Prepare for a challenging yet unforgettable 14.88km hike on Stage 10 of the Pekoe Trail, taking you from the remote village of Dayagama to the breathtaking Horton Plains National Park. This stage offers a deep immersion into Sri Lanka’s cloud forest, with opportunities for wildlife sightings and stunning views.
Your trek begins in Dayagama, one of the most isolated villages in the tea country, nestled at the far end of the Agarapatana Valley. This remote location offers an authentic tea country experience rarely seen by travelers. From Dayagama, the trail follows wide tea paths and traverses a dense forest, leading towards the unique ecosystem of Horton Plains National Park.
Important Horton Plains National Park Information:
- Entrance Tickets: Entry to Horton Plains National Park requires a ticket, available for purchase at the Dayagama or Ohiya entrances. The entrance fee is approximately USD 45 (subject to exchange rate fluctuations).
- Ticket Inclusions: The Horton Plains entrance ticket grants access not only to Stage 10 of the Pekoe Trail but also to:
- The Bakers Falls trail
- The World’s End trail loop
- The summit of Kirigalpotha (Sri Lanka’s second-highest peak)
- The summit of Thotupola Kanda
- Entry Time Restrictions: Entry to the park from this stage is not permitted after 2 PM.
- Further Information: For detailed information about Horton Plains National Park, please refer to the Department of Wildlife Conservation website: http://www.dwc.gov.lk/
Highlights of Stage 10:
- Horton Plains National Park: Explore this unique and ecologically significant cloud forest.
- Wildlife Sightings: Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife, including sambar deer, monkeys, various bird species, and if you’re fortunate, perhaps even a leopard.
- Cloud Forest Scenery: Enjoy the stunning views and unique atmosphere of Sri Lanka’s cloud forest.
Trail Details:
- Distance: 14.88 km
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Elevation Gain: 921 m
- Elevation Loss: 216 m
- Maximum Elevation: 2,138 m
Upon entering the cloud forest, the trail winds and twists through the valley, ascending through dense rainforest. Take a moment to pause and listen to the symphony of the forest – the calls of sambar deer, monkeys, highland birds, and perhaps even the elusive leopard. The trail culminates at the old Farr Inn, a former hunting lodge for high-ranking British colonial officials, now serving as the Horton Plains National Park visitor center.