The Pekoe Trail Stage 02 Status Update: Current Status, the Amber Section, and What’s Coming Next

Last updated: July 22, 2026. Status: Amber.

Quick answer: Stage 2 is open and hikeable right now for advanced hikers, but one section between Delthota and the Hulan Ella Gala area remains under amber status due to landslide damage on protected forest land. Current conditions are dry but overgrown. Avoid this section on rainy days. A new alternative, Stage 2B, has been mapped and negotiated with landowners, and will open for beta hiking this summer.

For the full Stage 2 route, quick facts, getting there and where to stay, see the Stage 2 Overview.

Amber section between Delthota and Hulanelle Gala of the trail is marked. 

Is Stage 2 open right now?

Yes. Stage 2 has been under amber status since January, but amber does not mean closed. It means proceed with caution and local knowledge. The section from Delthota up to the Hulan Ella Gala area suffered severe landslides and remains the flagged part of the stage. The rest of Stage 2, including the tea country from Galaha through Delthota and the historic stretch into Loolkandura, is unaffected.

Why is this section still amber?

The Pekoe Trail Organisation does not own any of the land the trail crosses. TPTO’s role is that of steward and custodian of the trail experience, not landowner. The trail itself passes through a diverse landscape of protected forests, plantation estates, and other publicly and privately managed lands, with access made possible through collaboration and the support of landowners and government agencies.

The section of Stage 2 between Delthota and Hulan Ella Gala that was affected by the landslide is located within a protected area managed by the Department of Forest Conservation. Any restoration or repairs in this section must therefore be undertaken in close collaboration with the Department and in accordance with the required approvals and environmental safeguards.

The Pekoe Trail Organisation is working with relevant stakeholders to support the restoration process. While this means repairs cannot begin immediately, these procedures ensure that any work carried out protects the sensitive ecosystems and natural heritage that make this section of the trail so special.

What are conditions like today?

As of this update, the amber section is dry and overgrown. Dry weather makes the ground stable enough for an experienced hiker to move through safely. Overgrown means exactly that. Vegetation has reclaimed parts of the path since the last clearing, so expect narrow corridors of tall grass and reduced visibility of the trail line in places.

Our recommendation: hike this section only during dry periods, and avoid it entirely on or after rainy days. Wet ground on a landslide-prone slope is a different risk profile altogether.

Who should attempt this section?

Advanced hikers only. This is not a beginner or casual walk. If you’re confident navigating unclear paths, comfortable with exposed or unstable ground, and carrying proper gear, the amber section is passable in dry conditions. If any of that gives you pause, use the alternative route below instead.

How should I hike Stage 2 right now?

The recommended approach is to hike the stage in reverse, starting from Loolkandura and returning the way you came. This lets you experience the tea country and forest sections around Loolkandura and decide at the amber boundary whether to continue toward Delthota or turn back.

This also gives you the option to skip the stretch between Galaha town and Delthota, which runs mostly through community areas and is the least essential part of the stage if your priority is the forest and highland scenery. Starting from Loolkandura means you’re not committed to the full point-to-point route, and you can turn around at any point without losing the best of what Stage 2 offers.

Safety Information for This Section

The amber section calls for standard trail discipline, plus a few extra precautions given the terrain and its protected status.

• Hike in a group of 3 or more. This section is safer with company. Groups must stay under 20 people, per trail policy.
• Tell someone your plan. Let your accommodation, guide, or another contact know your route, start time and expected return before you set out.
• Check the Delthota forecast specifically. General Kandy weather doesn’t reflect conditions on this stretch. Check the forecast for the Delthota area the night before and the morning of your hike.
• Consider a local community host. If you’re hiking solo, we strongly encourage bringing a local community experience host along. They know the terrain, can flag changes since your last check of TrailWatch, and give you real-time, on-ground status as you walk.
• Check TrailWatch before you set out. Conditions on this section change fast with weather.
• Go in dry weather only. Turn back if rain starts or the ground feels unstable.
• Start from Loolkandura if you want the option to bail out before Delthota.
• Carry proper footwear with grip, and be prepared for overgrown vegetation reducing visibility of the path.
• Pack leech socks if there’s been recent rain. This forest section is prime leech territory once conditions turn wet. The Pekoe Trail Shop’s organic leech repellent is a good backup to carry alongside them.
• This section requires advanced hiking experience. If in doubt, walk the rest of Stage 2 and skip this segment for now.

Emergency Contacts

Save these numbers before you start the hike. Mobile signal is inconsistent through the forest section.

What is Stage 2B?

Stage 2B is a newly mapped alternative route that TPTO has developed and negotiated directly with the relevant landowners. Where the current amber section runs through protected forest with restricted access, Stage 2B has been designed and cleared for hiking through land where we have direct agreement to operate.

We’re close to releasing this route. The plan is a pre-launch beta this summer, open to advanced hikers who want to be among the first to walk it.

How do I get access to the Stage 2B beta?

Once released, Stage 2B will be available to advanced hikers on a self-guided basis. In return, we’re asking hikers to feed back ground data through the TrailWatch app: trail condition, obstacles, wildlife sightings, anything that helps us validate the route before it becomes a permanent part of the Pekoe Trail.

This is a genuine chance to shape a new stage of the trail before it’s officially finalised. If you’ve hiked the highlands before and want to contribute, keep an eye on our channels for the release announcement.

Quick FAQ

Is Stage 2 of the Pekoe Trail closed? No. Stage 2 is open. One section between Delthota and Hulan Ella Gala is under amber status and recommended for advanced hikers only, in dry conditions.

Why can’t TPTO fix the landslide damage faster? The affected land is a protected area managed by the Department of Forest Conservation, not land TPTO owns. Restoration requires close collaboration with the Department, the required approvals, and environmental safeguards before any work can begin.

When will the amber status be lifted? There’s no fixed date yet. It depends on approvals from the Department of Forest Conservation and the scale of restoration required. We’ll update this page and TrailWatch as soon as status changes.

What’s the safest way to experience Stage 2 right now? Start from Loolkandura and hike in reverse. You can turn back at the Delthota boundary and still have covered the most scenic and historically significant part of the stage.

What is Stage 2B and when does it open? Stage 2B is a newly mapped and negotiated alternative to the amber section. It’s set for a pre-launch beta release to advanced hikers this summer.

How can I help with Stage 2B? Hike it once it’s released and log your observations through the TrailWatch app. Your ground data helps us finalise the route.

Should I hike this section alone? We don’t recommend it. We recommend hiking in groups of 3 or more (and under 20, per trail policy). If you’re set on going solo, bring a local community experience host along. Either way, tell your accommodation or another contact your plan before you start.

What do I do in an emergency on this section? Contact the nearest hospital or police station listed above, or reach out to Loolkandura Estate directly if you’re closer to the finish point. Mobile signal is inconsistent through the forest, so save these numbers before you start rather than relying on a search mid-hike.

For the full Stage 2 route guide, including quick facts, getting there and where to stay, see the Stage 2 Overview above. Stay updated on all Pekoe Trail conditions through the TrailWatch app and, weather condition of the area before you set out.