Kudremukh New Year Trek

Details

We begin our journey from Bangalore in the late evening after picking up trek participants from various pick-up locations. We will be covering a distance of 300 km overnight, aiming to reach on time; hence, all travellers are expected to have a light dinner before boarding. As we hit the road, the trek leads will summarise the trek and then get you acquainted with your fellow travellers through the signature Plan The Unplanned Intro Session. By dawn, you will feel at home with your fellow travellers.

Details

After an early grab and quick freshening, everyone 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.

The trek to Kudremukh starts at the Forest Department Office. Our trek leaders shall now brief you about the entire Kudremukh Trail and specific tips on ascending and descending. At the beginning itself, after a few minutes of walking, there will be a stream crossing, 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 called Ontimara (Lonely Tree), our first milestone.

On the left of Ontimara, the trail becomes flat for some time; on the right, one can see the Kudremukh valley and Somvati river flowing below. The track soon converts into a forest trail. It is a fantastic feeling to trek through dense forests with open meadows in between. 

Kudremukh peak becomes visible after some point. Amidst the open fields, after further walking, there are boards by the Forest Department Office stating the distance and direction of the trail.

After another dense patch of trees is another stream of water, the last water source before the peak. After the stream crossing, there is a steep ascent. After further ascending, you reach the second Ontimara.

From the Ontimara, the view on the right is enthralling, rolling, vibrant green hills full of energy. 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 leftmost part of the mountain resembles face of a horse, the front portion looks like the stomach, and the top showcases the back of a horse. We will now climb the “horse’s back” part of the mountain, which is steep and zig-zag.

Wait sometime there to see the hills and clouds play peek-a-boo. After some time, start descending, capturing and soaking in as much as possible. Leech bites, heavy rains, gusty winds, nothing can stop you from conquering the peak.

Come back on the same path, covering the same route.

Further, after a bumpy jeep ride, find a home at Bella Homestay. Some piping hot dinner will be waiting for you as you freshen up after a long 22 km trek. Have this with memories of 2023 come riding to you. We'll later light up sky lanterns and cut cake for a peaceful welcome to the new year 2024.

Details

Wake up, freshen up, grab breakfast, and put on your best clothes – this is the last day of 2023. Today is going to be laid back. We will spend some hours on the Hanging Bridge and Kodige Falls and plan on returning to Bangalore by 2 pm. We will reach Bangalore by approximately 11 pm. 

Although it feels like drifting apart when we get hold of each other, we have to do it anyway because of LIFE. Going on casual breaks is necessary, and for Indians like you, trekking and festivals give you a boost. We are sure you have been waiting for this for the whole year. In the jolly environment, bid each other a heavy goodbye with a promise to meet each other again. 

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 reflect on and remember the good times.