Why I Became a Founding Member of The Pekoe Trail 

If you’ve experienced The Pekoe Trail, you know what a treasure it is. More than 300 kilometers winding through Sri Lanka’s vibrant green tea country, it offers an unparalleled journey through a cultural tapestry rich in history, set against the backdrop of wild ecosystems and cloud forests teeming with life. The stunning vistas and the people you meet along the way provide an opportunity to experience a rare place where the distance between the worldly and the spiritual collapses.

For me, The Pekoe Trail was not just a hike—it was a truly transformative experience. I’ve hiked all over the world, but no trail has touched my heart and soul like this one. There’s something magical about the way the trail winds through the vibrant green tea plantations, the dense forests, and the remote villages where life seems to slow down, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the journey.

This treasure is made possible thanks to the ongoing support of Pekoe Trail members. As the trail continues to grow and evolve, so too does the need to preserve its legacy for future generations. That’s why I decided to become a Founding Member of The Pekoe Trail Organization, the new guardian and coordinating body for this wonderful trail.

Becoming a Founding Member isn’t just about giving back; it’s about ensuring that the trail remains a place of beauty and serenity for all who seek it. With only 300 Founding Memberships available, it’s a chance to leave your mark and secure your trail legacy.

Founding Membership Benefits

As a Founding Member, you’ll receive:

• Your name on a commemorative plaque at the start of Stage 1 of the trail
• Your name listed as a Founding Member on The Pekoe Trail website
• The option to dedicate your gift to a kilometer of the trail that holds special meaning for you
• A unique membership badge and card
• Unlimited trail passes for life
• Access to an extensive program of organized hikes
• Invitations to special events (including webinars and hikes)
• The Pekoe Trail Newsletter, four times a year ( scheduled for the near future) 
• Discounts with select retailers and partner organizations

The Pekoe Trail means different things to different people, but for me, it was a journey that connected me deeply with the land, the people, and my own spirit. I will remain a part of this trail community even after I leave Sri Lanka, and I hope you join me in supporting The Pekoe Trail Organization.

Get in touch with the TPTO or go to portal.thepekoetrailsrilanka.com to learn how to be a member. 

To all the friends who have hiked with me, to my guides, and to everyone who made this trail possible—thank you. The memories we’ve created and the bonds we’ve formed will stay with me forever. And to the wonderful people I’ve met along the way, I’m grateful for every moment shared.

Happy trails 🥾😊❤️

Dr. Michelle A. Pinkowski – Project Director
IPOP SRI LANKA – SLTDA Tourism and Sustainability Project