Record-breaking hike showcases Lanka’s iconic Pekoe Trail’s role in sustainable tourism and community development

Scenic Horton Plains

The duo at one of the stations

Mentoring the next generation of guides

Community interaction – king coconut the ideal thirst quencher

Celebrating the end of the journey at stage 22

In a remarkable achievement, The Pekoe Trail—Sri Lanka’s iconic long-distance hiking route—witnessed a historic milestone as expert guide Ayesh Buddhika and adventurer Michelle Pinkowski completed the trail in record-breaking hiking time. Covering 323 kilometres (200 miles) with over 11,000 metres (36,000 feet) of elevation gain, the duo traversed the full 22 stages of the trail in just 10 days, a feat that normally takes hikers weeks to accomplish. 

Currently, only a few dozen people in the world have completed the entire trail. The fastest known time is held by ultramarathon trail runner Hyun Chang Chung, who finished his run on 27 January 2023 in only 59 hours. For hiking, the previous record was held by none other than Johann Peiris, Sri Lanka’s renowned mountaineer, who completed his hike in 13 days. 

Ayesh and Michelle co-designed and volunteered for this speed hike to raise awareness and funds for The Pekoe Trail Organisation, which oversees the trail’s management and maintenance. The duo aimed to draw attention to the trail’s value as a cultural and ecological asset while supporting efforts to preserve its accessibility for future generations. Their challenge highlights the trail’s potential to boost sustainable tourism in Sri Lanka and benefit local communities.

We caught up with the trailblazing duo shortly after their record-breaking adventure who were happy to share their experiences of the hike.

Ayesh, a licensed guide and the only person to have completed the entire trail three times, says, “I wanted to do this hike to show the world that our country has the potential to lead the way in sustainable tourism and offer a world-class hiking experience. This trail is a national treasure and needs to be nurtured and maintained and is the future of a whole new brand of tourism.”

“This trail was transformative for me the first time and I wanted to share it with others. Making sure The Pekoe Trail Organisation can achieve its mission of maintaining the trail is so important for Sri Lanka tourism and the benefit of communities along the trail,” says Michelle, the only other person and the only female to complete the trail two times.

“I have hiked in many other trails including my own state in Colorado USA, but none of them can compare with the Pekoe Trail. The moment you step into the trail it comes alive like no other place does, it has a soul and you are simply carried away on a mesmerising journey,” added Michelle.

A vision for the trail

The Pekoe Trail was created as a unique way to showcase the breathtaking natural beauty and cultural richness of Sri Lanka’s central hill country. This 300+-kilometer trail, broken into 22 stages, winds its way through lush tea estates, dense pine and eucalyptus forests, primary and cloud forests, and vibrant local villages. Starting in Hanthana, a region known for its panoramic views and historical tea plantations, the trail culminates in Pedro Estate, Nuwara Eliya, a significant marker of Sri Lanka’s colonial-era tea industry and its ongoing importance today.

The trail highlights Sri Lanka’s amazing diversity taking hikers through Landscapes that range from tea estates to cloud forests and Horton Plains National Park, part of the Central Highland UNESCO World Heritage site. The biodiversity is incredible from leopards and wild boars, to lizards, fireflies and butterflies. The magical journey is enhanced by the colourful hill country communities with their vibrant cultures and many religions, intense sensory experiences, from the sounds of drums to the smell of incense wafting over the trail during religious ceremonies

This extraordinary project is managed by The Pekoe Trail Organisation (TPTO), a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the trail’s accessibility while creating opportunities for economic and social growth in surrounding communities.

A lifeline for communities

The fundraising hike, co-created by Ayesh Buddhika and Michelle Pinkowski, was not merely a test of human endurance—it was a call to action. The Pekoe Trail is more than a path through nature; it is a lifeline for the communities along its route. These communities, often reliant on small businesses, tea cultivation, and local crafts, benefit greatly from the economic opportunities that sustainable tourism provides.

During their journey, Ayesh and Michelle interacted with local residents in meaningful ways. From purchasing supplies in small village shops to dining at family-owned restaurants, their expedition demonstrated the trail’s potential to generate sustainable income. They were able to speak with a number of people along the way to raise awareness of the trail and discuss economic opportunities. 

Hikers and communities can support each other in intangible ways too. On one particularly difficult day, when the pair needed additional resilience to power them on their hike, a little girl ran out spontaneously to give them roses. Not only was this a touching symbol of the community’s warmth and hospitality, but it was a much-needed energy boost for a steep hill climb and the journey to come. 

The hike emphasised how The Pekoe Trail can serve as a model for sustainable tourism—empowering local businesses, fostering cultural exchange, and protecting the environment. Proceeds and donations to TPTO help fund trail maintenance, enhance safety, and promote the trail as a world-class tourism destination.

The journey’s purpose was clear: to raise awareness about the trail’s potential to transform Sri Lanka’s tourism landscape while directly supporting local economies. By documenting their progress through photos, videos, and updates, Ayesh and Michelle brought global attention to this hidden gem and the urgent need to preserve it for future generations.

The Pekoe Trail: A national and global treasure

Widely recognised as one of the world’s premier hiking trails, The Pekoe Trail has earned accolades from National Geographic Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, and the British Guild of Travel Writers. Its unique combination of breathtaking landscapes, cultural immersion, and adventure tourism potential makes it a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s tourism strategy.

Yet maintaining this status requires ongoing effort. The TPTO relies on donations, memberships, and partnerships to fund trail upkeep, safety measures, and community engagement programs. Events like this record-breaking hike aim to inspire global and local adventurers alike to visit, support, and protect the trail.

This historic event was made possible thanks to generous donors, dedicated legacy members, and incredible sponsors. Their contributions made this record-breaking journey possible, ensuring that The Pekoe Trail continues to thrive as a beacon of sustainable tourism and community empowerment. Their belief in this mission helps preserve the trail’s natural beauty, supports local businesses, and fosters opportunities for the communities along its path. Together, we are creating a lasting impact and safeguarding this extraordinary experience for generations to come. 

Aitken Spence Travels was the 

exclusive logistical partner for this incredible event.