Rising to an elevation of **6,207 feet** in Chikmagalur district, **Kudremukh** is the second-highest peak in Karnataka. Resembling the face of a horse (which is what "Kudremukh" translates to in Kannada), this peak is famous for its rolling green shola grasslands, misty ridges, and dense tropical rainforests.
Because the peak lies inside the strictly protected **Kudremukh National Park**, the Forest Department allows only **50 trekkers per day** to ascend the peak. This tiny quota makes securing a permit one of the biggest challenges for anyone planning this Western Ghats trek.
This permit booking is managed online through the state's official trekking booking portal — **Aranya Vihara**. In this guide, we walk you through how to secure your slots step-by-step.
⚠️ The 50-Person Limit Challenge: Because only 50 permits are issued per day for the entire peak, slots for weekends sell out in under 3 minutes when they open. Preparing your booking profile in advance is absolutely vital!
How to Book Kudremukh Trek Permits on Aranya Vihara Portal
To reserve your official forest permit, follow these steps precisely:
- Visit the Portal: Go to the official Karnataka forest booking platform: aranyavihaara.karnataka.gov.in.
- Account Login: Create an account using your mobile number and authenticate the log-in via the 6-digit OTP sent to your phone.
- Search Kudremukh: On your homepage, click on the **Trekking** range block. Select the **Chikmagalur** division or enter **"Kudremukh"** in the main search bar.
- Choose Date & Division: Pick your target trekking date.
- Provide Participant Data: Enter names, age details, genders, and upload a valid soft-copy of your ID proof (Aadhar Card, Passport, or DL).
- Complete the Online Booking: Pay the online entry and conservation fee of **₹275 per trekker** using UPI, Debit/Credit Card, or Net Banking.
- Download PDF: Save and print your confirmed permit transaction slip. You will be required to present the hard copy at the checkpoint near Mullodi village.
Important Checkpoint Rules & Regulations
Ensure you adhere to the following national park guidelines to prevent fine or exclusion:
- No Overnight Camping: Camping inside the Kudremukh National Park is strictly illegal. All trekkers must complete the 20 km trek and descend back to the base village before sunset.
- Zero Plastic Policy: All plastic packaging, including disposable water bottles and chips packets, are checked at the checkpoint. Carry reusable metallic or heavy-duty water bottles.
- Mandatory Local Guides: Trekkers must hire a registered local guide from the forest office before ascending.
- Leeches Warning: Since the trail is a dense rainforest area, leeches are highly active, especially during monsoons. Carry salt or leech socks.
Let Hikers Horizon Handle All the Permissions & Logistics!
Arranging permits with the 50-person limit is incredibly frustrating, and organizing 4x4 jeep transport from Balagal to the Mullodi trek base at 06:00 AM can be complex.
Join our hassle-free, premium **Kudremukh Peak Trek from Bangalore**! We secure your official Aranya Vihara permits, arrange comfortable to-and-fro AC transportation, home-cooked local meals, homestay accommodation, and experienced trek guides—all-inclusive for just **₹3,499!**
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