Frequently Asked Questions
About the Trail
The Pekoe Trail is a 300+ km long-distance walking trail that winds through Sri Lanka’s central highlands, traversing tea plantations, cloud forests, villages, waterfalls, and heritage estates. It’s divided into 22 curated stages designed for independent or guided hiking.
The trail crosses land that is home to diverse communities including tea estate workers, many of Indian Tamil heritage, as well as Sinhala and Indigenous groups. The trail honors and supports these communities by contributing to local economies, livelihoods, and cultural preservation.
Yes, the trail is open all year. However, weather conditions vary by region. The best time to walk most of the trail is *December to April* and *July to September*.
Planning Your Route
We strongly recommend using digital maps or GPS files, which are available on our Trail App, as well as on our official profiles on Wikiloc and AllTrails. Waymarking is in place along most of the trail, but not all segments are fully marked.
Hiking all 22 stages typically takes 16 to 22 days, depending on your fitness, hiking speed, and how much time you spend in each location.
Absolutely. Each stage is designed to be walked independently. Many hikers choose just one or two scenic stages to fit their schedule or interest.
Yes. Several Sri Lankan and international travel companies, as well as community groups, offer guided hikes ranging from single-day experiences to multi-day adventures. Check social media — there are several active Facebook pages where hikes are posted.
Public buses, tuk-tuks, and trains serve many trailheads. For more remote sections, private transport or transfers arranged through hotels, guides, or tour operators are recommended.
Navigation, Safety & Connectivity
Most stages have directional signs and trailhead information boards. We recommend using GPS files or mobile apps as a backup.
Mobile coverage varies. In towns and along roads, signal is generally good. In remote areas and valleys, coverage may drop out. Download maps in advance.
Call emergency services (1990 in Sri Lanka) if needed. Every stage guide includes local emergency contact numbers. Where possible, notify nearby villagers or accommodation providers for support.
Stay calm. Retrace your steps to the last known point and check your offline map or GPS file. If you’re truly lost, try to reach higher ground for signal and call for assistance.
Yes:
– Watch for leeches during wet months
– Avoid hiking alone in remote forested sections
– Wear sturdy footwear and carry water
– Be cautious on wet rocks and steep descents
– Avoid hiking in thunderstorms
Water, Food & Supplies
Yes, water can often be sourced from local homes, shops, or streams. However, ALWAYS treat or filter water before drinking. Carry 1.5–2 liters per person.
Some stages pass through towns or villages where you can buy snacks and drinks. Others are more remote, so bring food with you. Trail descriptions indicate where supplies are available.
Accommodation & Camping
Yes. You’ll find a range of options along or near most stages of the trail, including:
– Estate bungalows
– Guesthouses and homestays
– Boutique hotels
– Eco-lodges
Each stage page on our website includes a list of nearby accommodation options to help you plan your hike.
*Wild camping is not currently permitted or encouraged, as much of the trail passes through private or plantation land. However, designated eco-campsites and glamping sites are being developed along the route. Be sure to check the Accommodation Directory for updated information as new options become available.
Trail Pass & Costs
Yes. The trail pass costs $10 per person per day. Your contribution helps fund trail maintenance, community programs, and safety improvements along the Pekoe Trail.
If you plan to hike more than three stages, the most cost-effective option is to become a STANDARD Member, which gives you unlimited access to the entire trail for one year.
You can purchase your pass or membership online on this website, or through participating travel companies (DMCs).
No. Children under 12 walk for free when accompanied by a paying adult.
Guides & Community Support
Hiring a local guide is not mandatory, but it’s highly recommended. Guides enrich your experience with stories, cultural context, navigation assistance, and insight into local life — especially in more remote or complex sections of the trail.
You can refer to the directory of certified local guides on our website. Many guides can also be arranged through hotels, guesthouses, or travel companies near the trail.
The trail is cared for by a dedicated network of local area coordinators, contractors, volunteers, and the Pekoe Trail team — with support from the communities along the route. Every trail pass directly contributes to maintenance, safety, and community development.
While generosity is appreciated, giving money directly can create dependency, disrupt local dynamics, and discourage school attendance.
If you would like to make a meaningful contribution to local communities, we have a portfolio of verified impact projects that you can support.
📩 Contact us for more information or to request our community impact deck.
Weather & Best Times to Hike
The trail can be hiked year-round, but the best months are generally December to April and July to September, depending on the region and stage. Weather conditions can vary significantly across the trail due to changing elevations and microclimates.
Expect a mix of cool mornings, sunshine, and occasional rain showers. Highland areas — especially above 1,500m — can be misty, damp, and chilly in the evenings, so it’s wise to carry a light rain jacket and warm layer.
Even in the hills, the sun can be intense — especially midday. Dehydration is one of the most common issues hikers face. Always carry 1.5 to 2 liters of water per person, wear a hat, and apply high-SPF sunscreen regularly.
Insurance & Responsibility
Yes. The Pekoe Trail is a self-guided hiking experience, and while we provide waymarking, maps, and trail data, you are entirely responsible for your own safety, decisions, and wellbeing while on the trail.
No. The Pekoe Trail Organization does not provide emergency response services and takes no responsibility for injuries, loss, delays, or accidents during your hike.
Yes — we strongly recommend that all hikers have appropriate travel and medical insurance, including coverage for hiking and outdoor activities. Your insurance should include emergency evacuation, medical care, and trip interruption.
Here are key hospitals along or near the Pekoe Trail in case of emergency:
– Kandy General Hospital
📞 +94 81 2233338 / 81 2222261
– Nuwara Eliya District General Hospital
📞 +94 52 2222261
– Hatton Base Hospital
📞 +94 51 2222261
– Badulla General Hospital
📞 +94 55 2222261
– Gampola Base Hospital (near stages around Pussellawa)
📞 +94 81 2352261
– Deltota Rural Hospital (Stage 2 area)
📞 +94 81 2497266
In case of serious emergencies, call Sri Lanka’s national ambulance service: 1990.
Biking & Motorized Access
No. Biking or motorized vehicles are not permitted on the Pekoe Trail itself. The trail is designed exclusively for foot travel and passes through sensitive areas — including working tea plantations, villages, and forest paths.
Cycling or driving on estate roads is only allowed with prior permission from the respective tea estate. These are private working roads used by estate workers, trucks, and machinery. Unauthorized use can disrupt daily operations and, more seriously, cause accidents — which would threaten the future of the trail.
The tea companies of Sri Lanka have been remarkably generous in granting access to their land for hikers. We must uphold that trust by being respectful, responsible, and non-disruptive.
The Pekoe Trail Sri Lanka, Serendipity on Foot.
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