Walk Through Ceylon's Tea Heritage
The Pekoe Trail is a 300-kilometer, meticulously curated long-distance walking trail that winds its way through the enchanting Central Highlands of Sri Lanka, often regarded as one of Asia's best-kept secrets . Divided into 22 stages, this extraordinary trail takes you on a captivating journey through South Asia's most breathtaking mountain landscapes, lush tea plantations, and diverse ecosystems . Widely celebrated as one of the world's top hiking experiences, The Pekoe Trail combines natural beauty, cultural immersion, and unparalleled adventure . TIME features The Pekoe Trail as one of the World's Greatest Places 2025, and National Geographic ranks it as one of the "BEST OF THE WORLD 2024" Top 20 Travel Experiences .
The Pekoe Trail Experience
The Pekoe Trail is made up of 22 stages which can be completed in short sections, or as part of a multi-day experience taking visitors through an eclectic mix of hilltowns, tea plantations, remote villages, sanctuaries, viewpoints, forests, and cultural and historical locations . Each stage usually starts from a small town, before going through tea gardens that seem to spread as far as the eye can see, with stages featuring dense forests, fragrant Eucalyptus groves, amazing viewpoints, shrines, waterfalls, and sections so remote you will not see anyone for hours .
Per person per day for guided single-stage treks. Multi-day packages (3-22 stages) with accommodation, meals, and luggage transfer available with customized pricing. Official trail pass: $10 per person per stage supports trail maintenance and community programs .
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Additional Considerations
Travel Information
Essential details for planning your trip
Best Time to Trek
The best time to hike Sri Lanka's highlands is during the dry season (December to April), when there's plenty of sunshine but the air is still cool, especially at night . Also favorable: July to September depending on region. Avoid May-August monsoon rains at their peak in southwest and hill country .
Climate & Weather
Average daytime temperature in the central highlands is around 16°C, with lows of 9°C in December and January . La Niña years bring abnormally wet conditions with hiking in rain 80% of the time . Pack layers for cool mornings and rain protection year-round.
Trail Structure
The 300km trail is sectioned into 22 stages, each averaging about 12km (7.46 mi) with varying difficulty based on elevation gain . Hiking all 22 stages typically takes 16 to 22 days depending on fitness and hiking speed . Each stage can be walked independently.
Accommodation Options
Almost all stages have accommodations at start and finish in local homestays, guesthouses, or boutique properties on tea plantations . Designated eco-campsites and glamping sites being developed. Wild camping not permitted on private/plantation land .
Access & Transportation
Trail runs from Hanthana Mountains near Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (Little England) through Hatton, Haputale, and Ella . Public buses, tuk-tuks, and trains serve many trailheads. Remote sections require private transport or arranged transfers .
Responsible Tourism
The Pekoe Trail empowers local communities through guide training, small business development, and equitable partnerships while celebrating diverse cultures . Trail passes fund maintenance, community programs, and safety improvements. Do not give money directly to children along the trail .
Moments to Remember
Ready to Trek the Legendary Pekoe Trail?
Let us create your perfect tea country adventure. From single-stage day hikes to complete 22-stage thru-hikes with camping options, we organize award-winning trekking experiences that support local communities and showcase Sri Lanka's hidden highland beauty.