Why Every Hiker Should Get a Trail Pass
Why You Need a Trail Pass
The Pekoe Trail isn't just a route. It's a connection between people, communities, history, and nature. But it only works when everyone respects that connection.
The trail runs across a mix of public land, private estates, and local villages. Having a valid trail pass confirms that you are an authorised user of The Pekoe Trail. If you do not carry a pass, landowners may restrict your access or ask you to leave. It's a shared agreement that keeps the trail open and fair for everyone.
Not Just a Ticket. A Contribution That Matters.
The Pekoe Trail was originally developed through donor support—but that funding has now come to an end. Today, the trail is managed by The Pekoe Trail Organisation (TPTO), a non-profit committed to protecting and growing the trail for future generations. Your trail pass plays a direct role in keeping this vision alive.
Trail pass revenue supports:
- Maintenance – repairing footpaths, bridges, and key infrastructure
- Signage and navigation – from physical markers to app-based maps
- Digital tools – the app, booking portal, and GPS functionality
- Visitor services – safety updates, feedback channels, and support
- Local communities – guide networks, homestays, and community vendors
- Environmental protection – sustainable tourism and conservation projects
For just $10 per stage, hikers can secure a trail pass—a small contribution that makes a significant impact. It enhances the hiking experience and directly supports TPTO in maintaining, preserving, and improving the trail.
How to Get a Trail Pass
1. Log in
Use your email to log in to the Trail Web Portal or the Pekoe Trail app on your mobile.
2. Choose your stage(s)
Select the stage or stages you plan to hike. If you are a TPTO member, your passes are free. If you are not a member, you will be directed to complete payment securely.
Prices
- Foreign visitors: USD 10 per stage
- Sri Lankan residents: LKR 600 per stage
- Children below 12 are free
3. Your pass is instantly available
Once confirmed, your trail pass is loaded into the app under the same email you used to register. You can view and present it any time during your hike.
Want Free Passes? Consider Becoming a Member.
If you're planning to explore multiple stages, or want to support The Pekoe Trail beyond a single hike, becoming a member is the most meaningful way to do so. As a TPTO member, you get:
- Unlimited free trail passes
- Invitations to curated experiences and events
- Recognition as someone who's helping sustain Sri Lanka's most iconic trail
Hiking Responsibly: Respecting Nature & Local Communities
The Pekoe Trail weaves through 21 tea estates and multiple villages, offering hikers an intimate look into Sri Lanka's rural life. A key responsibility of every visitor is to tread respectfully. The trail pass comes with important guidelines:
- Respect private property and adhere to estate regulations.
- Minimise environmental impact by carrying reusable water bottles and disposing of waste properly.
- Follow park and landowner entry rules, especially in protected areas like Horton Plains, Loolcondera Estate, and Ella Rock.
- Support local businesses, whether by staying at a homestay, dining at a village eatery, or hiring a community guide.
Share Your Journey
We'd love to see your trail moments. If you're hiking with a trail pass, tag @thepekoetrailofficial and use the hashtag #MyPekoeTrail to share your experience.