Kudremukh Peak Trek

Operators running this

Safety, verified

Safety details last verified 19 Aug 2026 by Madclub.

• Known hazardsVerified

  Steep, slippery terrain near stream crossings and the summit push; leeches in shola sections especially post-monsoon; rapid weather changes at altitude; the park is home to large wildlife (tiger, leopard, wild dog) — always stay with the guide

  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kudremukh_National_Park
  • https://www.thesilversky.in/blogs/the-kudremukh-trek-complete-2026-guide-to-karnatakas-greenest-peak.html
• Permits requiredVerified

  Mandatory online-only forest entry permit via the Karnataka Forest Department's Aranya Vihaara portal, plus a compulsory Forest Department guide arranged at the checkpost — no walk-in entry

  • https://hikershorizon.in/Blog/Kudremukh-Trek-Permit-Booking-Aranya-Vihara/
• Best seasonVerified

  October to February for the driest trails and clearest views; the park typically has a fire-prevention closure for part of most years (commonly mid-January-April, dates vary annually) — confirm current status before booking

  • https://www.thesilversky.in/blogs/the-kudremukh-trek-complete-2026-guide-to-karnatakas-greenest-peak.html
• Maximum altitudeVerified

  1,892m at Kudremukh peak

  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kudremukh_National_Park
• Getting thereVerified

  Trailhead at Mullodi village near Kalasa — about 5-6 hours' drive from Bengaluru, roughly 1-1.5 hours from Chikmagalur town

  • https://www.bengalurutrekkers.in/blogs/kudremukh-trek-the-iron-horse-of-the-western-ghats
• Difficulty noteVerified

  Moderate to strenuous — 18-20km round trip, roughly 1,200m cumulative ascent, 6-9 hours, with a steep and slippery final climb and descent

  • https://www.bengalurutrekkers.in/blogs/kudremukh-trek-the-iron-horse-of-the-western-ghats
• Safety equipmentVerified

  Trekking shoes with ankle support and grip for wet rock, 2-3L water capacity, a rain layer, a headlamp/torch, and a basic first-aid kit; leech-proof socks or anti-leech spray in the monsoon shoulder season

  • https://www.bengalurutrekkers.in/blogs/kudremukh-trek-the-iron-horse-of-the-western-ghats
• Guide requirementVerified

  A Karnataka Forest Department-registered guide is compulsory for every group entering Kudremukh National Park, arranged at the Mullodi checkpost — this is not optional and cannot be skipped by an operator

  • https://hikershorizon.in/Blog/Kudremukh-Trek-Permit-Booking-Aranya-Vihara/
• Emergency protocolVerified

  There is little to no mobile network coverage for most of the route — the Forest Department guide is the primary link back to the checkpost. Trekkers must stay within sight of the guide and group at all times, and the trek must exit the park before the checkpost's evening cutoff since overnight stays inside the park are prohibited

  • https://hikershorizon.in/Blog/Kudremukh-Trek-Permit-Booking-Aranya-Vihara/
• Fitness prerequisiteVerified

  Comfortable with 6-9 hours of continuous, sustained-incline walking (~1,200m cumulative ascent) and confident on slippery, uneven terrain — this is not a beginner-first trek; a couple of shorter Western Ghats treks beforehand is a reasonable warm-up

  • https://www.bengalurutrekkers.in/blogs/kudremukh-trek-the-iron-horse-of-the-western-ghats

Payment protected — held until your trip starts.

Cancellation policy

• Cancel more than 0 hours before your trip: no refund.

Refunds return to your original payment method.