A Winter Trek to Kumara Parvatha – Karnataka’s Toughest Trek
The trek is located in the western ghats of Karnataka. This trek is Karnataka’s most challenging trek which is located near Bangalore. Due to its rugged terrain and the time took overall to trek peak and to get back down this trek is mainly taken up by experienced trackers. It has an altitude of 1712 and is counted as the most challenging trek in the country that is in India and it is the highest peak in Pushpa Giri wildlife sanctuary. This trek is also considered to be the fourth highest peak of Karnataka. On the border of Dakshin Kannada and Kodagu district, the peak lies behind the very famous Kukke Subrahmanya Temple, this temple is full of the history and beliefs of the locals.
The trail consists of two peaks: shesh parvatha, the second one is Kumara parvatha and the higher one with a standing altitude of 5600 feet. Shesh parvatha is the smaller peak and also the protector of the kukke temple that is located at the base. This peak has a lush green forest in the Pushpa Giri wildlife sanctuary. The rainfall during the journey was extremely affable and cloudy. Climbing the three iconic boulders was a great adventure and although two of them were grueling, our gadabouts loved how thrilling it was.
About the difficulty:
The difficulty level is most challenging as it is difficult to climb the height of 1700 m which is approx to 5600 feet that’s why it is known as the most challenging Trek in Karnatak. The distance covered by this trek is approx 22 km and the duration to complete this trek is about 2 days.
Besides its difficulty, many trekkers love to trek on Kumara parvatha and experience the beauty of the trek, but if you are a beginner then it is highly recommended not to choose this trek as your first trekking. First of all, complete your fitness test and get a health certificate and you should try this.
How to reach:
Kumara Parvatha starts from the city of Subrahmanya where the major Kukke Subrahmanya tabernacle lies. You have to first reach Kukke Subrahmanya and reach the base before you start your journey.
- You can reach there by your own vehicle that is almost 200 kilometers of expressway of Hassan and then you will see the ghats start. The beautiful journey will be equally enjoyable as compared to trekking on hills. Advised to use Google Maps/ apple maps or any other according to you or can reach there by asking the peoples the way.
- You can also reach there by bus, many KSRTC and private buses are available for the route to the kumara parvatha trek.
- You can also use the train to reach there, and find the Kannur Kanwar express that will directly drop you at your destination, and there you can take any public transport to reach the spot.
Difficult sections:
As this trail is much more difficult than is not for beginners here are some difficult sections mentioned that make this trail the most difficult Trek in India.
1. Slippery trail-
In the months following a monsoon, the route becomes more difficult since the mud and loose gravel are exceedingly slippery and require extreme caution when traveling. Trekkers should be extremely cautious when selecting their footwear and consult weather forecasts to avoid days with potential for heavy rain.
2. Steep forest-
On the first and second days, there are various parts of the woodlands that demand the hikers’ attention. Trekkers must cling on to the tree branches for support when ascending and descending these parts due to their extreme steepness. To avoid hurting yourself, move slowly and deliberately through these parts.
3. Steep Grassland-
From Kallu Mantapa to Shesha Parvatha, be careful since it is the steepest part of the entire climb. Although the entire journey is uphill going in one direction, this specific segment is the most difficult to climb. To prevent slipping in this area, steady yourself with your trekking poles and hold onto your feet tightly.
4. Vertical rock face-
An almost vertical rock face can be seen here, so proceed with caution. When the rock is completely wet and water is constantly pouring after a rainstorm, it becomes considerably difficult. To avoid falling in the event of a slip, grip the rocks with your hands while you climb up them and descend them.
5. Boulders-
There are several places where you have to hop over stones and rocks in order to move further, noted after Kallu Mantapa till the Kumara Parvatha top. While doing so, exercise caution as these stones are hazardous due to the development of algae on them and are slick after a monsoon.