Experience the Pekoe Trail in 7 Days, a journey through Sri Lanka’s misty mountains, emerald tea plantations, and pristine forests. Crafted by Best of Lanka, this trek is more than a hike — it is a sustainable, immersive journey that connects you with nature, local communities, and the heritage of Sri Lanka’s hill country.
The Pekoe Trail is Sri Lanka’s first long-distance trekking route, stretching over hundreds of kilometres across the Central Highlands. It weaves through tea estates, cloud forests, remote villages, waterfalls, and ridgelines, offering a trekking experience that is authentic, responsible, and deeply rewarding. Each stage is thoughtfully designed to showcase the region’s natural beauty while supporting local communities and preserving the environment.
7 Days
Starting From USD 1,616 per person
Morning — Kandy to Galaha & Trail Start
You’ll meet your Best of Lanka Trekking guide in Kandy early in the morning. After brief introductions and gear checks, we drive roughly 1 hour through scenic hills to Galaha, the starting point of Stage 2 of the Pekoe Trail.
At Galaha, you’ll begin your trek to Loolkandura. The trail immediately leads you into tea estates, forest patches, and plantation roads, gradually ascending through changing terrain.
Trail Experience
The route divides naturally into two segments: from Galaha to Deltota, and then from Deltota to the Loolecondera (Loolkandura) Estate.
You’ll pass through lush tea gardens, occasional forested patches, narrow estate paths, and small village stretches. Along the way, you’ll experience changing vistas — from shaded woodland trails to open plantation slopes. The gradual climb rewards you with increasing views of rolling hills, distant ridges, and tea valleys.
Midway, we pause for a picnic lunch, allowing time to rest, refuel, and soak in the surroundings. Refreshments and light snacks will be available en route to keep energy levels high.
As you approach Loolkandura, the path descends gently, leading you deeper into the historic Loolecondera Tea Estate, one of Sri Lanka’s earliest and most storied plantations.
Evening — Homestay in Loolkandura
After the trek, settle into your homestay accommodation in Loolkandura. Enjoy a warm dinner prepared with local flavors, and rest your legs. This first night offers a chance to reconnect with nature, listen to night sounds, and swap stories with your guide and fellow trekkers.
Morning — Trekking Begins from Lookandura
After breakfast at your homestay in Loolkandura, meet your Best of Lanka Trekking guide and begin Stage 3 of the Pekoe Trail. The trail winds through historic tea estates, small forest patches, and quiet village paths, offering panoramic views of the rolling Central Highlands.
Trail Experience
The trek begins with gentle climbs through lush tea plantations, interspersed with occasional forested sections that provide welcome shade. As you progress, the trail descends toward Tawalantenne Estate, crossing small streams and paths used by local workers. The rhythm of the day alternates between quiet estate trails, open vistas of tea-covered slopes, and glimpses of rural village life.
A picnic lunch is served along the way, giving you time to rest, enjoy the views, and refresh for the final leg of the trek.
Afternoon — Transfer to Nuwara Eliya
Upon reaching Tawalantenne, you’ll be transferred by vehicle to Nuwara Eliya, the “Little England” of Sri Lanka, known for its cool climate, colonial architecture, and manicured gardens.
Evening — Tea Planter’s Bungalow Stay
Overnight accommodation is arranged at a Tea Planter’s Bungalow, offering a unique glimpse into colonial-era plantation life. Enjoy a relaxing dinner, reflecting on the day’s trek while surrounded by the tranquil beauty of Nuwara Eliya’s hills and gardens.
Morning — Transfer to Udupusellawa & Trail Start
After breakfast at the Tea Planter’s Bungalow in Nuwara Eliya, meet your Best of Lanka Trekking guide for a scenic drive to Udupusellawa, the starting point of Stage 21 of the Pekoe Trail. The transfer takes you through rolling hills, tea estates, and misty highland landscapes, setting the tone for another immersive trekking day.
Trail Experience
The trail leads you along winding paths through dense tea plantations, shaded forest corridors, and occasional ridgelines with sweeping views of surrounding valleys. The terrain undulates with gradual climbs and descents, offering a mix of challenge and leisure. Small streams, tea plucker’s huts, and glimpses of village life add to the authenticity of the trek.
A picnic lunch is provided mid-route, offering time to relax, enjoy refreshments, and soak in the lush scenery. The afternoon continues with scenic walking as you approach Kandapola, nestled amidst tea-covered hills.
Evening — Return to Tea Planter’s Bungalow in Nuwara Eliya
After completing the trek, transfer back to the Tea Planter’s Bungalow in Nuwara Eliya for a restful evening. Enjoy a hearty dinner while sharing stories of the day’s trek and preparing for the adventures ahead.
Morning — Transfer to Horton Plains & Trek Start
After breakfast at the Tea Planter’s Bungalow in Nuwara Eliya, meet your Best of Lanka Trekking guide for a scenic transfer to Horton Plains National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic trekking regions. The drive takes you through lush highland scenery, with mist-shrouded valleys and tea-covered slopes setting the stage for an unforgettable trek.
Trail Experience
The Pekoe Trail Stage 11 begins with open grasslands and gradually moves into forested sections, crossing streams and patches of highland shrubs. Highlights include misty ridgelines, panoramic viewpoints, and opportunities to spot endemic flora and fauna. The trail blends gentle climbs and descents, offering both invigorating and leisurely moments.
Midway through the trek, enjoy a picnic lunch and refreshments, taking in the pristine highland environment. Continue along the trail toward Udaweriya, absorbing the expansive vistas of Horton Plains and the surrounding highlands.
Evening — Lodge Stay at Udaweriya
After completing the trek, settle into a small lodge frequented by trekkers. With its scenic backdrop of mountains and valleys, it provides the perfect setting to relax and unwind. Enjoy a warm dinner and reflect on the day’s adventure amidst the peaceful highland environment.
Morning — Trek Begins from Udaweriya
After breakfast at the lodge in Udaweriya, meet your Best of Lanka Trekking guide to start Stage 12 of the Pekoe Trail. The trail winds through the heart of Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands, passing tea plantations, forest patches, and gently rolling hills.
Trail Experience
The route combines scenic ridge walks with quiet estate paths. As you trek, the landscape shifts from dense greenery to expansive viewpoints, offering spectacular panoramas of Haputale’s tea-covered valleys and distant mountains. Streams and small waterfalls along the trail provide refreshing stops and photo opportunities.
A picnic lunch is provided midway, giving time to relax and enjoy the surrounding beauty before continuing toward Haputale. The gradual descent rewards trekkers with more open vistas, village encounters, and glimpses of daily life in the highlands.
Evening — Guest House Stay in Haputale
Upon arrival in Haputale, check into a small guest house that offers comfort and a warm local welcome. Enjoy a relaxed dinner, share stories of the day’s trek, and rest for the adventures ahead.
Morning — Trek from Haputale
After breakfast at your guest house in Haputale, meet your Best of Lanka Trekking guide to begin Stage 13 of the Pekoe Trail. The trail today takes you across some of the most scenic tea plantations in the region, meandering along ridgelines and forest patches.
Trail Experience
The trek passes through lush tea estates, shaded pathways, and gentle valleys. Rolling hills and distant peaks create stunning vistas at every turn, while small streams and hidden waterfalls provide refreshing stops along the way. Local tea pickers can often be seen at work, adding a cultural dimension to the journey.
A picnic lunch and refreshments are provided mid-trail, allowing time to relax and take in the scenery. As you approach St. Catherine Tea Estate, the trail descends gradually, leading to panoramic views of the surrounding highlands.
Afternoon — Transfer to Bandarawela & Homestay Stay
After completing the trek, transfer by vehicle to Bandarawela, a charming town nestled amidst rolling hills and tea plantations. Check into a homestay, offering an authentic experience of local hospitality. Enjoy a warm dinner and rest for the final day of trekking.
Morning — Trek from Makulella
After breakfast at your homestay in Bandarawela, meet your Best of Lanka Trekking guide to begin the final stage of the Pekoe Trail. Today’s trek leads from Makulella to Ella, passing through one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic viewpoints: Ella Rock.
Trail Experience
The trail begins with gentle ascents through tea plantations and forested paths. As you climb toward Ella Rock, the terrain becomes steeper, rewarding trekkers with panoramic views of valleys, waterfalls, and the surrounding highlands. The summit provides a spectacular vantage point for photos and reflection before descending toward the town of Ella.
A picnic lunch is provided along the route, allowing time to rest and enjoy the surrounding beauty. After descending from Ella Rock, the trek concludes in Ella, where you can celebrate completing the full Pekoe Trail experience.
A picnic lunch and refreshments are provided mid-trail, allowing time to relax and take in the scenery. As you approach St. Catherine Tea Estate, the trail descends gradually, leading to panoramic views of the surrounding highlands.
Afternoon — End of Tour
The trekking adventure officially ends in Ella. No overnight accommodation is included, giving you the flexibility to continue your journey or stay overnight in Ella independently.
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