Merthi Gudda Peak Trek

🟢 Open • Next Batch Aug 21
🌿 Beginner
📍 Kalasa Open in Maps ↗
🕐 2D/2N
📏 7 km
🏔️ ≈ 1676 m
👥 Group: 12-30

Overview

Merthi Gudda rises to approximately 1,676 metres in the Kudremukh range of the Western Ghats, near Horanadu and Kalasa in Chikkamagaluru district — making it the seventh-highest peak in Karnataka. This Moderate to Difficult weekend trek covers roughly 7–8 km one-way through forest trails, stream crossings, and open ridgelines before a rewarding summit push. Along the way, the itinerary includes a visit to the Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple, Soormane or Kodige Falls, and the Kalasa Hanging Bridge, with overnight stays in a local home stay.

Trek Highlights

  • Departure: Every Friday night from Bangalore
  • Summit Merthi Gudda — the 7th highest peak in Karnataka (≈ 1676 m)
  • Visit Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple
  • Soormane / Kodige Falls and Kalasa Hanging Bridge
  • Dense Western Ghats forest trails and open ridgeline views

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day
0
Friday Night
  • 09:30 PM – Pickup: Majestic
  • 09:50 PM – Pickup: Rajajinagara Metro Station
  • 09:55 PM – Pickup: Goverdhana / Yeshwantpura
  • 10:00 PM – Pickup: Goraguntepalya, KLE Dental College
  • 10:20 PM – Pickup: Parle-G (metro recommended to avoid traffic)
  • Overnight travel by bus/TT (push-back seated semi-sleeper)
Day
1
Saturday
  • 06:30 AM – Reach homestay, freshen up, breakfast
  • 08:30 AM – Start trekking
  • 12:00 PM – Reach Merthi Gudda Peak, packed lunch
  • Visit Horanadu Temple
  • 06:00 PM – Reach camping site (homestay)
  • Campfire and dinner
Day
2
Sunday
  • 07:00 AM – Wake up, freshen up, breakfast
  • 10:00 AM – Soormane or Kodige Falls
  • Kalasa Hanging Bridge
  • Lunch (self-paid)
  • 09:00 PM – Reach Bengaluru

What's Included

✓ Included

  • 🚌Push Back Seated Semi Sleeper TT/Bus (to & fro Bengaluru)
  • 🛏 Accommodation in Home Stay
  • 🍱Food – 4 times
  • 🎫Forest Permission
  • 🦭Guide Fees
  • 🚙Jeep Ride
  • ☕Coffee / Tea & Snacks

✗ Not Included

  • 🍽Personal snacks & energy bars
  • 🛡️Travel insurance
  • 👟Trekking gear (boots, poles)
  • 💊Personal medications
  • 🍽Sunday Lunch
  • 🍽Sunday Dinner
  • 💸Any expenses not mentioned in the inclusions

Forest Permits & Rules

📋
Permits & Guide Included

Forest entry permission and a mandatory local guide are arranged by Travel Elneeru u2014 no separate booking needed.

🪪
Carry Valid ID

Carry a government-issued photo ID (Driving License or PAN Card preferred, or Voter ID / Passport / Ration Card).

🚫
No Plastic / Alcohol

Single-use plastics, alcohol, and smoking are not permitted as per forest rules.

Difficulty: Beginner

👥

Who Can Do This Trek?

This trek suits those with prior trekking experience or solid fitness. It is rated Moderate to Difficult, so comfort walking 7–8 km one-way on forest and ridgeline terrain with some steep sections is expected.

⚠️

Where It Gets Difficult

The final approach to the Merthi Gudda summit involves steep, sustained climbing sections through forest and open grassland. Footing can be loose or slippery, especially in wet conditions.

💪

Fitness Requirement

Prepare with regular cardio (brisk walking, jogging, or cycling) 3–4 times a week for at least a month before the trek, plus stair climbing to build leg strength and endurance for the steep summit push.

≈ 1676 m
Max Altitude
7 km
Total Distance
2D/2N
Duration
12-30
Group Size

Best Time to Visit

Light rain
18°C
Light rain
Current weather in Kalasa · Humidity 98% · Wind 1 m/s
Wed
22° / 17°
Light Rain
🌧 99%
Thu
22° / 17°
Light Rain
🌧 100%
Fri
19° / 17°
Light Rain
🌧 100%
Sat
21° / 17°
Light Rain
🌧 100%
Sun
21° / 17°
Light Rain
🌧 100%
Weather data © OpenWeather
🌦️
Monsoon
June - Sep
★★★☆☆

Lush and green but trails are slippery with leeches present. Heavier rain increases difficulty on the steep summit sections. Recommended only for experienced trekkers.

BEST EXPERIENCE
🌿
Post-Monsoon
Oct - Nov
★★★★★

Trails are drier and greenery is still fresh, offering the best balance of grip, comfort, and clear summit views.

❄️
Winter
Dec - Feb
★★★★☆

Cool, dry conditions with good visibility from the summit. Carry warm layers for chilly mornings and the overnight homestay stay.

Trek Route Breakdown

🌲
Forest Approach
The trail begins near the Horanadu forest checkpost, moving through shaded forest cover on a well-defined path.
🌊
Stream & Waterfall Sections
The route passes streams and waterfall stretches, including areas near Soormane and Kodige Falls u2014 expect slippery rocks in wet conditions.
⛰️
Ridgeline & Open Grassland
The trail opens into ridgeline and grassland stretches with views of the surrounding Western Ghats, becoming progressively steeper.
🏔️;
Summit Push
The final climb to Merthi Gudda peak (u2248 1676 m) is the steepest section, rewarding trekkers with panoramic views as one of Karnataka's highest points.

Packing List

Pack light but pack smart. Everything you bring, you carry on your back.

🪪
Government ID
Carry the original plus a photocopy for forest checkpost verification.
🥤
Reusable Water Bottle (2L)
Minimum 2 litres; single-use bottles are not allowed.
🧥
Raincoat
Weather in the Western Ghats is unpredictable; carry regardless of season.
🥾
Trekking Shoes
Good grip is essential for the steep, sometimes slippery summit stretch.
🧣
Warm Layer
Needed for cool mornings and the overnight homestay stay.
🔦
Torch / Headlamp
Useful during the overnight bus journey and early morning starts.

Frequently Asked Questions

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