Balekallu And Kodekallu Trek
Balekallu And Kodekallu Trek
| Region: | Karnataka |
| Duration: | 1 Day |
| Trek grade: | Easy |
| Maximum altitude: | 4101 ft |
| Best Time to Visit: | November to February |
Balekallu Peak is among the most awe-inspiring Balekallu Peak is one of the highest peaks within Charmadi and is located about 15km from Charmadi. Kodekallu is located close to Balekallu. “Kode” means umbrella in Kannada and the hill earned its name due to an umbrella-shaped rock at its top. Over 30 people are able to get shelter beneath this rock.
A short and sweet hike in the Charmadi Ghats
- Kodekallu along with Balekallu hills are among the numerous peaks that trekkers can climb in Charmadi Ghat.
- A walk that is a long and arduous trek through forests and grasslands. It is quick and easy.
- A lush greenery surrounds you every step you take. Stunning views pop up in every bend.
There are numerous trails through these hills. The two most popular ones are those from the Charmadi bus stop, and also starting from Bidruthala village.
How do I reach Charmadi
Charmadi is located about 350 kilometers away from Bangalore. To get to Charmadi you need to take the bus to Dharmasthala. From there, catch the local bus to Charmadi. It is also possible to catch an express shuttle bus from Ujire and then take a bus to Charmadi. You will arrive at the Charmadi Hotel bus stop. From there, you can take an express bus to the summit that is about 20km away. At the top is an ancient temple. In front of the temple is an Jeep track. It is the beginning point of the hike.
How do I get to Bidruthala:
Get on a bus heading towards Dharmasthala. From there, you can catch an express coach that will take you to Kottigehara village. After that, take an auto/Jeep and go up to Bidruthala village. There are buses that are local as well however they are not frequent.
The trek up to Balekallu as well as Kodekallu Peak via Jeep track:
- Begin walking along your Jeep track. In about 30 minutes, you’ll come to a house. Take a right towards Balekallu peak. Be aware of elephants and bisons that frequently follow this route.
- There are grasslands to be found quite early on in this walk. These grasslands are slippery and are brimming with leaches in the monsoon. Be sure to take appropriate precautions. Within a couple of hours, you’ll be at the top. You can view peaks like Jenukallu, Kodekallu, Minchukallu, etc. from here.
- The Kodekallu summit is just 30 minutes away from here. The hike is simple as there aren’t any difficult ascends or descends. But it isn’t easy if it’s extremely sunny because there’s very little shade in the grasslands.
- From the Kodekallu summit, you can enjoy stunning views of the Kudremukh forest as well as the surrounding Durgadabetta mountains, and the Banjarumale hills.
Descent:
A further 30 minutes later, you’ll see another 30 minutes later, you can spot the Charmadi Ghat road that runs from to the Kodekallu peak. There aren’t any vehicles on this road. It is therefore recommended to reserve a cab or Jeep and request them to bring you back from here.
The trek from Balekallu along with Kodekallu Peak from Bidruthala:
As you enter Bidruthala village, you’ll be able to be able to see Bidruthala hill. Bidruthala hill. There are a few of thatched homes. You can take a detour in the village toward Bidruthala hill. The path traverses through the forest. In about 30 minutes you will reach the summit. When you reach the top you will see open grasslands. There are many summits such as Jenukallu, Balekallu, Minchukallu which you can hike.
The hike is straightforward and has a broad path. It is a mix of vast forest areas and grasslands. While hiking it, you’ll first arrive at Jenukallu Gudda and then Balekallu hill that is higher than other mountains. From there, the path to Kodekallu is the same as the that described in the previous route.
Food and Accommodation:
Tents are available on either Balekallu Kodekallu or gudda. However, camping should be avoided because these paths are frequented bisons, elephants and other animals.
It is recommended to hike the area between November to February. The hills in summer are not green. Ballalarayana Durga Fort is another trek nearby that you can take from the area. Another location you could visit can be the Alekkan waterfalls. It is located on the way to Charmadi towards Kottigehara.
Want To Trek Like Pro?
Check out the following videos if you want to trek like a pro trekker and improve your skills. These videos contain helpful tips, tricks, and techniques to help you trek like a pro. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trekker, these videos can provide valuable insights to enhance your trekking experience. So, watch the videos below by Trekup India experts to take your trekking skills to the next level.
Know Everything About Acute Mountain Sickness
Acute Mountain Sickness is a medical condition that can occur when individuals travel to high altitudes, typically above 8,000 feet. It is caused by the decrease in air pressure and oxygen levels in the air as altitude increases. Symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness may include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping. To avoid Acute Mountain Sickness, it is important to gradually adjust to high altitudes and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen. To learn more about this condition, check out the videos by Trekup India.
Important Guidelines
Special Casual Leave (SCL) for Government Employees
Government employees joining our trekking expeditions can avail of Special Casual Leave (SCL) under the following conditions:
- Eligibility Criteria:
- SCL is available exclusively to Indian government employees.
- Applicable only for treks conducted within India.
- Leave Details:
- As per Pay Commission rules, government employees are entitled to up to 30 days of SCL in a calendar year for trekking or mountaineering expeditions.
- Treks must be organized by a registered organization, such as Trekup India, recognized by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF).
- Application Process:
- You need to apply for leave at least 20 days before the trek departure date.
- How to Apply: The following details are required to apply for IMF certification through the IMF.
- Email info@trekupindia.com with the following details:
- Your booked trek date.
- The trek name.
- Aadhar Card
- Designation
- Office Address
- Additional Fee of Rs. 250/ per person will be applicable.
- Note: It might take 20-25 days to receive a certificate from the IMF, subject to their approval.
- Email info@trekupindia.com with the following details:
- Documentation Support:
- Trekup India will provide the necessary documents to facilitate your SCL application.
Age-Based Requirements for Junior Trekkers
- A parent or guardian must accompany trekkers below 15 years of age.
- Trekkers Aged 15 to 18 or above Years: Can trek solo but require a Disclaimer Form signed by a parent or guardian. And Medical Form that Provides health details and confirms fitness for trekking by MBBS Doctor
- Trekkers Aged above 18 Years: Require a Disclaimer Form self-signed. And Medical Form that Provides health details and confirms fitness for trekking, Signed with an MBBS Doctor stamp.
Medical Fitness Required for Trek
If you’re planning a trek, you must ensure that your health parameters meet the fitness requirements for physical exertion at high altitudes or rugged terrains. Below are guidelines for each of the parameters mentioned:
1. Pulse Rate (Heart Rate at Rest):
- Normal: 60 to 100 (bpm) beats per minute.
- Required Fitness: Physically fit person may have a resting heart rate closer to 50 bpm, which shows that he have good cardiovascular efficiency.
2. Blood Pressure (BP):
- Required BP: 120/80 mmHg. A Bolood Pressure within this Range ensures adequate oxygen delivery to muscles and organs during physical exertion, especially at high altitudes.
- Your specified blood pressure (BP) Range—Systolic: 100–140 mmHg and Diastolic: 70–90 mmHg—is appropriate and generally considered safe for trekking activities.
- Acceptable Range: <140/90 mmHg for trekking. Elevated BP could increase risks during strenuous activity or at high altitudes.
Recommendations:
- Pre-Trek Checkup: Monitor your BP multiple times & ensure that it should be normal.
- Stay Hydrated: Dehydration affect BP, so maintain proper fluid intake during your trek.
- Avoid Alcohol & Excess Salt: These can destabilize BP, especially at altitude.
- BP Monitor: If you have a history of BP issues, regularly check your BP during the trek. Our Trek Leaders are equipped with a BP machine.
3. Respiratory Rate at Rest:
- Required Rate: 12–20 breaths per minute.
4. Diabetes Mellitus:
- Acceptable: Well-controlled blood sugar levels (HbA1c <7% or fasting blood glucose <126 mg/dL).
- Fitness Requirement: Carry quick glucose sources and monitor regularly during the trek.
5. Bronchial Asthma:
- Acceptable: Only when your doctors allow it & you have to submit an MBBS doctor NOC that you can undergo this trek.
- Fitness Requirement: Bring prescribed inhalers/medications and consult your doctor about high-altitude risks.
6. Heart Problems:
- Acceptable: Individuals without recent cardiac events (e.g., heart attack within the past 2 years).
- Fitness Requirement: Clearance from an MBBS Doctor (cardiologist) is required.
7. Hypertension:
- Acceptable: Controlled hypertension (BP <140/90 mmHg) with no recent complications like hypertensive crisis.
8. Pacemaker Implant:
- Generally not recommended for high-altitude treks.
9. Body Mass Index (BMI):
- Required BMI: 18 – 26 kg/m² for a good trekking fitness.
- Overweight or underweight individuals may face additional strain on joints or fatigue.
Additional Recommendations:
- High Altitude Acclimatization: For treks above 10,000 feet, ensure have some acclimatization Trekup India have designed Itinary of this trek accordingly to it but its not granted that this itinary works fine with acclimatization. For more information, click here.
- Fitness Level: Regular aerobic and strength training exercises before the trek are essential. For more information, click here.
- Medical Clearance: Consult a healthcare professional (MBBS Doctor) to assess your suitability before coming on this trek.
Would you like assistance preparing for your trek or calculating specific health metrics? Call Your Trek Co-Ordinator