shoes with ankle support, broken in
- Three warm layers and a waterproof jacket
- Headlamp, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Two water bottles
- Personal medicines and a small first aid kit
- Original photo ID
Before you book
The Karnataka Forest Department controls entry with advance online booking and limited daily slots. The trail closes in the monsoon.
Kudremukh questions
No. Entry needs an advance forest department booking and slots fill up on weekends.
More treks
Easy-moderateUttarakhand
Kedarkantha
The winter summit most first-timers start with
- Max altitude
- 12,500 ft
- Duration
- 6 days from Dehradun
- Best months
- December to April
ModerateHimachal Pradesh
Hampta Pass
Green Kullu on one side, stark Lahaul on the other
- Max altitude
- 14,065 ft
- Duration
- 5 days from Manali
- Best months
- June to early October
ModerateHimachal Pradesh
Bhrigu Lake
A high alpine lake four days from Manali
- Max altitude
- 14,000 ft
- Duration
- 4 days from Manali
- Best months
- June to October