Guide to Climbing Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada) in Sri Lanka

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Brandon

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Key Takeaway

Climbing Adam’s Peak in Sri Lanka, a pilgrimage site with religious significance for Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and Christians, involves 5,000-6,000 steps. The climb, best for a sunrise view, requires starting around 2 AM and planning for changing temperatures. Travel logistics, including transportation to Dalhousie, itineraries, and essential tips like avoiding crowds and wearing layers, are vital for a successful trek.

Adam’s Peak, also known as Sri Pada, is a 2,243m (7,359 ft) mountain in the central highland region of Sri Lanka. Popular for Sri Lankans and tourists alike. The typical climb is started in the middle of the night so you can reach the peak for a breathtaking adams peak sunrise.

For Sri Lankans, Sri Pada is an important pilgrimage site. However, The religious significance of Adam’s Peak greatly depends on who you’re talking to…

Buddhists – claim the footprint mark is the left foot of Buddha
Hindus – consider the footprint to belong to none other than Lord Shiva
Muslims & Christians – believe it’s Adam’s first step after being exiled from the Garden of Eden.

Sunrise from Adam's Peak (near the top)
Sunrise from Adam’s Peak Sri Lanka (near the top)

Whatever your beliefs, waking up in the middle of the night to trek was worthwhile and the sunrise is nothing short of spectacular.

In this guide you will learn:

  • Travel logistics (getting there, when to climb, what type climb)
  • Example itineraries for Adam’s Peak Sri Lanka
  • 9 Tips to ensure you’re prepared (coming down is the worst part)
  • Frequently asked questions

Basics

Closest city: Dalhousie, Sri Lanka (Some climb from Ratnapura)
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate (If you’re looking for something more challenging, see Mt Rinjani)
Adams peak height: 2,243m (7,359 ft) at the peak. Gain 1,000 meters (3,280ft) while climbing
Time Commitment: 5-7 hours
Cost: None
Altitude Sickness: Not a concern

Should you get travel insurance? Yes. With any trekking there is an inherent risk. We used World Nomads travel insurance. They covered us when I needed surgery in Vietnam and when Anne was in a motorbike accident in Bali.

Guide to Climbing Adam's Peak in Sri Lanka

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Getting to and from Adam’s Peak:

How to reach Dalhousie (nearest town):

Most people take a train to Hatton and then a bus or tuk-tuk t0 Dalhousie. Hatton can be reached by train or bus from Colombo, Kandy, Ella, etc.

Hatton to Dalhousie by bus takes 1.5hours  and costs 75 LKR ($.60 USD)
Hatton to Dalhousie by tuk-tuk takes 1 hour and costs 1,000-1,500 LKR ($7-11 USD)

Buses leave every 10 minutes and the ride is beautiful.

Going from Kandy to Adams Peak

Most people take a train from Kandy to Hatton, then take a bus to Dalhousie. You can check the train schedule here.

From Colombo to Adams Peak

The best way to get to Adams peak fromColombo is by train. Head to the train station on the edge of Colombo and jump on a train to Hatton. Then take the bus or tuk-tuk to Dalhousie.

That being said, some travelers prefer to hire a driver for their entire Sri Lankan tour. This costs quite a bit more money but it makes you more flexible and cuts down on travel time. We loved the public trains in Sri Lankan even though they are slower. So much beauty in this country!

From Ella to Adams Peak

Most people take a train from Ella to Adams peak. The Express train takes about 4.5 hours. Adams peak is approximately halfway between Ella and Kandy. We must mention that the train ride from Ella to Hatton (nearest station to Adams peak) is beautiful and many people consider it a highlight of their Sri Lankan adventure.

Hatton to Adams Peak

You’ve most likely arrived to Hatton by train. Congrats you’re almost there! The next step offers you some options. The cheapest (and slowest) way is to take the bus from Hatton to Dalhousie. You can also take a taxi or tuk-tuk, however we recommend spitting it with other hikers to save money and meet some friends! Taxi takes between 60-90 minutes and the bus is a little longer.

sri lanka adams peak
Adam’s Peak from the base of the climb

Climbing details for Adams Peak Sri Lanka

What type of climb is Adam’s Peak?

Mix of incline trekking and 5,000-6,000 crumbling stone steps. Challenging but nothing like climbing Mr Rinjani in Indonesia. Going up is ok, but going down is very hard on your knees and IT bands. No technical climbing necessary. Takes most people 2-4 hours to summit based on fitness, crowds, and breaks. 1-2hours to come back down.

Avoid the Crowds

Climbing Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada) is very popular for tourists and locals alike. Avoid peak times or you’ll be surrounded by religious pilgrims and Sri Lankan families for the trek.

Bathrooms?

Bathrooms are found every 20 mins during the trek. They will be disgusting – what did you expect?

Best time of year?

January – May. Avoid days near the full moon and the week of Sri Lankan New year (mid April), and the weekend if possible. During these busy times the trek will be so crowded you may have to wait 5-10 hours in a line to reach the peak.

Unknowing to our fate… we started our trek on the Sri Lankan new year, and 2 days after the full moon. The perfect storm. It was like climbing endless stairs in a crowded mall the day before Christmas.

Traffic jam!
Traffic jam!

We were 98% on the top (we could see it) and yet the line was supposed to take 5 or more hours. Sad to say we never officially reached the peak. Although, we still had a great time and saw an outstanding sunrise.

Example Itineraries for Sri Pada (Adam’s peak)

How many days should you stay in Dalhousie?

Most people stay for 2 nights which is enough to see the town, make the trek, and spend a day resting your legs. Dalhousie is in a beautiful area but there are much better places to stay in the central highlands (Ella, Deniyaya, Nuwer Ellya, etc).

2-night itinerary:

Arrive on day 1, check out the town and get to bed early (9PM). Wake up at 2AM and start trekking immediately. Plan to reach the summit by 5AM, watch the sunrise, then come back down. You should be back down around 8AM just in time for a big breakfast and nap. Spend the rest of your day enjoying the scenery and stretching your sore legs. The following day get on an early bus to Hatton and take the train to your next destination.

1-night itinerary:

Arrive on day 1, check out town, go to bed at 9PM. Wake up at 2AM and start trekking immediately. Reach the summit at 5AM, watch sunrise and come back down by 8AM. Big breakfast and a quick nap before taking the 11AM bus back to Hatton. Warning: your legs will be sore and the 1.5 hour bus leaving Dalhousie may be crowded – anticipate standing on the local bus for the journey.

Where to stay in Dalhousie (Adam’s Peak)

Guesthouses for all budgets are available in the Dalhousie area (closest city Adam’s Peak). We stayed at White House and enjoyed our stay. Tons of food and activities are within walking distance of the Dalhousie area. I’d recommend staying at one of the budget or mid range hotels.

Most of the budget/midrange hotels are all on one main road. The high end accommodation tends to be on beautiful tea plantations a few miles from Adam peak.

Budget traveler options near Adams peak

Grand Adam's Peak
Grand Adam’s Peak
  • White House [$25 USD/night] clean double rooms at a good price. Great location.
  • Grand Adams Peak  [$25 USD/night] – only 350 feet from Adam’s peak. Each room gets a balcony. Great value and location.

Mid range accommodation near Sri Pada, Sri Lanka

White Elephant Hotel
White Elephant Hotel

Luxury accommodation near Adams peak

Where to eat near Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada)

The guesthouses have extensive menus but are extremely overpriced. Walk a short distance to town (near the start of the trek) and you’ll find many local restaurants. Think rice and curry for 100-170 LKR ($1 USD) and Rotti for 30-50 LKR. ($.25 USD)

Tea houses line your trek however it’s best to buy your food/water for the trek in town to avoid high prices during the trek. Don’t worry all the shops and restaurants are open 24/7 to accommodate the trekkers start trekking in the middle of the night.

*Top 25 Sri Lankan Dishes you must try!

What to pack when climbing Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada)

  • Small backpack
  • Rain coat
  • Water bottle – we love this one made by hydroflask, best travel water bottle out there!
  • Camera – this is the one I own and love
  • Travel Insurance in case of injury (we used World Nomads)
  • Sunglasses for the way down
  • Trekking poles – protect your knees! (I own and love these)
  • Snacks – purchase from town unless you want to pay extra on the trek
  • A warm and DRY sweater – necessary while waiting for the sunrise
  • Sunscreen for the trek down
  • A good attitude – these steps are NOT fun and never seem to end

Other activities in Dalhousie:

Besides the Adams Peak hike, there are many things to do: fishing, waterfall tour, spice farm, tea plantation visit, etc. We didn’t do any of these things as the prices were really high and we only stayed 2 nights. Most guesthouses will be happy to arrange for you, of course for a small commission.

8 tips for trekking Adam’s Peak

1) Reach the peak for sunrise!

Start the trek between 1-2AM so you have time for a couple short breaks, and to ensure you see the sunrise from the adams peak summit.

2) Bring layers!

You will be hot and sweaty during the summit but as soon as you reach the peak you will stop moving and the cool air will chill you to the bone. Trek in a t-shirt, and bring a dry sweatshirt for the summit.

The locals will mostly wear long pants, coats, hats, and gloves.

3) Avoid the crowds!

Avoid: Sri Lankan New Year (mid April), any full moon, and if possible even the weekend.

Sherry Ott’s account of climbing Adam’s Peak during full moon (great pictures too)

4) Buy fruit from town ahead of time

Your only options on the trek are roti, chips, sweets, and chickpeas. If you prefer healthy food, stock up before it’s too late.

5) Wear comfortable shoes

Most locals where flip flops, some go barefoot – no idea how that is possible. Wear trainers, or Chacos. (I wore Chacos which I absolutely LOVE and they worked great)

6) Go at your own pace

A couple Sri Lankans we met will climbing
A couple of Sri Lankans we met while climbing

Climbing stairs is a different game. Make sure you don’t completely burn yourself out before coming back down. Take some short breaks.

7) If knee pain, then trekking poles

You will be climbing up (and down) more than 5,000 steps. If you have knee pain (and even if you don’t) your knees will hurt for a day or two. Be nice to your knees and use trekking poles (or find a stick). My favorite pair of trekking poles is the Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork. The “bent handle” saves your wrists and elbows on long treks. Cork handles ensure you don’t lose your grip. Collapse down small enough to stow away when you’re not using them.

8) Try to make it down by 8AM

Pretending our knees don't hurt after the decent
Sri Lanka Adam’s Peak

Once the sun rises, the temperature climbs fast. The direct sunlight takes a lot out of you. If you are at the summit for sunrise, you will be back well before 8AM.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How hard is it to climb Adams Peak?

While most people with average fitness should be able to reach the summit, it’s definitely not easy. There are over 5,000 steps to climb (up and down) and for some people steps climbing down steps are hard on their knees (myself included). How high is Adams peak?

The height of Adam’s peak is around 2,243 m (7,359 ft) which is significant.

Also, Adams peak steps are taller and more irregular than normal steps you might find in an office building.

Where is Adams Peak located?

South central Sri Lanka. Nearest town is Dalhousie. Closest train station is Hatton.

Any recommendations for other things to do in Sri Lanka?

There are many famous places in Sri Lanka! Besides the Adam’s Peak Sri Lanka hike, we really enjoyed train rides through the central highlands, hanging with elephants, the beach town of Mirissa, learning to surf in Weligama,  and eating all the amazing Sri Lankan Food.

Other popular places include Sirigiri rock, Yala National Park, and Hikkaduwa, and Ella.

How’s the Adam’s Peak weather?

As with most hiking, the key to success with the adams peak trek is layers. Most people start around 2AM and it’s often quite cold (locals will wear jackets and hats) and by mid morning it’s super hot. However the temperature fluctuates dramatically depending if you’re looking at the base of the mountain, the peak, the time of day, and the season you’re hiking. I recommend using this site which allows you to check the temp at various elevations.

Where to stay for Adams Peak?

Most people rent a hotel in Dalhousie aka Nallathanniya which is the closest city. The whole town seems to revolve around the trek, you’ll find many guesthouses, restaurants, and tour companies. Check Guest Houses here.

Should you get Travel Insurance before Trekking Rinjani?

We buy travel insurance for 100% of our travels. It’s straightforward and gives us piece of mind for serious accidents. We especially recommend it if you like adventure activities. Although oddly enough, the two times we were seriously hurt happened in completely “safe” environments (at a restaurant in Vietnam and crossing the street in Bali).

Which travel insurance company should you get?

We used World Nomads.

Our experience with making claims through World Nomads

Anne got hit by a motorbike in Bali while crossing the street – led to lots of hospital bills and a long recovery. World Nomads covered the entire bill and reimbursed her for $1,200 USD.

I was cut by glass and tore a tendon in my hand. I was then rushed to the hospital and had emergency surgery in HCMC, Vietnam. Luckily, I recovered fully and World Nomads covered my entire bill of $2,500 USD.

Heading to Sri Lanka or Adam’s peak soon? Book a hotel via Booking.com



Booking.com

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 Guide to Climbing Adam's Peak in Sri Lanka

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About Brandon

Former corporate sales rep turned nomadic entrepreneurial yogi. Street food ninja, avid outdoorsman, craft beer geek, and live music junkie. Co-founder of The Yoga Nomads.

16 thoughts on “Guide to Climbing Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada) in Sri Lanka”

  1. Great guide indeed guys! It’s quite a remarkable experience and your post stirred quite some marvellous memories…
    We did stay in the White House as well, but wished we stayed two nights in order to rest our legs after the climb or better say the descent. I think our legs still hurt a few days later, especially when climbing stairs. 🙂
    Quite interesting are as well the strokes of the gong you hear at the top. Before entering the viewing platform people hit the gong, each stroke indicating one completed ascent in their life…
    How are your legs btw?? 😉

    Reply
    • Thanks Oliver! Glad it could bring back some memories.

      Nice work on making it to the top, we were so close! Super cool tradition, did you hear people hitting the gong 10 times (for example) representing each time they’ve made the climb?

      Our legs were sore for several days after, I bet it was a pretty funny site for the Sri Lankans 🙂

      Reply
        • Hey Sara,
          White Elephant is near the starting point and was a great option last time I was in Sri Lanka (2014). If I was you I’d check out Booking.com or similar and check reviews to confirm the best options in 2018 🙂

          Reply
  2. Alright ! I’ve been waiting for you guys to post something again. I’ve added Sri Lanka to my bucket list and will be doing some climbing – that mountain’s got my name written all over it 🙂

    Reply
    • Good call Adam! Sri Lanka has so much to do and see, great food, friendly people, and very affordable! I don’t know why we don’t hear about it more.

      Reply
  3. Having done the trek this morning and reading (with aching legs) your article now, it’s very informative and useful for other travellers. I was compelled to respond to point 7 of your tips ‘blazing your own trail’. I personally found the behaviour of some tourists to be very disrespectful just so they could get there quicker or get the perfect shot. Adams Peak is first and foremost a pilgrimage for the locals. I saw lots of very old Sri Lankans endure pain and hours of trekking to get to the top, for some of them it may well have been their last pilgrimage. So to just skip the queue, or even jump across to the ‘going down lane’ is incredibly rude behaviour and disrespectful. What makes you so special that you feel as if you don’t have to queue like the rest of the locals and polite, respectful tourists? I don’t think you should be encouraging this tip in your article.

    Reply
  4. Hi there!

    learned a lot! thank you sooo much!
    I am born in Sri lanka, visited many times but never got the chance to climb.

    This information is helpful and highly appresiated.

    Bohome isthuthi 😉
    warm regards,
    Farah,

    Reply
  5. Hey Brandon,

    Thank you so much man for posting so many useful information about Adams Peak, I am visiting Sri Lanka and being a travel consultant I was still struggling to get more information about this summit.
    Keep inspiring others !

    I will certainly share my feedback and how your tips would be useful for me while climbing the summit once I will be back.

    Merci beaucoup !

    Firoz

    Reply
  6. One of the greatest experiences of my life. Did it almost 50 years ago and never forgot the excitement as the sun rose over the peak, casting its shadow across the valley. If you can, do it.

    Reply

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