In one embodiment, a method includes generating a first trace request at an initiator node configured for segment routing, the first trace request comprising a query for FEC (Forwarding Equivalence Class) information, transmitting the first trace request on a path comprising at least one node wherein FEC details for the node are unknown by the initiator node, receiving a response to the first trace request comprising the FEC information, transmitting a second trace request with the FEC information, and receiving a response to the second trace request providing FEC validation. An apparatus is also disclosed herein.