A journey to Adam’s Peak. Taking 11,000 steps.
Travel,  Travel Guide

A journey to Adam’s Peak. Taking 11,000 steps.

A journey to Adam’s Peak Sri Lanka was incredibly unforgettable for me, especially taking the 11,000 steps. In the beginning, I barely make it. But guess what? I made it to the top! Here’s my story.

Adam’s peak reaches an altitude of over 7,350ft above sea level.  Climbing up Adam’s peak was part of  Chris’s and my itinerary during our 25-day trip to Sri Lanka.

Getting to Adam’s Peak

We took the train from Ella,  our previous destination, to Hatton for five (5) hours at $4 each, and got picked up at the Hatton train station by a driver we hired.

Hiring a driver costs $40/day.

It was a two-hour drive from Hatton to Adam’s Peak, and we had to stop at the supermarket to buy water and food like bread, cheese, fruits, and some candies. The road was apparently curvy but blessed with so much beauty of tea plantations and the abundant nature surrounding Sri Lanka, not to mention fresh air.

We booked a one-night accommodation at The Olive guesthouse, a relatively new set-up in the place close to Adam’s Peak entrance.

Exceptionally exhausted. Finally arrived all day traveling on the train, but I was fortunate to have Chris around. He prepared and packed everything we needed, like food, water, and a headlight, as well as the small dinner we had that night.

Soon, we dozed off and woke up at 01:30, grabbed our bag, and embarked on our journey to Adam’s Peak, hiking at 2 am.

The journey to Adam’s peak begins

As you can imagine, two in the morning was still very, very dark, but if you have a good torch with you, there’s no problem at all. Although you have to prepare your legs, I hope you take a pre-workout for that and need emotional focus.

At the main entrance, some monks were waiting to welcome us, had us write our name including our nationality and asked for a donation. Yes, they ask for donations though I guess it’s voluntary.

On the way up, we passed through the biggest bell in Sri Lanka, Sama Viharaya, Seetha Gangula, and Mahagiri Imbaya.

We had to make lots of frequent stops and breaks because I was constantly exhausted climbing up through the stairs. While Chris had saved up much energy, he was very sympathetic to me. I started to feel grumpy, but he was very patient. I guess I wasn’t fully prepared to climb Adam’s Peak yet, but I was quite thrilled that it’s one of our to-do lists in Sri Lanka.

And because my legs were somewhat cutting out on me, I almost forgot about climbing up. Gladly Chris never did and tenderly pushed me until we both reached the top.

Some climbers carry out random pauses at small shops to have a snack, coffee, or tea or take a break from hiking.

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Taking 11,000 steps

The climb and the steps to Adam’s Peak going up took us almost 5 hours it always depends on your walking pace or style. It was a difficult road to climb up.

Eventually,  after five bloody hours, we reached the top, and so did the others. It was too cold up there so be sure to have your body fully clothed and protected against the cold 7,000ft altitude.

We patiently waited for the sun to rise as one of the main purposes of climbing Adam’s peak is because of its stunning sunrise. I even fell asleep while waiting for it.

Missed and rare opportunity

Unfortunately, there’s copious cloud formation everywhere, so we weren’t able to watch and see it.

Unfortunately, there’s copious cloud formation everywhere, so we weren’t able to watch and see it.

Some went back down after feeling disappointed not witnessing a glorious sunrise from Adam’s Peak view. However, we didn’t depart yet. We came to catch sight of the main purpose of our adventure – to pay homage to Buddha’s footprint.

Legends say Buddha left footprints when he visited Sri Lanka and so that’s what we happily accomplished. Some believers offered flowers and prayers.

Next was we queued to ring the bell. According to Buddhists, ringing the bell will bring luck to you. Never missed this chance!

After all the exceptional venture, Chris and I decided to go back down, dearie me, it was way more difficult!

But this time it’s already bright so we could watch our steps easier! Nevertheless, taking the 11,000 steps to and from Adam’s Peak was nothing short of an incredible journey. Something is fascinating about reaching the top and watching the sunrise straight from Adam’s Peak. It was just so priceless.

Above everything else, Thanks to my partner Chris for helping me achieve it! Adam’s Peak journey was exceptional! 

Good To know about Adam’s Peak

  • It’s free of charge; you have to give some small donations.
  • Bring necessities such as a headlight/torch, water, and snacks.
  • In December (the month we were there), the temperature drops down to 12 degrees or lower, especially when you reach the top, so dress according to the season.
  • December, based on experience, probably is one of the best seasons to climb Adam’s Peak as the crowd isn’t that many yet. Do keep in mind the local events. On the day after our climb, there was an event by locals, so some of them already were at the top to prepare
  • A local gathering at Adam’s Peak is held sometime in December by locals so expect the crowd not to be very inviting. make sure you know that date to avoid chaos and be able to climb to the top
  • It is highly recommended to start hiking at daybreak to avoid the crowd’s chaos, also making their way to the top.

*P.S. The 10hours plus was my speed and time for climbing back and forth to Adam’s Peak. Understandably, it could vary depends on your pace

Born, raised, and forever loyal to the Philippines. Catherine is a teacher and a BA in Mass Communication graduate who loves anything child-friendly. She loves writing in her diary every day and is in love with beaches, books, Safari, and Tokyo. Her ultimate dream destinations are Madagascar, Mongolia, and Hawaii. Check out her van camping adventures in Europe at vancampingguide.com.

8 Comments

  • Leslie Price

    I spent three months in Sri Lanka last year and climbing Adam’s Peak was one of the top things on my to-do list. Unfortunately, my health wasn’t great while I was there and I ended up cutting it from the itinerary because I just wasn’t sure if I was physically going to be able to do it. I’ve regretting missing it ever since, but after reading your description I realize I was right to cut it- it sounds like it really was as difficult a climb as I imagined. I’m glad you got to do it! I hope the next time I’m in Sri Lanka I can make up for missing it the last time.

  • Pooja Samtani

    Sri Lanka is an amazing place. Adam’s Peak hike sure is adventurous. But 5500 steps one way does sound difficult but it’s worth the experience and effort

  • Anda @ Travel Notes & Beyond

    You must be in a great physical shape to climb up Adam’s peak. 5 hours of intense hiking seem like a very strenuous exercise. I don’t think I would enjoy getting up so early and start this long walk in the darkness.

  • Daisy

    Hahah, I can totally relate to this. 5000 something steps is no joke, and a 5 hour hike can be quite a journey if you don’t have someone encouraging you along the way. Seems like a great time though and I will hopefully be doing it myself one day!

  • Soumya Gayatri

    That sounds like a really inspiring hike. I am not a big fan of climbs either. But I understand the sense of achievement that you felt after you reached the top. 5500 steps is not a small number, it is pretty huge actually. Hats off to you for doing this.

  • Aisha Sylvester

    This sounds like such an amazing experience and those 5,500 steps sound like they were absolutely worth it. Thanks especially for sharing those very helpful tips at the end. It sounds like something I’d definitely prefer to do with less of a crowd but I’m not sure I’d be able to make it to the top in 12 degree weather (no matter how well I layer lol Do you think spring would be more crowded or is that an uncrowded option to consider as well?

  • Shreya Saha

    This is surely a must-do in my Sri Lanka itinerary. First I thought that waking up so early will be difficult, but after looking at your content, I am surely going to do this. It’s totally worth. It’s not even expensive. I would probably prefer a warmer weather instead of December.

  • Jasmine Chen

    Props to you for finishing this in 5 hours! I’m planning to visit Sri Lanka this year and would love to check this out although I’m not sure if I’d be as fit as you hahaa.

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