Quick, honest answers to the questions trekkers ask us most about Agasthyarkoodam. Season details come from Forest Department notices and news coverage of recent seasons. Confirm current rules on the official portal.
Trek basics
How tough is the Agasthyarkoodam trek?
It is widely regarded as the toughest trekking route in Kerala. The KeralaTrekking itinerary covers 50+ km over three days, with a long first day, a steep ascent and a fixed-rope rock climb near the summit. Preparation matters more than speed.
How many days does the trek take?
Most groups plan three days and two nights, with the overnight halt at the Athirumala camp. Some fast groups finish in two days if they reach Athirumala early enough on the return leg.
What is the height of Agasthyarkoodam?
The peak is 1,868 m above sea level, in the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve in Thiruvananthapuram district.
Where does the trek start?
At the Bonacaud forest picket station, about 61 km from Thiruvananthapuram city.
How far is the trek in total?
On the KeralaTrekking 3 day itinerary it is 50+ km in total: about 20 km from Bonacaud to Athirumala on day one, about 10 km on summit day (Athirumala to the peak and back), and about 20 km back to Bonacaud on day three.
Permits and booking
Do I need a permit to trek Agasthyarkoodam?
Yes. Entry is restricted by the Kerala Forest Department and tickets can be booked only by a registered applicant on the official portal. There is no walk-in access.
How much does the Agasthyarkoodam trek cost?
The Forest Department charges an entry fee per trekker and limits the number of trekkers each day, and both can change. For a guided batch, KeralaTrekking lists the inclusions and cancellation terms on the guided batches page and shares the price on WhatsApp. The forest permit is included.
When does booking open?
The Forest Department announces booking just before the season, usually in the first half of January. Popular dates can sell out within hours, so be ready at the opening time.
Can KeralaTrekking give me a forest permit?
We help you get one, but we do not issue it. Permits are issued by the Kerala Forest Department. When you join a guided batch, we help arrange the forest permit through the Forest Department’s booking system, tell you what each participant must prepare, and coordinate the batch.
What documents are required?
Valid government photo ID, the booking ticket and a fitness certificate, which trekkers must present on entry. Keep original documents in a waterproof pouch.
Who can trek
Can women trek to Agasthyarkoodam?
Yes. Women have been able to trek since the 2019 season, after a Kerala High Court order removed the earlier restriction.
Can foreigners trek Agasthyarkoodam?
No. The official booking portal states that foreign nationals are not permitted to undertake this trek.
What is the minimum age?
In recent seasons the minimum age has been 14, with children below 14 not allowed. Check the current notification before booking.
Can a beginner do the Agasthyarkoodam trek?
A fit beginner with real preparation can, but it is not an easy first trek. Do several long day treks and a few loaded-pack training walks beforehand. See our guide on first-time trekkers.
Season and conditions
What is the best time to trek Agasthyarkoodam?
The Forest Department’s own seasonal trek runs for about a month from mid-January into February, in the cooler, drier months. KeralaTrekking also runs guided batches in other months, so check the guided batches page for current dates.
Is the trek safe?
It is a demanding trek in a protected forest, with forest staff, check posts and wireless stations along the route. Safety depends on your fitness, following guide instructions, especially on the rope section, and respecting weather and rock conditions.
What is not allowed on the trek?
Plastic, puja materials, the pongala ritual at Pongalappara, and alcohol or narcotic substances are not allowed. Carry water in steel or reusable bottles.
Where do we stay during the trek?
Groups stay overnight at the Forest Department camp at Athirumala. Ask your organiser what the batch provides so you know what to carry.
Guided batches
How do I join a KeralaTrekking batch?
Send us your preferred dates and group size using the enquiry form or WhatsApp. We reply with open batches and the next steps. An enquiry is not a booking, and we confirm seats and arrangements per batch.
I am travelling from another state. Can you help?
Yes. Many of our trekkers travel from outside Kerala. Tell us where you are coming from and we will share a simple arrival plan.