Hiking to Adam’s Peak in the middle of the night

It is two o’clock in the morning and still a bit sleepy we climb the first of 5,500 steps. Yes, you read it correctly. All the way up to the top of Adam’s Peak are long staircases. Together with Canadians Dez and Emmy, we are doing this physical challenge. At first sight, it seems as we are the only ones hiking this trail, but after half an hour of walking, we also meet some other tourists. It’s a bit weird, walking with our torches in the middle of the night while all the temples are abandoned, shops closed and lights are out.

The first hour is easy peasy, then it gets more challenging

The start of the hike is easy. We walk on flat parts and us ascent gradually on the stairs. But the further we go, the steeper the stairs become. Occasionally, we take a break to catch our breath. Along the way, we see poles that count down to the top. Pole 21 was the start and from pole 9 we only see steep stairs going up. The group we are walking with has grown in the meantime. We walk among 20 people of all different nationalities. It looks like a pilgrimage, but it really isn’t, the real pilgrimages only start in a week, at the first full moon of December.

Sunrise on Adam’s Peak

Slowly, it starts to get lighter. The sky changes from black to deep blue, dark purple, orange and then … nothing… Just before sunrise, we are suddenly caught in a thick fog bank. There is nothing to see anymore, no sun, no beautiful valley, nothing at all. I cannot believe this is happening right now. We skipped one night for this! One night of precious sleep! What a disappointment!

The tough descent from Adam’s Peak

When the sun shines brightly high in the sky, we begin to descend. It is still cold, but that will soon change. The lower we get, the hotter it is. The 5500 steps that we climbed up are perhaps even heavier to go down. Everyone has trembling leg muscles and cramped calves. I am happy with the walking stick I bought in Nepal, which takes a lot of pressure off my knees.

Don’t underestimate the cold!

What can make the climb of Adam’s Peak tough is the time you climb. With just a few hours of sleep or no sleep at all combined with the cold on the mountain, it can be physically challenging. We had definitly underestimated the cold when you reach the top. Since we had to wait a bit before sunrise, we all were shivering with cold at the top. At the starting point of the trail it was still 23 degrees, but 1000 meters higher the wind was blowing strong and it was no warmer than 5 degrees. Absolutely bring gloves, a hat and a thick jacket if you can!

Climbing Adam’s Peak difficult?

We found the climb to Adam’s Peak not very difficult. If you are in normal shape, this mountain is definitly doable. Of course, there are many stairs and you climb more than 1000 meters, but the stairs are reasonably well maintained. There are also poles that indicate which part of the hike you are on. These divide the hike into 21 equal parts, so you can estimate how far you are. Finally, there is a tea shop every few hundred meters where you can catch your breath.

Adam's Peak

Adam's Peak, also known as Sri Pada, is a magnificent mountain located in Sri Lanka. Rising to an elevation of 2,243 meters (7,359 feet), it is one of the country's most iconic landmarks and a site of great religious and cultural significance.

The peak is revered by multiple religious groups, including Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, and Muslims. Each group has its own unique beliefs and legends associated with the mountain. Buddhists believe that the footprint-shaped impression at the summit is the footprint of Lord Buddha, while Hindus associate it with Lord Shiva. Christians and Muslims believe it to be the footprint of Adam, the first man.

The journey to the summit of Adam's Peak is a spiritual pilgrimage for many devotees and a thrilling adventure for nature enthusiasts. The traditional pilgrimage season begins during the months of December to April when the weather is favorable. Pilgrims, numbering in the thousands, undertake the arduous climb to pay homage, seek blessings, and experience the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding landscapes.

The ascent to the peak is via a well-marked trail consisting of over 5,000 steps, which meander through lush forests, misty valleys, and picturesque waterfalls. As the pilgrims ascend, they are captivated by the awe-inspiring views and the serene atmosphere. The final stretch of the climb is particularly enchanting, with pilgrims climbing steep steps illuminated by a chain of lights, creating a mesmerizing trail that ascends into the starry night.

Reaching the summit at sunrise is a highly cherished moment, as it offers a spellbinding panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys blanketed in mist. The golden hues of the rising sun cast a mystical glow over the landscape, creating a truly unforgettable experience.

Aside from its religious and cultural significance, Adam's Peak is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including many endemic species. The mountain and its surrounding forests are protected as a nature reserve, contributing to the conservation of this unique ecosystem.

Adam's Peak is not only a spiritual destination but also a testament to the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Sri Lanka. It continues to inspire awe and wonder in those who undertake the pilgrimage or simply gaze upon its majestic presence, making it a cherished place for both locals and visitors from around the world.