Everything you need for the Adam's Peak hike: the Hatton and Ratnapura routes, the pilgrim season, timings, what to bring and local customs.
At the summit, just after sunrise, the mountain casts a perfect triangle of shadow across the clouds. Pilgrims have climbed for that moment for centuries.
The Adam's Peak hike is one of the great walks of Sri Lanka. Here is what to know before you go.
Sri Pada, at around 2,243 metres, has a footprint-shaped mark at the top. Buddhists believe it belongs to the Buddha, Hindus to Shiva, and some Muslims and Christians to Adam. You will climb alongside families, monks and elderly pilgrims.
Nallathanniya (Hatton) route. The shortest and most popular, with around 5,500 steps. Allow 3 to 4 hours up.
Ratnapura (Palabaddala) route. Longer and steeper, through forest, and far quieter. Allow 6 to 8 hours up. It suits fit hikers who want a real challenge.
The pilgrim season runs from the Unduvap full moon in December to the Vesak full moon in May. During these months, the path is lit and tea stalls stay open all night.
Outside the season, the path is dark, wet and very quiet. We do not recommend climbing then without an experienced guide.
Weekends and full moon days are extremely busy. A weekday is more peaceful.
From Nallathanniya, most people start between 1:30am and 2:30am to reach the top before about 6am. It gets cold waiting, so bring a warm layer.
A warm jacket, a head torch, water, snacks, cash for tea stops, and comfortable shoes with good grip. Your legs will ache the next day, so plan a light schedule.
First-time pilgrims traditionally tie a white thread along the path. Dress modestly, stay quiet near the shrine and remove shoes at the summit temple. You may hear the bell rung by those who have completed the climb.
The Ratnapura route begins in Sri Lanka's most famous gem region. Ratnapura means City of Gems, and its rivers have produced sapphires, rubies and cat's eyes for over 2,000 years. Climbing up from this side, or visiting the mines after your descent, adds a rich chapter to your trip. See our Ratnapura gem tourism guide.
Nallathanniya is about 4 hours from Colombo or 3 hours from Kandy. Many travellers stay in Nallathanniya the night before for an easy start.
Sri Lanka Travel Tours arranges the Adam's Peak hike with a local guide, nearby accommodation and transfers timed around the climb. See our Adam's Peak climb, or add it to a longer hiking tour.
Tell us what you're picturing and we'll build a trip around it.
