Kudremukha Trek: A Journey to the Heart of Western Ghats Adventure (2024)

Embark on a breathtaking adventure with the Kudremukha Trek, a journey to the heart of the Western Ghats. Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes, lush greenery, and diverse flora and fauna as you trek through this iconic destination. This guide provides essential insights into the trail, ensuring you maximise your trekking experience. Unveil the natural beauty and rugged charm of the Western Ghats with this unforgettable expedition. Discover the allure of Kudremukha as you navigate its scenic trails and elevate your adventure to new heights.

One of my earliest treks in the Western Ghats was the Kudremukha trek, a memorable exploration of the renowned mountain in the Western Ghats ranges, also known as Kudremukh in Kannada. This trek holds a special place in my heart due to the verdant greenery of the mountains and the unique aspect of trekking within a tiger reserve. The journey was spectacular, offering breathtaking views of the valley, dense forests, and majestic mountains.

PIN for later reference – Kudremukha Trek

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Introduction to Kudremukha

Kudremukha, which means ‘head of a horse’ in Kannada, is one of the prominent peaks in the Western Ghats. It is the third-highest peak in this mountain range and reaches an elevation of 1892 meters (6207 feet). It claims the second-highest position among Karnataka’s mountains, following Mullayana Giri.

The trekking trail winds through lush valleys and the encompassing hills, offering a journey worth undertaking. The stunning greenery throughout the trek adds to the allure, making the entire experience captivating.

How to Get to the Base of Kudremukha?

• By Road – Traveling by road is the optimal and most convenient way to reach Kudremukha. Situated in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka, the mountain is approximately 320 kilometres away from Bangalore. Due to the unsealed roads, the journey from the Mullodi forest checkpoint to the trek’s base camp requires a 4-wheel drive vehicle.

While trekking through the national park, keep a vigilant eye out for wildlife. During our hike, we encountered a bison, emphasizing the importance of caution. Maintaining a safe distance from wildlife and avoiding confrontation is crucial, especially with the robust and sizable bison. Exercise extreme care when in their vicinity.

• By Public Transport – Using public transport to reach Kudremukha requires some planning. The nearest village, Kalasa, is approximately 20 kilometres from the mountain and about 300 kilometres from Bangalore. Overnight buses from Bangalore to Kalasa can be booked through the Redbus website.
  • Upon reaching Kalasa, local buses or auto-rickshaws will transport you to the mountain base, Mullodi. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is necessary to access the homestay, which also serves as the base camp for the trek.

For those considering air travel, the nearest international airport is in Mangalore, approximately 100 kilometres from Mullodi.

Logistics of Kudremukha Trek

• Starting and Finishing Points: Mullodi village.
• Trek to the peak: The round-trip distance from the base camp is approximately 20 to 22 kilometres. The base camp is situated at a homestay in Mullodi village.
• Grade: The trek difficulty level is categorized as moderate to difficult. While the trail is reasonably well-defined, it is advisable to hire a guide. This recommendation is primarily due to the abundant wildlife in the area. The trek fee for hiring a guide is approximately INR 1000 per person.

If you are looking for a very challenging trek in the Western Ghats, read the trek in Kumara Parvatha.

• Suitable for: Experienced trekkers.
• Best Season: The ideal seasons for trekking in Kudremukha are spring, winter, and summer, spanning from October to May. While trekking might be challenging during the monsoons, the mountains exhibit a breathtaking allure with lush greenery and scenic beauty amid the rains.
• The trek must be undertaken between 6 AM and 6 PM, and all trekkers must exit the national park range before 6 PM.
• Note: Overnight stays within the Kudremukha National Park are prohibited; therefore, you must return to the homestay. A daily limit of 150 people is imposed for trekking. Given the abundant wildlife, exercise caution and stay vigilant for bison or birds during the trek. The base camp is easily accessible via a short jeep ride from the nearest village.

Tour Agency

My friends and I chose a well-known tour agency for our Kudremukha trek.

• Agency: Exotic Expeditions.
• Cost: INR 3000. This information dates back a while. For current costs, please check the relevant website.
• This trek stands out as one of the finest experiences I’ve had in Karnataka. The entire journey was meticulously organized, ensuring a comfortable adventure.
• The homestay provided basic village food, contributing to the authentic experience.
• Accommodations were in tents pitched near the homestay, adding to the overall charm of the trip.

Important Tips

• Forest Department Permission: To embark on the Kudremukha trek, acquiring a permit at the Mullodi forest checkpost is essential. A trekking fee of INR 525 applies. For the most current and accurate information regarding the trekking fee, it is advisable to check with the forest checkpost directly.
• Light Backpacks: Keep your backpacks lightweight. Tents at the homestay can secure them.
• Wildlife Caution: Beware of scorpions and other wildlife. Zip up your backpacks; my friend found a baby scorpion after our trek.
• Ample Water: Carry sufficient water for the trek.
• Sturdy Footwear: Wear comfortable and sturdy shoes.
• Respect Wildlife: Do not disturb or engage with wildlife.
• Garbage Disposal: Carry your garbage; do not litter.
• Flashlight: Bring a torch in case it gets dark before exiting the national park.
• Time Management: Ensure you exit the national park before 6 PM.
• Mind Your Steps: Be mindful of where you step.
• Extra Socks: Carry extra socks for unforeseen blisters during the trek.
• Day Pack Essentials: A small, lightweight day pack is a good place to store sunscreen, snacks, extra socks, a first-aid kit, and water.
• Leech Protection: Be prepared for leeches, especially during monsoons. A solution of Dettol (1/4th) and water (3/4th) works best. Leech socks are advisable during the trek.

Trekking Kudremukha by Yourself

Planning a trip to Kudremukha independently is certainly feasible, although engaging a local guide is recommended. The local guide charges are typically around INR 1000 per group. The forest department restricts entry to the national park, issuing a limited number of tickets (approximately 150 people). A trekking fee of INR 575 per person is required and should be paid at the forest checkpoint.

Remember to carry a government-issued identification, such as an Aadhar card, that includes your photograph and address for necessary documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Kudremukha Trek

Q: How high is Kudremukha peak?

The summit of Kudremukha stands tall at an elevation of 1892 meters (6207 feet), securing its position as the third-highest peak in the Western Ghats.

Q: How long is Kudremukha trek?

The Kudremukha trek is approximately 22 kilometres round trip from Mullodi village.

Q: Is Kudremukha trek difficult?

The Kudremukha trek is considered challenging due to the scarcity of shade along the trail and its consistently steep terrain.

Q: Can we trek Kudremukha alone?

Following Trek 101 guidelines, it’s advisable to trek with a buddy or a group when undertaking the Kudremukha trek. Despite the trail being straightforward, hiring a local guide is recommended as they possess in-depth knowledge of the forest and trail. Being in a group is beneficial, especially considering the presence of wildlife along the trail.

Q: What is the best time to trek Kudremukha?

The Kudremukha trek is suitable at any time of the year except during the monsoons. The rainy season can make the trail challenging and uncomfortable despite the breathtaking beauty of the mountains in the rain.

Q: Are there leeches on the Kudremukha trail?

Certainly, the Kudremukha trail is known for its abundance of leeches. Come prepared and carry a solution of Dettol and water to deal with them effectively during the trek.

Q: What are the other treks in Kudremukha National Park?

In addition to the Kudremukha trek, the Kudremukha National Park offers several other trekking trails. Among them are Kurinjal Peak, Seethabhumi Peak, Gangadikal Peak, Valikunja Peak, and Narasimha Parvatha Peak. The park also has numerous waterfalls, each accompanied by short, scenic trails.

Is Trekking in Kudremukha Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

As a standard practice, embarking on the Kudremukha trek with a group or, at the very least, a trekking companion is advisable. Specifically for the Kudremukha trek, I recommend hiring a tour agency or a guide at the mountain’s base. This precaution is crucial due to the abundant wildlife in the park. Register at the Mullodi forest check post (Kudremukha Forest Department) before commencing the trek.

Solo treks are not recommended. Instead, it’s safer to rely on the guidance provided by the forest department or trustworthy locals for trekking information.

Closing Notes

As mentioned previously, the Kudremukha trek stands out as incredible and among the best treks in the Western Ghats. The allure of the mountains and the enchanting forests transcends description; it must be personally encountered. Without a doubt, I highly recommend exploring this pristine beauty, especially if you have a passion for trekking.

PIN for later reference – Kudremukha Trek