Stage 3 of the Pekoe Trail runs from Loolkandura to Tawalantenne. The route covers 18.11 kilometers and passes through tea estates, rural areas and the Piduruthalagala Conservation Forest.
A seasoned hiker may complete the stage in approximately five hours. However, the completion time will depend on the weather, trail conditions and the hiker’s preparation.
Stage 3 information
- Starting point: Loolkandura
- Finishing point: Tawalantenne
- Distance: 18.11 kilometers
- Approximate duration for a seasoned hiker: 5 hours
- Elevation gain: 762 meters or 2,500 feet
- Elevation loss: 1,020 meters or 3,346 feet
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Current status: Open under a Yellow Advisory
1. Is Stage 3 currently open, and why is it under a Yellow Advisory?
Yes. Stage 3 is currently open and hikeable under a Yellow Advisory.
The Yellow Advisory is in place because some sections around Stellenberg Pass become overgrown frequently. There are also two locations affected by Cyclone Ditwah in November 2025.
The stage remains hikeable, but hikers should be properly prepared and follow the current safety instructions. Stage 3 can be completed by a couple or a small group. Solo hiking is not recommended, particularly through the forest and other remote sections.
Hikers should check the weather, review the latest TrailWatch reports and allow sufficient time to complete the stage during daylight.
2. What is the ancient bullock cart road on Stage 3?
After leaving the upper tea fields of Loolkandura Estate, Stage 3 enters the Piduruthalagala Conservation Forest and joins a surviving section of the forgotten Dimbula Road.
British engineers constructed this road more than 150 years ago for horses and bullock carts travelling between Kandy and the developing plantation valleys.
Its gradual alignment, broad formation and sections of old stonework still show how the road was designed to transport people, equipment and produce across difficult mountain terrain.
3. What is Stellenberg Pass?
Stellenberg Pass is the mountain pass reached at approximately 4.7 kilometers when hiking from Loolkandura towards Tawalantenne.
The route approaches the pass through the Piduruthalagala Conservation Forest, following part of the historic Dimbula Road.
4. Why does the section around Stellenberg Pass become overgrown frequently?
The section is located within the Piduruthalagala Conservation Forest.
Maintenance and vegetation clearance require approval from the Forest Department on a case-by-case basis. This process can affect how quickly overgrown sections are cleared and maintained.
Hikers may therefore encounter vegetation and narrower walking paths in some parts of this section.
5. Which sections of Stage 3 were affected by Cyclone Ditwah?
Stage 3 has two main locations affected by Cyclone Ditwah in November 2025.
The exact locations and current incident details are available through TrailWatch. Hikers should check the latest information before starting and follow the location-specific instructions provided for the stage.
6. How can hikers safely pass the affected section?
Hikers should not attempt to cross directly over the damaged ground.
When hiking from Loolkandura towards Tawalantenne, look for the visible bypass on the right-hand side approximately five meters before reaching the affected location.
Follow the short footpath through the tea plantation. The bypass is approximately 10 meters long, is currently used by villagers and reconnects with the trail after the affected section.
Hikers should remain on the visible footpath and avoid entering unstable ground.
7. What should hikers carry and how should they prepare for Stage 3?
Before starting, hikers should check TrailWatch and read the complete Stage 3 description. This will help them understand the current conditions and prepare for the forest, overgrown and affected sections.
Hikers should:
- Hike as a couple, in a group or with a Trail Host.
- Avoid solo hiking.
- Check the weather before starting.
- Start early and complete the stage during daylight.
- Purchase the official trail pass before entering the stage.
- Download the official offline map before starting.
- Check the latest TrailWatch reports.
- Prepare for leeches around Stellenberg Pass.
- Carry sufficient drinking water.
- Carry a quick snack.
- Carry personal medication and a small first-aid kit.
- Follow the visible plantation bypass at the affected location.
- Inform another person about the planned route and expected finishing time.
8. How can hikers check and contribute information through TrailWatch?
TrailWatch provides current information about reported trail conditions. Hikers should check the latest Stage 3 reports before starting.
Hikers can also report fallen trees, overgrown areas, damaged signs, trail obstructions and other incidents observed along the route.
Before taking a photograph, enable location or geotagging on the phone’s camera. This records the location with the photograph. Take the photograph while at the incident location and do not edit it before uploading.
The reporting process is simple and does not require complicated registration. Reports should contain accurate, first-hand information.
9. Why do hikers need to purchase an official trail pass?
An official trail pass is required for every stage of The Pekoe Trail to identify hikers as genuine TPT hikers. Navigation platforms such as Wikiloc and AllTrails may provide route information. However, navigation information alone does not identify the user as an official Pekoe Trail hiker.
The route passes through government-managed and privately owned land. The trail pass identifies the holder as a registered Pekoe Trail hiker and supports access through these properties. Hikers should carry a digital or available copy of their valid pass while on the trail.
Trail passes also provide important information for trail management. During an emergency, the Pekoe Trail Organization can check how many registered hikers have active passes for the stage. This can support communication, incident response and coordination with the relevant authorities.
Revenue received through trail passes also contributes to the management, monitoring and maintenance of the trail.
10. What should hikers do during an emergency on Stage 3?
Different types of emergencies can occur while hiking, including injury, illness, difficult weather, navigation problems or unexpected trail conditions.
During an emergency, hikers should remain calm, keep the group together and move to a safe location when possible.
Use the phone’s GPS to identify and share the current location. When contacting an emergency service, provide:
- The name of the trail and stage number
- The direction of travel
- The nearest known landmark
- The GPS location, if available
- The nature of the emergency
- The number of people requiring assistance
- A working contact number
An injured or unwell person should not be left alone. Other members of the group should only move from the location when it is safe and necessary to seek assistance.
Emergency contacts
- Disaster Management Center 117
- Police/national emergency hotline: 118 or 119
- Fire and rescue: 110
- 1990 Suwa Seriya emergency ambulance: 1990
- Galaha Police Station: 081 246 7222
- District Hospital Deltota: 081 246 7261
- District Hospital Pussellawa: 081 247 8261
- District Hospital Kotmale: 052 225 9561
Hikers should save the relevant emergency contacts before beginning the stage and check official trail and weather updates before travelling.
