Climbing Adam’s Peak One Step at a Time

with 36 Comments

"You are a fool if you don't climb Adam's Peak once in your life and a bloody fool if you climb it twice"

 

So the saying goes....

 

Adam's Peak is located in the small foothill town of Nallathanniya. I had taken the train from Hatton to get to Dalhousie; from there the only options were to take a bus or a tuk-tuk to get to Nallathanniya. The bus suited me fine so I hopped on the next one to take me to town.

Upon arrival, I headed  to my guesthouse, Punsisi Rest, which I recommend. The rooms are very kitshy with lace curtains and ruffled bedspreads but are clean and comfortable enough. Also, Punsisi Rest was only a few meters from where I would start climbing Adam's Peak one step at a time.

 

Adam’s Peak or Sri Prada in Sinhalese bears the meaning of “sacred footprint” said to be imprinted at the top of this massive rock formation. Different faiths have their own beliefs as to who the footprint belongs to. Buddhists believe it to be Buddha’s footprint, Hindus believe it to be Shiva’s footprint and Muslims and Christians believe it to be Adam’s footprint (hence the name Adam’s Peak in English). It's no wonder it's regarded as a sacred site.

 

Every year, thousands of Buddhist Sri Lankans take part in a sacred pilgrimage by climbing Adam's Peak from December to April (the busiest month).

 

CLIMBING ADAM'S PEAK ONE STEP AT A TIME

Climbing Adam's Peak One Step at a Time

 

Knowing it would take a few hours to reach the top, I woke up at 2:30 a.m. to make sure to catch the sunrise in all its glory. But first, I had to eat. It might seem crazy to eat a full meal at such an ungodly hour but I needed to fuel up before starting the rigorous climb up Adam's Peak. Luckily, the restaurant at my guesthouse served a delicious meal. I felt ready to conquer Sri Prada!

 

Some travelers at my guesthouse told me they weren't able to climb Adam's Peak due to the heavy rainfall from previous days. Indeed, the rainy season is no joke in Sri Lanka. I hoped the sky would stay clear long enough for me to reach the top. Excited, I made my way to the stairs to start my climb.

 

It was bitterly cold so remember to layer some warm clothes to start your climb. You can always remove some as the morning gets warmer. Also, I suggest you bring a head lamp or a flashlight as you can imagine how dark it is at 3 o'clock in the morning.

 

During the pilgrimage season (December to April), the stairs can get very crowded adding significant time to your climb. Make sure to factor this in accordingly if you want to reach the top before sunrise. I read that, during this time, candles are placed on the steps to light the way but I was there in November and was grateful to have my head lamp.

 

Climbing Adam's Peak One Step at a Time

 

There are about 5200 (some say up to 5500) steps to reach the top of Sri Prada. That's right, five thousand two hundred steps! At the bottom, the steps were wider making the climb easier but the more you climb, the more the steps get narrower and steeper. You don’t need to be super fit to climb Adam’s Peak but know that it’s a very, very strenuous climb.

 

At times, my heart was beating so fast I thought it would fall out of my chest! I might have even shed a few tears (or maybe it was just sweat rolling down my forehead). Other times, I didn’t think my knees would be able to support me one more step of the way. My legs were in pain and I was covered in sweat; I questioned several times if I would make it to the top. The good part was that I could rest whenever and as often as I wanted to. Nobody rushes you to go faster, each person is left to climb at their own pace.

 

Climbing Adam's Peak One Step at a Time

 

Along the way are some rest stations but they're few and far between. Climbing Adam's Peak is free but I suggest you bring a few rupees if you want to purchase something at one of the shops. Keep in mind some of them might not be open very early in the morning (or during low season). Best to bring lots of water (trust me you're going to need it) and a few snacks of your own taking into account the weight you'll have to carry up 5200 steps.

 

After almost 3 hours of blood, sweat and tears, I finally arrived at the summit of Adam's Peak. I had climbed 5200 steps and was now at an altitude of 7359 feet. It was incredibly exhilarating!

 

Climbing Adam's Peak One Step at a Time

 

Seeing the sunrise at such high altitude was amazing. Different shades of amber and gold slowly revealed themselves. I relished in the warmth of the sun's rays. Billowy clouds drifted along letting the blue skies peak through. It was like the whole sky was performing a choreograph. I then realized I was actually above the clouds. I was in awe of the dramatic landscape that lay before me. Deep, verdant valleys and mountain peaks stretched across the horizon. It felt exhilarating and humbling at the same time. This was my reward. What's more, not a single drop of rain fell during my climb.

 

Climbing Adam's Peak One Step at a Time

 

As I gazed at the incredible scenery, I noticed this shadow of a triangle. Note there's only a small temple at the top and it doesn't have a triangular roof. Some people argue it's simply the shadow of Adam's Peak but it seems highly unlikely as the triangle is so pointy (not scraggly like a mountain peak). Others prefer to dismiss it as an inexplicable mystery or some sort of phenomenon. I'm sure it can be explained in more scientific terms but, apparently, there's something about the way the daylight appears and reflects that creates the triangle. This is a regular occurrence that takes place at sunrise so take note not to miss it - it might leave you scratching your head.

 

Climbing Adam's Peak One Step at a Time

 

As mentioned, this is the small temple at the top which houses Buddha's footprint. Remember this is a sacred site therefore the same respect applies as to any other sacred site. You'll need to remove your shoes if you want to enter the site but women don’t need to cover their head. If I remember correctly, only Buddhists are allowed in the temple itself.

 

Climbing Adam's Peak One Step at a Time

 

Visitors can stay as long as they want at the top of Adam's Peak. I stayed for about 3 hours, enough time to appreciate the site and to rest before starting the long descent. Of course, the descent was much easier than the climb up. It was broad daylight by this time which meant I could actually see the surroundings on the way down. I had no idea what I had missed while climbing in the early morning darkness.

 

Climbing Adam's Peak One Step at a Time

 

Like this:

 

Climbing Adam's Peak One Step at a Time

 

And, tea plantations.

 

Climbing Adam's Peak One Step at a Time

 

And, monkeys with funky hair.

 

Climbing Adam's Peak One Step at a Time

 

As I walked back to my guesthouse, I bid farewell to Adam's peak. I don't think I would be so foolish as to climb twice, but I was incredibly proud of myself for being foolish enough to climb it once.

 

Climbing Adam's Peak One Step at a Time

 

Have you climbed Adam’s Peak? Share your experience in the comments below! 

 

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Climbing Adam's Peak One Step at a Time


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36 Responses

  1. Subhadrika sen
    | Reply

    Its always great to enjoy and explore these small places and their surroundings. They have a rustic feel to it which not many places have. Their untouched raw beauty is something that you would not find in towering sky rises and deep sea explorations. P.S that monkey had quite an expression though . 😛

  2. Erika Bisbocci
    | Reply

    I’m actually considering a trip to Sri Lanka later this year and will definitely consider Adam’s Peak since I’m an avid hiker. The 5000+ stairs certainly seem tiring, but well worthwhile with the incredible views from the top! Love the temples, waterfalls and wildlife on the way up!

  3. Gokul
    | Reply

    Wow….5200 steps was some climb but it was all worth it because there was a beautiful view waiting for you at the top.

  4. Adrianna Vogel
    | Reply

    That looks absolutely fantastic ! the photos! the view! amazing! Its like being at the top of the world! its definitely on my list now too !

  5. Christine Krzyszton
    | Reply

    Such a comprehensive guide to climbing Adam’s Peak. It appears to be a truly epic accomplishment to have made it to the top and one I may not have done 🙂 Thanks for the great read and the stunning photos. Can’t believe you captured the triangle.

  6. Sandy & Vyjay
    | Reply

    What a view! You look so cheerful even after climbing 5200 stairs. Amazing! Hats off to you

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