Valikunja Peak Trek
Hosted by Plan The Unplanned
- Verified Host
- Logout's Trusted
- Traveler's Choice
All About It
- Difficulty - Moderate Hard
- For 18+ years
- Best Season - Monsoon (Aug, Sept, Oct)
Discover the charm of the Western Ghats with the Valikunja Peak Trek, one of Karnataka’s hidden gems waiting to be explored. Organized by Plan The Unplanned, this offbeat adventure takes you through lush forests, rolling grasslands, and peaceful ridges, offering a trail that feels raw, untouched, and far away from the usual tourist buzz.
The journey to Valikunja is a treat for nature lovers—shola forests draped in mist, open meadows that glow in the morning sun, and ridge walks that reveal sweeping panoramas of the surrounding hills. With very few trekkers venturing here, the trail feels like your own private path into the heart of nature.
But Valikunja is not just about scenic beauty—it carries the whispers of history too. Nestled in the Charmadi Ghat region of Chikmagalur, this landscape was once part of the mighty Hoysala dynasty’s stronghold. Nearby lies the 12th-century Ballalarayana Durga Fort, a crumbling yet captivating reminder of the region’s glorious past. Legends and stories still echo through these hills, making the trek a journey through both time and wilderness. If you’re looking for an offbeat weekend adventure that blends nature, solitude, and history, Valikunja Peak is the perfect trail to set your boots on.
Trek Highlights
An offbeat trek in the Western Ghats, away from the crowds
Trek through dense shola forests, misty meadows, and ridge walks
Panoramic views of the Charmadi Ghat ranges from the summit
Perfect blend of nature, solitude, and adventure
Rich biodiversity with chances to spot unique birds and wildlife
Experience the charm of the historic Malenadu region, once under the Hoysalas
Ideal weekend getaway for beginners and seasoned trekkers alike
Highlights
Day 0
‣ Departure: Leave Bangalore by 7:30 PM.
Day 1
‣ Arrival: Reach the homestay, freshen up, and have breakfast.
‣ Drive to Base: Head out on a 2-hour drive to the trek start point.
‣ Trek Begins: After a forest department check, begin the trek through dense forests.
‣ Lunch: Break for a packed lunch on the trail.
‣ Summit: Reach Valikunja Peak and enjoy the panoramic views.
‣ Return: Descend and drive back to the homestay by 7–8 PM.
Day 2
‣ Morning: Freshen up and have breakfast.
‣ Local Visits: Explore Samse Tea Estate and Kalasa Hanging Bridge.
‣ Departure: Head back to Bangalore, reaching by around 10:30 PM.
Day 3 – Monday
‣ Arrive in Bangalore by 6:30 AM (approx)
Day 0 - Departure from Bangalore
The adventure begins as we assemble in Bangalore and depart by 7:30 PM. An overnight journey takes us through scenic highways and winding roads leading into the Western Ghats. Rest well on the journey as an exciting trek awaits the next day.
Day 1 - Trek to Valikunja Peak
We arrive at our cozy homestay in the morning, where you can freshen up and enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting out. A short two-hour drive brings us to the trek base, where we complete the mandatory forest department check.
The trek begins through enchanting shola forests that are alive with bird calls and thick canopies. As you climb higher, the landscape opens into rolling grasslands and ridges offering sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. Along the way, we pause to enjoy our packed lunch amidst nature.
The trail gradually leads us to the summit of Valikunja Peak, where you are rewarded with stunning panoramic vistas of the Western Ghats. Take time to rest, soak in the views, and celebrate the climb. After spending some quality time at the peak, we begin our descent, retracing our steps through the forest and grasslands. By evening, we return to the homestay, reaching around 7–8 PM, where a warm meal and well-deserved rest await.
Day 2 - Local exploration & return
We start the day with breakfast at the homestay before heading out for some light exploration around the region. The first stop is the Samse Tea Estate, where endless stretches of tea plantations create a refreshing green landscape. Next, we visit the Kalasa Hanging Bridge, a picturesque spot surrounded by hills and rivers that offers the perfect finale to the trip.
After the visits, we begin our return journey to Bangalore. Expect to reach the city by approximately 10:30 PM, marking the end of an enriching weekend getaway with new experiences, memories, and friends.
Meet your host
Plan The Unplanned
- Verified Host
- Logout's Trusted
- Traveler's Choice
What’s life without adventure? Isn’t the real purpose of life to travel, to experience new places, and witness the sunrise from new mountaintops? This thought is what united Jatin and Tarun over a cup of chai, in spite of being from two unrelated backgrounds (CA and IT). They knew each other since the time Jatin was helping Tarun learn the ways of the wilderness through weekend treks and outings with another traveling group. Their love for traveling and trekking together motivated them to start something of their own. Thus was born “Plan The Unplanned”, where travel goals come true. Under the Companies Act, Plan The Unplanned is incorporated as Unplanned Journeys Private Limited They started their journey on unsteady ground, much like any other company, but they shared an infatuation for travel and adventure with their customers, which amplified their determination, and thus, Plan the Unplanned family keeps getting bigger every day! Just about any travel idea can come alive with Plan The Unplanned…treks, adventure activities like rock climbing, kayaking, rafting, backpacking trips across the country, cultural outings, photo walks; everything that fellow travelers need, to explore the great outdoors together. Well now that the wanderlust has kicked in and you can already see a vacation in your nearest future, here’s what we have to offer!
See Plan The Unplanned's other listings
Inclusions
- Round-trip via non-AC tempo traveller or minibus (based on group size) with push-back seats
- Cozy shared accommodation (homestay/tents)
- Separate zones for men and women
- 2× Breakfast • 1× Lunch • High Tea • 1× Dinner
- Karnataka Forest Department entry fees
- Round-trip jeep ride to base camp
- Trained outdoor leader from Plan The Unplanned & a local guide
- The overall experience that you gain during the trek
Exclusions
- Any meals beyond those listed
- Any kind of personal expenses
- Any kind of insurance (health, medical, life and accidental)
- Anything not expressly mentioned in the inclusions
Things to carry
- Soft Copy of your Aadhar/Voter ID (Mandatorily required for permits)
- Small backpack to carry your essentials during the trek
- Trekking shoes. ( Available for rent as well )
- Trek Pole ( Available for rent )
- Leech Socks ( Available for rent )
- Warm Layer
- Water bottles – 2 (1 litre each)
- Lunch Box & Spoon to carry your packed lunch
- Raincoat/Bag covers in case of rain ( Available for rent )
- Powerbank
- Flip-flops for lazing around the campsite
- Torch/Headlamp to be used at night
- Portable chargers for your electronics
- Extra pair of clothes to change into once wet
- Polybags to pack your wet clothes
- Extra cash for meals not included in the itinerary
PICKUP LOCATIONS
Indian Oil Petrol Pump HSR opp to Nandas
Yamaha Showroom Domlur
Yulu Zone near Cubbon Park Signal
KTM Mekhri Circle
Konkan Express near Yeshwanthpur Metro
Policy and more
If YOU cancel your trek, this is the cancellation policy we follow:
| Intimation Period | Cancellation Fee |
| 7 Days or more | 10% of the total invoice value |
| 3-6 days before the trek date | 50% of the total invoice value |
| 0-2 days before the trek date | 100% of the total invoice value |
- *Intimation Period means the number of days before the tour is scheduled to start
- **Cancellation Fee is the amount of money that will be deducted from the total billing amount before offering the refund.
- Refund/Cancellation requests are accepted only by email at [email protected] and not via call or Whatsapp.
NOTE:
- There will be no consideration given to cancellations on the day of departure or the day before due to work/family emergencies, health issues, etc., and no refund or transfer to alternative dates will be permitted for the same.
- You would be required to pay an additional fee of RS 1500 if you wanted to postpone your trek and cancel on the day of departure. This is only available for 3 months after the departure date of the actual trip.
- Suppose you cancel the trek any time (in addition to the above scenario). In that case, additional fees will be collected (depending on where you made your booking) as payment gateway/event listing fees.
The following is our cancellation policy in the unlikely event that we have to postpone your trek:
During and After the Trek: In the event of severe weather, considering the trekkers' safety, a day may be shortened or the trek may be abandoned entirely. There will never be a refund of any kind.
Before the trek: Make a plan if a trek is cancelled due to a natural disaster (such as a rainstorm, flood, landslide, earthquake, or unanticipated political disturbance, curfews, local riots, government orders, or directives from the forest department). A VOUCHER for the full value of your ticket will be issued by The Unplanned.
If we have to cancel your trek because there aren't enough reservations for that particular batch or we don't have enough participants, PLAN THE UNPLANNED will refund you 96% of the trek money ( Payment Gateway charges shall be deducted )
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve booked my trip. When will I hear from you next?
You’ll get an event heads-up email by Thursday of the trip week. It includes:
- Exact pickup points with timings
- Your Outdoor Leader’s name and phone number
- A quick list of do’s & don’ts
Will I be added to a WhatsApp Group once the trip is confirmed?
Yes. In the heads-up email, we will share a link to a dedicated WhatsApp group so you can chat with fellow travellers and your Outdoor Leader before departure.
What is the “Without Travel” option?
Choosing “Without Travel” all the travel arrangements for your entire itinerary must be self-managed From getting to the start point, local transfers, and the return journey. Please note that Plan the Unplanned crew will not be responsible for your travel, means of transport, and any transfers involved . We recommend driving your own car for the full duration of the trip for maximum flexibility.
I’m travelling solo. Can I still join?
Absolutely. Our trips are designed keeping solo travellers in mind. You’ll join an easy-going group and usually leave with new friends.
Are your trips safe for women?
On all of our trips, safety is non-negotiable and our priority. Female outdoor leaders accompany every group. We assure you that the homestays/tent accommodations are secure. In addition to this, we guarantee separate sleeping arrangements for men and women.
If I miss the departure, can I postpone my booking?
Yes. You can reschedule to any future date of the same trip for a ₹1,500 per-person change fee. Email [email protected] and our team will get in touch with you.
How do I get a discount on trips?
For more information on discounts, we request you to check out our Gypsy Membership here: plantheunplanned.com/membership
Can I leave my extra luggage at the accommodation?
Yes, you can store your main bags at the accommodation and carry only your essentials on the trip.
What kind of fitness is required for your treks?
Most of our treks are beginner-friendly and designed for people with moderate fitness levels. However, some treks may involve challenging terrains or long durations. Please check the difficulty level mentioned on each trip page and ensure you’re prepared accordingly.
What’s your cancellation and refund policy?
Please note:
✅ We accept and confirm cancellations only over email — not via phone or WhatsApp.
✅ Refer to the Cancellation Policy under the relevant trip page for trip-specific details before making any changes.
✅ You can also reschedule your trip by paying a small rescheduling fee
For assistance, write to us at [email protected] — we’re happy to help! If you have further questions, you can find the Kudremukh Trek FAQs here.
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