Why Every Hiker Should Get a Trail Pass for The Pekoe Trail?

Support the trail. Protect the experience. Hike responsibly.

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 authorized 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, GPS functionality
    Visitor services – safety updates, feedback channels, support
    Local communities – guide networks, homestays, community vendors
    Environmental protection – sustainable tourism and conservation projects

When you get a pass, you’re not just accessing the trail. You’re protecting it.

For just $10 per stage, hikers can secure a Trail Pass, a small contribution that makes a significant impact. Not only does it enhance the hiking experience, but it also directly supports The Pekoe Trail Organization (TPTO) in maintaining, preserving, and improving the trail. Here’s why every hiker should make it a priority to register for a pass before setting off on their journey.

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.

Real-time tracking to monitor your progress and celebrate milestones with digital badges.
Difficulty ratings, distance, and estimated time for each segment.
Off-track alerts that notify you if you stray from the designated path, keeping you safe and on course.
Insights into landmarks, cultural sites, and historical points of interest that enrich your journey.

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 to ensure a positive experience for both hikers and local communities:

Respect private property and adhere to estate regulations.
Minimize environmental impact by carrying reusable water bottles and disposing of waste properly.
Follow parks and other land owner entry rules, especially in protected areas like Horton Plains, Loolcondera Estate, Ella Rock, etc.
Support local businesses, whether by staying at a homestay, dining at a village eatery, or hiring a community guide.

Get Your Pass, Be Part of the Movement

Purchasing a Pekoe Trail Pass isn’t just about convenience—it’s about ensuring that this incredible tourism product remains sustainable, well-maintained, and accessible for future generations. By making this small but meaningful contribution, you become an essential part of Sri Lanka’s growing eco-tourism movement.

So, whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a first-time adventurer, register for your trail pass, download the Pekoe Trail App, and embark on a journey through the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country. Let’s work together to protect and celebrate this remarkable trail—one step at a time!

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. It’s a small way to inspire others and grow the community of responsible hikers who believe in what this trail stands for.

 

Questions?

Not sure which pass you need? Wondering whether membership is right for you? Reach out to us and we’ll help you out.

 

Every month, we pick our favorite #MyPekoeTrail stories, photos, and reels to feature on our official channels. You’ll also stand a chance to win exclusive Pekoe Trail merchandise and be part of our growing digital scrapbook of memories from the trail. Whether it’s a quiet forest stretch, a smile from a local guide, or a muddy boot shot on a rainy day – your story matters!

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