Tips to climb Adam's Peak Sri Lanka
© Henrik Kal
High up in a mountain in Sri Lanka, 7,359 feet up in the clouds in fact, multi-faith harmony reigns supreme. Adams Peak must surely rank as one of the most thrilling and challenging night hikes in the world, but whether you’re here on an adventure holiday or one among the hundred of believers, there is something about this mountain that transcends all religions.
© Knut Erling Øen
Sacred to believers, the famous Adam's Peak is to the 70% of Sri Lankans of Buddhist faith, Sri Pada (loosely translated as the Sacred Foot) the hollow of the human foot print marked by Lord Buddha; to 12% of Hindus living in Sri Lanka (Siva Padam), the imprint of God Siva; and to the fervent Muslims and Christians that make up abut 17%, the place that marks where Adam lived having being banished from paradise. No matter the creed, to every Sri Lankan that summits Adam's Peak, it is the path of their ancestors.
Get To Know Adam’s Peak Sri Lanka
Why climb Adam’s Peak Sri Lanka?
The most famous pilgrimage hike in Sri Lanka is not just about the climb. You will discover yet another pristine area of the island and its vast bio diversity, beautiful waterfalls and cloud swathed jungle tides, but it is the 1.8m rock formation near the summit in the shape of a footprint that is the cynosure of all eyes. Whether it’s the footprint of Lord Buddha who visited the peak on the invitation to Sri Lanka by a god named ‘Saman’, or its the footprint of Hanuman or God Siva, or the footprint left by Adam as he exiled from the Garden of Eden, the mystery of a thousand years remains unraveled but revered by everyone.
It is believed that the first person to discover the sacred footprint was King Valagambahu, a monarch who reigned in Sri Lanka in 104-76 BC.
Why is it also known as ‘Samanala Kanda’?
‘Samanala’ is butterflies in Sinhalese and ‘Kanda; is a mountain. It is believed this name was derived from the internal migration of clouds of butterflies that appear annually as they converge from Wilpattu National Park to Adam’s Peak.
How tall is the Adam’s Peak?
It is 2,243 meters (7359 feet) tall and is the 5th highest peak in Sri Lanka.The three highest mountains in Sri Lanka are Pidurutalagala (2,524m), Kirigalpotta(2,395m) and Totapolakanda (2,357m) - the latter two being easily reached via the Horton Plains National Park Sri Lanka.
Historical records of Adam’s Peak
From the records of the famous Chinese Buddhist monk who traveled around the world - ‘Fa-Hien’ to the world explorer Marco Polo, the famous Arabian traveler ‘Ibn Battuta’ who visited Sri Lanka in 1344CE to Robert Knox, the famous English prisoner who wrote about the sacred mountain in his book “A Historical Relation of the Island of Ceylon”; Adam’s Peak has deserved a place in historical narratives for centuries.
© Maclesgeek
Must Knows Before Your Hike
What is the best time to visit Adam’s Peak on your adventure holiday to Sri Lanka?
The period between the full moon day of December or January (Duruthu) to the full moon day in May (Vesak) is the peak season to climb Adam’s Peak. The climb is best avoided during the Sri Lankan New Year period in mid-April, any full moon days (which are public holidays) and the weekends, to avoid queuing up to reach the summit.
The temple at the summit and most of the shops along the route, are likely to be closed during the rest of the months which are considered the off season. The path is unlit during this period.
Best route to climb Adam’s Peak
There are three main routes to Adams Peak; namely, via Hatton, Ratnapura and Kuruvita. The easiest route is via Hatton and is the most popular path taken by locals and foreign visitors due to it being a short 5 Km trek and a relatively easier route than the other two.
Should you take any of the other routes?
The Kings Route or Raja Mawatha is the second longest route and is an approximate 9 km stretch from Rathnapura. You may come across guest houses along the road popularly used by locals to rest prior to the climb.
The longest of the three routes is the Kuruvita Route and is a 14 km stretch with a beautiful river flowing along the way for about 8 km which is loved by locals for a quick dip in the crystal clear waters.
How long is the hike? What is the best time to start the hike?
The route via Hatton takes approximately 2 ½ to 4 hours depending on the fitness of the hikers. Either way it is recommended to start climbing by 2:00 a.m at the latest to catch a glimpse of the gigantic shadow of the mountain disappearing while the sun rises above the clouds.
Some trekkers even prefer to start the hike at midnight to rest at the summit for a few hours before witnessing the sunrise and the return trek during morning hours.
Should you hire a guide?
The path - especially along the main route from Hatton is a clear path, mainly with steps and you could explore this route without a guide. However, if you are a curious traveler, a guide will certainly add value with snippets on biodiversity, folklore and traditions. English speaking guides need to be pre-arranged weeks ahead of the trek.
How cold is it, at the summit of Adam’s Peak Sri Lanka?
Th night temperatures could drop as low as 8 degrees Celsius but it does become warmer soon after the sunrise, even though the mountains may remain covered in mist.
Note: The weather is unpredictable in the off season and rains are likely during this time. Extra caution is advised due to wet and slippery steps.
How much of a fee is charged for tourists climbing Adam's Peak in Sri Lanka?
It’s absolutely free! No fee is charged for tourists climbing Adam’s Peak, although there is a rather insignificant amount to be paid for the maintenance of the stairway.
Fun Fact: The constant hand rail at Adam’s Peak is one of the longest in the world - Sir Arthur C Clarke!
Must Haves on your Hike
What should you wear on your hike at Adam’s Peak?
Hiking clothes with a hooded jacket, or a jersey, hiking shoes or sneakers with a good grip, a hat or a cap and a raincoat that can resist both cold and rain will be ideal.
Note: It is advisable to wear appropriate clothing when entering the temple.
Water, food and snacks
Water, food and snacks can be purchased at tiny kiosks along the route, so there is no need to carry large quantities of it for the entire trek. However, these shops may be closed in the off-season. It is recommended to carry some energy giving snacks, nuts, fruit, a small pack of medicines, and balm for tired feet and calf muscles when the descent becomes tough.
Other essentials to pack for Adams Peak
An umbrella or a poncho
A walking pole to make climbing more convenient
If you are planning an early start to the climb and plan to rest at the summit before the sunrise, it is recommended to take a sleeping bag or a blanket
It’s cold at the summit! A flask with a warm beverage would help but is not essential as there are shops offering tea and coffee, along the route - during the season from December to May. Note: these shops may be closed in the off-season.
Take a torch when climbing in the off season
Is it the Adams Peak trek suitable for kids?
Considering the fact that even adults find it difficult to trek, it is not advisable for children under 10 years of age, as sometimes even teenagers cannot handle a climb of 4550 steps.
ESSENTIAL TIPS TO CLIMB ADAMS PEAK
Although there are restrooms along the trek, it is recommended to carry tissues and hand sanitizers with you at all times.
Cameras, Mobile Phones or Electronic items must be kept in water resistant bags to protect from rain and heavy mist.
Carry a moderately sized bag for ease and comfort of trekking.
Stretching and warming up before commencing the hike will make you feel less stiff during the climb.
There are 4550 steps to climb, so adjust your pace according to your fitness level.
When descending from the summit, ensure you pick the correct route to return, as the descent via the longer route as well as the shorter routes are easily confused.
Carry money in small denominations if you wish to purchase tea and snacks from the tiny shops enroute to the summit and back.
Ayu in the Wild Holidays are specialists in curating sustainable slow travel holidays to Sri Lanka using the knowledge of the widely traveled Sri Lanka owners.
