Montane cloud forests and sambar deer
Welcome to the awe-inspiring Horton Plains National Park (2139m), the most elevated tableland in Sri Lanka which is often covered in mist. The park contains two distinct habitat types: montane forest and montane grassland where large herds of sambar deer roam. You will walk on an unmarked 7 km footpath leading up to the Kirigalpoththa—the second-highest peak (2,392m) on the island. The way back is on the same trail.
Location: Horton Plains National Park
Distance from Nuwara Eliya: 32 km
| Trip type | Day hike |
| Trail route type | Out-and-back |
| Length | 14 km |
| Elevation at trailhead | 2139 m |
| Elevation at trail-end | 2388 m |
| Elevation gain/loss | +353 m -131 m |
| Level | Challenging |
| Group size | 4 to 8 |
| Pick-up point | Post Office, Nuwara Eliya town – 05:30 |
| Drop-off point | Nuwara Eliya town – 17:00 |
| When | February to April(best) and July to September (reasonably dry) |
| Inclusions | Trek guide and support team/transport to and from Horton Plains/admission fee/lunch/water/trail snacks |
| Exclusions | Breakfast/transport to the pick-up point |
What to wear
Walking shoes with a good grip and ankle support
Trekking trousers
Warm t-shirt or shirt
Fleece jacket or warm jumper
What to put in your daypack
Cap/hat
Sunglasses & sun protection cream
Hand towel
Small trash bag
Light waterproof jacket (k-way) – depending on the weather
Plastic bags (to keep your phone/camera dry)
Emergency phone numbers
Copy of your ID or passport
Basic first aid kit
| N° of persons | 4-6 | 7-8 |
|---|---|---|
| Per person | $90 | $85 |