The Pekoe Trail Expedition – From Hills to Horizons
The Pekoe Trail Expedition – From Hills to Horizons
22 Days / 21 Nights
Experience Sri Lanka’s highlands like never before on this 22-day trekking adventure, tracing the island’s most scenic trail through tea estates, misty mountains, waterfalls, and forested ridges. Designed for dedicated walkers, this journey blends culture, nature, and highland life, with overnight stays in boutique lodges, eco-stays, and charming guesthouses.
Inclusions :
Accommodation along the trail in guesthouses or eco-lodges
Daily breakfast and select meals during trekking stages
Private trekking guide for the full expedition
Transfers to and from Colombo at start and end
Entry to estates, parks, and cultural highlights along the trail
Assistance with luggage transport between stages
Exclusions :
Personal expenses, additional meals, or snacks not mentioned in the itinerary
Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
Optional activities not listed in inclusions
Travel insurance or emergency evacuation services
Day
01
Arrival in Colombo / Transfer to Hanthana Foothills / Evening Orientation / Overnight in Hanthana
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and meet your trekking guide. Transfer to the foothills of Hanthana for orientation, a light walk, and preparation for the journey ahead. Overnight stay in a nearby lodge.
Day
02
Hanthana to Galaha / First Stage Trek / Overnight in Galaha
Begin the trek through winding paths, eucalyptus forests, and tea plantations. Walk past the small village of Galaha and settle in for your first night at a local guesthouse.
Day
03
Galaha to Loolkandura to Thawalanthenna / Tea Estate Exploration / Overnight in Thawalanthenna
Pass the historic Loolkandura Tea Estate, birthplace of Ceylon Tea. Continue through forest trails and local villages before reaching Thawalanthenna for overnight stay.
Day
04
Thawalanthenna to Pundaluoya / Scenic Valley Trek / Overnight in Pundaluoya
Trek across valleys surrounded by lush tea gardens, observing local plantation life. Overnight in a boutique guesthouse in Pundaluoya.
Day
05
Pundaluoya to Watagoda / Plantation Paths / Overnight in Watagoda
Follow trails through emerald tea estates and quiet hamlets. Stop at viewpoints along the way and overnight in Watagoda.
Day
06
Watagoda to Kotagala / Colonial Railway Towns / Overnight in Kotagala
Walk through historical colonial-era railway towns, plantations, and scenic ridges. Arrive in Kotagala for overnight stay.
Day
07
Kotagala to Norwood / Hillside Villages / Overnight in Norwood
Continue trekking along gentle hillsides, passing small villages and tea factories. Overnight in Norwood guesthouse.
Day
08
Norwood to Bogawanthalawa / Valley Passages / Overnight in Bogawanthalawa
Cross rivers and valleys amidst tea plantations. Experience local culture along the way and stay overnight in Bogawanthalawa.
Day
09
Bogawanthalawa to Dayagama / Rolling Tea Estates / Overnight in Dayagama
Trek through undulating tea gardens, spotting distant mountains and streams. Overnight at a cozy eco-lodge in Dayagama.
Day
10
Dayagama to Horton Plains / High Plateau Trek / Overnight near Horton Plains
Ascend toward Horton Plains, passing cloud forests and spotting wildlife such as sambar deer. Overnight stay at a nearby eco-lodge.
Day
11
Horton Plains to Udaweriya / Baker’s Falls / Overnight in Udaweriya
Morning hike in Horton Plains to World’s End and Baker’s Falls. Continue to Udaweriya village for overnight stay.
Day
12
Udaweriya to Haputale / Ridge Walks and Tea Estates / Overnight in Haputale
Descend through highland ridges and tea gardens. Explore Haputale’s viewpoints and relax at a boutique lodge.
Day
13
Haputale to St. Catherine / Scenic Plateau Trek / Overnight in St. Catherine Village
Trek to St. Catherine, enjoying panoramic views of valleys, tea estates, and mountain ridges. Overnight in a local guesthouse.
Day
14
St. Catherine to Makulella / Remote Tea Estates / Overnight in Makulella
Follow forested trails and tea estate paths to the quiet village of Makulella. Overnight at a cozy eco-lodge.
Day
15
Makulella to Ella / Pine Forests and Nine Arches Bridge / Overnight in Ella
Descend through pine forests to Ella. Visit the iconic Nine Arches Bridge and explore the town before overnight at a hill-country lodge.
Day
16
Ella to Demodara / Railway Line Trek / Overnight in Demodara
Follow the railway line to Demodara, passing lush tea estates, local villages, and scenic viewpoints. Overnight stay in a guesthouse.
Day
17
Demodara to Haliela / Forest Paths / Overnight in Haliela
Trek through rolling hills, tea plantations, and forested paths toward Haliela. Overnight at a local eco-lodge.
Day
18
Haliela to Etampitiya / Countryside Trails / Overnight in Etampitiya
Continue along quiet country trails and small settlements. Immerse in highland life and stay overnight in Etampitiya.
Day
19
Etampitiya to Lunuwatta / Tea Estate Passages / Overnight in Lunuwatta
Walk through tea estates and open fields to Lunuwatta village, enjoying expansive views. Overnight in a boutique lodge.
Day
20
Lunuwatta to Udupussellawa / Highland Trails / Overnight in Udupussellawa
Trek through rolling highland landscapes, visiting remote villages and forests. Overnight stay in Udupussellawa.
Day
21
Udupussellawa to Kandapola to Pedro Estate / Final Highland Trek / Overnight in Pedro Estate
Complete the trail by trekking to Kandapola and the final stage at Pedro Estate. Celebrate the journey and enjoy overnight in the highlands.
Day
22
Departure or Optional Overnight in Nuwara Eliya / Transfer to Colombo
After breakfast, transfer to Colombo for departure or optionally stay overnight in Nuwara Eliya to relax after the expedition.