To journey beyond travel, add a tinge of adventure and the voyage becomes an incredible one. We’re no experts at trekking but from our past experiences journeying through Australia and South America, we found ourselves delving deep into the back country and thoroughly enjoying it. Whether you are ice-climbing in Patagonia or trekking through the Sahara Desert, trekking holidays amplifies your view of a country and stretches your limit.
1. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Climbing Africa’s highest mountain can be quite a challenge, so make sure you’re prepared for the cold conditions and altitude before setting off on the Kilimanjaro trek. There are several routes – with Machame and Marangu routes being the most popular. The best trekking season is from January to March, but temperatures are colder then. The Kilimanjaro trek would make an excellent highlight in your Tanzania holiday.
Flickr photo by Matt Kieffer
2. Inca Trail, Peru
To get to Macchu Picchu – the world famous archaeological site in Peru – many people opt for the 3 or 4-day trek that brings them through the sacred ancient sites and rocky paths. The Inca Trail was said to be the same route that the royal Incas used to take. The trek usually starts from Cuzco and costs around US$350, including all meals, porters and camping facilities.
3.Patagonia, Argentina
The southern-most tip of Argentina is definitely a popular trekking destination for plenteous terrain for hiking. Popular treks take you around Calafate and El Chaltén in Los Glaciares National Park, as well as Tierra del Fuego National Park in Ushuaia. Patagonia’s star celebrity, Perrito Moreno Glacier Park can be visited on a light trekking trip from the Fitz Roy Mountain Range.
Flickr Photo by Luis Argerich
4. Annapurna Base Camp, Nepal
Home to the highest peak in the world, Nepal is the playground for climbers and trekkers. There are numerous trekking routes to explore the Himalayas – the most popular being the Annapurna Base Camp Trail. This classic trek is suitable for amateurs and beginners, although risk is still involved, especially depending on snow conditions. Expect stunning scenery and picturesque mountainous villages.
Flickr Photo by judepics
5. Torres del Paine, Chile
This national park standing side by side with Argentina’s Patagonia is equally beautiful and offers the same amount of challenge. Torres del Paine is located between the Andes Mountain Range and the Patagonian steppes. The 3day-2night trek will bring you through the Ascencio, Frances Valleys and Grey Glacier giving you a close look of the flora and fauna.
Flickr photo by Christopher
6. Routeburn Track, New Zealand
From NZ’s adventure hub, Queenstown, outdoor lovers can hop over to the Southern Alps for a scenic trek. The Routeburn Track traverses wild and scenic mountain country between the Hollyford and Dart Valleys at the base of the Southern Alps. Passing through two national parks – Fiordland and Mount Aspiring- the trail leads you through a variety of landscapes: from mountainous peaks to pristine lakes and cascading waterfalls. The Routeburn Track Guided Walk is a 3day/2night from Queenstown.
Flickr photo by Antoine Hubert
7. John Muir Trail, California
This trail – named after the famous naturalist John Muir – runs 340km in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California, between the northern end of Yosemite Valley and the southern summit of Mount Whitney. Passing through Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park, expect to immerse yourself amidst deep valleys, meadows, massive sequoias and wildlife. A permit is required to hike the trail, which can be obtained from the national park where the hiker begins the hike.
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This is an awesome list. In the US, the Wonderland Trail (Washington) and the Timberline Trail (Oregon) that are a bit smaller than the John Muir Trail. Plus I reckon Tasmania's Cradle Mountain is as nice as the Fiordland hikes In NZ. Less scenic, perhaps, but vastly more wallabies.
These look so amazing – and I dont have a single one under my belt – guess I better get trekking!
Will I live long enough to do at least half of them? I love the mountains and I love trekking… All 8 places are in my dream list…
Definitely! Have faith, start saving up and you’ll be on your way!
Great list again Nellie! I only did a bit of the Routeburn, but was there in winter and I couldn't go further without crampons. For those who are in Europe and like mountain walks, there is awesome stuff around Chamonix in the Alps, with a great social scene in town during the summer. Heading out there again this year and am very excited about it!
Now that you’ve mentioned, I’ve never done much trekking here in Europe, we do venture out to the Spanish countryside on weekends but hikes are usually short and easy. I’ll definitely keep a lookout on Chamonix, the next time we get there. Thnx!
NZ has some awesome landscapes, it's just perfect for trekking but Australia too has some good trails; I am following Frank and Sue on their http://ourhikingblog.com.au/ which i found it a great resource for info about hiking and bushwalking Down Under
Thanks Marta for sharing, I haven’t done much trekking around that area, did do abit of hiking along the Great Ocean Road. Will check out Frank and Sue’s website, appreciate it!
I have a book called 'Top Treks of the World', edited by Steve Razzetti. I get inspired with the pictures just the way I do with the ones on your blog. Several of the treks you listed are in the book but there are a few interesting ones that I think most would enjoy – a trek through the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco, a hike on the Alta Via 2 in the Dolomites of Italy and one called the Lycian Way in Turkey. You can't beat the Alpamayo Circuit in the Cordillera Blanca of Peru either.
Hi Leigh, great suggestions there! I would like to read the book, sounds interesting. Yes, the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco – it’s pretty popular with travellers, haven’t done it though. Thanks for your insights.
We've done 3 of the Seven. Now you have given me a new goal. Complete the 7 on your list! The Torres del Paine trek looks absolutely stunning. That and Patagonia are high on our list in the near future.
Beautiful collection of trekking holidays, thanks Nellie!
Annapurna base camp trek is great trekking for adventure seekers. you can see stunning views of himalayas.
I think Nepal is the best trekking destination. Not only annapurna base camp there are a lot of nice trekking routes.
Nepal is good Trekking destination of the world. Namaste!
Nepal TrekkingHearty welcome to one of the most beautiful country in the world, Nepal. Nepal is a small country sandwiched between the two giant Asian countries India and China. We invite you to savor the natural beauty of Nepal and enjoy an adventurous trip with us.
We have been operating trekking, peak climbing, sightseeing tour, cultural tours and home stay tour in remote village. We also organize rafting, mountain flight and honey hunting tours . We also arrange hotel reservation and air tickets.
So come and enjoy an exciting and unforgettable holiday in the Himalayas!
wow incredible suggestions here…. I'm afraid I haven't been to ANY! It is a great to do list though
Check out http://www.glampinghub.com I'm sure you could combine several of these!
Awesome list Nellie! Do not mean to be a stickler, but the photo under Annapurna Base Camp trekking is actually from Everest region. It is surprising how these travelbots, presumed trekking companies, who commented on your blog did not catch that!!!
Loves Trek…Loves Sikkim . One of the best K2 here
Really Nice Nellie , Its been pleasure reading trekking destinations mentioned. Although i went to nepal for trekking holidays and explord 20 treks their, and written one article on the same. hope you will like it.