Hike Kirigalpotta Mountain via Horton Plains: 6-hour trek

Climb to the second-highest peak in Sri Lanka and walk back down the same day

This six-hour guided hike takes you from Horton Plains National Park to the summit of Kirigalpotta Mountain (2,388 m), Sri Lanka's second-highest peak and the highest accessible to the general public. You start at 5 a.m. from your Nuwara Eliya hotel, trek through montane grasslands and subtropical forests with an English-speaking guide, reach the summit by 11 a.m. for lunch surrounded by mountains, and return to your hotel by 3 p.m. The 14 km round-trip trail requires moderate fitness and takes about six hours of active hiking.

The experience

Six hours of hiking means you leave your Nuwara Eliya hotel at 5 a.m. and reach Horton Plains National Park by 6 a.m., where your trekking guide briefs you on the trail ahead. The park protects 2,000 hectares of montane grasslands and 1,160 hectares of subtropical mountain evergreen forest, home to 750 plant species, 24 mammals, 87 birds, nine reptiles and eight amphibians. You hike the 14 km route (both ways) through this landscape to Kirigalpotta's summit, gaining about 2,388 m of elevation.

The trail reaches the peak by 11 a.m., and you eat lunch at a mountain-surrounded spot before starting the descent at noon. An air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver meets you at the park entrance at 2 p.m. and returns you to your hotel by 3 p.m. You carry a 500 ml water bottle during the hike. The guide, park entry, transport and a picnic lunch are all included. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a valid passport for entry to the sites.

Moderate physical fitness is required for the six-hour hike and the sustained elevation gain. The trek is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnancy. Infants must sit on an adult's lap during the drive.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Nuwara Eliya.
• entrance fees to Horton Plains National Park.
• an experienced English-speaking trekking guide.
• an air-conditioned vehicle with driver.
• a 500 ml water bottle per person.
• a picnic lunch at the summit.
• all government taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 05:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Overa Tours

Is this one for you?This hike suits trekkers with moderate fitness who want to reach a major summit in one morning and return to their hotel by early afternoon. The fixed six-hour schedule and early 5 a.m. start mean you can fit the climb into a single day without overnight camping or technical climbing gear.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Kirigalpotta Mountain and why is it worth climbing?

Kirigalpotta is Sri Lanka's second-highest mountain at 2,388 m above sea level and the highest peak in the country whose summit is accessible to the general public. Most other peaks of comparable height require technical climbing or are closed to visitors, making this the accessible alternative for trekkers who want to reach a major summit.

How much of the day does the hike actually take?

The active hiking takes about six hours total, including the ascent, time at the summit for lunch, and the descent. You leave your hotel at 5 a.m. and return by 3 p.m., so the entire experience from pickup to drop-off spans ten hours.

What kind of landscape do you walk through on the trail?

Horton Plains National Park contains two distinct vegetation zones: 2,000 hectares of montane grasslands (called Patana in Sinhalese) and 1,160 hectares of subtropical mountain evergreen forest. The park supports 750 plant species and diverse wildlife including 24 mammal species, 87 birds, nine reptiles and eight amphibians.

What happens if I'm not sure I can finish the hike?

The trail requires at least moderate physical fitness and sustained effort over six hours. It is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, cardiovascular problems or pregnancy. Your guide will brief you on the route at the start, and you can discuss any concerns with them before beginning.

What do I need to bring or wear?

Wear sturdy shoes for the terrain and bring a valid passport for entry to the park. You receive a 500 ml water bottle during the hike and a picnic lunch at the summit, so you do not need to carry food or extra water. Be ready at your hotel lobby 15 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.