“A journey of a thousand miles starts beneath one’s feet”
– Lao Tzu
For many years I have wanted the opportunity to climb Adam’s Peak, a 2,243-metre-tall (7,359-foot) conical sacred mountain located in central Sri Lanka.
The mountain is not just a trek; it’s a spiritual pilgrimage route which has been around for a thousand years, or more. At its summit is a footprint-shaped indentation, sacred in multiple religions:
• Buddhists believe it is the footprint of Lord Buddha
• Hindus associate it with Lord Shiva
• Muslims and Christians regard it as the footprint of Adam
References to Adam’s Peak are found in the writings of explorers Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta. Additionally, the 14th–15th century Chinese traveler Ma Huan described the mountain as a treasure trove, rich with rubies and other precious stones. Some of the earliest recorded history of Adam’s Peak in Sri Lanka dates back to the reign of Sri Lanka’s King Vijayabahu I (1055 to 1110 ce).
To aid pilgrims, he established wayside rest houses along the route and in subsequent years, various kings enhanced the pilgrimage route by developing the mountaintop shrine, constructing roads leading to the mountain, and installing iron chains on posts to assist climbers. Interestingly, legends attribute these chains to Alexander the Great, although there is no historical evidence to suggest he ventured as far south as Sri Lanka.
It is an important pilgrimage site, especially for Buddhists. Pilgrims walk up the mountain, following a variety of difficult routes up thousands of steps. The journey takes several hours at least.
The climb was going to be tough, there’s no side-stepping that. Looking at the dynamics, 5700 steps, pacing myself was going to be crucial.
This started me to think about the human will, why it is an undeniably power. Once a stern commitment is made to carry through with a project or goal, there’s little to stop a person. You may have heard it said that the human will can move any mountain. As long as one’s will is resolute and fuelled with the right intentions, a person can overcome most obstacles on their road to victory.
Will power becomes man’s greatest ally for success. Will and intent become powerful factors required to realise one’s goal. The other essential attribute is purpose and passion. Purpose is defined as understanding our role within the framework of life. It is the ability to harness our skills, talents and genius with direct focussed attention to a pursuit.
A purposeful vision is an extension of this faculty since it coincides with a common goal that benefits humanity. We might conclude that merging a strong will with purpose creates a purposeful vision, clothed with honourable intentions. Many pioneers have achieved enormous success in spite of prevailing external circumstances. For example, Albert Einstein once stated: “Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.”
I found a great company Nisha Tours in Bentota, Sumal said Adam’s Peak is not just a tour, it is an experience, a true spiritual experience. He was right, it was a 24 hour experience of my life that I will never forget.
He assigned me with his top guides, Nisha – ex Sri-Lankan Special Task Force and his top driver, we commuted across country for 6 hours to our destination Adam’s Peak.
At a small village our side Adams Peak, I rested for two hours in a hotel, before setting out on Adam’s Peak.
I found myself standing with Nisha at the base of Adam’s Peak, ready to embark on a night hike that promised to be as challenging as it was exhilarating. The air was thick with anticipation, and the distant sound of a waterfall echoed through the dense jungle, setting the stage for an adventure that would test both my endurance and spirit.
We visited several Monks, including the footprint of Buddah for blessings of the journey before us, Nisha has travelled up Adam’s Peak 15 times, so this trip was his 16th, I renamed him ‘’Silver Bullet’’ his energy was profound.
The Peak Wilderness Sanctuary, with its rugged terrain and unpredictable weather, is not for the faint-hearted. But for someone like me, who thrives on the thrill of the unknown. Nisha was an experienced local guide who knew the mountain like the back of his hand. As we began our ascent, the path quickly transformed into a steep staircase, each step slick with moss and rain, challenging our every move.
The climb was relentless, with thousands of steps carved into the rock, each one a testament to the countless pilgrims who had walked this path before us. But with every step, the promise of breathtaking views and the thrill of conquering one of Sri Lanka’s most revered peaks spurred me on.
As we climbed higher, the jungle around us came alive with the sounds of nocturnal creatures, their calls echoing through the night. As I pushed my body to the limit, I said at around 2000 steps, I am not going to make it, he just looked at me in despair, and said we are moving to the next level.
The path, though a treacherous patchwork of forests and waterfalls that seemed to stretch on forever.
Nisha, a seasoned adventurer himself, shared stories of the mountain’s significance, weaving tales of its sacred history and the pilgrims who journey here each year. His knowledge and passion for the mountain were infectious, and as we climbed, I felt a deep connection to the land and its history.
The jungle, with its dense foliage and hidden dangers, was both a challenge and a reward. Each step brought us closer to the summit, and with it, the promise of a sunrise that would make the arduous journey worthwhile. Then came the camaraderie among other hikers, we met a group from Australia which was palpable, each of us drawing strength from the other as we navigated the treacherous path.
The path to the summit is a long series of shops selling tea and sweets, and caps to protect pilgrims’ heads from the icy wind on the top, was I grateful for the coffee, water and treats!
Right at the top, on the tiny platform, pilgrims take it in turns to ring the bell of the temple of the holy footprint (which is a 1-metre long hollow in the rock!) and to get blessed by one of the resident Buddhist monks.
Here is the video of Nisha and me with the bell:
Reaching the summit of Adam’s Peak was a moment of pure triumph. As the first light of dawn broke over the horizon, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange, I felt a sense of accomplishment that only comes from pushing oneself to the limit. The view from the top was nothing short of spectacular, a panoramic vista that stretched as far as the eye could see. While you’re at the top, spend some time exploring the small shrine top and soaking in the panoramic views before beginning your descent, I even participated in a ceremony.
Standing there, at the top of the world, I was reminded of why I seek out these adventures. It’s not just about the thrill or the adrenaline rush, but about the journey itself and the people you meet along the way.
The night hike up Adam’s Peak was a surreal testament to the power of the human spirit, a reminder that with determination and grit, anything is possible.
The only statement that I could think of was from Bob Marley: “You never understand your true strength until you need it, the angels picking you up.”
As we began our descent, the path seemed less daunting, the challenges of the night behind us.
We stopped at a waterfall, its cascading waters a refreshing end to our adventure. The hike had been tough, but the memories and the bonds forged along the way made every step worth it.
For those who crave adventure and the thrill of the unknown, the Adam’s Peak Night Hike is an experience not to be missed. It’s a journey that will test your limits and reward you with memories that will last a lifetime.
With all of the overwhelming experiences I had just endured, I could not help but think about our vision.
Vision is the foresight to envisage an outcome without external proof. It is the ability to venture into the unknown — an inner knowing beyond the call of reason.
“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” — Mahatma Gandhi
All this would not have been possible without the help and support of my personal trainer, Volkan and Albane Karesan from French Fit, Volkan provided me with a VIP coaching to make this journey possible, over the last 18 months he has been a complete sensation, his strategy to functional, movement and mobility is nothing short of miraculous. He is strict, but as your coach you need his direction, management and guidance to achieve your desired goals and performance. He always goes outside of the box with creative solutions.
A big thank you for your support across my needs.
Nisha Tours: Sumal +94 77 8534101
French Fit: https://www.thefrenchfit.com/
Contact Volkan: +44 (0) 7502085293
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