The short answer
- Season
- December full moon to Vesak in May
- Height
- 2,243 m
- Main route
- From Nallathanniya, about 5,500 steps
- Start time
- About 2 am for sunrise
Adam's Peak, or Sri Pada, is a sacred mountain to Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians, each of whom identify the footprint shaped hollow on the summit with their own tradition. In the pilgrimage season the path is lit all night, tea shops line the steps and thousands climb to see the sunrise and the peak's triangular shadow.
The two routes
Hatton route (Nallathanniya)
Most popular- Steps
- About 5,500
- Time up
- 3 to 5 hours
- Time down
- 2 to 3 hours
- Lighting
- Lit in season
The shorter, busier route with tea shops all the way up. Expect crowds on weekends and full moon days.
Ratnapura route (Palabaddala)
Long and quiet- Climb
- About 1,700 m
- Time up
- 7 hours or more
- Crowds
- Far fewer
- Guide
- Recommended
A much longer climb through forest, with few other walkers. Some hikers go up from Hatton and down this side.
Profiles are approximate and drawn to the same scale (400 to 2,400 m, a dotted line every 500 m), so a taller line means higher ground. The red dot is the highest point.
The season and when to go
The season starts on the Unduvap full moon in December, around 24 December in 2026, and ends on Vesak, the May full moon, around 20 May in 2027. January to March has the best chance of a clear sunrise.
- Avoid if you can: Weekends and full moon (Poya) days, when queues on the upper steps can stop you reaching the top before sunrise.
- Out of season: From June to November the path is unlit, shops are closed and the summit is often in cloud. Climb only by day, with a local guide.
Tips
- Stay the night in Nallathanniya (Dalhousie) and start around 2 am, or 1 am for a quieter climb.
- It is cold on top: bring a warm layer, a hat, a head torch and water.
- Remove shoes at the summit shrine and dress modestly; it is a place of worship.
- Your legs will ache: the descent is harder on the knees than the climb.
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Frequently asked questions
When is the Adam's Peak season?
From the December full moon (Unduvap Poya) to the May full moon (Vesak). For 2026 to 2027 that is roughly 24 December 2026 to 20 May 2027.
How long does it take to climb Adam's Peak?
Three to five hours up and two to three down on the Hatton route, depending on your fitness and the crowds.
Can you climb Adam's Peak out of season?
Yes, but the path is unlit, there are no facilities and the summit is often in cloud. Go by day with a guide.
Sources we checked
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