Skandagiri Day Trek From Bangalore

1. What is the best time for a Skandagiri trek?

• Skandagiri can be visited during most of the year except monsoon.
• The best time to visit Skandagiri or the Kalavara Durga fortress is within the winter months of October and January. It is not as cold as the Himalayas, but a pleasant breeze blows by, and you can get a panoramic view of flora and fauna in winter.
• You could also visit Skandagiri between February and May, but there is a good chance that the scenic beauty will not be as good as the winter views. Also, you may feel warm during some parts of the trek.
• Monsoon is not a good time to visit Skandagiri as South India experiences long periods of monsoon, and the trail gets slippery. There are several ascents and descents, and hence, the chances of injuring yourself are very high!

2. Is Skandagiri night trek for beginners?

Yes, the Skandagiri Night Trek is one that even beginners can go for. However, even as beginners in trekking, trekkers are required to be physically fit and agile, since the trek can become strenuous in some parts. Additionally, the trek has experienced guides and trainers who are there to help you every step of the way.

3. How long is the Skandagiri Trek?

The Skandagiri trekking trail is 5 km, it takes a maximum of 3 hours to climb the trek.

4. Is trekking allowed in Skandagiri?

Yes, trekking is allowed in Skandagiri, but not at night as the night trek to Skandagiri is quite daunting. The trek to Skandagiri was wholly banned for a few years on account of the rough terrain but now it has been opened up to the public again.

5. What kind of shoes are required for Skandagiri night trek?

Since you will be walking on different terrains during the Skandagiri Trek, you must wear shoes that are not only comfortable, but also have a good grip, especially on wet surfaces. Additionally, they should always be the right fit, in addition to being waterproof, or at the very least, water resistant.

6. I am a solo traveler, can I join the Skandagiri night Trekking group?

Yes, you can join the Skandagiri night Trekking group and enjoy your trip with a group of new people. However, do not try this treacherous trek on your own without a group and guide, you may end up hurting yourself, and there will be no one to help you out.

7. What is the maximum altitude of Skandagiri Trek?

The highest altitude of the Skandagiri trek is at the peak of the Skandagiri hill. It is 1450 m tall, and it takes 2 hours from the starting point to get here.

8. What are the pickup points in Bangalore for Skandagiri Night Trek?

The details about the pick-up points in Bangalore for the Skandagiri Night trek are as follows. Also, the first pick-up will start at 11 pm and it is advisable to reach your respective spot accordingly.

• 11:00 PM – RR Nagar : Gopalan Arcade, Mysore road
• 11:45 PM – Banashankari : Bus Stop
• 12:15 AM – BTM : Udupi Garden Bus Stop
• 12:30 Am – Silk Board Bus stand
• 12:50AM – Marathahalli : Opposite to Kalamandir
• 1:15 AM – Hebball : Opposite to Esteem MallThis may also be possible that the pick-up gets slightly delayed due to the traffic.

9. What is the average temperature of Skandagiri?

The temperature in and around Bangalore, including Skandagiri averages between 30 – 20 degrees Celsius.
The initial months from January till April gets an average of 33 degrees in the day – 21 degrees in the night.
The mid-year months from May till August getsan average of 30 degrees in the day – 20 degrees in the night.
The end months from September till December gets an average of 28 degrees in the day – 19 degrees in the night.

10. What is the level of fitness expected from Skandagiri trek?

The Skandagiri trek is of easy to moderate difficulty level and can be attempted by people with no prior trekking experience. Moreover, one does not need to have a certain level of fitness or skill to ascend the trail.
However, people with any medical conditions should seek out their doctors before joining the tour.

11. How can I go to the Skandagiri hills from Bangalore?

From Bangalore, you have to drive 60 km to the Papagni Temple, where the base camp of the Skandagiri trek is located. After you obtain the permission from forest officials, you start the 8 km trek to and from Skandagiri fortress.

12. What is the minimum age required for Skandagiri hill trek?

The Skandagiri hills night trek is of moderate difficulty, and hence only adults are allowed to opt for this trek. You must be above 12+ years of age to avail of the trek.

13. What is the experience required for Skandagiri Trekking?

You need to be experienced for this trek as it is moderate to the tough difficulty level. Thus mental and physical fitness is a must, and you must check for high blood pressure before taking on this trek. It may be short, but unlike what many people may think, it is not easy at all. So if you have heart problems or asthma, better stay away from it.
Also, to prepare for the trek, start doing cardio exercises and stretching exercises from at least 3 weeks prior to the trek. You need to be mentally and physically fit for the trek.

14. How difficult is Skandagiri trek?

The Skandagiri trek is of moderate difficulty level, and you can easily trek through this route. Though it is a short trek, it has abrupt ascent and descent, and at times, it might feel extremely exhausting. The trek difficulty level increases at the Papagni temple, where the terrain is rough and surrounded by thick shrubs and bushes. From here on, you need to be agile and careful until you reach the summit of the Skandagiri night trekking trail.