Kudremukh Trek - The Most Beautiful Trek in Karnataka

Stunning views of Kudremukh mountains

Kudremukh Trek the Most beautiful trek in Karnataka.

It is in the center of Western ghats in Chikmagalur district, comes under Kudremukh National park which is UNESCO world heritage site. Kudremukh is the third highest peak of Karnataka at an altitude of 6207 feet and often people refer it as a second highest peak as well. Kudremukh means, Horse face in Kannada. Kudremukh peak resembles Horse face.

How to reach:

310 Kilometers from Bengaluru & 120 Kilometers from Mangalore.

The base village for Kudremukh trek is Mullodi Village which is close to Kalasa. There are no direct Buses to reach Mullodi.

Route:

Bengaluru - Hasan - Kalasa - Balagal - Mullodi (Base camp village)

Mangalore - Kaikamba - Mudbidri - Kerekatte Vanyajeevi Valaya - Balagal - Mullodi (Base camp village)

Note - Cars will not go beyond Balagal unless its a 4 wheel drive. Read through the Own transport section below.

By Bus -

Bengaluru to Horanadu bases goes via Kalasa. Both KSRTC & Private operators has buses in this route.

If you are traveling from Bengaluru, take over night Bus from Bengaluru and it takes around 6 to 7 hours to reach Kalasa.

From Mangalore, it takes approxmately around 3 to 3.5 hours to reach this place.

I have traveled by KSRTC Sarige class bus in the day time which took close to 10 hours to reach Kalasa from Bengaluru.

Refer KSRTC website for details on the timings: https://www.ksrtc.in

By Train -

Mangalore is the nearest railway station which is well connected with all major cities of India. From there, one need to catch a Bus or Taxi (120 Kilometers).

By Air -

Mangalore International airport is the nearest Airport for Kudremukh trek and from there, one need to catch a Bus or Taxi (120 Kilometers).

Own transportation -

Google maps route is accurate and below is the navigation route:

Beyond Balagal, Cars will not go as its off road drive (around 5 Kilometers) and only 4 wheel drive Jeeps are used to commute till Mullodi (Trek base camp). Park your vehicle at any shop or at the Home stay.

Check list:

Location	Western Ghats, Chikmagalur District, Karnataka, India
Trek Distance	18 Kilometers (Both ways)
Altitude	6207 ft. / 1892 Meters.
Trek Duration	7 to 8 hrs. (4 to 5 hrs. to accend & 3 hrs. to Descend)
Season	June to Feb. Better views - Post Monsoon
Trek Permission	Required to obtain from Forest office at basecamp in Mullodi
Daily limit	First 50
Trek Fee	575 / Head
Trek Guide fee	1000 / Group
Jeep ride charges	500 to 800 / group
Trek Guide	Mandatory
Water	Availble on trail
Toilets	Not Available
Food	Need to carry
Trek Grade	Easy to Moderate
Camping	Not Allowed

Itinerary

Day 1 -

10 pm - Start from Bengaluru (over night journey)

Day 2 -

5 am - Reach Kalasa

6 am - Reach Pre-booked Homestay. Fresh up & breakfast. Pack lunch for noon.

7 am - Head Mullodi forest office. Jeep to be arranged by Home stay

8 am - Complete formatlities Forest office & start the trek

12 pm - Reach Summit & Finish Lunch

1 pm - Start Descend

4 pm - Reach forest office

5 pm - Reach Homestay & fresh up

8 pm - Dinner and pack things

9 pm - Reach Kalasa and take return bus to Bengaluru

Day 3 -

5 am - Reach Bengaluru

Things to Carry

• Backpack - 20 to 30 liters

• Rain coat / Poncho - Must during Monsoon

• Trek shoe - Ankle covered

• Trek poles - 1 or 2 (helpful during water stream cross)

• 2 Liters of water / Hydration pack

• Quick dry T shirts / Trek pants

• Energy Bars

• Plastic Cover to wrap Mobile / wallets / Electronic gadgets (remember to bring it back)

• Electrolite powder

My Trek Experience:

It took almost an year for me to execute the plans after hearing so much about this Trek.

Ever since the monsoon season started, i have been checking the weather forecast and almost rains were forecasted everyday. Later i found that, Kudremukh is one of the highest rainfall places in india.

One fine weekend in the month of August, i have started my Journey from Chennai.

Took Shatabdi express around 6 am in the Morning and reached Bengaluru CNT by 11 am.

My bus from Bengaluru to Kalasa is around 12.25 pm from Kempegowda Bus stand. i have had another round of breakfast near Bus terminus and KSRTC Sarige bus started around 2 pm.

It took almost 8 hours to reach Kalasa and i was there by 10 pm. As it was late, Auto or Buse's May not be available to go to Homestay which is at Balagal, Hence the Home stay i have booked (Bella Home stay) agreed to send Auto. It was around 11 pm when i reached Homestay. Finished dinner and checked into my Tent.

It rained throughout the night. I couldn't get enough sleep due trek excitement and it usually happens to me. Alarm ticked by 5 am and i was ready by 6 am. Breakfast served at 7 am and i took a walk around the place for some time. Met some of trekkers who finished before day and they have shared the experience.

Packed lunch was given and started from Home stay around 8 am and it took around 45 mins to reach Base camp Forest office in Mullodi. Probably the scariest offroad drive i have ever experienced so far. Our guide has joined us somewhere in the middle. At the entrance of forest office, there was a peacock spotted on near by tree.

Forest office entrance

Trek Permission, Guide fee & Jeep ride cost was part of the Homestay package. Watch the trek series videos on www.youtube.com/batasaritraveltales

Our trek guide completed the formalities and post bag checking, trek started around 9 am.

There are 3 sections in this Trek.

Section 1 - Forest office to Ontimara 2 (Lone tree 2)

Trek Distance - 5 Kilometers

Duration - 3 hrs.

Trail goes right behind the forest office and we get to hear the sound of a Somavathi waterfall after trekking about 10 minutes.

Combination of forest section, grass lands & multiple water streams makes this trek most beautiful in western ghats. Views of the misty mountains treat our eyes during monsoon.

Various Water stream crossings

Forest section of the trail is covered with trees multiple water streams as we move forward. Trail also ascends gradually. At the end of forest land, we reach Ontimara 1 which is a big tree.

Ontimara 1

From Ontimara one, it takes about one and half hour to reach Ontimara two which is end of section 1.

Trail is mostly flat and close to 8 water streams we cross till we reach this place. During Monsoon, some of the streams will have higher water flow which will wet our shoes.

Leach i have removed after coming to homestay

Leaches are quite high during monsoon. Apply Dettol liquid upto knees to avoid these, however it may not be effective during rain.

Also, carrying a rain coat/Poncho is a must.

Ontimara Two

Section 2 - Ontimara two to Final stretch till water stream

Trek Distance - 3 Kilometers

Duration - 1 to 1.5 hours

This section of the trek is difficult, as trail gets steep with in few mins walk from the Ontimara two. Trail will be slippery and need to watch out our steps.

Keeping ourself hydrated is very important and one may need to take multiple breaks during this section. When i started this segment, it was heavy rain and i could hardly see the trail.

Rain continued till i reached the final stretch which is close to summit.

There is a water stream and this is the final one hence i have refilled the bottles.

Kudremukh summit offers 270 degrees views and i know i could barely see the one walking infront of me due to rain. Waited there about 30 mins to see if rain stops but i wasn't lucky.

End of Section two. after crossing the one kilometer to sumiit board.

Section 3 - Final stretch to Summit

Distance - 0.5 Kilometer

Duration - 30 mins

It was aroud 12 pm when i reached the last segment of the trek and downpour continued.

By then, i have already made up my mind that i would not be able to have any views from the summit. Still i would want to give a try by waiting there for couple of mins and see if clouds gets cleared. As i was already par with the time, didn't have any concerns from my Trek guide.

Trek guides constantly remind their team about time to reach and summit and return. Some times, it iritates too.

After waiting for about 15 mins, i have started my Summit push. It's quite easy and down pour continued. Around 12.45 pm i have reached the summit.

Rain spells were on and off and winds were heavy. Finished eating my lunch and completed Summit rituals (Photos & Videos).

Summit Moments

Remember, Forest department has time limitation for this trek. You must return back to Forest office before 6 PM. Instruction is that, where ever you are by 2 PM, must start to descend.

i have spent around 45 mins and started to descend. Remember, most of the accidents and injures during trek takes place only during descend hence one need to be very careful.

Views while descending

Best part of descend, we have views to the Kudremukh Valley till we reach Ontimara two.

Leaches, wet shoes & clothes, slippery trail will challenge you physically and mentally.

Beauty of Kudremukh Mountains

Reached forest office around 5 pm and waited for Jeep to come. There was a homestay near the forest office serves evening snacks and Tea. Our group spent time there over snacks while our shoes and clothes dried. That's the end of my trek!

Do reach me out through Comments section / Youtube / Instagram / Facebook if you still have any questions or feedback. Check the links below.

Watch the trek Vlogs on youtube:

https://youtu.be/kqNKbcX-HwU

https://youtu.be/hJsli0H5GV4

https://youtu.be/NntQvFAdnCo

Batasari travel Tales - Enabling Travellers to plan their own Treks & Trips.

Kumara Parvatha Trek

Kumara parvatha is considered to be the most difficult track of South India. I have done this trek during December 2021. Sharing my experience which is complete planner.

Kumaraparvatha Summit

Highest Point at Kumara Parvatha Peak

Check my YouTube channel for more details and vlogs on Kumara parvatha Trek:

Part 1 - https://youtu.be/DfWdFBDR0QA

Part 2 - https://youtu.be/k22DXAvQ9CA

Trek Plan - https://youtu.be/k22DXAvQ9CA

Overview of the trek:

Location - Kukke Subrahmanya, Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka, India

Mountain region - Western ghats

Trek distance - Overall 24 kmts (to and fro)

Trek duration - Two days

Difficulty of the Trek - Moderate to difficult

Best season - Post-monsoon

Food - Available at Kukke Subramanya and Batta’s house during the trek

Wash rooms - At kukke and Batta’s house

Stay - Hire tents at Forest office & Batta’s House

Water - Available on trail

Fee - Rs. 350

Permission - Minimum 3 Persons per group. Solo Trekkers will not be allowed

Daily Limit - No

Trek Permission - Offline at Forest office

Itineraries:

There are three itineraries to do this trek:

Itinerary 1 - This is the standard itinerary followed by most of the Trekking companies.

Day 1 : Start from Kukke Subrahmanya temple morning by 5 to 7 am and trek around 6 kms. stay overnight at Forest office or Batta’s house In Tent accommodation.

Day 2: Start early morning around 5 am for a summit push. Return back to Kukke by evening. (Distance 18 kmts)

Itinerary 2 - This can also be tried, but needs extra push on day one (This is what i did).

Day 1: Start from Kukke Subrahmanya early morning around 5 AM and complete the summit and return back to forest office or Batta’s house by evening (distance 18 kmts)

Day 2: From Batta’s house to Kukke Subramanya Temple, which is trek 's ending point. (6 kmts)

Itinerary 3 - This can be tried only if you got good fitness but it will be tiring. Trek will be done in one day.

Day 1: Start from Kukke Subrahmanya by early in the morning. complete the summit and come back to Kukke Subrahmanya by evening. Entire 24 kms to be done in the same day.

How to reach Kukke Subramanya:

Kukke Subrahmanya is about 280 kmts from Bangalore and 100 kilometres from Mangalore.

Buses are available from both of these places. Tickets can be booked through KSRTC app and also private bus services are available.

Nearest train station is Subrahmanya road, which is about 7 kmts from the temple.

Nearest airport is Mangalore (100 Kmts), Bus and taxi services are available frpm Mangalore to Kukke.

I have travelled from Chennai to Bangalore by train and from there to Kukke subrahmanya overnight by KSRTC bus!

Pro Tip - Choose overnight bus or train to reach Kukke

Starting from Chennai Central

Starting my Journey from Chennai Centrl Railway station

Trek Day:

My bus has reached Kukke Subrahmanya around 5 AM and the bus station is walkable to the temple.

Cafe Open in the Morning Near Kukke Subrahmanya

Straightaway headed to a cafe, which is near the temple (Neo Mysore cafe) and it is open for breakfast. Finished breakfast and took the lunch parcel as well. Also filled two of the water bottles.

Please note, there will not be any food available till you reach Batta’s house, which is a 6 kmts trek. Water sources are also limited till this place.

There is an Auto stand near to the Cafe and the way to the trail is next to it. After walking about one and half kilometres, we will reach the trail starting point. there will be a small temple with an open parking area. You may also notice an indication board along with distance. It took about 30 minutes for me to find this trail as it was dark.

Arch at Trek Entrance

Slowly Started my trek by 6 o’clock. There will be an arch, which is about 100 metres from the gate.

Initial part of the trail will be easier and it will start becoming steep as we go forward. It took about three hours to reach Giri Gadde which is 6 kmts from Kukke. There are a couple of photo clicking spots available at Giri Gadde, but I did not spend time as I am going to summit today itself. Quickly headed towards Batta’s house and finished another round of breakfast before 9.30 am.

Food Provided at Batta's house

Note - Batta’s house is the only place we get food & washrooms during the trek.

Informed Batta brothers about the night stay as they rent tents and also dinner.

Trek Permission:

Forest office will be around 200 to 300 metres from Batta’s house. Remember we need to reach the forest office before 10:30 am to obtain trek permission.

Another most important point, solo Trekkers are not allowed. Minimum a group of 3 members required to obtain permission. I met some people on the way and joined them, hence I didn't have any challenge in obtaining Permission though i wastrekking solo.

Forest Office

Forest Office

Trek fee is Rs.350 and if you are carrying any plastic, Rs.500 is the security deposit per Group. Once we return and show the plastic, a refund will be given.

Beyond forest office tents are not allowed and also headlamps. The Forest office has got a room to drop excess luggage. Most important thing is that, we need to come back to the forest office before evening 6 PM. Do not carry any excess luggage beyond this point, As the trail gets steep and hard from here.

It was 10:45 AM when I stepped out of the forest office. Carried very minimal luggage to the summit - Two water bottles, lunch box and few energy bars.

From the forest office, Sesha Parvatha peak will be around 3 kilometers distance. Most of them think, it is Kumaraparvatha summit. But it's not!

This is Second stage of the trek and it is the most difficult! Trail gets steeper as we start climbing.

After a few metres climb, towards your right, there will be “Kallu mandapam” , a good spot for clicking pictures.

Post-monsoon, this place will be covered with lush green grass. Often clouds will pass by and cover various parts of this mountain. It took about 2 hours to reach Sesha parvatha peak. After reaching the top, it’s another 45 mins trek to Kumaraparvatha summit.

A plain land and ridge walk at some places. Views will treat your eyes. Last few metres of the trek is technical as it goes through a waterfall.

Post monsoon, water flow is less but the trail will go through the fall. It will also be covered with bushes and visibility is poor at noon. Often this place is also covered with clouds.

Note: Water resources are available throughout the trail.

Around 2.20 pm, I reached Summit.

At the summit, there will be Lord Shiva temple and a Summit point which is the highest peak. One can offer prayers to Shiva and spend some time.

Finished my packed lunch and started descending from 3 pm.

As most of the accidents happen during descent and also, i am almost exhausted, it was a slow trek downhill. Experienced a beautiful sunset and it was almost 6 pm when I reached the forest office.

Quickly took my luggage and refund of the security deposit and walked towards Batta’s house for dinner and night stay.

Hired a tent for Rs. 200 and dinner was served at the cost of Rs. 150.

Pro tip- Tents can be hired from the forest office and Batta’s house. No need to carry from Base camp/Kukke.

I have called it a day and tucked into my tent!

Day 2

After 7 hours of solid sleep, I am up for the 2nd day of the trek. It rained for a while in the night but didn’t cause any inconvenience to my sleep. Started descending by 7.30 am without having breakfast.

Remember, during this entire trek, Batta’s house is the only place that has toilets.

Giri Gadde also offers nice morning views of Kukke Subramanya town. Entire Kukke Subramanya was covered with a layer of clouds.

It took about two and half hours to descend and reach Kukke.

Took shower at Kumaradhara, a sacred river and went for darshan.

Temple closes by 1.30 pm for a small break and resumes by 3 pm. Plan your darshan accordingly. It took about 30 mins for darshan and I had my bus by 3 pm to Bengaluru.

That's about my Kumara Parvatha trek. Please do watch my Vlogs and support.

Drop a comment if you still have any further questions, i will be more happy to connect.

Batasari travel Tales - Enabling Travellers to plan their own Treks & Trips.

Bali pass trek

Reaching Dehradun:

It is suggested to reach Dehradun one day or at least a night before the trek start day and get some rest. Eight days of standard itinerary for Bali pass trek day one begins from Dehradun!

Chennai to Dehradun flight journey.

Change of flight from Delhi to Dehradun.

Since this is High altitude winter trek, it is must to carry proper gear. Dehradun Market is the hub for trekking equipment at very reasonable price and wide range to select. Head to Moti Bazaar market where there are lot of shops for trekking gear.

This shop had all trekking gears

Spotted all trekking gears here!

Dehradun has good road, rail & air connectivity from all major cities of India.

Road – Reach Delhi, catch overnight bus to Dehradun. It takes about Six to seven hours.

Rail – Dehradun has a railway station. If there is no direct train, split the journey till Delhi and there to Dehradun. During winter, it may not be operational. Check before you plan.

Below are some of the trains from Delhi to Dehradun but please check IRCTC website and there are changes post COVID.

• Nandadevi Express - Train no: 12205 (Departure 11:50pm; Arrival - 5:40am) • Dehradun Express - Train no: 12687 (Departure - 9:10pm; Arrival - 5:00am)

Air – Dehradun Airport is called Jolly grant Airport. It is a domestic airport located 25 km south-east of Dehradun. Flight are operational from all major cities and mostly they are one stop flights.

I have travelled from Chennai via flight to Delhi and there connecting to Dehradun. It took about five and half hours.

Trek Itinerary:

DAY 01: Dehradun to Sankri

DAY 02: Sankri to Seema Via Taluka

DAY 03: Seema to Rainbasera

DAY 04: Rainbasera to Ruinsara Tal

DAY 05: Ruinsara Tal to Odari

DAY 06: Odari to Bali base camp

DAY 07: Bali base camp to Lower Dhamini Via Bali pass

DAY 08: Lower Dhamini to Jaan ki Chatti and Drive to Dehradun!

Thanks to Uttarakhand tourism for this trek map!

This is the standard itinerary of trek. However, we have done this trek in Seven days itself. Changes to the itinerary depends on the group & company you travel with. We had experienced and seasoned trekkers hence it was possible.

Day 01 – Transit!

Reached Dehradun a day before the trek and stayed overnight. Accommodation options available based on the budget. I have stayed at Hotel Embassy which has dormitory from Rs. 300 to single room which goes up to Rs. 1500.

After seven hours of much needed sleep, next day I have started to Sankri which is base camp of the trek. The distance between Sankri to Dehradun is 220 Kilometers and it takes about 8 to 10 hours. If you start by 6 am in Dehradun, expected arrival time is around 4 pm. I have travelled by shared Tempo traveler which is arranged by my trek guide and paid around Rs. 500. Hiring a small cab may cost around Rs. 6,000, Sumo around Rs. 8,000 and Tempo traveler Rs. 10,000. If this is part of your trek package, you need not to worry.

Bus facility - Limited busses are available from Dehradun to Sankri. Bus timings are 5.30 am, 6.30 am and 8 am in the morning. The 5.30 am and 6.30 am buses are private and they are usually parked near Hotel Grand which is close to railway station. 8 am bus is from government and it will be found right outside the railway station. Ticket cost will be around Rs. 400.

Check my YouTube Vlog on land marks and alternate options (Part of Kedarkantha trek plan). Link: https://youtu.be/w134lURGmc4

Breakfast done at Missouri and lunch break at Parola. Choose to sit left side as there will be valley and river views throughout the journey.

Reached Sankri around 5.30 pm and headed to Home stay. Temperatures at Sankri in October are still manageable unlike December and Jan where it will be extremely cold.

Sankri is a small village located in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary in the Uttarkashi district. This village is base camp for 20+ treks.

Day 02 - Sankri to Chillargad( Actual trek starts today)

Trek distance- 12 Kilometres by Jeep & 11 Kilometres walk.

It was cozy night at Himalayan home stay (Provided by Trek organizers “The Crazy Mountaineers”) and I am up for the trek day!

Did warm up along with breathing exercise to start the day. Completed the backpacking with help of my guide and we were ready by 8 am for Sankri to Taluka jeep ride.

Due to road construction work, there have been multiple places vehicle cannot cross hence we had to change two vehicles, but ride on top of the jeep was highlight.

Reached Taluka around 9.30am which is about 2,110 meters altitude.

Filled our water bottles and hydration packs followed by some snacks and tea. Short briefing has been done on Do‘s and Don’ts along with plan for the day!

Today, the trek goes through Supin river which will be on right side. Plenty of water sources throughout the trail.

As we continue to walk, we cross Osla village where we spot Beautiful wooden house and then followed by Seema Village.

Crossed Seema and walked on the banks of Supin river till Chillar Ghad. It took 8 hours to complete 11 kilometres and camps are set right next to the river. Went through 10 mins of stretching session before snacks were served. It drizzled for a while but later no signs of rain. Dinner served at 8pm along with plan for tomorrow. Looks like it will be quite lengthy trek tomorrow. Filled water bottle and flask, most importantly emptied the bladder and we called it a day!

Day 03 - Chillar Ghad to Rainbasera

Trek distance- 12 kilometers

Altitude – 3,100 Meters / 10,200 ft.

Though body was tired, I had sleep in short spells till midnight, post which I hardly slept!

River sound could be the only reason! Temperatures are pretty normal as compared to the winter scene in Himalayan region. Early in the morning, seen a local who is rushing to hospital due to Bear attack. Heard from trek guide that, there are bears in this region.

Day started at 8am and breakfast and briefing was done. Plan laid out that we will push our self as much as we can since there won't be much steep climbs. Actual plan is to trek till Rainbasera, but we will push few more kilometers further. All in the group are experienced trekkers and they are aligned to the plan.

Walking along the Supin river, the trail will get steeper as we get close to the Debshu Bugyal. Upon reaching the Ruinsara Valley, the trail becomes a bit difficult with boulders on the route. As we keep walking you can look behind to catch the glimpse of the famous Osla Village. Clicked some amazing pictures there. Walking for another 30 minutes on an even trail, the Debshu Bugyal will begin. The Bugyal is huge pastureland. We had views of Kala Nag and the Black Peak from here. Spent some time there to regroup and started

From here, trail descends to cross the river. Now the river is on our right. Wooden bridges laid to cross the river and they do bounce when we walk over.

Within few kilometers there was a quick 15mins, lunch break and started our trek again. First time on this trek we have encountered rain and all had to put the rain gear. It hasn't lasted even for 30mins, Post lunch there are no steep climbs.

We have trekked close to four kilometers after crossing Rainbasera and it is 4.30pm. We have reached our Camp site by completing 14 kilometers trek and altitude is at 3300 meters. Soon we have realized temperatures are dropping and had to put extra layers of thermals.

Around 6pm, it was 8 degrees and it dropped further as it became dark. Finished stretching and hot pasta, Tea was served.

Dinner at 7.30pm followed by tomorrow‘s plan briefing. Looks like it will be a easy day.

Day 4 – Rainbasera (4 kilometres ahead) to Odari camp (Gaining additional day)

Trek distance - 8 Kilometres

Altitude – 4,000 Meters/13,100ft.

As per standard itinerary, trek must end at Ruinsara tal but we trek till next camp to gain additional day.

Camp site was set up nearby water stream and my tent got wet. Mat and sleeping bag was saving grace for the night. Sleep was intermittent but felt sufficient ahead of another big day.

Landscapes were wonderful throughout the trail. Reached Ruinsara lake after trekking about Hour and half. Spent some peaceful time over there and shot best time lapse when clouds were crossing over the lake and mountain.

Decent in the valley and Crossed Supin river and trekked towards dense forest.

Post lunch, again trail ascents towards the Odari camp. As we climb, the views of Swargarohini will get better and clouds continue to pass over.

Reached Odari camp site at 3.30pm and this camp site is much better than yesterdays one. Camp site has complete views of Swargarohini and we have spent rest of the day clicking pictures.

This camp site is at 4,000 meters and this is first time I have trekked to such a high altitude.

Temperatures start dipping and cold breeze started hitting us as the day progressed. This resulted in mild headache. For a moment I thought, I have been hit by AMS but post dinner, I was back to normal. We did some rotation also for higher altitude to make sure we get used to higher altitude. Thumb rule - Climb high and sleep at lower altitude.

500 Meters altitude is the standard and safe altitude that can be gained per day at higher altitudes.

If will be challenging terrain from here on and we need to be extremely cautious.

Oxygen percentage in air is low at high altitude hence water intake has to be more to supply additional oxygen to body in the form of water.

There were plenty of water sources throughout the trail but make sure you fill the bottles at Ruinsara tal lake so that it will be sufficient till the base camp.

Camp fire was set up to beat the night temperatures. Soon dinner and tomorrows plan briefing was done.

Day 5 - Odari to Bali pass base: Most challenging and exhausting!

Trek distance & Duration - 5 Kilometers, 6 to 7 hours.

Trail – Steep & Technical ascent. Walk on mountain ridge.

By gaining extra kilometers every day, we are already ahead of a day, as per standard itinerary. I had mild headache in the night which was subsidized later. After breakfast, we have started ascending.

A kilometer from our camp, trail starts getting steep and it’s a ridge walk. Entire Ascent will be around 60 digress incline. Some places, the pass is very narrow.

Big challenge is the water source! Till Odari base, literally every 200 to 500 meters, there were water streams but from Odari, the scene is different. There is a water stream near camp site and after that its Bali pass Base camp.

Being extreme critical part of the day for trek, keeping our self hydrated and carrying adequate water is must.

Fill the hydration pack and water bottles from Odari base itself. I had to borrow water from fellow trekker; else I would have been in real trouble. However my water intake was less which eventually ended up in dehydration.

Around 3 pm, we have reached the base camp. I had a headache again. Trek lead had given me a tablet followed by SPO2 check. It was 74 which is supposed to be above 80 as we were already at 4660 meters altitude.

Also pulse was quite high. Had to drink around 2 bottles of water (650 ml each) followed by Wim Hoff breathing exercise. After an hour SPO2 came to 84 which is normal at this attitude!

Tomorrow being summit day and it is completely covered with snow, there was a session conducted on how to walk in snow and also, a rotation since we clock highest altitude of the trek!

During day closure briefing, we were told that summit push will start by 6 am and its going to be exciting, challenging long day!

Soon temperatures dropped to zero and even drinking also frozen.

Day 6 - Bali pass base camp to Lower Dhamni

Trek distance & Time: 14 kilometers & 10 hours

Trail: Steep & Technical

Altitude: Bali pass – 4950m/16207ft, Lower Dhamni 3,400m/11,100ft

Hardly slept about two hours as it will be difficult to sleep at high altitude also had a difficulty in breathing since my nose was blocked. To bring the situation back to normal (Drinking water, breathing exercise) it took around 3.30 am and had my alarm ringing by 5 am to get ready for summit climb.

The excitement of Summit had kept all my physical aside and i was ready by 6 am. Light breakfast followed by packed lunch and we headed to summit by 6.30 am. Walking on the snow wasn’t difficult for me as I had prior experience. Trail to summit was less accessed since very few attempt this trek.

Around 8 am reached summit and waited for fellow trekkers also to reach, soon finished rituals and also filming the best moments we waited for! Close to 500 meters of Summit climb is scary and adventurous.

Celebrated the best moments at summit as this is the highest peak i have climbed. We forgot the pain & struggles we have been with 360 degrees views of the summit.

Views of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch mountain range are spectacular. We need to be extremely cautious when walking or celebrating on summit as it’s very narrow.

Soon we have been given briefing on Descending! It looked dangerous and we didn’t ask for rope as all of the team members are experienced trekkers. I would say this is more difficult than the Summit climb. With extreme caution, we have started descending without anyone being hurt. From there it’s about 8 kilometers descend.

Views of Yamunotri valley with multiple waterfalls and clouds were really beautiful.

Here comes the most difficult part of the descent which is ridge walk. Almost none spoke about this difficulty in their experience (from what I have seen in YouTube). As we enter upper Dhamini, the trail goes through the mountain edges. Some of the places, you can barely keep half of the foot.

Entire stretch till lower Dhamini has got great views. Our camp was set up in lower Dhamni which is about two kilometers before the Yamunotri. Day was quite challenging but it’s worth!

We have appreciated staff for their support throughout the trek, as we may not get time tomorrow noon since most of us got different plans.

One of the important things, I have been doing this trek along with a wonderful experienced trekkers who meet once in a year in Himalayas. They have done some of the most difficult treks like Stock Kangri, Pin parvathi, Gochela and list goes on.. lot of learnings and takeaways for the past Six days!

Day 7 - Lower Dhamni to Janaki Chatti

Trek distance& Time: 8 Kilometers, 6 hours.

Trail: Descent

Probably one of the best camping sites during this trek where i slept for more than 6 hours!

Day started by 7 am. There will be 2 groups today, one will be going through Yamunotri shrine and other group will directly reach Janaki Chatti!

Obviously I preferred to go to Yamunotri. It took about 30 mins to reach Yamunotri trek route which is used in older days and it's still operational. After taking up that route, it took another one and half hours to reach Yamunotri dham.

Our trek lead spoke to the temple authority and they agreed to organize all the Pooja formalities for us ( at premium cost) Feeling proud moments were, we don't need to do online registration, if we come from Bali pass trek.

Took bath in the hot spring which is so refreshing and also, it's been 6 days! It was Friday and also Second day of Navaratri where priest told us that it's an auspicious day. Completed Pooja, took darshan and spent solid 2 hours.

Little top up to the stomach, we started descending from Yamunotri around 10.30 am.

It's 4.5 kilometers trek from Yamunotri Dham to Janaki Chatti. I have completed in one hour and fifteen mins. I was literally running on the trail just to check the strength of my knees which always troubles me when I do nothing. We have motivated lot of pilgrims throughout the way. Some of them enquired about our trek too. Around 12 pm, reached Janaki Chatti which is end point of the trek!

Boys have finished the final rituals with tons photographs and bid adieu to each other.

Took a cab from Janaki Chatti to Dehradun and reached around 8 pm.