pekoe trail stages
The Pekoe Trail is really great because it is so flexible. Because of the convenience of travelers, the Pekoe Trail is divided into 22 stages. all stages covering over 300KM. You can select and do the Trails. Also, you can complete all the stages over several weeks. You can just choose a few parts of the Pekoe Trail for a short trip. The Pekoe Trail also has some nice sections that you can do in just several hours.
Here is a summary of all 22 stages of the Pekoe Trail:
Kandy Area
Pekoe Trail Stage 1
• Hanthana to Galaha
• Distance: 12.84km (7.98 mi)
• Time: 4 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
Pekoe Trail Stage 2
• Galaha to Loolkandura
• Distance: 14.70 km (9.13 mi)
• Time: 5 hours
• Difficulty: Difficulty
Pekoe Trail Stage 3
• Loolkandura to tawalantanne
• Distance: 18.11 km (11.25 mi)
• Time: 6 hours
• Difficulty: Difficulty
Pekoe Trail Stage 4
• Tawalantanne to Pundaluoya
• Distance: 15.53 km (9.65 mi)
• Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Difficulty: Difficulty
Pekoe Trail Stage 5
• Pundaluoya to Watagoda
• Distance: 14.31 km (8.89 mi)
• Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Difficulty: moderate
• Special trail hours
Pekoe Trail Stage 6
• Watagoda to Kotagala
• Distance: 14.97km (9.3 mi)
• Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Special trail hours
Hatton area
Pekoe Trail Stage 7
• Kotagala to Norwood
• Distance: 16.48km (10.24 mi)
• Time: 5 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Special trail hours
Pekoe Trail Stage 8
• Norwood to Bogawantalawa
• Distance: 15.93 km (9.89 mi)
• Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Special trail hours
Pekoe Trail Stage 9
• Bogawantalawa to Dayagama
• Distance: 17.13 km (10.64 mi)
• Time: 5 hours
• Difficulty: Hard
Pekoe Trail Stage 10
• Dayagama to Horton Plains
• Distance: 15.88 km (9.86 mi)
• Time: 5 hours
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Special trail hours
Haputale Area
Pekoe Trail Stage 11
• Horton Plains to Udaweriya
• Distance: 14.30 km (8.88 mi)
• Time: 4 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Special trail hours
Pekoe Trail Stage 12
• Udaweriya to Haputale
• Distance: 19.68 km (12.22 mi)
• Time: 6 hours
• Difficulty: Difficult
Pekoe Trail Stage 13
• Haputale to St. Catherine's
• Distance: 14.60 km (9.07 mi)
• Time: 4 hours
• Difficulty: Hard
Pekoe Trail Stage 14
• St. Catherine's to Makulella
• Distance: 9.36 km (5.81 mi)
• Time: 3 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
Ella Area
Pekoe Trail Stage 15
• Makulella to Ella
• Distance: 9.61 km (5.97 mi)
• Time: 3 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
Pekoe Trail Stage 16
• Ella to Demodara
• Distance: 9.50 km (5.90 mi)
• Time: 3 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
Pekoe Trail Stage 17
• Demodara to Hali Ela
• Distance: 13.15 km (8.17 mi)
• Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Difficulty: Moderate
Pekoe Trail Stage 18
• Hali Ela to Ettampitiya
• Distance: 14.68 km (9.12 mi)
• Time: 6 hours
• Difficulty: Hard
Nuwaraeliya Area
Pekoe Trail Stage 19
• Ettampitiya to Loonuwatte
• Distance: 21.00 km (13.04 mi)
• Time: 6 hours
• Difficulty: Difficult
Pekoe Trail Stage 20
• Loonuwatte to Udapussellawa
• Distance: 13.63 km (8.46 mi)
• Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Difficulty: Moderate
Pekoe Trail Stage 21
• Udapusellawa to Kandapola
• Distance: 16.90 km (10.50 mi)
• Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
• Difficulty: Difficult
Pekoe Trail Stage 22
• Kandapola to Pedro
• Distance: 11.30 km (7.02 mi)
• Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Difficulty: Moderate
Pekoe Trail accommodation
If you plan to go pekoe trail first thing come to your mind is accommodation, where I stay. Actually, there are many places to stay during you pekoe trail trip on each stage. The government and tourist board continue to build the infrastructure for providing good service. You can book accommodation using the official Pekoe Trail website, and you can find external service providers there providing the Pekoe Trail guide as well.
What Makes the Pekoe Trail Special?
A Unique Travel Experience
When you visit Sri Lanka you usually see it from a vehicle or a train. You go on a guided tour. The Pekoe Trail is different. It lets travelers take their time and really get into the world and the local way of life. The Pekoe Trail is a way for Sri Lanka travelers to see things from a new perspective.
Perfect for Adventure Travelers
If you enjoy hiking, trekking, and outdoor activities, the Pekoe Trail provides one of the best adventure tourism experiences in South Asia.
Must-Do Pekoe Trail Stages
Pekoe trail stage 2
Stage 2 goes to Galaha to loolkandura the loolkandura estate is the birthplace of sri lankan tea. through Loolecondera, where James Taylor planted Sri Lanka’s first commercial tea crop in 1867. Walking these grounds is an unmatched piece of living history.
Pekoe trail stage 10
Stage 10 gose to Dayagama to Horton plains. Widely regarded as the crown jewel of the Pekoe Trail, Stage 10 takes you through Horton Plains National Park and to World’s End, a dramatic 880-metre sheer cliff with breathtaking panoramic views. This is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pekoe trail stage 15
The trail goes mokulella to ella. The trail passes close to Ella’s iconic Nine Arches Bridge, a stunning colonial-era railway viaduct set amidst lush jungle. One of the most photographed spots in Sri Lanka.
pekoe trail how many days
The days depend on your perspective. If you want to complete all 22 stages, you can spend 22 days and complete the full trial. If you have good practice and fitness level, you can complete 15 days. You can complete the trail in a couple of visits in Sri Lanka.
Who Should Hike the Pekoe Trail?
• Adventure seekers looking for a multi-day trekking challenge in Asia
• Nature lovers wanting immersion in UNESCO-listed biodiversity hotspots
• Culture enthusiasts fascinated by Sri Lanka’s colonial tea heritage
• Solo travellers seeking a safe, well-marked adventure route
• Couples and small groups wanting a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience
• Sustainable tourism advocates who want their travel to directly benefit local communities
• Family who love to explore the environment
Practical Information
Trail Pass
Foreign visitors: USD $10 per stage Passes are purchased through the official Pekoe Trail app
The Pekoe Trail App
Download the official Pekoe Trail app (available on iOS and Android) before your trip. It will guide you through the journey
What to Pack
• Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support
• Lightweight rain jacket or poncho
• Sunscreen and sun hat
• Refillable water bottle — springs along the route are common
• Snacks and a packed lunch for remote stages
• Portable phone charger and offline maps downloaded
Top Tips Before You Go
• Check Stage Status: Always visit thepekoetrail.org or the official app before departure. Some stages are seasonally closed due to weather or maintenance.
• Start Early: Start early in the morning, and you can view the most beautiful views
• Hire a Local Guide: Especially for remote stages. Local guides offer safety, cultural context, and often arrange meals and accommodation along the way.
• Respect the Communities: The trail passes through people’s homes and workplaces. Always ask permission before photographing people, and support local businesses.
• Carry Cash: Many remote villages and guesthouses do not accept cards. Keep small denomination rupees with you at all times.