Unforgettable Kudremukh Trek: 2 Days, 24 Strangers, Endless Memories

Bengaluru to the Kudremukh Base: Where the Adventure Took Off

My journey to Kudremukh began with 24 strangers and a sense of curiosity. I boarded the goChaarana bus from Karachi Bakery, Bengaluru, around 9:00 PM. The overnight journey was more than just travel—it started with a fun ice-breaking session led by the Trek Lead, which helped everyone warm up and get to know each other. Laughter, introductions, and new friendships filled the air as we rolled toward the Western Ghats.

Arrival at Samse and the Jeep Ride Adventure

We reached Balagal – Kudremukh base camp early in the morning. From there, The journey turned wild with a rugged jeep ride, bouncing through muddy tracks and lush forest all the way to our hilltop homestay. Nestled in the middle of a serene coffee estate surrounded by hills, the homestay offered a truly rustic charm.I got a two-sharing tent stay—my first ever camping experience! After freshening up, we were served a delicious local breakfast: Kadabu, chutney, lemon rice, and Chikmagalur’s famous filter coffee. With our bellies full and lunch packed, we geared up for the trek.

Trek Begins: Into the Wild

After an energizing briefing and safety instructions from a certified goChaarana trek leader, we set off for the trek around 8:30 AM. Our first stop was the forest checkpost, where officers inspected our bags and ID cards. Since plastic is strictly prohibited in the region, we had followed our trek lead’s guidance and made sure not to carry any. With all checks cleared and spirits high, we were officially ready to conquer Kudremukh Peak. Let’s gooo! 🏞️🔥

The initial 4 km was relatively easy, with stunning water streams, chirping birds, and the rustle of leaves setting the tone. Nature’s music accompanied us as we crossed meadows and dodged a few curious leeches. Eventually, we got our first glimpse of Kudremukh Peak, and the trail started getting steeper. At the iconic Onti Mara (Lonely Tree), we took a break, clicked countless pictures, and soaked in the views.

The Final Push to the Peak

Around 12:00 PM, we reached Vate Kadu, a resting spot about 3 km before the summit. After catching our breath, we resumed the final stretch. The climb got more intense, but the ever-expanding view of rolling green hills kept our spirits high. Despite exhaustion kicking in, our trek lead kept us motivated. By 2:30 PM, we finally stood at the Kudremukh Peak (1,892 m) completely mesmerized by the sweeping views around us.. After a satisfying lunch, we roamed around, captured the view, and celebrated the summit moment.

The Descent: A Monsoon Challenge

Just as we began our descent, the sky turned grey and started raining heavily. Though we had raincoats, we weren’t quite ready for this sudden downpour. The return journey was slippery, muddy, and physically demanding. The path was less rocky and more slushy, leading to a few tumbles. The descent that should’ve been easier turned out to be the real challenge—slower and tougher than expected. We crossed landmarks, eagerly searching for the “Kudremukh – 5 km” board, but it felt endless. Darkness fell quickly, and I found myself trekking alone, soaked and silent, letting the rain accompany me. After a while, familiar voices reached my ears—a comforting moment. We stuck together for the final stretch and reached the forest checkpost by 6:30 PM, tried and exhausted but happy.

Through mud-caked shoes, sudden downpours, slippery trails, and countless stumbles—Kudremukh gave us more than just an adventure. It offered the raw beauty of the Western Ghats in monsoon, a deep sense of accomplishment, and most importantly, turned 24 strangers into a liftime friends. That 19 km journey through misty hills and rain-soaked paths wasn’t just a trek—it became a story I’ll cherish for a lifetime.

A heartfelt thank you to Team goChaarana for curating such a well-organized, safe, and soulful experience. From top-notch logistics to warm hospitality, expert guidance, and positive energy throughout—you made this journey truly unforgettable.