New guidelines for Kumaraparvatha trekkers!

Team Udayavani, Oct 6, 2024, 9:16 AM IST

The famous Kumaraparvatha trek, located within the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary near Kukke Subramanya, also known as Pushpagiri, is set to commence from October 6. Only those who register online will be allowed to participate in the trek.

Trekkers can access Kumaraparvatha from either Devaragadde near Kukke Subramanya or through Somwarpet. Last year, a large number of trekkers caused issues, leading to the authorities limiting the number of visitors. Due to the onset of monsoon and summer restrictions, the forest department introduced an online booking system for this year’s trek, following guidelines for an eco-friendly trek. This was announced by Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre during a meeting in Subramanya last summer.

Online Booking

From this year onwards, trekkers can register on the forest department’s “Aranya Vihara” website. A maximum of 335 trekkers will be allowed per day. The available trekking routes are Kukke Subramanya – Kumaraparvatha, Beedahalli – Kumaraparvatha – Beedahalli, and Beedahalli – Kumaraparvatha – Subramanya, which can be selected during the online booking process.

No Overnight Stay at Girigadde

In the past, trekkers would stay overnight at Girigadde and proceed to the peak the next morning. However, this year, overnight stays at Girigadde are prohibited. Trekkers must begin their ascent between 6 AM and 9 AM from Devaragadde, Kukke Subramanya. They must depart from Girigadde to the higher areas by 11 AM and are required to exit the trek by 6 PM.

No halts are permitted, and the entire trek must be completed in a single day. With no overnight stay allowed, trekkers must cover the 12 km distance from Kukke Subramanya to the peak and return within 12 hours (from 6 AM to 6 PM). Several conditions have been imposed by the forest department to ensure safety and conservation of the environment.