Walking with Clouds: My Journey on the Kudremukh Trek

Some places whisper to you. Others call out loud. Kudremukh didn’t do either—it roared into my life with clouds, waterfalls, and wind that shook the silence out of me. I went on this trek hoping for a break. What I found was a piece of wild magic tucked away in the Western Ghats of Karnataka.

The Kudremukh trek wasn’t just about climbing to a peak. It was about losing myself in rolling green hills, walking through shivering mist, and realizing how freeing it is to not hear a single car horn for two whole days.

The Arrival: Mudigere to Mullodi

The journey started in Chikmagalur, where coffee plantations stretch as far as the eye can see. From there, a bumpy jeep ride took us to Mullodi, a remote village that acts as the base camp for the trek. The road itself felt like a prelude to adventure—noisy streams crossing the path, narrow mud tracks, and thick forest cover.

By the time we reached our homestay in Mullodi, the clouds had begun to descend. I stood outside with a cup of piping hot filter coffee and felt the chill settle on my skin. That night, as the wind howled outside, I lay in bed wondering what the mountains had in store.

Into the Wilderness: The Trek Begins

The next morning, we woke up before sunrise. After a light breakfast and a packed lunch, we set out with our guide and a handful of essentials. The forest welcomed us like an old friend—green, quiet, and mysterious.

The trail was alive. Birds flitted from branch to branch, and tiny frogs leapt into puddles left behind by the rain. We crossed gurgling streams and wooden bridges, our shoes soaking wet within the first hour. But we didn’t care. The excitement was stronger than the discomfort.

The Kudremukh National Park is a sanctuary—not just for flora and fauna, but for people like us, tired of concrete and craving nature.

Through Rolling Meadows and Cloud-Covered Peaks

After the dense forest came the real treat—endless grasslands rolling over the hills like a green sea. Every bend in the trail opened up to a new view—mist floating over the valleys, wildflowers swaying in the breeze, and mountain ridges that seemed to go on forever.

Kudremukh means “horse face” in Kannada, named after the shape of the peak. And there it was, far away but majestic—the horse-faced mountain wrapped in clouds, looking both inviting and intimidating.

We climbed steadily, stopping often to catch our breath and take in the scenery. Somewhere in the middle, rain began to pour, but no one complained. Walking through the rain on the Kudremukh trail, drenched, cold, and alive—it was bliss in disguise.

The Summit: Above the World

Reaching the Kudremukh summit was like stepping into a dream. At 6,207 feet, the view wasn’t just scenic—it was surreal. Clouds danced below us. Hills stretched out in every direction. Wind howled around the rocks as if celebrating our arrival.

We sat in silence, eating our packed lunches with numb fingers and warm hearts. I looked around at the people with me—some silent, some smiling, some lying back with eyes closed. Every one of us had climbed for a different reason, but we had all found what we were looking for—a moment that belonged only to us.

It wasn’t just a Chikmagalur trek anymore. It was a memory stitched into the mountains.

The Way Down: Slipping, Laughing, Remembering

Descending was faster but trickier. The wet grass and loose soil made slipping a regular occurrence—but we laughed more than we fell. Every stumble was just another story to tell.

We passed waterfalls we hadn’t noticed before, paused to watch eagles circling in the sky, and let the mountain slowly fade behind us. When we reached Mullodi again, muddy and sore, the homestay felt like a five-star resort.

That night, over hot dinner and card games, we talked about life, love, and the strange way that trekking makes strangers feel like lifelong friends.

Why You Should Do the Kudremukh Trek

If you’re on the fence about it, here’s why the Kudremukh trek deserves a spot on your travel bucket list:

• Breathtaking landscapes: From thick rainforests to alpine grasslands, every section feels like a new world.
• Moderate difficulty: Suitable for beginners with decent fitness—challenging but rewarding.
• Unplugged experience: Zero network means you’re fully present.
• Rich biodiversity: Deer, peacocks, leeches (yes!), and hundreds of plant species await.
• Year-round beauty: Monsoon brings mist and lushness, while post-monsoon offers clear skies and cool air.

Final Thoughts: The Mountain That Gave Me More Than Views

When I went on the Kudremukh trek, I thought I was just going on a hike. I didn’t expect to find a version of myself who could walk for hours, laugh in the rain, and feel deeply moved by a sunrise.

The mountain didn’t just test my stamina—it calmed my mind. It reminded me that some of life’s best moments come after sore legs and muddy shoes.

So, if you’ve been waiting for the perfect escape, don’t look too far. Karnataka’s Kudremukh is calling. Let it take your breath away—and maybe give you a little bit of your soul back in return.