Kumara Parvatha Trek Guide: Difficulty, Best Time, Cost & How to Prepare
Everything you need to know before the Kumara Parvatha Trek in Karnataka: how hard it is, when to go, how to train, what to pack and what it costs — from the team that runs it.
Why do the Kumara Parvatha Trek?
- The summit of Kumara Parvatha (about 1,712 m) in the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
- Shola forest, grassland ridges and the Sesha Parvatha rock face
- Peak season in the Western Ghats: November to February, cool and clear
- A night in Kukke Subramanya and the famous temple
- Permits booked for you on the Karnataka forest department's portal (only 300 trekkers a day)
How difficult is the Kumara Parvatha Trek?
The Kumara Parvatha Trek is graded difficult. Expect long, steep days and real altitude — it's best for trekkers with some experience and solid fitness.
Best time for the Kumara Parvatha Trek
The trek is at its best from October to February. From December to February expect snow on the trail and nights well below freezing — microspikes and proper winter layers matter. See what each month is like on our treks in October page.
How to prepare for the Kumara Parvatha Trek
Start training 10–12 weeks before the trek. By departure you should be able to jog 10 km in under 60 minutes comfortably.
- Run 8–10 km, five days a week, with one long run of 12 km+
- Loaded stair or hill sessions (10–12 kg), twice a week
- Strength and balance training three days a week
- Prior Himalayan trekking experience (ideally above 4,000 m) is expected
- Break in your trekking shoes on at least three long walks before the trip
Kumara Parvatha Trek itinerary, day by day
- Day 1Arrive in Kukke Subramanya — Reach Kukke Subramanya (overnight buses from Bengaluru arrive early morning; trains to Subrahmanya Road).
- Day 2Summit day — About 6 km and 3 hours through shola forest to Bhattara Mane (Girigadde), where breakfast is served by the family that has fed trekkers for generations.
Kumara Parvatha Trek packing list
- ✓Trekking shoes with a deep grip — the descent is long and steep
- ✓Daypack with 3 L of water capacity (refill at Bhattara Mane)
- ✓Light rain jacket, cap, sunscreen
- ✓Energy snacks in reusable boxes (no plastic wrappers allowed past the check post)
- ✓Headlamp, personal medicines
- ✓Government photo ID — needed at the forest check post
The full checklist: Himalayan trek packing list.
How to reach the Kumara Parvatha Trek
Our trip starts and ends at Madikeri town, or Mysuru and Bengaluru with a transfer charge. Mysuru is about 3 hrs by road and Bengaluru about 5–6 hrs. Mangaluru is the nearest airport at about 4 hrs.
Kumara Parvatha Trek cost
Our 2-day Kumara Parvatha Trek costs ₹3,499 per person.
Included
- Forest department trek permit (booked online on Aranya Vihaara) and guide fee
- 1 night in a lodge in Kukke Subramanya (twin or triple sharing)
- Dinner on day 1; breakfast and lunch at Bhattara Mane on day 2
- Trek leader trained in first aid
Not included
- Travel to Kukke Subramanya and back
- Personal trekking gear
- Travel insurance
- Anything personal
Kumara Parvatha Trek: questions trekkers ask
How difficult is the Kumara Parvatha Trek?
It's graded difficult. It needs good fitness, and some earlier trekking experience helps.
What is the best time for the Kumara Parvatha Trek?
October to February. Expect snow and sub-zero nights in the winter months.
How much does the Kumara Parvatha Trek cost?
Our 2-day trip starts at ₹3,499 per person, including forest department trek permit; 1 night in a lodge in kukke subramanya; dinner on day 1; breakfast and lunch at bhattara mane on day 2.
Can beginners do the Kumara Parvatha Trek?
It's not ideal as a first trek. Train for 10–12 weeks (aim to jog 10 km in under 60 minutes) and ideally do an easier trek first.
Where does the Kumara Parvatha Trek start?
Our trip starts and ends at Madikeri town, or Mysuru and Bengaluru with a transfer charge. Mysuru is about 3 hrs by road and Bengaluru about 5–6 hrs. Mangaluru is the nearest airport at about 4 hrs.
Ready for the Kumara Parvatha Trek?
Trek leader, permits, camps and meals handled — one enquiry, no payment until you confirm.