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GOKARNA COASTAL TREK

Weekend trek to a beach and magical forests in Gokarna

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TREK DIFFICULTY

Easy

TREK DURATION

2 Days

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CLOSEST AIRPORT

Bangalore

TOTAL TREK DISTANCE

10 kms

BASECAMP

Gokarna

ACCOMMODATION TYPE

Tents

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PICKUP POINT

The Godavari Hotel, Gokarna

PICKUP TIME

12:30 PM

DROPOFF TIME

7 PM

OFFLOADING

Not available

Weekend trek to a beach and magical forests in Gokarna

Trekking in Gokarna is not new. It has been a popular getaway for trekkers for a long time. However, all these treks just involve walking from one beach to another along the coastline. They completely miss out on Gokarna’s stunning coastal cliffs, its hidden forests, and the lesser-known villages tucked away inland.

When we, at Indiahikes, set out to find a coastal trek in Gokarna that could be done over a weekend, we wanted more than just a beach walk. That’s when we found the untouched Honnebail Beach and the magical forests of Moti Gudda.

The trek begins at Manjuguni, a quiet fishing village by the Gangavali River. You walk past the village into scrub forests. The Arabian Sea peeks through the trees before opening into a stunning view. Then, the trail suddenly dips into dense forests. Without warning, the trees part to reveal Honnebail Beach—a secluded sandbank surrounded by cliffs. You camp here for the night, with the waves crashing next to you under a sky full of stars.

Gokarna Coastal Trek

We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on any trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.

Use this section to learn about the Gokarna Coastal Trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.

Day 1: Drive from Gokarna to Manjuguni Village. Trek to a Hidden Beach.

Drive Distance: 10 kms | Drive Duration: 1 hr

Trek Distance: 3.5 kms | Trek Duration: 3 hrs

Difficulty: Easy

Pickup time: 12:30 pm | Pickup location: The Godavari Hotel, Gokarna

The drive from Gokarna to Manjuguni starts on a broad road. Soon, it narrows as you pass through the iconic tiled-roof houses of Gokarna. This narrow road leads to a bridge over the Gangavali River. From here, you see the deep blue waters, fishermen’s boats bobbing, and green hills in the distance.

Crossing the bridge, the road winds through the small village of Manjuguni. The Gangavali River stays on your left. For the next kilometer, you drive alongside it. Then, the road bends right, away from the river.

Just before a small cement bridge, get down. Cross this bridge. This is your trailhead.

Walk past a giant peepal tree and step into a shady path lined with coconut trees. The trail winds through boundary walls of village homes. In 100 meters, you reach a fork. Take the right path that climbs up.

Almost immediately, a wire fence blocks the way. Pass through a narrow gap. Past the fence, the shade disappears. The landscape opens up into thorny scrublands. Here, small offshoot trails crisscross the main path. Ignore them. Keep walking straight.

After 400 meters of gradual ascent, you reach another fork. Take the left trail. It enters a shady forest. A short descent follows, before the trail ascends again. Soon, you come across a stone wall with a narrow gap, just wide enough for one person. Cross it.

In another 100 meters, four trails crisscross in different directions. Don’t take the left or right. Keep straight. Pause here to observe the cashew trees around you. If you are trekking between March and May, you’ll spot ripe cashew fruits hanging.

Beyond this point, another broken stone wall appears. Walk through it. The forest thickens. The trail ascends gradually for 100 meters, then starts descending. 200 meters from the broken wall, glimpses of the Arabian Sea peek through the trees on your left.

Suddenly, the forest opens into a small clearing. This is a magical spot. The Gangavali River merges with the Arabian Sea right before you. The river’s calm shores contrast with the waves crashing onto the sandbank beyond. This sandbank marks the northern tip of the famous Gokarna Beach. Sit here for a while and soak in the views.

Ahead of this clearing, the trail enters the forest again. The path ascends gently for 400 meters, then descends. Once more, the sea peeks through the thickets.

In five minutes, you step out of the forest. A vast, open view of the Arabian Sea unfolds. Waves crash against cliffs lining the shore. It’s a breathtaking sight. Here, bushes and shrubs dominate the landscape. Many trails branch out in different directions. Stay on the main path. Soon, you re-enter the forest. The sea disappears, but the sound of waves stays with you. In front of you, green grassy hills rise.

200 meters from here, you reach another junction where four trails meet. Take a sharp left. This left turn is easy to miss, so be watchful. The trail descends steadily. In another 300 meters, you arrive at the edge of a cliff. The waves crash against the rocks below, forming a secluded bay. The tamarix trees sway to the gusty winds. You have this entire space to yourself. Sit with the sea and enjoy the silence before continuing on the trek.

For the next 200 meters, walk along the cliff’s edge. The vast, open sea stays to your left. Then, take a sharp right.The trail plunges into dense bushes. Seas vanish from your sight.

Negotiate this bushy stretch for about 70–80 meters. Then, suddenly, the landscape opens. You see the secluded beach for the first time. Coastal vegetation surrounds it. This sudden, unexpected reveal of the beach makes the entire trek worthwhile.

Now descend to the beach along a marked trail. The path leads to large boulders by the sea shore. Beyond the boulders, the soft sands of the beach begin. Your campsite is now just 100 meters away.

Drop your bags. Change into your swimming shorts. Get into the sea. Or sit by the shore and watch the sun dip below the horizon. Playing in the waves as the sky darkens will stay with you forever.

Camping overnight on this secluded beach, with the sound of the ocean and a sky full of stars, will be an experience you can never forget.

Day 2

Day 2: Drive to Gudine Valase. Trek to Achave via Motigudda Forest. Drive back to Gokarna.

Drive Distance to Gudine Valase: 40 km | Drive Duration: 1.5 hrs

Motigudda Trek Distance: 6 km | Trek Duration: 5 hrs

Drop Off Point: Gokarna Bus Stand | Drop Off Time: 7 PM

Difficulty: Moderate

Drive Distance to Gokarna from Achave: 50 km | Drive Duration: 2 hrs

Your trek begins at a small village house in Gudine Valase village, overlooking terraced farmlands and a deep valley. Beyond the fields, forested hills rise in the distance. From this house, the trail turns left and ascends gradually.

The first 200 meters take you across cultivated slopes before you enter a shady canopy. The mud trail here is broad and clear. The ascent eases into a gradual walk. Keep walking straight.

After a small ascent followed by a gentle descent, you reach a small cement bridge on your right in the next 300 meters. Don’t go towards the bridge. Instead, take the straight ascending trail.

The first 200 meters take you across cultivated slopes before you enter a shady canopy. The mud trail here is broad and clear. The ascent eases into a gradual walk. Keep walking straight.

In 150 meters, you reach a fork. Take the right trail that descends towards a stream. This is your first and last water source on this forest trek—fill your bottles here. From the stream, climb past a temple and through step-cut farmlands. In 100 meters, you reach a flight of stone steps. Climb straight up. Avoid the left or rightward trails that branch off from the steps.

About 300 meters into the climb, the farmland gives way to dense forests. The stout ironwood trees appear all around you. Dry leaves crunch below your feet and birdsong fills the air. The trail now ascends steeply. The forest is shady and silent, with birds chirping all around. The crunch of dry leaves underfoot is the only sound accompanying you.

It is very easy to get lost here, so stay alert and follow the trail closely.

In the next 900 meters, you arrive at a fork. Take the left branch that climbs upwards, not the descending rightward trail.

One minute ahead, take a sharp left into a dense forest. The forest here is a dense tangle of roots and branches. The trail is barely visible under the dry leaves. If you’re trekking alone, having a local guide is advisable. Stay alert for animal movements in this section. You might even stumble upon red spurfowls foraging near the forest floor.

After 20–25 minutes of steady ascent through this forested maze, you emerge into a small clearing. The gradient flattens into a table-like opening. Moss-covered trees surround the clearing, creating an enchanting atmosphere. Rest here for a while. The trail immediately re-enters a dense forest and in 600 meters, another brief clearing appears. This clearing is filled with dark black rocks. Walk along the edges of the clearing and re-enter the forest through a leftward trail.

The trail now ascends gradually through forests. At the 500 meters mark from here, you will see a leftward path leading to another clearing. Ignore it. Keep going straight through the forest. The trail soon starts descending.

You arrive at a shack nestled within an areca nut plantation. A slow-dribbling stream flows behind the mud house. From the shack, the trail climbs steeply for 200 meters before descending steeply towards the roadhead at Acchave. About 600 meters into the descent, you reach a diversion. One trail climbs up. Don’t take that—just keep descending.

For the next 700 meters, navigate a steep descent over fallen leaves. Cross multiple dry streambeds and fallen trees. Eventually, you reach a stream that still holds water. This is your only water source after the stream at Gudine Valase near the start of the trek. In monsoon, all the dry nalas might have water. But in the drier months, this stream is crucial.

Just 100 meters beyond the stream, the forest canopy suddenly opens. To your right, sweeping views of Gokarna’s hilly landscape unfold. Below, you see Achave village and its areca nut plantations. That’s where you’re headed.

Continue descending for 200 meters. You arrive at a small wooden gate marking the start of the village. A neat house sits amidst the plantations. Turn right at the gate, and in 50 meters, take a sharp left into the village.

The trail is now wide and clear, passing through cultivated land. In the next 100 meters, take a right. Soon, you reach the house you had spotted earlier from the wooden gate. This is Rajiv Hegde’s home. The Indiahikes vehicle will be waiting here to pick you up. Your trek ends here. Rest for a while before starting the drive back to Gokarna.

Day 1

Packing List

Given below is a list of all the gear you need for the Gokarna Coastal trek:

If you don’t have certain items, you can rent high-quality gear like trekking shoes, backpacks, and jackets from the Crosstrek Rental Store by Indiahikes. It costs less than Rs 2000 for the entire trek. We highly recommend renting gear since it is both more affordable and environmentally friendly.

Additionally, you’ll notice a small medical kit in the list. While our trek leaders carry medical kits with 17 medicines including life-saving drugs, you must bring your personal medical kit as well. We are already equipped with BP machines, oximeters and canned oxygen, but your medical kit is for quick access to you, especially while travelling.

Most importantly, you must digitally upload and carry mandatory documents to get government permits for the trek - your ID card, medical certificate, and disclaimer certificate. Keep them in a plastic bag to keep them safe in your backpack. There are no printing or photocopy facilities at the basecamp.

Here is a list of everything you need for your trek.

Shoes and backpack

Shoes with good grip (non-waterproof trail running shoes or non-waterproof shoes with good grip)
Sandals
40-45 litres backpack with rain cover
A dry sack or a polybag

Warm Layers and Clothes

Warm layers: 1 layer (1 light sweater will suffice)
3 full-sleeved T-shirts (Wear one, carry two)
2 quick-dry trek pants (Wear one, carry one)

Accessories

Sunglasses
Sun cap (Available for purchase), preferably with flaps
4 pairs of socks (normal cotton/ sport high ankle socks. Waterproof socks are a bonus.) (Waterproof socks are available for purchase)
Headlamp + Extra Batteries
Trekking poles
Rain jacket + pants / Poncho

Toiletries:

Sunscreen
Moisturiser
Light towel
Lip balm or vaseline
Toilet paper (Wet wipes are strictly not allowed on our treks)
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Hand Sanitizer
Odomos or any other insect repellant
Reusable plastic covers (for used clothes/sanitary waste)

Cutlery:

Steel lunch box, spoon and a coffee mug
Two water bottles

Once you run through this list, don't miss this ultimate guide on what gear to take on a trek. It contains tips on what gear to choose, where to get it from and how much to spend on it.

Our only tip: Keep your backpack light. Indiahikes practices low impact sustainable trekking in every aspect of the trek. Carrying your own personal backpack reduces your impact on the mountains by 20%. We expect all our trekkers to carry their own backpacks unless they have a justifiable reason not to.

PRO TIPS

Keep important documents in a clear plastic cover and slide them into the inner pocket at the back of your backpack. This keeps them from getting wet.

These are documents required for legal purposes by Indiahikes and the forest department. Without any of these, you will not be allowed to trek.

Original and 2 (two) photocopies of government identity card. Anything such as a driver’s license, Aadhar Card, or passport will do. This is required by the forest department for your identification.
Personal Medical Form and Disclaimer certificate: You don't need to print or carry the disclaimer form. Your Trek Leader will give it to you at the base. Just sign and hand it over then and there. However, if you are a minor unaccompanied by your parents, please download this disclaimer, print it, get it signed by your parents/guardian and carry it to the basecamp. – Download disclaimer certificate
A Medical Certificate (mandatory for trekkers aged 58 and above). You must submit a medical certificate signed by an MBBS doctor, certifying your fitness and health for the trek. Any pre-existing medical conditions must be clearly outlined. Trekkers under the age of 58 do not need this certificate. – Download medical certificate

Please note: Trekkers above the age of 58 need to submit both the certificates mentioned under points 2 and 3

Carry these medicines with you, easily accessible at all times. Do not take any medicine unless you have consulted your trek leader.

Crocin (Paracetamol) – 6 tablets (fever)
Norflox TZ – 3 tablets (diarrhoea/ severe GI issue)
Band-Aid – 4 strips
ORS – 4 packets
Volini Spray - aches, & sprains
Knee Cap (Optional), if you are prone to a knee injury
Anti Fungal Powder
Odomos or any other insect repellent

Our trek leaders carry a medical kit with them. If there is an emergency our trek leaders know how to tackle it. Meanwhile, contact your trek leader before consuming any of these medicines listed here.

Pro Tip: We find that these medicines by trekkers are rarely used. But you cannot do away with them. At the end of the trek please donate unused medicines to your trek leader. Some of these medicines get distributed to villages on the trek and some are added to the Indiahikes medical kit.

We recommend walking/jogging/running as the best routine to get fit for any trek. It works on the same muscles you use while trekking—your calves, glutes, quads and hamstrings. It also mimics your foot movement so you are better prepared for sudden twists and turns they may go through on uneven terrain.

It helps increase your stamina gradually if done consistently. It is also an easy routine that does not require any equipment or tools.

Fitness Target

To do the Gokarna Coastal Trek comfortably, you must be able to walk, jog or run 5 km in under 50 minutes. This is the minimum recommended fitness level that you must aim for.

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Trekking is a sport that primarily uses your lungs, core, calves, glutes, quads and hamstrings. Being fit will help you enjoy the trek and will keep you safe.

To reach any fitness target, there are two things you must work on:

Cardiovascular endurance
Muscle strength

If you are not currently active, follow the below schedule to get trek fit in 6 weeks!

A 6-Week Plan to Help You Get Trek-Fit for the Gokarna Coastal Trek

Pro Tip: Warming up and cooling down before and after your workout is important. Do not miss that.

| Note: If you are not a regular runner, do not start running all of a sudden.

Strength Training Schedule:

Gokarna Coastal Trek Strength Training Plan

Workouts marked with (*) are optional. But completing them will help you prepare better.

Note:

Alternatives to 10 Standard Pushups = (2 x 10 = 20 knee pushups) = (2 x 20 = 40 wall pushups)
Alternative to 20 full squats = (2 x 20 = 40 half squats)
If you are not able to complete 1 full set of any plank, divide it into 2 halves and complete it with a rest break in between. For example: If you are not able to complete 30 seconds of a standard plank, divide it into 2 sets of 15 seconds each.
After completing a few weeks of training, if you can progress, you may increase the number of sets or reps for desired results.
Workouts marked with (*) are optional. But completing them will help you prepare better.

Important note: We accept only running, jogging, or walking workout screenshots as fitness proof. Screenshots of cross-training workouts will not be considered valid. We've suggested cross-training options to help keep your fitness journey engaging and fun, allowing you to explore activities you enjoy and avoid inconsistency.

Note: Use apps like Nike and Strava to record your runs.

What happens if you are not fit:

You do not enjoy the trek
You struggle to be a part of the team because you’re slow.
You miss out on a deep, transformative experience that Indiahikes specially designed for you.

The good part is it is not difficult. All you need to do is start following the fitness routine 6 to 8 weeks before your trek begins.

We are here to help you in this fitness journey. Just start slow and as long as you are committed and consistent with your routine, you are in for an unforgettable trek experience.

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5 Reasons Why Indiahikes

Our No-Compromise Safety Promise

We are known for our pioneering safety practices in trekking. Microspikes, oximeters, and BP checks became standards thanks to us. In the mountains, emergencies don't care who you're with—everyone knows that when trouble hits, you look for the yellow tents of Indiahikes. When you join our treks, we first make our No-Compromise Safety Promise. It’s our unwavering commitment to keep you safe, no matter what.

Our No-compromise Sustainability promise

Our commitment to the environment is relentless. We don’t just encourage responsible trekking; we insist on it. That’s why our Green Trails principles are non-negotiable. They don’t involve just our trekkers or our staff members. Our entire trek processes and policies are designed to favour the environment, even if it is often counterintuitive to our business.

We are India’s largest trekking organisation

More than 30,000 trekkers trek with us every year. In addition, our outdoor learning division (InSoul) has participants from the who’s of the education organisation in India, from the IIMs to BITS to top international schools. More than 5,000 participants from these institutions trek with us annually. We do not spend a single rupee on advertising to get these participants. Our reputation precedes us.

Being pioneers of trekking in India

We are pioneers in trekking. Since 2007, we have documented and brought out most of India’s famous treks: Roopkund, Rupin Pass, Buran Ghati, Kedarkantha, Kashmir Great Lakes, Tarsar Marsar, Phulara Ridge—the list goes on. In 2023-24 alone, we brought out nine new treks in Indian trekking. We know treks better than anyone. This comes directly from the reason why Indiahikes was born: to bring out trek information and enable trekkers to trek on their own. We believe everyone must trek.

Our treks are transformative

We focus on designing transformative experiences. Our trek leaders conduct thought-provoking exercises that help you reflect and contemplate. This impact stays with you for a long time. Trekkers return feeling energised, more confident, or developing abilities to deal with difficulties. Many have changed careers, rethought their core values, become more humble, shown gratitude to others, or started a new fitness journey.

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GOKARNA COASTAL TREK

TREK DIFFICULTY

TREK DURATION

CLOSEST AIRPORT

TOTAL TREK DISTANCE

BASECAMP

ACCOMMODATION TYPE

PICKUP POINT

PICKUP TIME

DROPOFF TIME

OFFLOADING

Weekend trek to a beach and magical forests in Gokarna

Gokarna Coastal Trek

Quick Itinerary

Day 1

Drive from Gokarna to Manjuguni Village. Trek to Honnebail Beach.

Day 2

Drive to Gudine Valase. Trek to Achave via Motigudda Forest and drive back to Gokarna.

How Does Each Day Look

Day 1: Drive from Gokarna to Manjuguni Village. Trek to a Hidden Beach.

Day 2: Drive to Gudine Valase. Trek to Achave via Motigudda Forest. Drive back to Gokarna.

How to Reach the Basecamp

How to Reach the Basecamp

Stay Options for Gokarna Coastal Trek

Packing List

How to Get Fit for the Gokarna Coastal Trek

Fitness Target

A 6-Week Plan to Help You Get Trek-Fit for the Gokarna Coastal Trek

Strength Training Schedule:

Note:

What happens if you are not fit:

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Gokarna Coastal Trek?

Can we do the trek on our own?

Is the Gokarna Coastal Trek safe?

Can I take a bath on the trek?

Will I have access to clean drinking water?

I am a jain. Can you cook food separately for me?

Is offloading available on the trek?

Can I keep the extra luggage at the basecamp?

Photo Gallery

5 Reasons Why Indiahikes

Our No-Compromise Safety Promise

Our No-compromise Sustainability promise

We are India’s largest trekking organisation

Being pioneers of trekking in India

Our treks are transformative

Treks by Categories

Treks by Season

Treks by Month

Treks by Duration

Treks by Difficulty

Treks by Region

Treks by Experience

Quick Links

Follow Us On

Contact Us

Bengaluru Office

Dehradun Office