Last updated: 2026-04-26
Trekking in Chikmagalur means walking across the highest peak in Karnataka, climbing through shola grasslands, and waking up above the clouds. The Western Ghats around Chikmagalur hold treks for every level — from the easy 30-minute Mullayanagiri stair walk to the multi-day Kudremukh climb. This guide covers every trek route in detail with difficulty, distance, duration, best season, permits and pro-tips so you can pick the right one.
Easy • 0.5–4 km • 1–3 hr • 1,930 m
Karnataka's highest peak. The shortest route is a 30-minute stair climb from the parking lot, or trek the longer Sarpadhari ridge route from Sarpadhari (4 km, 3 hr) for the full experience. Sunrise is the highlight.
Hard • 22 km round-trip • 8–10 hr • 1,894 m
A challenging 'horse-face' shaped peak inside Kudremukh National Park. Forest department permit is mandatory and the trek must be completed in a single day — no overnight camping allowed.
Moderate • 4 km round-trip • 2 hr
Starts from Kemmanagundi and follows a Z-shaped trail to a cliffside viewpoint over the Bhadra valley. Best at sunrise or sunset; mist rolls in fast in monsoon.
Moderate • 6 km round-trip • 4 hr • 1,509 m
12th-century Hoysala-era fort ruins atop a grass-covered hill, often combined with the Bandaje Arbi waterfall trek (multi-day option). Stunning 360° Western Ghats panorama.
Hard • 18 km • 2 days • 1,458 m
Source of the Tunga, Bhadra and Netravati rivers. A protected reserve trek requiring forest permit and overnight camping. Limited access — check with Sringeri forest office before planning.
A few basics that apply to every trek in the region.
Sources:Karnataka Tourism — Chikmagalur•Kudremukh National Park (Karnataka Forest Dept.)