Adam's Peak: night climb, full-moon crowds and how to avoid them

Adam's Peak (Sri Pada) is a sacred mountain with a giant footprint in the rock at the top. Pilgrims climb the steps, mostly at night, to be at the summit for sunrise. I tried it, and it didn't work out.

How did our climb go?

We reached Nallathanniye, where the climb starts, just before the full moon. We set off at night, around 3 a.m. On the screenshot you can see the start: flags above the gate and lots of people.

The queue moved by centimetres. After two hours of waiting we turned back just below the summit. We spent sunrise in the queue and in the mist, so we only have it on our phone. We didn't reach the top, so I'll have to go back.

When to go and how to avoid the crowds?

• The season runs roughly from December to May: it starts with the December full moon (poya) and ends in May with the Wesak festival. In season the trail is lit and the stalls along the way are open. Outside it the monsoon sets in, the summit is often covered in cloud, the lights are off, the stalls are closed and the trail can be dangerous in the rain.
• The full moon (Poya) is the worst time. When we went, the full moon was on 17 March and we climbed the night before. Tens of thousands of people on the steps means a queue.
• Try a weekday night away from the full moon, ideally in March or April. Guides disagree on this, though, so check the current situation locally.
• Start time: most often between midnight and 2 a.m. According to the guides, it is better to start earlier so you avoid the jam in the upper part.

How long does it take and what should you bring?

Sources differ on the length: 5,000 to 5,500 steps, about 7 km (4 miles) one way and over 1,000 metres of ascent. Allow 3 to 4 hours up and 2 to 3 down, more in a crowd.

• A headtorch or torch, as some sections are poorly lit.
• Layers of clothing, it is cold at the top.
• Sturdy shoes and small change for tea and food at the stalls along the way.
• A raincoat. If it rains, expect leeches.

Dress decently: it is an active pilgrimage site for several religions.

Where to stay?

Nallathanniya (Dalhousie) is closest to the start of the trail. From Booking: Hugging Clouds (around 9.0) and Wathsala Inn (8.9 from 695 reviews, guests write that it is right at the start). I didn't stay in either, I chose them by score.

The whole route around the island is in the main article about Sri Lanka.