Kudremukh Trek

Know the trail before you step on it - difficulty, permits, weather, guide need and route clarity in one place.

Moderate Autumn
Explore Day & Weekend

Trek safety, weather & access status

Generally safe to travel Off-season - likely closed Oct–Feb

Advisory

Acclimatise properly, carry warm layers even in summer, check weather and route status, and trek with a registered guide on high-altitude routes.

Live weather

20°C Drizzle
  • Feels 23°C
  • 7 km/h wind
  • 100% humidity

Mountain weather changes quickly. Treat this as a planning signal, not a final safety clearance - confirm locally before you set out.

Emergency & official

112 National emergency 1363 Tourist helpline
Difficulty Moderate
Max altitude 1,894 m
Distance 22 km
Duration 1–2 days
Best time October to February
Fitness Moderate - long single-day option
Start point Kalasa / Mullodi
End point Kudremukh peak
Permit required

DIY Trek Readiness: can you go self-planned?

Beginners Some experience helps
Guide Optional / self-guided
Permit Required
Fitness Moderate - long single-day option
Trail clarity Clear
Network on trail None
Max altitude 1,894 m
Best season Oct to Feb
Languages Kannada, English, some Hindi
How is this score calculated?

This is a DIY-readiness gauge - how do-able it is to plan and travel yourself. Destinations show it as a 0-5 DIY Score; treks & routes as a 0-10 Score (a wider scale for the extra variables they carry). Both are built from these factors:

  • SafetyLocal safety, terrain and current advisory conditions along the route.
  • Transport accessHow easily you can reach the place and move around without your own vehicle.
  • NetworkMobile signal and data coverage you can expect on the way.
  • Season reliabilityHow dependable the weather and season window is for travel.
  • Budget clarityHow predictable day-to-day costs are, with few surprises.
  • Trail / route clarityHow well-marked and easy to follow the route or trail is.
  • Stay availabilityThe choice and reliability of places to stay along the way.
  • First-timer friendlinessHow forgiving it is for a first-time independent traveller.
  • Solo / women comfortHow comfortable and safe it is for solo and women travellers.
  • Local supportAvailability of guides, hosts and on-the-ground help if you need it.
Read the full method →

Readiness verdict

  • Best forFit beginners to intermediate trekkers
  • Not ideal forAnyone not up for long walking days or sudden weather
  • Go DIY only ifYou can manage long walking days, permits, low or no network, basic navigation and changing mountain weather.
Guide: Optional Permit: Required Network: None on trail
Plan it yourself

The DIY deep-dive

Kudremukh Trek is at its best in October to February. It covers about 22 km, runs over 1–2 days, tops out near 1,894 m.

DIY route options

The classic route Start from Kalasa / Mullodi and follow the standard 2-day line - the most reliable, well-trodden way to do it.
Time it by season Plan around October to February for the best weather, views and open access.

What most travellers miss

  • Arrange your permit before you arrive - it gets checked on the way in, and last-minute permits are a hassle.
  • Download offline maps and share your plan first - the mobile network here is patchy to none.
  • Do not rush past Chikmagalur - most people treat it as a quick stop, but it is worth a slower evening.
  • Time it for October to February. Outside that window, snow, weather or road closures can cut access.

Where to base yourself

Mullodi Trailhead base - last shops, network and gear before you set off.
Chikmagalur A key stop on the route - where the trek halts for the night.

DIY is the main way - this is the upgrade

Need expert help planning this trek?

Prefer not to manage permits, guide coordination, stays and route pacing yourself? We can help you turn this trek into a private, supported experience for your dates, group size and comfort level.

  • Permit and guide coordination
  • Private group support
  • Route pacing and halt planning
  • Stay, meals and local logistics
Enquire for pricing Enquire on WhatsApp

About this trek

Kudremukh – “horse-face” for the shape of its peak – is the second-highest in Karnataka at about 1,894 m, set in a UNESCO-recognised biodiversity hotspot of the Western Ghats. The trek crosses wave after wave of emerald shola grasslands, streams and forest.

Part of a tiger and lion-tailed-macaque reserve, the trail needs a forest permit and a guide. It is at its greenest just after the monsoon and is one of South India’s best treks.

Essential packing list

  • Trekking shoes with grip
  • Warm base layer + fleece
  • Down jacket / warm jacket
  • Rain shell / poncho
  • Headlamp + extra batteries
  • Water bottle / hydration bladder
  • Sunglasses, cap, sunscreen
  • Personal medicines
  • Power bank
  • Offline maps
  • Cash and ID copies
  • Permit documents, if applicable

Map

Nearby route landmarks & places to know

Tap “Get directions” to open any spot straight in Google Maps.

ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನ

ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನ, SH66, Kudremukha -, Karnataka, India

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Cable bridge

Cable bridge, SH66, Kudremukha -, Karnataka, India

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Bhadra Nature Camp

Bhadra Nature Camp , SH66, Kudremukha -, Karnataka, India

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Ganapathy Temple

Shree Sarva Siddhi Maha Ganpathy Swamy Temple, SH66, Kalasa - 577124, Karnataka, India

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Dilapidated Church

Dilapidated Church, Kudremukh Trek, -, Karnataka, India

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Amba Theertha

Amba Theertha, SH106, Kalasa - 577124, Karnataka, India

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Anjaneya Swamy Temple

Anjaneya Swamy Temple, SH106, Horanadu - 577181, Karnataka, India

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Sri Annapurneshwari Temple

Sri Annapurneshwari Temple, SH106, Horanadu - 577181, Karnataka, India

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Stay & food planning around the trailhead

Base and stock up at the trailhead before you start; on the trail expect basic halts and simple meals - tea stops and packed snacks, with no cafe-style reliability once you set off.

Stay

Purli Homestay

Purli Homestay, SH106, Kalasa - 577124, Karnataka, India

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Stay

Ashirvad Hotel

Ashirvad Hotel, SH66, Kalasa - 577124, Karnataka, India

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Stay

Guest House

Guest House, SH106, Horanadu - 577181, Karnataka, India

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Stay

Samruddhi Homestay

Samruddhi Homestay, SH106, Horanadu - 577181, Karnataka, India

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Stay

Hulse Home Stay

Hulse Home Stay, SH106, Horanadu - 577181, Karnataka, India

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Frequently asked questions about Kudremukh Trek

What is the best time to do the Kudremukh Trek?

The best time for the Kudremukh Trek is October to February.

How difficult is the Kudremukh Trek?

The Kudremukh Trek tops out near 1,894 m.

How long is the Kudremukh Trek?

It covers about 22 km and takes around 1–2 days.

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