Two stages passing through Kandy (Stages 1 and 2) are open to the public. Stages 3,4,5,9,10,11,15 and 16 passing through the Ramboda, Horton Plains, and Ella are under development and will be ready for visitors from March 2024.

Currently there is no requirement for passes in addition to those already being issued by national parks, forestry department and private estates. In the future there is likely to be a requirement for a Pekoe Trail pass to ensure the trail is properly maintained/sign posted and as a mechanism to support the communities it passes through. Stay tuned to official Pekoe Trail channels for updates.

A destination management organisation will be in place to manage bookings, and host an online booking engine on The Pekoe Trail website. Bookings can be made for a particular stage or several stages. A trail app developed by The Pekoe Trail is also available to assist travellers.

Some stages will have a limited number of passes issued at any given time to prevent over-tourism/ over - crowding, especially for areas of cultural or environmental sensitivity. More details of this will be available soon.

• Individuals, couples, families and other small intimate groups of no more than 6 -10 pax at a time.
• Recommended age is 10 to 70.
• General level of fitness: traveller should be able to walk leisurely for 4-6 hours with rests in-between.
• Those with an interest in nature and wildlife - especially birding - hiking, wellness, community - centric travel, and those interested in going ‘off the beaten track’.
• Those who tend to avoid ‘touristy’, ‘commercial’ and ‘over - crowded’ tourist attractions.

Most stages are suitable for the usual skills of kids aged 10 years and older. However, it will depend on the individual’s physical capabilities as well.

Easy to moderate, with each stage approximately a half day’s excursion, i.e. 4 - 6 hours of walking with gradual ascents and descents.

The trail route varies from grade 1 - 4 pathways (a diversity of forest foot trails, foot paths, tea trails - estate roads, as well as unpaved and paved roads).

• The trail passes through conserved areas such as forests, which are high in biodiversity - both in terms of flora and fauna, offering a more immersive nature based experience.
• Immersing in the living heritage of Ceylon Tea and exploring the highland landscape of picturesque tea estates.
• Interacting with local communities in an organic and unscripted/ non-commercial manner.
• Partaking in ‘meaningful’ and ‘impactful’ tourism that is careful, non-destructive and looks to provide benefit to local communities.
• Cultural and ethnic diversity across the trail.

• This trail can only be used for recreational walking or walking - related activities such as bird watching (no MTBs etc.)
• No feeding, touching/ petting, hunting/ poaching of wild animals.
• Consumption of liquor on the trail will also be restricted/ prohibited.
• Disturbance to the environment or communities or plantation companies is prohibited.
• General illegal activities are prohibited, of course. A detailed list of restricted activities will be published for visitors (including disturbance to the local surroundings and behaving in a manner that is offensive to local culture and communities, etc.)

• Visitor safety is paramount and instructions are provided to ensure safe passage.
• However, entering the trail is at the individual's discretion and no liability will be undertaken for any incidents that do occur.
• The fact that walking, hiking, trekking come with some form of risk is also implicit in the visitor deciding to walk The Pekoe Trail.
• Emergency contact information and guidelines will be provided along with the trail pass.
• It is recommended to travel with an accredited guide, who is trained at avoiding and managing emergencies on the trail.

• Sun block, hats/ caps, sun-glasses.
• Water bottle for plenty of hydration - The Pekoe Tail is working on establishing refilling points with clean water along the trail.
• Sturdy and comfortable shoes for outdoor walking.
• Insect repellent.
• Any personal medication.
• Own snacks but with minimal single - use plastics and polythene wrapping for safety reasons.

Those who have booked passes will be updated accordingly.