Thavoor Hills Trek from Bangalore (2026) – Price, Itinerary & Complete Guide
Thavoor Hills Trek from Bangalore – a 2-day trek to a 1,475 m shola forest peak near Sakleshpur. Dense forests, overnight camping, panoramic views. Book with Backpackers United!
₹4,999
₹3,999/ person
Trek at a Glance
Duration
2 Days / 1 Night
Max Altitude
1,475 m
Distance
14 km
Difficulty
Moderate
Pickup → Drop
Bangalore → Bangalore
Category
Western Ghats Trek
Trip Highlights
- Trek through dense shola forests of the Western Ghats near Sakleshpur
- Summit at 1,475 m with panoramic views across Sakleshpur valley
- Overnight camping near the Thavoor Hills summit
- 14 km forest trail through diverse terrain – forest, streams, and meadows
- Also known as Dumchi Gudda – a lesser-explored peak in Karnataka
- Guided 2-day trek with transport and all meals included from Bangalore
Thavoor Hills Trek from Bangalore – Distance, Difficulty, Itinerary & Booking Guide
Thavoor Hills Trek from Bangalore is a 2-day trekking experience to a 1,475 m summit in the Western Ghats near Sakleshpur, Hassan district, Karnataka. The 14 km trail takes you through dense shola forests, active stream crossings, and sweeping grassland meadows before reaching the summit with panoramic views of the Sakleshpur valley and surrounding ranges. The peak is locally known as Dumchi Gudda and remains one of the lesser-explored destinations in the Sakleshpur trekking belt.
Unlike shorter day treks near Bangalore, Thavoor Hills requires an overnight stay at a campsite near the summit — giving trekkers a rare opportunity to experience the Western Ghats after dark. Mist rolls in at evening, the forest goes quiet, and the sky opens up above the grasslands. The 290 km drive from Bangalore is covered by overnight bus, preserving a full day for the trail itself.
What Makes Thavoor Hills Trek Different
Most treks near Bangalore are day trips with a fixed return by evening. Thavoor Hills operates on a different rhythm — an overnight bus, a full day on the trail, and a night at camp before the descent. This structure gives the trek a depth that single-day experiences cannot match.
The trail itself passes through varied and genuinely wild terrain. The shola forest sections are dense and immersive, the stream crossings are active after monsoon, and the upper grasslands open onto views that make the effort worthwhile. The peak remains far less visited than comparable Western Ghats treks, which means a quieter trail and a more personal experience.
Trek Facts at a Glance
Location: Sakleshpur, Hassan District, Karnataka
Distance from Bangalore: 290 km (approximately 6 hours by road)
Trek Distance: 14 km
Altitude: 1,475 m (4,840 ft)
Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time: October to February
Departure: Friday evening from Bangalore
Returns: Sunday morning to Bangalore
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Day 1) + Breakfast (Day 2)
Difficulty and Who Can Trek
Thavoor Hills is a moderate trek. The 14 km trail is not technical — there are no rope sections or scrambles — but the long trekking hours and forest terrain require a reasonable level of fitness and stamina.
Suitable for: Fit beginners, intermediate and experienced trekkers who can sustain a comfortable walking pace for 6–7 hours.
Not recommended for: People with serious knee injuries, first-time trekkers with no walking experience, or anyone with cardiovascular conditions.
A practical benchmark: if you can walk 8–10 km on flat ground comfortably, you can complete Thavoor Hills with proper pacing and the support of our trek leader.
The Sakleshpur Trekking Belt
Thavoor Hills sits within the Sakleshpur trekking belt — one of the most biodiverse stretches of the Western Ghats accessible from Bangalore. The area is part of the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary ecosystem and receives some of the highest rainfall in Karnataka. Coffee and pepper plantations spread across the lower slopes, giving way to dense shola forest and open grasslands at higher elevations.
The region is home to a wide variety of birds, amphibians, and endemic flora found nowhere else. Leeches are common during the monsoon months — salt sachets or leech-proof socks are recommended for June to September visits.
How to Reach Thavoor Hills from Bangalore
Thavoor Hills is 290 km from Bangalore via NH75, the Bangalore–Mangalore highway. The drive takes approximately 6 hours and passes through Hassan and Sakleshpur before reaching the base village.
Our package includes round-trip transport from four pickup points in Bangalore — Indiranagar, Domlur, Marathahalli, and Hebbal. The overnight bus departs Friday evening and reaches the trailhead by early morning Saturday, giving the group a full day for the trek.
For those travelling independently: take NH75 from Bangalore toward Mangalore, exit at Sakleshpur, and follow local directions to the base village. The last stretch is a ghat road — a high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
Backpackers United — Why Book With Us
Backpackers United has been running Western Ghats treks from Bangalore for years, with 50,000+ trekkers and 4,000+ Google reviews at 4.7 stars. Our Thavoor Hills departures include overnight transport, an experienced trek leader, all meals, and campsite setup — fully managed from the moment you board.
Forest permits and guide arrangements are pre-arranged. Group sizes are kept manageable. You show up at the pickup point on Friday evening — we handle everything else.
Itinerary
The Thavoor Hills Trek is structured as a 2-day trip departing Bangalore on Friday evening and returning Sunday morning. The overnight bus covers the 290 km drive to Sakleshpur while you sleep, maximising time on the trail. Day 1 is the full trekking day — 14 km through shola forests and grasslands to the 1,475 m summit, with an overnight camp near the top. Day 2 is a relaxed morning at the campsite followed by the descent and return drive to Bangalore.
Departure from Bangalore to Thavoor Hills Trek
Departure from Bangalore begins in the evening with pickups across the city. The group boards a non-AC push-back seater for the overnight drive to Sakleshpur, covering approximately 290 km and arriving at the base village near the Thavoor Hills trailhead in the early morning. The overnight drive is timed so the group is rested and ready for the trail by sunrise on Day 1.
Please ensure you have had dinner before boarding — no food stops are scheduled on the night drive.
Pickup Points:
Indiranagar 9:00 PM – Karachi Bakery
Domlur 9:15 PM – Union Bank
Marathahalli 9:45 PM – Kalamandir
Hebbal 10:15 PM – Esteem Mall
Thavoor Hills Trek – Altitude: 1,475 m | Distance: 14 km
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The group arrives at the base village before sunrise, freshens up, and has breakfast at the homestay before setting off on the trail. The 14 km trek begins as light opens across the Western Ghats, with cool temperatures and clear forest air in the early morning hours.
The first 3 km from the trailhead to the forest entry moves through open terrain on a flat, well-marked path. The trail gradually narrows as it approaches the forest boundary, and the character of the landscape shifts as the canopy closes in.
Inside the forest, the next 4 km is the most immersive section of the trek. The trail descends briefly before climbing steadily through tall shola trees and thick undergrowth. Stream crossings appear regularly — cool water crossing the path under the dense canopy. The forest is rich with bird calls and the sound of water over rock.
The trail transitions into open shola grasslands midway through the trek. The gradient eases here and views open up dramatically — the Sakleshpur valley stretches below, coffee and pepper plantations visible on the lower slopes. Lunch is served at the meadow before the group begins the final ascent.
The last 3 km to the Thavoor Hills summit at 1,475 m climbs through rockier terrain. The gradient steepens in the final stretch with some sections requiring careful footing. The summit opens to a full panoramic view of the Western Ghats ridge and the Sakleshpur valley below.
Camping is set up near the summit for the overnight stay. Dinner is served as the forest mist rolls in at dusk. The evening at camp — quiet, high, entirely removed from the city — is what most trekkers remember long after the trek.
Sightseeing & Return to Bangalore
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The group wakes to a forest morning at the campsite — cool, misty, and unhurried. Breakfast is served at the camp before the group begins the descent on the same trail. The descent is more relaxed than the ascent and takes approximately 3–4 hours at a comfortable pace, retracing the route through the shola grasslands, forest canopy, and back to the base village.
After reaching the base village and freshening up, the group boards the vehicle for the return drive to Bangalore. The 290 km journey takes approximately 6 hours, with the group reaching the city by early afternoon. Drop-offs follow the same four pickup points from Day 0 in reverse.
Best Time to Visit
Thavoor Hills is a year-round destination with dramatically different experiences across seasons. Located in the wet Western Ghats near Sakleshpur, the area receives heavy rainfall between June and September, transforming the forests into a dense green canopy. Post-monsoon and winter months are the most popular for trekking. Here's what each season looks like on the Thavoor Hills trail.
Oct – Feb
Recommended
October through February is the best time to trek Thavoor Hills. The post-monsoon landscape is lush and deeply green, streams are active, and the shola forests are at their most vivid. Weather is cool, summit visibility is excellent, and the overnight camping experience is at its most comfortable. This is peak season — book early to secure your slot.
Jun – Sep
Monsoon
The monsoon transforms Thavoor Hills into a misty, cloud-drenched landscape. Waterfalls appear along the trail, the forest floor thickens with moss, and fog drifts through the shola canopy. Trek conditions are more challenging — the trail gets slippery and leeches are common — but for trekkers who want to see the Western Ghats in full monsoon character, this is an exceptional experience. Full rain gear and leech-proof socks are essential.
Mar – May
Summer
Summer months are drier and warmer, but the elevation keeps temperatures manageable. Forest trails are firm and easy to navigate, and the shola grasslands are open and accessible. Summer mornings at the campsite are crisp before the day heats up. Carry extra water for the ascent, as streams may be reduced at this time of year.
The 290 km drive from Bangalore takes approximately 6 hours. Our overnight bus departs Friday evening, reaching the trailhead by early Saturday morning. Trek permits and guide arrangements are fully handled by the Backpackers United team — bring a valid government photo ID for forest entry.
Trek Route Breakdown
The Thavoor Hills Trek covers 14 km through the dense forests and shola grasslands of the Western Ghats near Sakleshpur. The trail is split into four sections, each with distinct terrain and gradient. Total trekking time is approximately 6–7 hours.
Trailhead to Forest Entry
3 km approx 1.5 hrsThe trek starts from the base village on a flat, well-marked path before entering the forest boundary. The initial section moves through open terrain and sparse vegetation — this is the warmup stretch before the trail narrows at the forest edge. A comfortable pace here pays off in the denser forest ahead.
Forest Entry to Dense Canopy
4 km approx 2 hrsInside the forest boundary, the trail descends briefly before beginning a consistent ascent through tall trees and thick undergrowth. Stream crossings are frequent in this section during and after monsoon. The canopy provides shade and the trail is cool even in summer — this is the most immersive section of the route.
Dense Canopy to Shola Meadow
4 km approx 2 hrsThe trail transitions from dense forest into the open shola grasslands of the upper Western Ghats. The gradient eases and views open up dramatically. The wide ridge meadow marks the approach to the final summit push and is a natural rest point for lunch before the ascent.
Shola Meadow to Thavoor Hills Summit
3 km approx 1.5 hrsThe final section climbs from the shola meadow to the Thavoor Hills summit at 1,475 m. The gradient steepens in the last kilometre with some rocky sections requiring careful footing. The summit opens to 360° views across Sakleshpur valley. Camping is set up here for the overnight stay.
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included
- Transport (non-AC vehicle) from and to Bangalore
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on Day 1
- Breakfast on Day 2
- Experienced trek guide for the full trail
- Overnight camping with tents and sleeping bags
- Basic first-aid kit on trail
- Forest entry permit
What's Excluded
- Personal expenses and tips
- Travel insurance
- Any food or beverages not mentioned in inclusions
- Anything not specifically listed under inclusions
What to Expect
Thavoor Hills is a forest trek in the classic Western Ghats tradition — long trail, dense canopy, stream crossings, overnight camping. It is not a technical or high-altitude trek, but it demands a full day of walking and rewards the effort with a genuinely immersive forest experience.
The overnight camping is the centrepiece of the Thavoor Hills experience. At 1,475 m, the summit campsite is quiet, mist-prone, and entirely removed from the city. Evenings at camp — dinner by firelight, forest sounds, clear sky if the weather holds — are the reason most trekkers remember this trip.
The 14 km trail passes through varied terrain: open scrubland at the base, dense shola forest in the middle sections, open meadows before the summit. Each section has its own character and the full route covers enough ground to feel like a proper mountain experience.
Group sizes are kept manageable and the trek guide sets a pace that works for all participants. The Backpackers United team handles transport, meals, and camp setup — the experience is smooth from Friday evening departure to Sunday afternoon return.
Accommodations
Accommodation for the Thavoor Hills Trek is at two points: a homestay at the base village on arrival and a campsite near the Thavoor Hills summit for the overnight stay.
The homestay is used for freshening up and breakfast on Day 1 before the trek begins, and again after the descent on Day 2 before the return drive. It provides basic but clean facilities at the base.
The overnight campsite near the summit uses tents with sleeping bags and basic bedding. Camp is set up and managed entirely by the Backpackers United team. Arrangements are made for mixed groups with appropriate facilities throughout.
This is a forest trek — the campsite is part of the experience, not a compromise.
Backpackers United
Your Thavoor Hills Trek is led by a Backpackers United trek leader experienced on the Sakleshpur trails and familiar with the seasonal conditions of this route throughout the year. The guide leads the group from the base village to the summit, manages rest stops and meal breaks, and handles the campsite setup for the overnight stay.
The Backpackers United team has been running Western Ghats treks from Bangalore for years, building local knowledge through repeated seasonal visits across the Sakleshpur belt. Safety, pacing, and a genuine forest experience are the priorities on every departure. Trek leaders carry a basic first-aid kit on trail at all times.
Things to Carry
Trekking shoes with good ankle support and grip on forest and rocky terrain
Water minimum 2 litres per person; stream water on trail is not safe to drink
Warm layer jacket or fleece for cool evenings at the 1,475 m campsite
Rain poncho or rain jacket essential for monsoon visits and unexpected showers
Leech-proof socks or salt sachet strongly recommended for June to September visits
Sunscreen SPF 30+ for the exposed grassland and summit sections
Cap or hat sun protection for the open meadow and summit sections
Torch or headlamp essential for evening at camp and early morning movement
Change of clothes for the overnight campsite
Snacks energy bars or dry fruits for the trail between meals
ID proof government photo ID (Aadhaar/Passport/Driving Licence) for forest entry
What NOT to carry
Alcohol — strictly not permitted on Backpackers United treks
Single-use plastic — carry a reusable water bottle
Heavy suitcases or large bags — use a compact daypack of 20–30 litres
Starting from
₹4,999
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Frequently Asked Questions
15 questionsIs it safe for Women travellers ?
Yes, Thavoor Hills Trek is completely safe for women travellers. Our groups are mixed and our trek guides are trained to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants. We have had many solo women trekkers and all-women groups complete this trek. Overnight camping arrangements ensure appropriate facilities for all participants.
What payment options do I have ?
We have multiple payment options available on the website — UPI, debit/credit cards, and net banking. You can also reach out to us on WhatsApp to arrange a payment.
How difficult is the Tavoor Hills Trek?
Thavoor Hills Trek is a moderate trek suited for reasonably fit individuals. The 14 km trail involves long hours of walking through forest terrain with elevation gain. No technical skills are required, but a basic level of fitness is recommended. If you can walk 8–10 km at a comfortable pace, you can complete this trek.
How long does it take to complete the Tavoor Hills Trek?
The Thavoor Hills Trek takes approximately 6–7 hours to complete, covering 14 km of forest trail. Including rest stops and meal breaks, the full trekking day runs from early morning to late afternoon. The overnight schedule means you depart Bangalore Friday evening and return Sunday morning.
What is the distance of the Tavoor Hills Trek?
The total trekking distance of the Thavoor Hills Trek is 14 km. The trail covers four sections — from the base village through dense forest, shola grasslands, and up to the 1,475 m summit. Depending on the return route, the actual walking distance may vary slightly.
Are there any entry fees for the Tavoor Hills Trek?
A minimal forest entry fee applies for the Thavoor Hills Trek. This is included in your package price — no additional payment is required at the entry point. Carry a valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, or Driving Licence) for verification at the checkpost.
Are there any restroom facilities available along the Tavoor Hills Trek?
Restroom facilities are not available along the trekking route. We recommend planning accordingly before the trek begins. Basic facilities are available at the homestay at the base village.
Is it necessary to hire a guide for the Tavoor Hills Trek?
Yes, a certified guide is arranged and included in your package. Our trek leaders are experienced on the Thavoor Hills trail across seasons and provide continuous support throughout the trek.
Are there any food stalls or eateries along the Tavoor Hills Trek route?
There are no food stalls or eateries along the Thavoor Hills Trek route. All meals — breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Day 1, and breakfast on Day 2 — are arranged and included in your package.
How can you confirm your booking?
Once your booking is complete, you will receive a confirmation on your registered email or WhatsApp number. You can also reach out to the Backpackers United team for booking confirmation details.
How can I reserve my slot?
You can directly reserve your slot by booking on the website. Please ensure you provide accurate details during booking. Slots are confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis.
What is the best time to visit Thavoor Hills?
The best time to trek Thavoor Hills is from October to February. The post-monsoon months bring lush greenery and clear skies, while the winter months offer cool temperatures ideal for overnight camping. The trek is also possible during monsoon for those who enjoy misty forest trails, and in summer with an early start.
How far is Thavoor Hills from Bangalore?
Thavoor Hills is approximately 290 km from Bangalore, located near Sakleshpur in Hassan district, Karnataka. The drive takes around 6 hours via NH75, the Bangalore–Mangalore highway.
Is Thavoor Hills Trek suitable for beginners?
Thavoor Hills is a moderate trek and is accessible to fit beginners. The 14 km trail has no technical sections, though it requires sustained walking for 6–7 hours. Trekkers who can walk 8–10 km comfortably on flat ground will be able to complete this trek with the support of our guide.
What is Thavoor Hills also known as?
Thavoor Hills is also locally known as Dumchi Gudda. The peak is located near Sakleshpur in the Hassan district and sits within the broader Western Ghats ecosystem of the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary range.
Transparent cancellation policy
Good to know
- Once a flight or train is booked, it is non-refundable.
- Minimum 8 trekkers required for group departures. If the group falls below 8, you'll be offered an alternative.
- In case of weather, strikes or government restrictions, trips may be modified. Cash refunds aren't issued in such cases.
- 5% GST + 3% booking fee is non-refundable on all bookings.
| Days before | Charge | Refund |
|---|---|---|
| 15–30 days | 25% | 75% refunded |
| 7–15 days | 50% | 50% refunded |
| 3–7 days | 75% | 25% refunded |
| 0–3 days | 100% | No refund |