Sri Lanka’s central highlands continue to stabilise following the recent extreme weather. Our on-ground field teams have now fully mapped the hikeable sections of The Pekoe Trail. This verified assessment enables hikers to plan responsibly, understand terrain conditions, and walk with informed awareness.
Most of the trail remains hikeable with caution. However, hikers are advised not to travel alone. Instead, move with a group or a Trail Host (guide) and follow weather advisories closely. If a stage is not listed below, it is currently CLOSED.
It is very important during this time that all hikers obtain a trail pass. This is for hiker safety.
🟡 MINOR IMPACTED STAGES
The following stages have been verified as being hikeable. Expect vegetation, detours or weather-related slow sections.
Stage Notes for Yellow Stages
- 6 — Watagoda → Kotagala 100m detour • 2.4km overgrowth • signage impacted
- 7 — Kotagala → Norwood 30m detour • 1.7km overgrowth • signage impacted
- 8 — Norwood → Bogawantalawa 1.1km overgrowth
- 10 — Dayagama → Horton Plains Minor landslides near access road
- 11 — Horton Plains → Udaweriya Minor end access blockage
- 13 — Haputale → St. Catherine’s 200m overgrowth
- 14 — St. Catherine’s → Makulella Weather dependent caution
- 15 — Makulella → Ella Trail fully accessible + motorable
- 16 — Ella → Demodara Small slide • Overgrowth • Road bypass available
- 17 — Demodara → Hali Ela • Minor impacts
- 21 — Udapusellawa → Kandapola • Minor impacts
- 22 — Kandapola → Nuwara Eliya • One small water crossing
🔶 🟠 MODERATE IMPACTED STAGES
Hiking possible on the following stages, but there have been moderate impacts. Proceed with awareness and group safety.
Stage 1 — Hanthana → Galaha
2 landslides (1 minor / 1 moderate) • Fallen trees • Minor signage impact
Mud and erosion visible along sections.
Stage 5 — Pundaluoya → Watagoda
Trail open, but access via Thawalantenna is cut off.
Recommended approach via Watagoda / police-guided access.
Stage 9 — Bogawantalawa → Diagama
Approx. 200m mud hazard at Haritha Kandha, some signage disturbed.
Extra caution required near Jacob’s Ladder.
Stage 19 — Ettampitiya → Loonuwatta
Trail remains open, but exit roads are not motorable.
What This Means for Hikers
The above stages of the Pekoe Trail remain open — mapped, monitored and walkable, with improving conditions across the highlands. As recovery efforts continue, we encourage hikers to tread mindfully and support communities along the route.
If a stage is NOT listed above, it is CLOSED.
This advisory is our best assessment based on current information. Trail conditions may differ on the ground and can change rapidly due to weather. Hike responsibly and always use your best judgement. Hiking remains subject to all rules, terms and conditions.
Before you hike
- Purchase your Pekoe Trail Pass. This is crucial at this time FOR YOUR SAFETY so we know who is on the trail. It also supports maintenance & recovery
- Check daily weather and trail status.
- Hike in a group or with a Trail Host (no solo travel recommended on some stages).
- Wear sturdy footwear, pack rain & warm gear, and be prepared for all weather.
