Trek to Kudremukha by Plan The Unplanned
Overnight Treks by Plan The UnplannedINR 2899
(onwards)
About The Trip
Rolling green hills, clouds kissing the mountains, forest trails, bamboo shrubs, and a dozen waterfalls, the Kudremukha Peak trek has it all; No wonder it is called the Himalayas of the south. The scenery keeps changing on the trek and will surely amaze anyone. Coming under the Chikmagalur District of Karnataka, the trek to Kudremukha is one of the most exciting treks in this region. It is the third-highest peak after Mullayanagiri and Bababudangiri. Absorb the beauty of the Western Ghats as you walk up the trail. Very few people know the fact that the Western Ghats are considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their natural beauty and for being an icon of environmental balance. The lush greenery of the hills can never fail to mesmerize a soul.
Youll cross several cascading waterfalls and narrow streams, thick forests with a variety of trees, and the whistling of birds will keep you entertained all throughout. And finally, when youll reach the peak, the picturesque view from the top and the chilled wind will absolutely blow you out of your mind and make you numb for a few minutes, before you regain your consciousness to feel the enchanting magic of the place. So if you are bored with the city lights in Bangalore, then forget everything and join us for this weekend trek to Kudremukha and find yourself amidst nature.
Kudremukha Trek Highlights
- Trek into the Western Ghats filled with cascading waterfalls and narrow streams, thick forests, and whistling birds to get a beautiful scenic view at the peak.
- Refresh yourself at the Somavati Falls after the trek (If you finish the trek early).
- Visit beautiful Elniru Falls and relax by the Kalasa hanging bridge.
- Experience the Local Cuisine at the beautiful Bella Homestay.
Quick Info
- Duration: 2 Days & 1 Night
- Trek Distance: 22 km
- Location: Kudremukha, Karnataka
- Minimum Age: 10+ Years
- Max Altitude: 6214 feet
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Hard
Pricing
- With Travel: ₹4,199 per person
- Without Travel: ₹2,899 per person
Brief Itinerary
Day 0 - Friday
- Depart from Bangalore starting at 6:00 PM (approx)
Day 1 - Saturday
- Freshen up and finish breakfast by 6:45 AM (approx)
- Take a jeep ride to the trek base from homestay (30 40 minutes)
- Start the trek by around 7:30 AM (approx)
- Lunch at the peak
- Descend and reach back the base by 5:30 PM (tentative)
- Dinner and retire for the night
Day 2 - Sunday
- Freshen up and breakfast
- Visit Elniru Falls
- En-route stop for lunch (self-sponsored)
- Reach Bangalore by 10:00 PM (approx)
Note:
- In case of Government orders/ any unforeseen circumstance, Elniru Falls happens to be closed, we shall make an alternate plan to Hanumangundi Falls/Soormane Falls. The decision of the outdoor leader shall be final.
- The Jeep Ride at Kudremukh has the challenges of dirt and slushy roads during monsoons. Kindly co-operate in case the vehicles are arriving late or if there is a delay in the start of the trek.
- On certain days, if there is a heavy crowd on the Kudremukh Trek Trail, expect a few delays in the trek start time or reaching the summit.
Inclusions
- Accommodation in Homestay/Tents on a multiple sharing basis (separate for men & women)
- 2 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, High Tea & 1 Dinner
- To and fro transport from Bangalore (Non A/c Push back seats Tempo Traveler/Mini bus depending on group size)
- Karnataka Forest Department Entry Fees
- Jeep Ride to Base Camp (to and fro)
- Local Guide & Outdoor Leader from Plan The Unplanned
- Experience that you gain
Exclusions
- Lunch any other meals not included above
- Any kind of personal expenses
- Any kind of insurance (health, medical, life accidental,etc)
- Anything not included above
Things To Carry
- Soft Copy of your Aadhar/Voter ID (Mandatory for permits)
- Small backpack to carry your essentials during the trek
- Power Bank
- Warm Layer
- Water bottles 2 (1 liter each)
- Lunch Box & Spoon to carry your packed lunch
- Raincoat/Bag covers in case of rains
- A comfortable pair of shoes with good grip for trekking
- Flip-flops for lazing around the campsite
- Torch/Headlamp to be used at night
- Portable chargers for your electronics
- Extra pair of clothes to change into once wet
- Poly bags to pack your wet clothes
- Extra cash for meals not included in the itinerary
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 0
- Meals Not Applicable | (No Dinner break)
- Private Vehicle | (Non-AC (Push Back Seats))
- Homestay | (Multiple sharing basis separate for men and women Dorms/Rooms/Tents)
Details:
Leave from Bangalore at 6:00 PM (Final time will be updated in WhatsApp Group)
DAY 1
- All Meals Provided
- Trek | (Non-AC Bus(Push Back Seats))
- Stay at Homestay | (Multiple sharing basis separate for men and women Dorms/Rooms/Tents)
Details:
After an early grab and quick freshening up, everyone now gears up for a bumpy jeep ride to the Kudremukh Trek Base. The ride is adventurous as one crosses coffee plantations and muddy roads with waterfalls and streams as well on the way. The trek to Kudremukh starts at the Forest Department Office after collecting the permits. The Trek needs to start as early as 6 AM with strict policies of return time and leave no litter. Our trek leaders shall now brief you about the entire Kudremukh Trail and certain tips on ascending and descending. We then hit the trail with our Tempo being high and with Plan The Unplanneds traditional cheer dance. At the beginning itself, after a few minutes of walking there will be a stream crossing. In monsoons, the flow and depth of the streams would be quite heavy.
After the stream crossing, there is a slight ascent on a muddy path surrounded by ferns, several shrubs, and lush green grass. This continues for around 1 to 1.5 km and then there comes an elevated plain and a stand-alone tree which is called Ontimara (Lonely Tree). On the left of Ontimara, the trail becomes flat for some time, on the right one can see the Kudremukh valley and Somavati river flowing below. The trail soon converts into a forest trail- dark shola forests with water streams. There are a lot of leeches at this point, be aware, but its difficult to avoid them. After another stream crossing, there are open meadows. It is an amazing feeling to trek through dense forests, with open meadows in between. The transition of scenery keeps the thrill to the end. Kudremukh peak becomes visible after some point. The clouds will come closer and nearer as if to kiss and hug you. Amidst the open meadows, after further walking, there is a board by Forest Department Office stating the direction and distance (7 km) to Kudremukh peak.
After another dense patch of trees, is another stream of water, and the last water source before the peak. After the stream crossing, there is a steep ascent. On the right, the view is mesmerizing, clouds passing over rolling lush green hills. Try taking a few time lapse videos here. After further ascending you reach the second Ontimara. Before reaching the Ontimara, be amazed by the Kudremukh range all around. From the Ontimara, the view on the right is enthralling- rolling vibrant green hills, full of energy passing all their energy onto you. After the Ontimara, the trail is a mix of narrow paths between dense forests, bamboo shrubs, and steep ascents.
The whole of Kudremukh valley opens up after some point. The structure of the mountain and its resemblance to the horse can be understood and seen from here. The left-most part of the mountain which resembles the face of a horse the front portion like the stomach and the top like the back of a horse. We will now climb the horses back part of the mountain and the climb is steep and zig-zag. The zig-zag steep climb is difficult comparatively but the views encourage you to keep going. In monsoon, it usually rains, along with winds that one will feel as if the raindrops are slapping you. This part of the trail will surely give you the thrill of a monsoon trek.
After the end of the zig-zag point, pause for some time to look and appreciate how far you have come. The rolling hills, lush green and full of life, the open meadows, the grasslands everything on the trail is just perfect, why go to Scotland when you can experience this in India itself?
At the end of the zig-zag point, there is a rock cluster with a blue arrow mark showing the direction to the peak. On the left, some ruins used to be a British Rest house. The last part of the trek is not a steep climb because of the shape of the mountain. It is a level walk past green fields. At the peak, there is Forest Department Board as well showing the details of Kudremukh peak and other peaks of Kudremukh national park. Wait sometime there to see the hills and clouds play peek-a-boo. After some time start the descent, capturing and soaking in as much as possible. Leech bites, heavy rains, gusty winds nothing can stop you conquer the peak if you want to. Come back rejuvenated with a thousand memories, a lot of epic captures, and a bunch of new friends.
DAY 2
- Only Breakfast Provided
- Trek
- Stay Not Applicable
Details:
Elniru means Sweet coconut, it is said that water is as sweet or tastes similar to coconut water. The ride to Elniru is through muddy roads and one can drive till the motorable area. Then one has to descend down a little to reach the waterfall. On the way, there comes another beautiful waterfall, which looks like wallpaper. Dont be overwhelmed by that waterfall itself as that isnt our destination.
After further descend and a then little hike, one can hear the sound of falls in full flow and birds chirping. In some time, the Elniru falls become visible. It is a huge waterfall full of energy, feeling the water on your face is bliss. Taste the water, it actually tastes sweet.
We plan on returning to Bangalore from Elniru Falls. After this trip, you will have seen the lovely Karnataka - One State Many Worlds, made wonderful friends for your next trek, and taken amazing images to look back on and remember the good times.
FAQs
- After booking the trek, when will I get further updates?
Well, most of our treks are usually confirmed by Thursday and you would receive a EVENT HEADSUP mail that would contain details regarding Pickup Points ( Location and Timings ), Outdoor Leader (Point of Contact) s, and Do's & Donts.
- Will I be added to a WhatsApp group once the trek is confirmed?
Yes, the Event Headsup email would contain a link for WhatsApp Group through which one can join and interact with fellow travelers and outdoor leaders
- Do I have to carry my luggage while trekking?
Not at all. You could keep all the extra luggage back at the campsite/homestay and carry only the necessary stuff for the trek (Raincoats, Torchlight, Waterbottle, lunchbox, and your valuables)
- Are there any other boarding points apart from the ones mentioned?
Yes, we do have options for picking a traveler on board with a few locations provided they are on the route to our destination. The following are the additional boarding points: Croma Store, Sony World Signal - Trinity Circle Metro Station - Yeshwanthpur Metro Station - Goraguntepalya Metro Station
- What is the Without Travel booking option?
Well, if you select this option, all the travel arrangements for your entire itinerary must be managed by yourself, and Plan the Unplanned crew will not be managing anything related to your travel. We recommend you come via car for a smooth travel experience to, from and within the destination.
- Is the trek safe for Women & Girls?
Yes, its much safe and sound. We have been organizing these treks over the years now and we always have had an equal ratio or sometimes we have women in the majority. We also have female outdoor leaders who are on board and lead the other trekking enthusiast. We have made sure our homestay/tent accommodation is separate for men and women.
- Would I be able to postpone my trek booking on the day of departure?
Yes, you can postpone your trek to a future date by paying a rescheduling fee of 1,500/person. You can write to us at info@plantheunplanned.com as regards and our team will get in touch with you on the same.
- I've ever hiked before, can I do this trek?
No. We would not advise you to do this trek on your first trek as the trek difficulty is between Moderate-Difficult and it demands one to be physically fit for this trek.
- Is it necessary for me to hire a guide to trek to Kudremukh?
Yes, one must hire a guide to trek Kudremukh as the forest officials close the trek by 6:00 PM.
- What about Kudremukh's network coverage and connectivity?
Throughout the journey, you will be outside of the network's service region. Only BSNL and JIO network receives a signal at this place.
- Can we leave our luggage at the homestay?
Yes, it is possible to leave your luggage at the homestay and carry the necessary things on your trek.
- What is the ideal time to visit Kudremukh?
The ideal time to go on the Kudremukh trek is undoubtedly during the monsoon season.
- Is the trail filled with leeches?
Yes, there are leeches on this trail and are mostly found near the rivers and streams.
- Is it possible to camp anywhere along the trek?
On the Kudremukh trip, camping is not permitted. Many homestays, on the other hand, provide tent accommodation at the starting site.
Pick Up Points
Pickup Point 1:
- New Udupi Grand, Teacher's Colony, HSR Layout
Arrival time: 8:30 PM
Departure time: 8:40 PM
Pickup Point 2:
- Yamaha Showroom Domlur
Arrival time: 9:00 PM
Departure time: 9:10 PM
Pickup Point 3:
- Cubbon Park Metro
Arrival time: 9:30 PM
Departure time: 9:40 PM
Pickup Point 4:
- KTM Mekhri Circle
Arrival time: 10:00 PM
Departure time: 10:10 PM
Pickup Point 5:
- Yeshwanthpur Metro
Arrival time: 10:30 PM
Departure time: 10:40 PM
Without Travel
Arrival time: 6 AM
Date & Time
Every Friday
6:00 PM onwards
Location
Plan The Unplanned, WJ8H+RW4, Teacher's Colony, Santhosapuram, 1st Block Koramangala, HSR Layout 5th Sector, Bengaluru, Karnataka - 560034
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