Length16.6 kmElevation gain669 mRoute typePoint to pointGet to know this 16.6-km point-to-point trail near Norwood, Nuwara Eliya. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 4 min to complete. This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring.Today’s stage starts in Bogawantalawa, the bustling town that gives name to the entire valley. The village of Bogawantalawa sits with some elevation and is surrounded by tea estates and misty mountains. The Bogawantalawa Valley is home to many legendary tea estates, such as Norwood, Kotiyagala, Tientsin, Kew, and Loirnon. This stage leaves Bogawantalawa town heading northwest towards the Bogawana Tea Factory, which is clearly visible ahead. Passing the factory on the left-hand side, the road forks into three possible tracks – this path continues down the middle. The track curves around the side of the hill towards the Lynstead division. Looking upward, a rocky ‘v’ shaped mountain pass is ahead - this is called “Jacob’s Ladder”. Leaving the Lynstead superintendent’s bungalow behind, the base of Jacob’s Ladder is next ahead. A well-marked, narrow path zig-zags up towards the pass. It’s a relatively easy ascent if the weather is dry; in the rain, the rock may be a bit slippery. There is a wonderful sense of anticipation on the ascent up the narrow footpath toward the gap. Bogawantalawa town and the upper divisions of the Kotiyagala Estate are clearly visible behind. Walking over and through the gap is exhilarating; it feels like a gateway to another world, and indeed it is. The landscape is completely different from that of the valley left behind. The hustle and bustle of the tea plantations surrounding Bogawantalawa town give way to undisturbed grasslands and hills and one single path ahead. The name of this hidden valley is Bopaththalawa. There are two unmarked camping sites in the foothills of Haritha mountain, the mountain on the left, looking west. Campers are asked to clean up after themselves and please leave only footprints. Next on the path is the Manik Palama Farm, one of the two dairy farms in the valley. Here, the track turns into a country road that weaves its way through the farm. All the grass is cultivated to feed the 1000s of cows they have at the farm on-site. Further along, the path passes a few houses and continues northeast. The right side of the road is now forested. Eventually, the NLDB Circuit Bungalow is on the left. Soon after, the path turns east towards Bopaththalawa Farm, the other dairy farm in the valley and the one that gives it its name. Passing by the cowsheds and a couple homes surrounded by vegetable gardens, it enters the forest. The next part is a gradual ascent on a forest track. Most of the trees are eucalyptus trees, planted to supply firewood for the surrounding tea factories. When walking through a forested area like this it is advisable to make noise – clap, si