Is the Pekoe Trail worth hiking in 2026? Here is what the reviews say

The Pekoe Trail has become one of the most talked-about experiences in Sri Lanka's hill country — a 300km walking route through the central highlands, passing through tea estates, cloud forests, and villages that few tourists ever see. But is it actually worth the hype, especially for someone visiting Sri Lanka for the first time?

Based on what travellers coming off the trail are saying, the answer is a firm yes — with a few conditions.

The short answer

The Pekoe Trail is absolutely worth it, but pick your stages carefully. As of 2026, 16 of the 22 stages are open and fully marked. Most travellers do not attempt the full 300km — they pick 2-4 day sections around Nuwara Eliya, Ella, and Bandarawela, where the scenery is at its most dramatic.

The most consistently praised section runs through the Bandarawela area, where the trail passes through working tea estates, small villages, and forest patches. Hikers staying at homestays along the route — particularly Liptora Homestay, right on the trail — describe being welcomed with tea, home-cooked meals, and the kind of genuine hospitality that makes the walking worth it.

One repeated tip: download the maps before you go. Waymarking is still sparse in places, and phone signal drops in the valleys.

WATCH OUT FOR

• Leeches in the wet season. From April to September, afternoon rain makes the trails slippery and the leeches active. Tuck your trousers into your socks and carry salt.
• Some stages are still closed. Stage 10 (Dayagama to Horton Plains) remains inaccessible. Check the official Pekoe Trail app for real-time status before you set out.
• Accommodation books out. The best homestays on the trail have limited rooms. If you are planning a multi-day hike, book ahead — do not assume you will find a bed for the night.
• Waymarking is improving but not perfect. Multiple hikers mention getting lost at intersections. Carry a backup map or GPS.

GOOD TO KNOW

The Pekoe Trail connects beautifully with other hill country highlights. You can hike from Bandarawela to Lipton's Seat in a day, catch the train to Horton Plains for an overnight, or weave through tea estates all the way to Nuwara Eliya. The trail is designed to be walkable without a guide, but hiring a local from one of the trail-side villages adds depth to the experience — they know the shortcuts, the best viewpoints, and the village tea shops.

WHERE TO STAY

For Pekoe Trail hikers, Liptora Homestay is the ideal overnight stop — right on the trail, family-run, and consistently praised for the best home-cooked meals in the region.

If you want a base for day hikes, Palm Grove Bandarawela offers guided tours to the trail's best viewpoints and the kind of hospitality that travellers rave about.

The bottom line

The Pekoe Trail is still finding its feet in terms of infrastructure, but that is part of its charm. It is a genuine adventure, not a sanitised tourist route. If you come prepared — good shoes, downloaded maps, and an open mind — it might just be the best thing you do in Sri Lanka.