Kudremukh trek guide: The best rolling hills you’ll ever see

Overview

Would you like to go on a challenging hike through some of the most beautiful, verdant hills you’ve ever seen, be enveloped in clouds and mist, and pass through an evergreen forest with flowing water streams? The Kudremukh trek must be tried after that. The Kudremukh Trek, also known as the “mini Scotland of India,” is one of the finest treks in Karnataka and exposes you to a variety of natural sceneries and landscapes inside the Kudremukh National Park. The best feature is that you can do it on your own, even if you’re a beginner. It is also home to the third-highest peak in Karnataka.

All about the Kudremukh trek

About Kudremukh

One hundred kilometers from Chikmagalur is the small mining and hill town of Kudremukh. Its name comes from the Kannada word Kuduremukh, which means “horse-faced,” which describes how the Kudremukh peak appears. A number of endangered and endemic species, including the lion-tailed macaque, leopard, and gaur, can be found in the Kudremukh National Park, where the Kudremukh trek takes place.

About the reasons to do the Kudremukh trek

The Kudremukh trek is perfect for those who love the outdoors and want to see another side of Karnataka. The three reasons listed below are why you should go on the Kudremukh trek.

• You’ll see the most beautiful rolling hills on a trek.

On a trek through the Western Ghats, Kudremukh has the most beautiful rolling hills you’ll ever see. The Kudremukh peak offers the best view of the expanse of gently rolling hills.

• A ridge walks through mist and clouds

The best views are found in the final section of the trek, where you cross a ridge and can take in the expansive valleys and mountain ranges that surround you. If you trek after the monsoon season, you’ll also be enveloped in clouds and mist.

• Hike through evergreen forests that are dotted with streams of water.

You will cross several water streams and pass by a variety of trees and birds on your first adventure-filled walk through the shola forest. If you’re lucky, you might also see some rare and endemic animals, including deer, lion-tailed macaques, and Malabar giant squirrels.

About reaching the Kudremukh trek

Mullodi, a tiny village with few homes, serves as the starting point for the Kudremukh trek. The Kudremukh Trek Forest Office, where you can purchase a ticket for the Kudremukh trek, is located there. Between the nearby towns of Kalasa and Kudremukh, which can be reached via public transportation, is Mullodi. Kudremukh’s two closest cities are Bangalore (100 km) and Mangalore (330 km). Due to the variety of transportation options available in these two cities, it is always recommended that you begin your journey there.

• Flight

The Bangalore airport is the second-closest airport to Kudremukh, at a distance of 351 kilometers, after the Mangalore airport, which is located 90 kilometers away. All of the major airports in the nation are easily accessible from both airports.

• Train

The distance between Kudremukh and the Mangalore and Bangalore railway stations is 100 and 330 kilometers, respectively.

• Bus

There are not many buses that go from Mangalore to Kudremukh for travelers from that city. From the private bus stop in Mangalore, also known as the State Bank Bus Stand, one bus departs for Kalasa each afternoon between 12 and 1 pm.

About the Kedarmuk trek trail

This office is open from 6 am to 6 pm. Here, you have to pay for the entry fees, guide, and DSLR/camera (if you’re carrying any). Your bags will also be checked as you aren’t allowed to carry any plastic inside the Kudremukh National Park (including plastic-packed biscuits and snacks).

Note: If you haven’t taken the help of a homestay, make sure you reach the forest office as early as possible.

The Kudremukh peak is 9 kilometers away from the forest office. You can divide this trek into 3 parts:

1. Forest office to Ontimara (lone tree)
2. Ontimara to the zig-zag section
3. Ridge Walk to Kudremukh Peak (zig-zag section)

• From Forest office to Ontimara (lone tree)

Less than a kilometer will pass before you reach the First Tree View Point as you walk through open grassland. You will be able to see mountain ranges while on this walk, as well as a valley in front of you that is shrouded in mist. You’ll soon be in the dense Shola forest. There are several streams of water in this forest, and you will cross the first one after 15 to 20 minutes.

Note: These streams are perfect for filling bottles because they are so clean.

The gradual ascent makes for enjoyable hiking through this forest, and if you’re lucky, you might even see some wildlife. You’ll soon be leaving the forest area. From here, the scenery widens, and you get your first glimpse of the Kudremukh peak. Several ferns and shrubs will surround you before you spot an isolated tree that the locals call Ontimara. Here, you can take some time to relax.

• Ontimara to the zig-zag section

The initial ascent from Ontimara is flat, with the Kudremukh valley on the right. This trail briefly becomes a forest trail with water streams before you leave. After that, you’ll spend at least an hour walking along a winding path through an entirely open area of the countryside. You’ll be surrounded by bamboo bushes and steep ascents.

Keep an eye out for the surrounding landscapes as you hike from Ontimara to the zig-zag section because you’ll pass different stages of rolling hills and sweeping valleys. You might want to grab your camera and record the constantly shifting landscapes. There will be a steep ascent as you approach the zig-zag section. You should look out for the scenery in this section as well. After a while, the entire Kudremukh valley opens up.

• Ridge Walk to Kudremukh Peak (zig-zag section)

Without a doubt, Kudremukh peak offers the best views of the entire trek. You must hike for 1 km along a zigzag path before reaching the Kudremukh peak. One of the most picturesque parts of the trek is the ascent from here to the peak, where you can take in panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. You might also be surrounded by clouds and mist, depending on the weather.

Note: To arrive at the Kudremukh Forest Check Post before 6 pm, make sure to leave by 2 pm.

While descending, exercise caution as some passages may be challenging. You can also travel to Kalasa, where you can catch a regular bus to Bangalore and another bus to connect to a bus to Mangalore. Ask your host about the bus schedule in advance so that you can make an informed decision.

About the difficulty level of the Kudremukh trek

Anybody with a reasonable level of fitness can complete the Kudremukh trek. There will be some sections of the 18 km hike to the top and back where the ascent may be steep, but overall it will be a gradual ascent.

About the best time to plan the Kudremukh trek

The trekking season is important for certain treks, like the Kudremukh trek. The Kudremukh Trek’s beauty is enhanced by the climate there during these months. You will experience pleasant weather the entire trek, with mist and clouds enveloping you, as well as a greener, more lush landscape.

The monsoon season is another option, but it has the drawback of making the terrain slick and adding the annoyance of leaches. Summer must be avoided at all costs because the intense heat of the sun depletes your energy.

About the essential things to carry for the Kudremukh trek

The following items are necessities that you must bring in order to enjoy your trek to Kudremukh.

• An ID card to confirm your information
• Sunscreen and a hat are essential for sun protection.
• a bottle of water
• Bring nuts and dried fruits for the hike
• T-shirts that dry quickly to absorb sweat
• Bring a poncho in case it rains.
• Use sunblock (SPF 50+).
• Trekking poles to aid in ascent and descent
• robust backpack (preferably waterproof)
• mosquito repellent cream
• Camera (Optional) (Optional)
• Using salt to treat leeches
• trekking shoes with good traction
• a compact backpack for your trek-related essentials
• Energy Bank
• A warm jacket for the evening
• To transport your packed lunch, use a lunchbox and spoon.
• Flip-flops for the stay-at-home
• additional clothing for after the trek

About the accommodation facilities at the Kudremukh trek

If you have two days to spare and want a stress-free and organized trek, it’s always best that you sign up for one of the homestays in Kudremukh.

There are a number of homestays available in Kudermukh, some are listed below.

• According to ratings and reviews, Bella Homestay Kudremukh is the best homestay in Kudremukh.
• The Home Stay of Raaje Gowda
• Sathish Mullodi House

Conclusion

The Kudremukh Trek is an easy trek that takes one or two days to complete. Take an overnight bus from Bangalore and finish the trek the same day if you’re traveling there. Alternatively, spend a few days in Chikmagalur as well, as it offers mind-blowingly beautiful scenery. You’ll have the best trekking experience on the Kudremukh trek if you pick the right time of year to go. Your trekking vacation will be unforgettable thanks to the Kudremukh trek.

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