Kudremukh — literally "horse-face" for the shape of its peak — is one of the finest treks in the Western Ghats. At 1,894 m, it's Karnataka's second-highest peak, and the trail rolls through shola forests, open grasslands, and stream crossings that come alive in the monsoon.
Trek at a glance
- Distance: ~22 km round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate to hard
- Duration: 1–2 days
- Best season: October to February (post-monsoon, when the grasslands are green and streams are flowing)
- Base: Kudremukh / Mullodi village
Best time to visit
The post-monsoon window (October–February) is ideal — clear skies, rolling green meadows, and manageable trails. The monsoon itself (June–September) is beautiful but slippery, leech-heavy, and often restricted. Avoid peak summer, when the grasslands turn dry and the sun is harsh.
What to carry
- 2+ litres of water and energy snacks
- Good trekking shoes with grip (there are stream crossings)
- A rain jacket — weather turns fast here
- A government photo ID (required for the forest permit)
- Personal first-aid and any medication
Permits
Kudremukh falls inside a national park, so a forest entry permit is mandatory and entry numbers are capped. A verified organizer will handle the permit for you — one more reason to book through someone who lists their permits up front.
How to reach
The nearest big city is Bangalore (~330 km). Most groups drive overnight to the base village, trek through the day, and return. Mangalore is the closest airport.
Booking with a verified organizer means the permit, transport, and safety cover are sorted — you just show up and trek.
Ready to go? Browse Kudremukh and other Western Ghats treks.