Gombaniya the Extreme hike (1906m)

Merging 4 maps to make one map was difficult just like the hike – Click to enlarge

For years I have wanted to conquer the highest point of Knuckles and lack of any good information on it was the reason why I didn’t attempt it. Out of nowhere the thought of climbing Gombaniya came in to my mind and I called my friend at Panwila. He was ever so willing to do this hike, Amila also joined at the last moment to make matters more interesting. I know few more guys were also willing to join, but this sudden decision (as always) made it difficult for them.

Gombaniya is a mountain range and is located on the western border of Knuckles conservation its vegetation is almost similar to Horton plains because of its high altitude. The mountain could be reached from Rathnatenna (Alakolle estate) or Nelummale watta (Kabaragala side). The shorter but complex route is Rathnatenna side. We arrived on the previous day to Panwila and stayed the night there. Next day morning we cooked our two meals and left on the first bus to Huluganga. From Huluganga we took a trishaw to Alakolle estate upper division and walked towards Rathnatenna resort. This resort at the end of the jungle is a superb place to camp or rest. We had our breakfast at this point and started marching towards the forest. The path initially was through an abandoned tea estate and was going in parallel to a stream. We were constantly climbing uphill crossing streams. At one time we came across a waterfall and had to crawl along a slippery slope to bypass it. Close to the waterfall there was a hump nosed viper posing for a picture and we didn’t disappoint it. We somehow came on to a flat rock which provided some stunning scenery on the valleys below and the mountain range which we had to tackle. We noted a triangular peak protruding out of Gombaniya range and this was going to be the entry point to the range for us. In a glimpse everything was covered again in mist and we started heading towards the base of the range.

what sight to start the day (hulu ganaga falls)

road to Allakole estate

Gombaniya on a clear day

on the way scenery to Rathnatenna

wild berry’s were yummy

Gombaniya covered with mist

Rathnatenna resort what a relaxing place

Dull blue flycatcher

mountain forest

along the stream

a cascade

perfect background

giving a hand

lovely beauties found all over the ground

the pink version

a white beauty

only found near streams

snail droppings

first view point

the second view point

plenty of valleys to get lost

the triangular peak is the place where we need to enter the mountain range

the abyss we climbed up to enter the range after tackling bamboo and nelu

The Bamboo and Nelu bushes with slippery slopes were not helping us on our final ascend. Somehow we crawled and reached the Gombaniya range from the right side of the pointed rock. After getting on to the range we started walking along it through the pygmy forest and shorter version of bush bamboos until we reached the first flat rock. From here we went further and reached the second flat rock which was sloped but yet a spectacular view point. On one side we could see the adjoining mountain (Yakkungegala / Rathnatenna kanda) forming a remarkable drop towards Wallapomulla side. The river flowing at the bottom of the abyss called Kuda oya later meets up with Kalu ganga which rises from Kalupahana. When the mist got cleared we saw far away lakes at Mahiyanganaya. So on a clear day one could enjoy a spectacular sun rise over the eastern ocean from here and witness a magnificent sun set from the west. On the other side of the mountain Campbell’s lane forest reserve and Hunnasgiri peak was seen clearly whenever the mist thinned off. The mist was blowing towards us like clouds crashing into us. There were so many unforgettable moments which I couldn’t convert in to paragraphs but only relish in my memories. The range was a long one but covered with forest cover and we did proceed along it until the mist settled permanently. It is said during the flowering season the whole range is covered with thousands of flowers (especially Binara). We did come across many flowers during our expedition though they were found spread in a scattered manner.

first view once getting on to gombaniya range

unknown

time for exploration

first flat rock

beautiful leaves

it cleared out on and off

what a diversity

another beauty

are we in heaven?

the drop from heaven

gombaniya peak seen far away

the best view point

towards Rathtota

hunnasgiri range

towards Wallapomulla

Yakkunge hela drop

note the cliffs

far away lakes of mahiyanganaya could be seen

kuda oya meets kalu ganga on its later part

lovely

Yakkungegala or Rathnatenna kanda

mist been blown away from the abyss

Madulkele

Campbell’s lane reserve covered with mist

hanging free

gombaniya range

nelu

wow	Bladderwort(Utricularia spp.)

red tree tops

lovely isn’t it

more to go

flowered bed

heavenly

what a seat!

sheer drops

imagine been here

spooky

grandfathers beard

I really love this one

had to stop here

The extreme cold winds caused us to shiver at 12pm so we had to take our lunch to gain our lost calories and get ready to descend back. The descend was going smoothly until we lost the path at one place and out of nowhere a shower poured down to terrify us. Fortunately most of us in our group were knowledgeable on trekking so following some fruitful discussions and decisions we found the path running close to the waterfall. At this point we came across a horned lizard who was a good poser too. There were only 3 or 4 leeches that worried me during this hike and the high altitude should be thanked for that. We entered the tea patch covered with mud and continued along the estates until we got a trishaw to Panwila. This was a memorable and once in a lifetime adventure that was done with caution. There are plenty of valleys to get lost and if you don’t climb from the proper place you are going to be in trouble. Hope this would be helpful to others who want to venture in to Gombaniya in future.

lunch time

mist was becoming permanant

in to the mist

I will always snap these

Binara

most flowers are either purple or pink

bamboos are providing some comfort to this shivering soul

down we go

bye bye

crawling at sometimes

horned lizard

the team at end destination

he decided to have an ice cold swim

looking back

Thanks for reading!