Travel Time: ~3.5 hours (120 km)
Trek: Night ascent of Adam’s Peak (Hard)
Early start today! We’re heading to Dalhousie, which is the base for climbing the holy Adam’s Peak.
Since the best and the most worthwhile time to climb the mountain is during the night you need to set off from Kitugala in the evening around 4 pm and reach the foot of Adam’s Peak (Dalhousie) around 6 pm where you will check-in to a small lodge and refresh and rest till just after midnight. The goal is to witness the fabulous sunrise which takes place between 5.45 and 6.15 am. Dalhousie ( aka Nallithanni) – the closest Access route to climb Adam’s Peak from Kitulagala. One should ideally be at the foot of the mountain at Dalhousie just past midnight or the fitter ones – around 2 am in order to begin the arduous 08 km climb to the misty mountaintop. Hopefully after witnessing a glorious sunrise (weather permiting) you will descend in a different path and reach Ratnapura around 11am (next day).
Trust me, this is no walk in the park. It’s a steep 5,500-step trek, and you'll start in the evening to make sure you reach the top for sunrise. Why the crazy hours? Because Adam’s Peak is considered sacred by Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, and Muslims alike. The sunrise from the summit is absolutely jaw-dropping, with a 360-degree view over the clouds. The climb might be tough, but the feeling of reaching the top makes it all worth it!
Overnight: Simple accommodation near Adam’s Peak before setting off on the climb.