20 Best Hiking Trails in the World
(1) The Inca Trail, Peru
The Inca Trail is an ancient route to Machu Picchu which leads from the Sacred Valley into the heart of the Andes. To hike the Inca Trail properly you should obtain a permit and hire an official guide. There are many tour operators in Cusco who offer trips up to Machu Picchu. Local tour operators employ porters to carry your pack and set up a camp.
Keep in mind that the trek can be difficult, especially in the first few days. The trail is often narrow, and it flows with formidable heights. The mountains in this part of the Andes can be more than 13,000 feet high and many pedestrians find themselves suffering from altitude sickness.
The Peruvian government limits access to 500 people per day including porters. This regulation protects local ecosystems and fragile ruins, and ensures that the trail will not be too crowded. However, this also means that permits for the peak summer season are sold out months in advance.
(2) GR20, France
‘GR’ means ‘Grand Randonnee’ in French, which means ‘Long Distance Hiking’ in English. There are over 100,000 km of these trails of which approximately 35,000 km have signposts and ‘official’ GR routes. Most popular hiking trails are the GR2 between Le Havre and Design and the GR10 which follows the Spanish border.
Corsica is famous for its beautiful Mediterranean climate, with hot, sunny weather during summer. The best time to hike is between June and October, with the hottest months being July and August. Manchester Airport and Stansted Airport, UK, both have direct flights to Calvi, Corsica’s Sainte-Catherine Airport.
There are several refugia along the trail, including beds, restrooms and shower facilities and food for hikers. If possible, stop overnight at the Refuge de Carozo and take a dip in the small pool under the Spasimata Bridge and at the Refuge d’ASCO Stagnu – a ski resort.
(3) Everest Base Camp, Nepal
Nepal’s Everest Base Camp is at an elevation of 5,320 meters (17,500 ft). More than 40,000 people go on treks every year from all over the world. Since the successful campaigns of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa in the year 1953, the route has been the dream of every adventurer.
You will find strange views of many peaks encountered in this journey. Apart from the highest peak – Mount Everest (8848 m), you will also see Mount Lhotse (8516 m), Mt. Nuptse (7855m), Mt. Pumori (7161 m), Mt. Changst (7550 m), Mt. Amdabalam (6856 m), Mt. Thamsku (6723 m) and many more.
The region also has Sagarmatha National Park which is UNESCO World Heritage Site. You may encounter some special wildlife inhabitants on your way. Most of the people living in this area belong to the Sherpa community, whose lifestyle and tradition is of Tibetans. These people are known for their friendship and open views.
(4) Tour du Mont Blanc, France, Switzerland & Italy
The Tour du Mont Blanc is a popular trail in Europe. It stretches 170 kilometers (106 mi) through France, Italy and Switzerland. This trail allows you to explore new foods in different villages in three countries. The best time to hike is in June or September, when the weather is slightly colder, but the trails are quieter and less busy.
Temperatures typically range from 8 ° C (46 ° F) to 20 ° C (68 ° F). July and August are also good months to go, but the weather is warmer and trails will be more crowded. During the peak of summer, the temperature on the mountain can go up to 22 ° C (72 ° F). Annually, the region receives about 1073 mm (42 in) of rainfall.
The highest point on the trail is 2,665 m (8,700 ft). A change in height can make things a bit challenging. Rapid increase or decrease in height can cause symptoms including altitude sickness and dizziness, headache, nausea and fatigue. However, traveling at a reasonable speed can help prevent disease.
(5) Pays Dogon, Mali
Pays Dogan, Mali is unlike the usual places that come to the mind of people when thinking about trekking. Also known as Dogan country, it is a separate region which is located in eastern Mali and it borders Burkina Faso. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the culture of this place is something else.
The heat around May is brutal and you should definitely avoid a time when the temperature is in the 40s. The cooler months of November / December are much better because the days are warmer but the nights are colder. Going in the summer season means that you avoid the crowds of tourists.
You can also travel during the rainy season, but the effect of the sun will still remain and you will feel it. The duration of the trek can be anywhere from 5 to 12 nights, depending on what you want to see and what tour you book. Trekkers will find everything from luscious green onion fields to red mud huts and high rocks.
(6) Overland Track, Australia
The overland track covers a distance of 65 kilometers through the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The walk begins on Ronnie Creek in the Cradle Valley. This walk still demands a fair degree of preparation and physical fitness. Most pedestrians ended their walk at the Narcissus Hut at the head of Lake St. Clair.
Some walkers prefer to walk the length of the lake through the rainforest, which extends beyond 17.5 km. While six days is the average time to walk on the track, you can create your own pace. Walking on the overland track is a highly rewarding, life-changing experience. About half the track is over 1000 meters in height on exposed plateaus in the remote region.
Weather conditions in Tasmania can change quickly and repeatedly, especially in mountainous areas. Make sure that you have the appropriate clothing, equipment, food and water to deal with all situations. Booking is mandatory for each running season (1 October to 31 May). Booking opens on 1 July each year for the upcoming season.
(7) Torres Del Paine Circuit, Chile
The Torres del Paine Full Circuit is one of the largest and undiscovered treks on our planet. Torres del Paine National Park was created by UNESCO in 1978 as a World Biosphere Reserve. Torres del Paine full circuit has rapidly become one of the most popular treks in South America. The O circuit is a 130 km loop around Torres del Paine, Chile.
Hikers usually take 7 to 9 days to complete it, although some trekkers often do it in 5 days. Torres del Paine is a very popular park that receives over 252,000 visitors per year. The full circuit takes hikers on the standard ‘W’ trek before continuing the Refugio Dixon. Trekkers then climb the John Gardner Pass before descending under Camphomain Gray.
Always be aware of the weather forecast and follow their leads and advice if traveling with a guide. There are many other options along the trek if carrying a tent is not your style. You can rent tents that are pre-setup so that you do not have to take your tent on your back. There is also Refugios that you can live on if camping is not really your style.
(8) West Coast Trail, Canada
West Coast Trail is 75 km from most beautiful terrain in the coastal rainforest of British Columbia. The West Coast Trail travels the west coast of South Vancouver Island between the cities of Port Renfree and Bamfield. It consists of rugged trails in the jungle, boardwalk sections, coastal walks on sand, gravel, boulder and smooth sandstone.
The West Coast Trail (WCT) is a coastal jungle of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. It has the reputation of being on the most grueling trek in North America. There are still some places in this world that only the most fearless travelers will experience. The West Coast Trail is one of them. This includes getting off anywhere on the trail by boat or kayak and day-hiking.
All WCT users must have the Trail Use Permit in their possession. The West Coast Trail is open between May 1 and September 30 each year. The most popular time to cross the trail is in July and August when the weather is the best. The weather may be wet in May and September, so it is easy to get reservations during those months.
(9) Santa Cruz Trek, Peru
The Santa Cruz Trek is a 3-nights, 4-days trek through the mountain range of the Cordillera Blanca in the Peru-Andes. The Cordillera Blanca translates to the white mountain range. The name is due to the peak of the white-pointed mountain and the mountain range covers most of the Huascaran National Park.
The white mountain range is also the largest tropical mountain range in the world. The trek starts at an altitude of 3700 meters in Vaqueria village and ends at Kaspampa. The circuit includes the route of three valleys: Santa Cruz, Huaripampa and Llanganuco. In fact the name of the trekking circuit comes first among them.
Entry tickets must be purchased in advance in Huaraz, at the office of Huascarán National Park, or at Ranger Station. During the best trekking season: mid-April to September, Most days are sunny, the average temperature during the day is 14 ° C and at night it falls to 0 ° C and in extreme temperatures we expect a temperature of -5 ° C.
(10) Annapurna Circuit, Nepal
Annapurna Circuit Trek is an extremely popular trek which is located in central Nepal. It is a part of the Annapurna mountain range and starts from a quaint village called Bissahar. The maximum height reached during this trek is 17769 feet at Thorong La. The trek takes you to various suspension bridges, river crossings, waterfalls, small villages and tea houses.
Annapurna Circuit Trek will give you excellent views of Annapurna Massif, Machhapuchhre, Gangapurna and Manasalu along with some others. This trek is a must for every trekking and adventure enthusiast. There is a long drive to reach the start of the trek, first down the main Pokhara road, then by the Marsyangdi River to Bissaihar.
A good level of fitness is essential, as you will be walking long distances every day for two consecutive weeks. The most difficult part of the circuit is going from Thorong Feidi to Thorong La Pass (5,416 m). There is a steep 45-minute climb to this height, which will take the breath out of you.
(11) Milford Track, New Zealand
The Milford Track is at an altitude of 53.5 km in New Zealand’s South Island, from Lake Te Anau to the Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound. The trail was the first inland route to Milford Sound and has been a favorite with hikers. It takes four days and can only be extended by booking a permit in advanced for specific dates.
New Zealand Māori originally used the track to transport Panamu (green stones). The 53.5 km hike begins at the Lake Te Anau on the Glen Ghat and ends at Milford Sound at Sandfleard Point. The Department of Conservation of New Zealand has classified the track as the Great Walk and maintains three huts along the track: Clinton Hut, Mintaro Hut and Dumpling Hut.
A maximum of 90 walkers can start the trail (40 independent, and 50 guided) per day. Due to the one-way ticketing system and limited hut capacity, trampers have to keep moving even during inclement weather. During the off season from May to mid-October, the track is essentially erratic, and can trample in any direction.
(12) The Narrows, USA
One of the most popular hikes in Zion National Park, The Narrow should be on every visitor list. It offers a unique and fun opportunity through a beautiful valley on the banks of the Hike River. The trail leads to a path leading slowly up and down the side of the Virgin River.
Eventually, you will reach the end of the path where there are some stairs that lead to the rocky river. There are sections where you can quickly walk sideways and avoid walking in water. But there is no way for everyone on the trail to escape the water completely. You will walk or cross the river at least 75% of the trail.
First of all, you will need a permit, and this can be even more difficult than your own hike. Only 24 hiking permits are issued every day. Day hikers will need to leave before sunrise to complete the trail before dark. The park will not allow hikers to enter Narrow if the river is running at speeds of 120 cubic feet per second or more.
(13) The Haute Route, France & Switzerland
The Haute Route is a walking route through the French and Swiss Alps for 200 km (125 mi) from Chamonix in the west to Zermatt in the east. Trekkers usually take 14 days to complete the trek. It’s more remote sections are a true challenge even in clear climates. The rustic sections have their own charm, giving a glimpse of everyday life in rural Switzerland.
The French word haute root means high passage. There is great satisfaction in completing the steps of a long distance trek. A difficult phase for many trekkers is 17 km (10.5 mi) which runs from Cabané de Perfalleri to Arola. It involves a total climb of 920m (3,018ft) to cross the Pass de Chevres 2,855m (9,366ft).
During each summer season, snow usually falls on two or three or more occasions. It can make navigation even more challenging as long as it remains. Under the cover of snow, land features are hidden and reliance on map and compass skills is critical. At various points there are corridors with mountain huts, campsites, luxurious hotels and a mix of rooms and hostels.
(14) Indian Himalayas, India
One or many of the most thrilling Himalayan treks are among the most fascinating things for adventure lovers. The Indian Himalayan extends to 6 Indian states, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and West Bengal.
Easily climbing and descending slowly, the Kedarkantha trek proves to be an ideal trek for beginners. This trek offers promising views during the winter as the entire valley remains covered with snow. The Goecha-La trek is an ideal experience to enjoy the spectacular views of Khanendenga Peak and other stunning Himalayan peaks.
Har Ki Doon trek in the lap of the Garhwal Himalaya is the most liked trek these days. This trek known as hanging valley with exotic beauty takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery. If you are new to trekking, Hampta Pass is the best to choose trek. Deep panoramic valleys, high peaks, panoramic views make the Brahmatal trek a wonderful experience.
(15) Routeburn Track, New Zealand
The Routeburn Track traces the 33-km Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks in southwest New Zealand. The Routeburn Track is located southwest of the South Island. A start / finish point of the track is the Routeburn Shelter at the Mount Aspiring National Park. The divide at the end of Fiordland National Park is the other start / finish point.
It is one of the most popular tracks in New Zealand with around 13000 walkers completing the track each year. Māori often used this route during the journey to collect Punamu / Greenstone. The first Europeans saw the track in 1861 and by 1870 a spectacular track was started. By the 1880s the first tourist operation on the track began.
Today most walkers take 3 days (2 nights) to complete the entire track but longer or shorter options are available. Spectacular views of U-shaped and hanging valleys dominate the landscape as you pass several waterfalls and alpine lakes. Any fit person can walk on the Routeburn track.
(16) Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim Hike, USA
Hiking the Grand Canyon from rim to rim is a once in a lifetime experience. There are many ways to experience beauty of the Grand Canyon but Rim to Rim Hike is an epic way. It is less congested than Havasupai’s hiking. The canyon itself is 277 miles long, 18 miles wide, and reaches a depth of one mile.
The Grand Canyon is home to the Havasupai tribe, the youngest and most remote Native American native in the country. According to the National Park Service, the canyon is home to more than 1,500 plants, 355 birds, 89 mammals, 47 reptiles, 9 amphibians and 17 fish species.
90% of visitors experience it from the point of view of the South Rim. The beauty of hiking to the rim, whatever you choose to do it, is that you get to see the Grand Canyon from many perspectives. The North Rim is only open from mid-May to mid-October. For South Rim, you can only rim from May 15 to October 15 to hike.
(17) Fitz Roy Trek, Argentina
It is located in the National Park of Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, Argentina. Mount Fitz Roy is the most popular trekking destination in all of Argentina’s Patagonia. The nearest airport to Mount Fitz Roy is at Calafate. The main industry of the city is tourism and it does an excellent job of helping travelers prepare for Fitz Roy.
El Chalten is a well-organized, small resort community, ranging from budget hostels to luxury hotels. There is plenty of catering to the traveler, restaurants and coffee shops, as well as small tourist shops that carry local products. The companies also offer many other types of trips such as fishing, horse riding and rock climbing trips.
The park boasts carefully maintained trails and well-marked paths. Many trailheads and many trails allow trekkers considerable flexibility in planning their route. The journey can last from 2–5 days, depending on how many areas travelers want to see and the side trails they choose to hike. All camp areas are located near water sources and outhouses.
(18) Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand
The most famous Tongariro National Park hike is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. It is a one-way hike that spans 19.4 km (12 mi), taking in the best views of the active volcanoes Mount Tongariro and Mount Nagoro. The starting point is Mangatepopo Carpark and the end point is Ketetahi Carpark.
This informal hike usually takes only eight hours. Starting on Mangatepopo Road, the first leg of your journey takes you to Soda Springs. From Soda Springs, you will climb the Devils ladder, climbing from 1,400 to 1,600 meters above sea level. You will follow a rigline from South Crater to Red Crater and towards Blue Lake.
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is part of one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, the Tongariro Northern Circuit. It is a 43.1 km (26.8 mi) hike which will take you three to four days to complete. You will love this ethereal place, which transforms from alpine forest into a real and seemingly barren plateau.
(19) Baltoro Glacier & K2, Pakistan
Baltoro Glacier and Concordia Trek K2 (8611 m), Broad Peak (8044 m), Chogolisa (7686 m) are the best views. The trail along the banks of the Braldu and Biaho rivers takes the hiker to the center of Mount Karakoram. The flight offers spectacular views as the plane follows the Indus river valley and brushes over Nanga Parbat.
The region exemplifies “continents in collision” beneath the world’s four largest mountain ranges (Himalayas, Karakoram and Hindu Kush). Skardu (2423 m) is the capital of Baltistan and a gateway to the high Karakoram peaks of Pakistan. Asakoli is located at 3100 m. And is the last village before reaching K-2.
The ultimate mountain views are Masherbrum (7750 m), Uli Biaho Tower (6190 m), Trango Towers (6300 m), Grand Cathedral (5228 m), and Mustang Tower (7284 m). Concordia is enriched with Marble Peak, K-2 (8611 m), Broad Peak (8044 m), Gasherbrum Group, Golden Throne (7365 m), Chogolisa (7686 m) and Mater Peak (6038 m).
(20) Cinque Terre, Italy
The name Cinque Terre is translated into “Five Lands”, a collection of five small towns in the Liguria region along the Italian Riviera. From south to north, the towns include Riomaggore, Manrola, Carniglia, Vernazza, and Monterso in the northeastern region of Italy. Although these cities can be reached by train and boat, they are popular for their system of walking.
The hiking of Cinque Terre can be divided into two main routes- Trail 1 and Trail 2. Trail 1, also known as the “Santio Rosso” or Red Trail, is the more longer route. This ridge-top route takes about 9 to 12 hours to complete. Trail 2, also known as “Santerio Azurro” or The Blue Trail, is the easier. The path is about 11 kilometers long and hikers take about 6 to 8 hours.
Cinque Terre National Park requires the purchase of the Cinque Terre Card to maintain the area and transportation services. You can purchase the card at any train station. The ideal time to visit Cinque Terre is in late May and late September, when the weather is mild.