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View all Kandy toursPekoe Trail Stage 1 Guided Hike from Kandy: Hanthana to Galaha
The opening stage of the Pekoe Trail, walked from the Hanthana tea estate above Kandy across the ridge to Galaha, with the city below on one side and the hill country ahead on the other.
Highlights
- The first stage of the 300 km Pekoe Trail, starting on the Hanthana estate
- The Hanthana ridge, with Kandy and its lake laid out below
- Views across to the Knuckles range and, on a clear day, Adam's Peak
- Pine forest and tea estate paths down towards Galaha
- A one-way walk with the vehicle waiting at the finish
Pekoe Trail Stage 1 Guided Hike from Kandy: Hanthana to Galaha: Key Facts
| Price | From $130 per person |
|---|---|
| Duration | 9 hours |
| Languages | English |
| Tour type | Guided Tour |
| Booking | Direct with the local operator — no OTA markup |
Full description
Stage 1 of the Pekoe Trail starts on the Hanthana estate, on the ridge immediately above Kandy, which makes it the most accessible stage of the whole 300-kilometre route and the one with the best view back over a town.
The walk climbs through the estate onto the Hanthana range — seven peaks in a line, with Kandy and its lake laid out below to the north and the hill country opening southward. On a clear morning you can see the Knuckles across the valley and, occasionally, as far as Adam's Peak.
From the ridge the trail drops into pine and then back into tea, following the plucking paths towards Galaha. This is walking through a working landscape rather than a wilderness: you pass estate line rooms, tea factories and pluckers with their bags, and the guide explains what you are looking at, which turns a green hillside into a system with a history.
Around 15 kilometres and a solid day. The vehicle collects you at Galaha, so there is no return leg to walk.
Tour Itinerary
The schedule below is a suggested plan and can be adjusted to suit your preferences.
Pickup in Kandy
A short drive up to the Hanthana estate.
Hanthana
The start of stage 1, climbing through the estate.
The ridge
The Hanthana range, with Kandy below.
Pine and tea
The descent towards Galaha.
Galaha
The end of the stage.
Kandy
Drop-off at your hotel.
Detailed Itinerary
[{"time": "06:30", "title": "Hotel pickup", "description": "Hanthana is 20 minutes from central Kandy."}, {"time": "07:15", "title": "Start walking", "description": "The climb onto the ridge is the steepest part and comes first."}, {"time": "09:00", "title": "Hanthana ridge", "description": "Seven peaks in a line. The view back over Kandy is the best on the stage."}, {"time": "11:30", "title": "Down towards Galaha", "description": "Through pine plantation and back into tea."}, {"time": "14:00", "title": "Galaha", "description": "The van is waiting at the finish."}, {"time": "15:30", "title": "Kandy", "description": "Drop-off at your hotel."}]
Includes
- Transport from Kandy to the trailhead and from the finish, an English-speaking guide, the guided hike, drinking water.
Excludes
- Meals, gratuities, personal hiking equipment, personal expenses.
Important information
Meeting point
Hotel pickup in Kandy; the exact address and time are confirmed after booking.
Know before you go
- Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the activity starts