Overview

Adams Peak is not the highest peak in Sri Lanka, but it is the most famous. According to local legend, Adam's Peak was the planet's first peak ever to be climbed by Adam, the first man to walk the earth. On its summit is a rock indentation shaped like a large human foot. Early Christians claimed it was Adam's footprint, a belief strengthened by Muslims after they assumed rule of the island. Buddhist, of course, claim that the indentation is Lord Buddha's footprint while Hindus swear that it belongs to Siva. Since all religions claim it, the summit is ecumenical and visited by thousands of pilgrims of all faiths every week, a practice that has gone on for two thousand years.

There are 3,306 steps leading to the summit from the town of Dalhouse at its eastern base. The trail from the Carney doesn't have as many steps, but like the Dalhouse route, has street lights all the way to the top for those seeking to climb it at night to avoid the heat and to witness the sunrise from the summit shrine that encloses the footprint tended by resident Buddhist monks. Adams peak is one of the most climbed mountains in the world.

Getting There

There are two trailheads for the hike. These are the only legal routes to climb on the mountain. Since both trailheads are easily reached by bus, it is recommended that you ascend one trail and descend the other making a traverse of the mountain.

To get to the north trailhead at Dalhouse, make your way by bus to Ratnapurna located south west of Adams Peak, or to Hatton which is located northwest of the peak. During the daytime, there are buses every half hour that run right to the trailhead at Dalhouse.

To get to the south trailhead at Carney, make your way by bus to Ratnapurna located south west of Adams Peak. Durning the daytime, there are buses every half hour that run right to the trailhead at Carney.

Routes Overview

There are two viable routes to the summit.

The first route described is the Dalhouse Route on the northeast side of the mountain. See the route page for more details. The route follows a cement staircase to the top with the hundreds of other pilgrims. The staircase even has hand railings and electric lights from top to bottom so you can climb at night. There are also pilgrim's shelters along the way. Hundreds of people climb the peak daily and throughout the year, and many locals walk barefoot! The total elevation gain on this route is about 3400 feet (1035 meters).

The second route is the Carney Route on the southwest side of the mountain. See the route page for more details. The trail starts from Carney on the southwest side of the mountain at about 1150 feet (350m). it's not quite as heavily used as the Dalhouse route, and is steeper, but still very popular. Like the Dalhouse route, the Carney trail also has electric lights from top to bottom so you can climb at night. There are a few cement steps, but no-where near the amount of stairs as on the Dalhouse route! There are also pilgrim's shelters along the way. Hundreds of people climb the peak daily and throughout the year. The total elevation gain on this route is about 6200 feet (1885 meters), making this a very long day hike.

It's best to ascend one trail and descend the other.

Red Tape

No permits required at this time.

Camping

Camping with a tent is not allowed on the mountain. There are however many shelters along the way to the top of the peak on either trail where you can spend the night. Since people climb throughout the night, don't expect to get an interrupted night of sleep! Sleeping on the mountain is a real cultural experience though, so don't miss it.

When To Climb

The driest months are mid December through March. The other dry season is July through September. You can still climb the peak in the wet seasons. Hundreds of people do the peak daily and year-round. The area is very hot year round especially near the base of the mountain. Many people climb the peak at night to avoid the heat!