Western Ghats State Level Trekking cum Training Expedition 2026 (By Karnataka State Branch)

The Western Ghats State Level Trekking cum Training Expedition 2026 is organised by the Youth Hostels Association of India, Karnataka State Branch. The Western Ghats are one of the world's 25 biological hotspots, remarkable both for sheer natural beauty and for rich biological diversity.

The camp runs for three nights and four days, commencing on Sunday 1 November 2026 and concluding on Wednesday 4 November 2026. Participants return to the base camp each evening, so there is no need to carry full luggage on the trails.

Who Can Participate?

• Minimum age 15 years.
• A single batch of 100 members, on a first-come-first-served basis. Registration closes once 100 is reached. Organisers may split the batch into two groups of 50 if needed.

Fee

• Rs. 7,600 per YHAI member.
• Rs. 7,800 for non-members - the additional Rs. 200 covers the annual membership fee.
• Includes stay at base camp, simple nutritious vegetarian food, forest entry and trekking fees, local transport and expert guide charges.

How to Reach the Base Camp

• The base camp is at Samse, 9 km from Kalasa in Chikmagalur district.
• 320 km from Bengaluru and 125 km from Mangaluru.
• Frequent buses run to Kalasa from most districts as it lies on the way to Horanadu temple. From Kalasa, board a bus towards Kudremukh and alight at Samse.

How to Join

• Complete and sign the Trekking Registration Form and send the scanned copy. Forms are available from your Unit, your State Branch or the YHAI website.
• Hand over the original registration form with the Medical Certificate at reporting on 1 November 2026. The Medical Certificate must be dated after 25 October 2026 - within 7 days of reporting.
• Pay by NEFT or IMPS to Union Bank of India, Nrupathunga Road Branch, Bengaluru - A/c 520101234994513, IFSC UBIN0901750.
• Send the payment screenshot and a copy of one photo ID (driving licence, voter ID, PAN card, passport or ration card) to WhatsApp 7483832199. The ID is required to register your name for the trekking routes on the Forest Department website.

Accommodation, Food and Water

• Simple stay in a covered convention hall, with separate arrangements for women.
• Simple vegetarian food prepared by experienced cooks in the attached kitchen.
• 24-hour water supply.

What to Bring

• Cotton shirts and pants, sun cap, sunglasses, sweater or jacket
• Trekking shoes with good grip, trekking pole, cotton socks
• Torch with new batteries, two water bottles, lunch box, steel mug, plate, spoon, penknife
• Toilet kit, towel, personal medicines, raincoat or poncho
• Sleeping bag, sleeping mat, bed sheets, air pillow, mosquito repellent
• Original ID cards; a small backpack for the daily treks

Safety

Extensive preparation has gone into planning the trek routes for participant safety, and field staff and experienced camp leaders have surveyed the area. YHAI and its organisers cannot be held responsible for accidents, illness or other unforeseen eventualities. Deviation from the set route is not permitted.

• Cancel at least 7 days before the reporting date to receive a refund of Rs. 4,000.
• Alternatively, request a credit shell at least 7 days in advance and Rs. 6,850 is retained in the credit shell, to be used on or before 31 December 2026 on any other National or State level program.
• No refund is admissible once the credit shell option is taken.
• No refund is admissible if notice falls short of 7 days.