Stages 12 & 13 of the Pekoe Trail, Sri Lanka
🥾 Journey Through Sri Lanka’s Hidden Highlands: Stages 12 & 13 of the Pekoe Trail
The Pekoe Trail is Sri Lanka’s new premier long-distance hiking route. It winds through the heart of the island’s tea country, offering a blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and historical intrigue.
Among its 22 stages, Stages 12 and 13 stand out for their dramatic landscapes, remote villages, and panoramic viewpoints
Where should I stay?
There are lots of different styles and quality of accommodation within reach of stages 12 and 13 of the Pekoe Trail.
For those looking for a little but of luxury to come back to after their hike, GlenMyu Estate is a good option.
Located around 20 minutes drive from Haputale Station it is convenient for both stages.
Swimming in the natural spring fed swimming pool to ease those muscles after your hike and eating sumptous meals prepared by Ru and the team are reason enough to stay.
Click on GlenMyu Estate’s website to find out more
Let’s dive into what makes these two segments unforgettable.
Stage 12 - the numbers
🌄 Stage 12: Udaweriya to Haputale — The Hidden Valley Descent
Distance: ~19.7 km
Duration: ~6 hours
Difficulty: Difficult
Elevation Gain: 1,493 m
Elevation Loss: 1,834 m
Region: Haputale
Highlights:
– Begins in the remote Udaweriya Valley, often called the “Hidden Valley”
– Passes a derelict tea factory, abandoned villages, and goat-populated trails
– Traverses rainforest and pine forest, offering surreal transitions in scenery
– Crosses the Idalgashinna Railway Station, a marvel of colonial engineering
– Includes a railway tunnel and zig-zag descent toward Beragala
Trail Experience:
Stage 12 is one of the most exhilarating sections of the Pekoe Trail. Starting at the Udaweriya tea factory, hikers ascend to the highest point of the day (1,948 m). Then descend through a mix of forested paths and narrow tea trails. The route is rich in biodiversity and history, with glimpses of the southern coastline on clear days.
The Idalgashinna Station, built in 1893, marks a climatic divide and offers sweeping views of both the northern and southern landscapes. The final stretch toward Haputale includes a short railway tunnel. This is followed by a descent through the Thangamale Sanctuary, ending at the Haputale Station.
Stage 13: Haputale to St. Catherine - the numbers
🏞️ Stage 13: Haputale to St. Catherine — Tea Trails to Lipton’s Legacy
Distance: ~14.6 km
Duration: ~4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 810 m
Elevation Loss: 360 m
Region: Haputale
Highlights:
– Begins in Haputale, a bustling tea town
– Passes St. Andrew’s Church, Haputale Lake, and Nayabedda Estate
– Climbs through a humid forest reserve and organic tea estates
– Offers views of Lipton’s Seat, a historic lookout
– Ends in St. Catherine, a plantation village with a Hindu kovil
Trail Experience:
Stage 13 is a gentler but equally scenic journey. After leaving Haputale, hikers ascend through a forest reserve and enter the Thotalagala–Dambatenne Valley, with views of Lipton’s Seat across the valley. The trail meanders through Green Field Estate, known for its organic bio-tea, and continues along flat paths with stunning vistas.
The final climb leads to St. Catherine, nestled in the upper divisions of Nayabedda Estate. For those with extra energy, a 3 km detour to Lipton’s Seat offers a chance to stand where Sir Thomas Lipton once surveyed his empire.
On clear days, you can see all the way to Udawalawe National Park.
Hiking Tips for Stages 12 and 13 of the Pekoe Trail
🧭 Tips for Hikers
– Best Season: December to April (dry season)
– Gear: Good hiking boots, rain jacket, GPS or trail app
– Safety: Watch for slippery paths and leeches in forested areas
– Local Interaction: Respect village customs, especially near religious sites.
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🫖 Why These Stages Matter
Stages 12 and 13 encapsulate the essence of the Pekoe Trail: remote beauty, colonial history, and the rhythm of life in Sri Lanka’s tea country.
Contact GlenMyu Estate for direct booking rates
For the best rates contact Michael directly on WhatsApp.
Press the WhatsApp button on the GlenMyu website.
Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country
GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.
Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country
See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.
We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.
The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more.