Sri Lanka’s Long-distance Hiking Trail
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The Pekoe Trail is more than just a walk-through Sri Lanka’s breathtaking tea country – it is a gateway to its soul. It passes through 2 provinces, 25 towns, 83 villages, 24 tea plantations, 8 railway stations, 10 forest reserves, and even a leopard corridor. But what makes it truly special is its ability to take travelers far beyond the well-trodden tourist paths. Whether walking a single stage or the entire trail, hikers discover places and stories that might otherwise remain hidden, creating a deeply personal connection with Sri Lanka.
~ Miguel Cunat, founder of Pekoe Trail
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Overview: The Story of Pekoe Trail
Widely celebrated as one of the world’s top hiking experiences, the Pekoe Trail is a 323km (185-mile) long, meticulously curated walking trail traversing the enchanting central highlands of Sri Lanka, and it is regarded as one of Asia’s best-kept secrets.
Opened to public in 2021, the interconnecting trail is the first in a series of walking trails that allows visitors to discover the birthplace of Sri Lanka’s gift to the world, Ceylon Tea, its varying terrain, history, culture, food, and local communities across the area on foot. There are 22 stages in the trail, which can be done as short sections, or as part of a multi-day end-to-end experience.
The Pekoe Trail is the brainchild of adventurer Miguel Cunat, who spent many years hiking in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. Along with his expertise, The Pekoe Trail was developed with generous support and funding from the European Union (EU) and additional support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) over a period of 3 years.
Discovering Sri Lanka’s highlands by foot is the ethos behind the brand and the trails, which are designed to demonstrate the island’s diversity, encourage sustainable travel, and bring economic opportunity to underserved, rural communities. Pekoe Trail hiking promotes a more holistic traveler experience in line with emerging travel trends embracing adventure, nature, wellness, and sustainability.
The Pekoe Trail Organisation is a nonprofit organization that manages, maintains, and promotes the trail entirely on donor support.
Trail Map
What is the Pekoe Trail’s 22 Stages?
Stage 1 starts in Hanthana, Kandy, ending at Stage 22 near Nuwara Eliya. All 22 stages are open for hikers, can be completed in a single stage of your choice, combination of a few sections (based on your time available, fitness levels, the topography, and the distances), or as part of a longer, an extended multi-day experience taking you through an eclectic mix of hill towns, tea plantations, remote villages, sanctuaries, viewpoints, forests, and cultural and historical locations.
Planning Your Route | Why Go on a Guided Hike?
- Your entire hike can be pre-arranged through Ayubowan Sri Lanka as part of a larger Sri Lanka trip, which explores the island’s other attractions. In other words, the hikes can be built into an extensive Sri Lanka circuit itinerary that features Sri Lanka’s cultural and historical highlights, exploration of wildlife parks, coastal vacation, a staycation or simply as a standalone hiking trip.
- All logistics for a hike are pre-booked and paid for before you arrive, including;
○ A Sri Lanka Tourism Board licensed, English speaking trail guide leader who walks with you daily, end to end;
○ Transportation from/to trail heads and your overnight accommodation. (Apart from a few, most accommodation options require transportation as they are not located along the trail);
○ A carefully selected choice of accommodation for every night (Estate bungalows; Guesthouses and homestays; Boutique hotels and Eco-lodges);
○ Book your Trail pass (Your Trail pass is a contribution that help fund trail maintenance, community programs, and safety improvements along the Pekoe Trail.)
- Peace of mind with Ayubowan Sri Lanka as a Pekoe Trail organization approved tour operator authorized to sell guided hikes
- Local logistics are fully covered including pre-booked transportation and accommodation through a Sri Lanka tourism board approved destination management company, so your travel dollars invested are 100% safe and guaranteed.
- Our guests get to meet and see firsthand some of the community Impact projects that Ayubowan Sri Lanka supports.
- A percentage of the cost of your hike is donated towards a chosen project of your preference. See Impact Projects
Fully Guided, Curated Multi-Day Itineraries
The Pekoe Trail Highlights - 10 Days
Explore the timeless beauty of Sri Lanka’s hill country with part of the Pekoe Trail, a hiking odyssey winding through lush tea plantations, charming villages, and scenic railway lines. Discover the heritage of tea cultivation dating back to the mid-19th century, while traversing the verdant landscapes that have enchanted travellers worldwide for generations, offering culture, scenery, and adventure in one journey.
Nov to April | July to Sept
Stages: 1,2,3 & 21, 22,13,14,15
As with all our customized journeys in Sri Lanka, which are distinctively different from what is generally available with mainstream tour operators, we always go off the traditional tourist trail, catering to various types of adventure seekers, interests, and hobbies. We work hard to help you find the right Sri Lanka trip.
Our trip levels are based on the activity, travel style (whether travelling in relative comfort, experiencing active activities, combining both, or taking hard-core active trips), comfort levels in the destination, and the wide choice of accommodation available.
It is important to note, however, that these aren’t comprehensive guides but useful. These will help you to know, at a glance, if a trip is just the one for you. We ask you to carefully read the trip introductions, itineraries, and trip inclusions for an overview of the trip styles, the activities altitudes gained or lost, distances traveled, and the levels of difficulties.
These trips typically travel in relative comfort, stay at rated hotels, resort or lodge-based accommodations throughout, and point-to-point transportation in comfortable vehicles or trains. Trips offer opportunities to meet locals and have cultural interactions, guided sightseeing, simple town or village walks, climbing few steps, and little elevation gain or loss. Nevertheless, on these trips one must expect some culture shock as you will be exposed to a different culture. The local food will be quite different from home. Respecting the local culture, religions, and lifestyles will make it easier to fit in and experience the adventure.
These trips typically have a combination of hotel nights and/or some safari, wilderness jungle lodges, tented camping, home or farm stays with local people and occasional hikes of anywhere between 2 to 4 hours on some days. Point-to-point transportation may include coach or train travel and local transport. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as boat rides, biking, or walking on village and unpaved roads. The local food will be quite different from home.
Travelers should be physically fit and prepared for multiple hours of activity (e.g. hiking, biking) each day. Some included activities may be moderately challenging but can be opted out of. Reasonable fitness is recommended to enjoy the trip to the fullest. These are more full-on trips with early starts and longer days to make the most of your time away.
Travelers should be physically fit and prepared for multiple hours of activity (e.g. hiking, walking, biking) each day. Certain days may have more challenging physical activities, such as walking uphill/downhill on steep hills, forests, and muddy terrain. Busy itineraries packed with activities. Expect regular early starts and long days.
A Glimpse of Pekoe Trail - 7 Days
Nov to April | July to Sept
Stages: 13, 14,15,16,17
As with all our customized journeys in Sri Lanka, which are distinctively different from what is generally available with mainstream tour operators, we always go off the traditional tourist trail, catering to various types of adventure seekers, interests, and hobbies. We work hard to help you find the right Sri Lanka trip.
Our trip levels are based on the activity, travel style (whether travelling in relative comfort, experiencing active activities, combining both, or taking hard-core active trips), comfort levels in the destination, and the wide choice of accommodation available.
It is important to note, however, that these aren’t comprehensive guides but useful. These will help you to know, at a glance, if a trip is just the one for you. We ask you to carefully read the trip introductions, itineraries, and trip inclusions for an overview of the trip styles, the activities altitudes gained or lost, distances traveled, and the levels of difficulties.
These trips typically travel in relative comfort, stay at rated hotels, resort or lodge-based accommodations throughout, and point-to-point transportation in comfortable vehicles or trains. Trips offer opportunities to meet locals and have cultural interactions, guided sightseeing, simple town or village walks, climbing few steps, and little elevation gain or loss. Nevertheless, on these trips one must expect some culture shock as you will be exposed to a different culture. The local food will be quite different from home. Respecting the local culture, religions, and lifestyles will make it easier to fit in and experience the adventure.
These trips typically have a combination of hotel nights and/or some safari, wilderness jungle lodges, tented camping, home or farm stays with local people and occasional hikes of anywhere between 2 to 4 hours on some days. Point-to-point transportation may include coach or train travel and local transport. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as boat rides, biking, or walking on village and unpaved roads. The local food will be quite different from home.
Travelers should be physically fit and prepared for multiple hours of activity (e.g. hiking, biking) each day. Some included activities may be moderately challenging but can be opted out of. Reasonable fitness is recommended to enjoy the trip to the fullest. These are more full-on trips with early starts and longer days to make the most of your time away.
Travelers should be physically fit and prepared for multiple hours of activity (e.g. hiking, walking, biking) each day. Certain days may have more challenging physical activities, such as walking uphill/downhill on steep hills, forests, and muddy terrain. Busy itineraries packed with activities. Expect regular early starts and long days.
End-to-End Pekoe Trail - 18 Days
This is the ultimate Sri Lanka hiking challenge: a complete trek from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, covering the full 300 km across 22 stages. Demanding yet deeply rewarding, it suits experienced, high-endurance hikers accustomed to long-distance trails like The Haute Route, Camino de Santiago, or Tour du Mont Blanc, offering a once-in-a-lifetime test of stamina through spectacular and varied hill country landscapes.
Nov to April | July to Sept
Stages: All 22-stages
As with all our customized journeys in Sri Lanka, which are distinctively different from what is generally available with mainstream tour operators, we always go off the traditional tourist trail, catering to various types of adventure seekers, interests, and hobbies. We work hard to help you find the right Sri Lanka trip.
Our trip levels are based on the activity, travel style (whether travelling in relative comfort, experiencing active activities, combining both, or taking hard-core active trips), comfort levels in the destination, and the wide choice of accommodation available.
It is important to note, however, that these aren’t comprehensive guides but useful. These will help you to know, at a glance, if a trip is just the one for you. We ask you to carefully read the trip introductions, itineraries, and trip inclusions for an overview of the trip styles, the activities altitudes gained or lost, distances traveled, and the levels of difficulties.
These trips typically travel in relative comfort, stay at rated hotels, resort or lodge-based accommodations throughout, and point-to-point transportation in comfortable vehicles or trains. Trips offer opportunities to meet locals and have cultural interactions, guided sightseeing, simple town or village walks, climbing few steps, and little elevation gain or loss. Nevertheless, on these trips one must expect some culture shock as you will be exposed to a different culture. The local food will be quite different from home. Respecting the local culture, religions, and lifestyles will make it easier to fit in and experience the adventure.
These trips typically have a combination of hotel nights and/or some safari, wilderness jungle lodges, tented camping, home or farm stays with local people and occasional hikes of anywhere between 2 to 4 hours on some days. Point-to-point transportation may include coach or train travel and local transport. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as boat rides, biking, or walking on village and unpaved roads. The local food will be quite different from home.
Travelers should be physically fit and prepared for multiple hours of activity (e.g. hiking, biking) each day. Some included activities may be moderately challenging but can be opted out of. Reasonable fitness is recommended to enjoy the trip to the fullest. These are more full-on trips with early starts and longer days to make the most of your time away.
Travelers should be physically fit and prepared for multiple hours of activity (e.g. hiking, walking, biking) each day. Certain days may have more challenging physical activities, such as walking uphill/downhill on steep hills, forests, and muddy terrain. Busy itineraries packed with activities. Expect regular early starts and long days.
The itineraries are 100% customizable. Our trail guides have travelled widely in the region, and we will be happy to consult them and tailor an itinerary to suit your tastes and budget or build a hike into a larger Sri Lanka trip from scratch.
Meet Your Pekoe Trail Host & Hike Leader
Ayesh Buddhika is one of Sri Lanka’s leading Sri Lanka tourism Board approved tour guides with several years of experience hiking in the country’s highlands and tea country. He is our go-to guy for all things Pekoe Trail and the host-in-residence for guided hiking trips offered by Ayubowan Sri Lanka. Ayesh is a three-time conqueror of the entire 300-km hike of 22 stages in a record time of just 10 days. He and his team guide all Ayubowan Sri Lanka organized hikes.
Key Takeaways
- Stunning Scenery & Diverse Landscapes
- Cultural & Historical Experience, walk through historic tea estates dating back to the colonial era. Experience local village life, interact with tea estate workers, and witness daily rural traditions.
- Moderate to Challenging Trekking – Some sections are easy, but others involve steep climbs and rugged terrain. Requires a moderate fitness level, especially for longer hikes.
- Best Time to Hike – December to April (dry season, best conditions).June to August (cooler but some rain in certain areas).
- Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Tourism – The trail promotes responsible travel, supporting local businesses. Hikers are encouraged to respect nature, stick to trails, and minimize waste.
Final Thought
The Pekoe Trail is not just a trek—it’s a journey through Sri Lanka’s history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you hike the entire trail or just a section, it’s an unforgettable experience!
Impact Projects: We Make A Difference
At Ayubowan Sri Lanka, we thrive on making memorable adventures in Sri Lanka for you. While we enjoy what we do, we must ensure our adventures help destinations thrive. As a responsible travel company, we aim to take a ‘people positive’ approach across our adventures, contributing to the well-being of the local communities that dot the trail, providing economic opportunity and empowerment. We also seek to help in projects that uphold rewilding and conservation. By undertaking one of our hikes on the Pekoe Trail, you will help us make it happen. On each hike booking we operate, Ayubowan Sri Lanka donates a percentage of its profits from every tour sale to the Pekoe Trail Organization and other Impact projects run by grassroots organizations worthy of support.
The Leopard Project
The Sri Lankan leopard is the only large terrestrial predator in Sri Lanka, yet it remains a threatened species, due primarily to habitat loss and fragmentation. Through long-term research of the leopard and understanding its land-use, the WWCT’s CORRIDORS FOR CONSERVATION project aims to conserve the Sri Lankan leopard in its natural habitat in the tea growing regions.
Tea Leaf Trust
Tea Leaf Trust partners with Sri Lanka’s tea estate communities to create pathways for brighter futures. Through education, vocational training, and emotional support, we empower young people to build meaningful careers, strengthen their families and uplift their communities.
The T.E.A. Project
The T.E.A. Project works to empower Sri Lankan children from poverty, provides free pre-schooling, empowerment training, after-school support programmes. Its Centre for Children’s Empowerment supports disadvantaged children & young people from poor tea plantation communities.
Pre- or Post Hike: Sri Lanka Tour Extensions
If you want to add another long-distance trail to your bucket list, then, you must hike the Pekoe Trail as a standalone itinerary. However, going that far from home, it would be a shame not to explore the beauty of the other parts of Sri Lanka, ideally before or after the hike. Consider a few days for an extension to explore some of the island’s best-known attractions, its wildlife reserves, or relax and unwind at one of many options for a staycation at an oceanfront villa, a tea estate bungalow, or at a heritage-style colonial themed boutique hotel. See Experiences, Handpicked Hotels and Stays of Distinction.
Ayubowan Sri Lanka Inc - Supporting the Gandys Foundation
After tragically losing their parents in the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami in Sri Lanka, Gandys founders Rob and Paul Forkan, deeply moved by the support of the local community in Sri Lanka, went on to build Gandys, a unique brand of adventure-ready clothing and accessories, with a dual purpose. They wanted to help provide children in some of the world’s poorest regions with the educational support they need to get a better start in life.
In 2014, the first project was in Sri Lanka, where their story began. They built a school and computer lab, providing schooling and extracurricular activities to impoverished children in the Gonapola area. Today, 180 children attend the school.
Fast forward to 2024, Palle Kanugala Vidyalaya is a government school in the Sabaragamuwa district of Sri Lanka. Due to a lack of space, the school hall was being used as a makeshift classroom despite being in a seriously dilapidated state with a leaking roof. In partnership with a local NGO, their latest project includes a new classroom building & refurbishment of the school hall, seeking to provide safe and secure facilities for the local children to gain their education.
10% of every sale at Gandys fund their projects in Sri Lanka and around the world, to help empower children to find a way out of poverty through education.
One of Gandys signature products – Sand Ipanema Waxed Cotton Classic Crossbody ultimate travel companion is yours for FREE, when you book one of Ayubowan Sri Lanka’s Pekoe Trail itineraries. This product is complete with antique brass zips, buckles and a magnetic fastening, designed to hold all your essentials when you’re on the go and don’t want a bulky bag weighing you down.