20 Best Treks in the World
Last Updated on September 20, 2024
From Kilimanjaro to K2, here is a curated list of the best treks in the world, ranked on difficulty level.
The best treks in the world are no walks in the park. But they’re sure to challenge you physically and mentally, while amplifying your view of a country.
Without further ado, here are the 10 best treks in the world (based on research and my own opinions).
They have been ranked on difficulty level – from #20 coming in as the easiest all the way to the hardest trek at #1.
Best Treks in the World
Table of Contents
- 20. The Fitzroy Trek – Patagonia, Argentina
- 19. Pays Dogon – Mali
- 18. The Camino de Santiago – Spain
- 17. Routeburn Track – New Zealand
- 16. The Long Range Traverse – Canada
- 15. The Lost City of Teyuna – Colombia
- 14. Inca Trail – Peru
- 13. W Trek– Torres del Paine, Chile
- 12. Mount Kailash Pilgramage, Tibet
- 11. Toukbal Circuit – Morocco
- 10. John Muir Trail – California, USA
- 9. Overland Track – Tasmania, Australia
- 8. Tour du Mont Blanc – France, Italy and Switzerland
- 7. Laugavegur Trek – Iceland
- 6. Mount Roraima –Venezuela
- 5. Kilimanjaro – Tanzania
- 4. The Appalachian Trail – United States
- 3. Everest Base Camp Trek – Nepal
- 2. K2 – Pakistan
- 1. The Snowman Trek – Bhutan
20. The Fitzroy Trek – Patagonia, Argentina
Avid hikers should definitely add the Fitzroy Trek to your Argentina itinerary if you are planning to explore Patagonia. The route leads you from El Chaltén to Laguna Eléctrica, through some of the most beautiful landscapes in South America.
Though the Torres del Paine in Chile is the most popular route in Patagonia, the Fitzroy trek is a worthy contender for being the most beautiful. With jagged peaks and unique rock formations, it is easy to fall in love with the scenery here.
The Fitzroy Trek is suitable for less experienced hikers and is a nice alternative if you are intimidated by the Torres del Paine in Chile. The trails are clearly marked and the terrain is flat and constant.
- Distance: 26km
- Duration: 1 Day
- Level of Difficulty: 2/10
- Best Time to Go: Year round
- How to: Join this 9-day Patagonia trekking trip to experience the Fitzoy Trek in Patagonia.
19. Pays Dogon – Mali
A site whose beauty has awarded it a UNESCO world heritage title, the Dogon region of Mali is one of the most beautiful regions across the entire African continent.
Trekking here leads you through lush green fields and across the arid plains of the Sahel. You’ll get to see African villages where locals live in mud huts and perform masked dances as part of their traditions.
The Bandiagara escarpment is no doubt one of the highlights of trekking in Pays Dogon. Entire towns and mosques have been carved into cliff faces and survived until today.
Treks can take anywhere between 1 and 3 days depending on your personal level of physical fitness. With numerous villages scattered around the region, there are many appealing detours that let you combine a cultural experience with the great outdoors.
- Distance: 20km
- Duration: 1 -3 days
- Level of Difficulty: 3/10
- Best Time to Go: November – January
- How to: Few companies offer this trek. Dogon Vison is a local company that comes high recommended.
18. The Camino de Santiago – Spain
The Camino de Santiago has been an important pilgrimage route for Christian followers ever since the Middle Ages. It traces the route where the remains of St James were carried from Jerusalem to his final resting place – Santiago de Compostela.
You do not have to be a devout Christian to enjoy this route. The Camino de Santiago has eight different starting points, meaning that you can select a preferred route depending on your interests.
The 750km trail leads you through Spanish countryside, beautiful vineyards and hundred year old towns. Accommodation options along the trail are plentiful and varied so whether you are a backpacker on a budget or you prefer a little more luxury.
Upon completion, you will receive a ‘Compostela’ for your efforts – a certificate from the pilgrim’s office in Santiago de Compostela.
- Distance: 750km
- Duration: 30 Days
- Level of Difficulty: 3/10
- Best Time to Go: Year round
- How to: Most people do the Camino de Santiago trek on their own, but operators like Follow the Camino can organise it for you.
17. Routeburn Track – New Zealand
The Southern Alps is an easy hop away from New Zealand’s adventure hub, Queenstown. Known as the best trek in New Zealand, the Routeburn Track traverses wild and scenic mountain country.
It runs between the Hollyford and Dart Valleys at the base of the Southern Alps. Passing through two national parks – Fiordland and Mount Aspiring on the South Island of New Zealand – the trail leads you through a variety of landscapes.
From mountainous peaks to pristine lakes and cascading waterfalls, it’s an inspiring way to get deep into the back country. Undoubtedly, you’ll be seeing the best that New Zealand has to offer while enjoying peace and tranquility away from the crowd and technology.
- Distance: 32km
- Duration: 1-5 days
- Level of difficulty: 3/10
- Best time to go: October to April
- How to: Join G Adventures’ New Zealand South Island Multisport tour.
Book here:
16. The Long Range Traverse – Canada
The long range traverse is arguably Canada’s best trek. It leads you on an unmarked, backcountry trail from Western Brook Pond, through the Long Range mountains before ending in Ferry Gulch.
The trail is relatively undisturbed with moose, caribou and black bears likely to be the only other beings you encounter along your journey.
Although the length of this hike may not seem like anything out of the ordinary, the challenge of navigating your way along is nothing to be sniffed at.
- Distance: 35km
- Duration: 3-4 days
- Level of Difficulty: 9/10
- Best Time to Go: May – September
- How to: Book with Gros Morne Outdoor Company for a guided trek.
15. The Lost City of Teyuna – Colombia
Peru’s Inca trail is often at the top of most bucket lists, however Colombia’s Ciudad Perdida trek leads adventurers to a lesser known, yet equally majestic ancient city.
Nestled deep within the jungle, atop the northern slopes of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, is the lost city of Teyuna. The city was built by the Tairona civilization approximately 650 years before Machu Picchu was constructed and was home to over 10,000 people.
The Lost City Trek gives a strong sense of mystery and remoteness. Though Teyuna is only several hours away from the romantic beach resort town of Palomino, it feels like venturing into a different country altogether.
The trail leads you through lush emerald jungles occupied by tribes who watch on inquisitively as you pass by their thatched houses. It’s also a relatively short trek that you can easily add to your Colombia itinerary.
- Distance: 44km
- Duration: 5 Days
- Level of Difficulty: 4/10
- Best Time to Go: December – March
- How to: Book this Colombia trip with G Adventures to combine the Lost City trek with a trip to the Caribbean coast.
Book here:
14. Inca Trail – Peru
To get to Macchu Picchu – the world famous archaeological site in Peru – the best way is on this 3 or 4-day trek. The Inca Trail brings you through sacred ancient sites, rocky paths, and imposing mountain passes.
Lauded as the best trek in the world, this was said to be the same route that the royal Incas used to take to weave through the Andean mountains. It certainly is the best way to visit Machu Picchu.
The trek usually starts from Cusco, Peru’s historical crown jewel, and costs around US$350, including all meals, porters and camping facilities. Feast on views of white-tipped mountains and experience the magic of walking from one cliff-hugging ruin to the next.
There are high chances of getting altitude sickness as you’ll be trekking above 3,000m most of the time, so pack some Diamox and go slow. Some say chewing coca leaves help too. Check out other things to do in Cusco here.
- Distance: 43km
- Duration: 4 days
- Level of difficulty: 5/10
- Best time to go: May to September
- How to: Join G Adventures’ 7-day Inca Trail
13. W Trek– Torres del Paine, Chile
The Torres del Paine National Park is located in Chile’s Patagonia region, between the Andes Mountain Range and the Patagonian steppes.
It’s best known for its soaring mountains, electric-blue icebergs that cleave from glaciers and golden pampas (lowlands) that shelter rare wildlife such as llama-like guanacos.
The three granite towers from which the park takes its name and the horn-shaped peaks called Cuernos del Paine are some of its most iconic sites.
The best way to explore this region is on the W Circuit, a 100km, 5-day trek. This can be easily added to your two-week Chile itinerary. But if you have more time, check out the longer O Trek, a loop that brings you to the backside of the mountain. Read my detailed guide to Torres del Paine Chile.
- Distance: 100km
- Duration: 4-6 days
- Level of difficulty: 5/10
- Best time to go: December to March
- How to: Join Intrepid’s 10-day Patagonia Trekking trip that includes the W Trek.
12. Mount Kailash Pilgramage, Tibet
A sacred site in many religions, Mount Kailash is such a popular pilgrimage site that the sacred site is often crowded with pilgrims. Buddhists, Hindus, Bons and Jains are seen clutching their prayer beads and murmuring prayer chants as they pay their respects.
According to Hindu beliefs, the top of the 22,000 foot peak is where Shiva meditates. Though ascending to the peak of Mount Kailash is strictly forbidden, walking the 32 mile trail that encircles it is an important pilgrimage.
But trekking in Tibet isn’t a walk in the park. The trek brings you on some steep paths, difficult passes, and high altitudes as you quickly ascend to 5,600m. Even the most experienced trekkers are prone to altitude sickness.
- Distance: 52km
- Duration: 1-2 days
- Level of Difficulty: 5/10
- Best Time to Go: May – October
- How to: Explore Tibet runs a 17-day Mount Kailash Pilgrimage Trek.
11. Toukbal Circuit – Morocco
Located just a few hours away from the red city of Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains is a popular day trip from Marrakech.
The region is home to Mount Toukbal – the highest peak in North Africa which stands proud at 4,167m. Ascending to the top of Toukbal’s peak is relatively straightforward as it is a gradual ascent.
The Toukbal circuit leads you around the circumference of Jebel Toukbal – past valleys, through Berber villages and along the foothills of the snowcapped mountains. The journey is pleasantly broken up by the opportunity to sip mint tea with locals or to camp beneath the stars .
For a more rewarding experience, combine the trail with a Sahara desert tour.
- Distance: 44km
- Duration: 5 Days
- Level of Difficulty: 5/10
- Best Time to Go: April – May, September – October
- How to: Join G Adventures’ 7-day Mount Toukbal Trek.
Book here:
10. John Muir Trail – California, USA
Easily the best hikes in California, this long-distance 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, it passes through Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park, two of the best national parks in USA.
The vast majority of the John Muir Trail is situated within designated wilderness and lies almost entirely at or above 8,000 feet (2,400 m) in elevation. The trail has been described as America’s most famous trail and one of the best treks in the world by numerous publications.
A permit is required to hike the trail, so obtain one from the national park before you start your trek. Excellent way to combine some hiking with a California road trip!
- Distance: 340km
- Duration: 3 weeks
- Level of difficulty: 5/10
- Best time to go: July to September
- How to: Join this 22-day trek with Grand American Adventures.
9. Overland Track – Tasmania, Australia
The rugged wilderness of Tasmania is most accessible on the 80km Overland Track. The well-defined path passes craggy mountains, extensive forests and moorlands in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
Those who want more can take numerous detours that lead to waterfalls, valleys and more summits including Mt Ossa (1,617m, 5,305ft) – the tallest mountain in Tasmania.
This is easily the most famous trek in Australia, and something that every trekker in Australia attempt at least once in their lifetime. Avid hikers should definitely try to include the Overland Track in their Australia itinerary.
- Distance: 65km
- Duration: 5-6 days
- Level of difficulty: 5/10
- Best time to go: October to May
- How to: Tas Walking Co offers guided Overland Track adventures.
8. Tour du Mont Blanc – France, Italy and Switzerland
The imposing Tour du Mont Blanc is a high-altitude trail that goes anti-clockwise from France to Italy to Switzerland, then back into France for an ascent to the beautiful Lac Blanc.
The trek, affectionately known as TMB, covers 10,000m of ascent (that’s 1km more than climbing Everest from sea level)!
It’s no easy feat, but it will reward you with jawdropping views of glaciers, tumbling valleys and, of course, Mont Blanc itself.
Refuge life is also one of the fun elements of this trek and most trekkers spend the night in refuges that dot the route. What they lack in space and comfort, they make up for with food, company, and sunsets.
- Distance: 170km
- Duration: 8 days
- Level of difficulty: 6/10
- Best time to go: June to September
- How to: Join other like-minded people on G Adventures’ 10-Day Mont Blanc Trek.
7. Laugavegur Trek – Iceland
The 55km Icelandic trail that extends from Landmannalaugar to Skóga demonstrates the very best of Iceland’s natural beauty. It traverses along scenic valleys, isolated hot springs, black sand beaches and the colorful mountains.
The landscapes here were said to have been created when Thor – the Norse God of thunder, struck down his hammer. Indeed, the scenery is so breathtaking that even non-believers will see it as a gift from the gods.
The Laugavegur trek lets you experience some of the most remote places in Iceland, such as Emstrur, Hrafntinnusker and Alftavatn. You’ll also get up close and personal with Eyjafjallajokull – the infamous Icelandic volcano that caused chaos across Europe in 2010.
Should the volcanoes along this route erupt again, the trail could be closed or altered forever and so it’s best to cross it off your hiking bucket list soon! I would recommend combining the trek with a road trip on Iceland Ring Road.
- Distance: 55km
- Duration: 5 days
- Level of Difficulty: 6/10
- Best Time to Go: April – September
- How to: Book a 4-day Laugavegur Trek with Guide to Iceland.
6. Mount Roraima –Venezuela
Rising high above the fog and the clouds, Mount Roraima looks almost ethereal and other worldly. Described as a “floating plateau”, it is without a doubt one of the most beautiful mountains in the world.
The Mount Roraima trek offers a plethora of options based on your experience. The 400m cliff walls are scale-able only by experienced mountaineers.
The good news for hikers is that there is also a ramp-like trail which leads to the top. It leads you past stunning natural waterfalls, through the lush greenery of Canaima national park and along the Guyana mountain range.
For centuries, indigenous tribes have occupied the area and the region has held significance in their stories. Tales of spirits and supernatural beings echo through history.
- Distance: 45km
- Duration: 6 days
- Level of Difficulty: 6/10
- Best Time to Go: May – September
- How to: Book a 6-day Roraima Trek with Backpacker Tours.
5. Kilimanjaro – Tanzania
At 19,340 ft (5,895m), Africa’s highest mountain is a beast to conquer. Climbing Kilimanjaro brings you through virtually every ecosystem possible — glacier, snowfields, deserts, savannah, and tropical jungle — so make sure you’re prepared for the change in climate and terrain.
The diversity in the landscapes is what makes this one of the best treks in the world. There are six routes in total: with Machame and Marangu routes being the most popular.
Although Mount Kilimanjaro is known as a “walk-up” mountain, do not underestimate its risks. The overall statistics show that less than half of all climbers reach the summit.
For those who conquer it, the Kilimanjaro trek is often the highlight for many travelers in East Africa. For more details, refer to this excellent post on everything you need to know before a Kilimanjaro trek.
- Distance: range from 51-72km
- Duration: 5-8 days
- Level of difficulty: 7/10
- Best time to go: September to March
- How to: Choose from G Adventures’ Kilimanjaro treks.
Book here:
4. The Appalachian Trail – United States
The Appalachian trail is one of the longest, continuous hiking trails in the world. Completing it is no mean feat and for every four hikers that attempt it, only one will see it through to completion.
The trail leads you through 14 US states – starting in Georgia and ending in Maine (or vice versa). It is a route only recommended for the most experienced trekkers. Not only is research and physical preparation imperative, so is mental preparation.
Some parts of the trail will see you scaling cliff faces in a treacherous vertical scramble. At some parts, you will be far from civilization for days at a time. Black bears, poisonous snakes and ticks carrying disease are found almost the entire length of the trail.
- Distance: 3508 km
- Duration: 5-7 months
- Level of Difficulty: 8/10
- Best Time to Go: March – September
- How to: You can do it independently or book with the Appalachian Trail Adventures.
3. Everest Base Camp Trek – Nepal
Home to the highest peak in the world, Nepal is the best place to go for trekking enthusiasts.
There are numerous trekking routes to explore the Himalayas – the most popular being the trek to Everest Base Camp. This classic trek is suitable for hikers who have done multi-day hikes. There’s a certain amount risk involved as many hikers suffer from bronchitis and altitude sickness.
Dubbed by some as “the steps to heaven,” every bend in the trek provides a photo opportunity. Expect beautiful forests, Sherpa villages, glacial moraines and snow-covered glaciers.
Everest Base Camp Trek is named as one of the best treks in the world, for good reason. It will bring you literally to the top of the world. After setting eyes on Everest, you won’t look at our planet the same way again.
- Distance: 62km
- Duration: 13 days
- Level of difficulty: 9/10
- Best time to go: August to November
- How to: Book this 15-day Everest Base Camp trek with G Adventures.
Book here:
2. K2 – Pakistan
A corridor of ice leads to the colossal peak of K2 (8,611m, 28,251ft), the world’s second-highest peak after Everest. K2 is known as the Savage Mountain due to the extreme difficulty of ascent.
It has the second-highest fatality rate among the world’s highest peaks, so don’t even think of attempting this if you don’t have the experience or fitness level required.
The K2 base camp trek begins by traversing along icy rivers then boldly continues to the guts of the glacier before leading to the granite pyramidal mountains including Paiju (6,610m, 21,686ft), Uli Biaho (6,417m, 21,053ft), Great Trango Tower (6,286m, 20,623ft) and ultimately K2.
This is definitely not for the faint-hearted. Pakistan is an absolutely gorgeous country, make sure you plan to travel around Gilgit-Baltistan, one of the safest and most beautiful regions of northern Pakistan.
- Distance: 90 km
- Duration: 15 days
- Level of difficulty: 9/10
- Best time to go: June to August
- How to: EPIC Backpacker Tours run a 21-day K2 Base Camp Trek.
1. The Snowman Trek – Bhutan
The Snowman Trek is considered one of the best treks in the world, and also the most difficult. It’s therefore suitable for experienced and fit trekkers only.
This high-altitude ball-buster crosses 11 passes over 14,000 feet along the Tibet-Bhutan border. Along the way you’ll visit magical Buddhist monasteries clinging to the sides of cliffs and pass through secluded villages.
Bhutan is a special country with outstanding landscapes and rich, traditional heritage that few countries can rival. To journey through the country on foot will be an even more special experience.
Bhutan is an expensive country to visit, as the government has stipulated a mandatory minimum tourist tariff of US$200/day, so be prepared to fork out quite a bit for the Snowman Trek.
- Distance: 328km
- Duration: 24 days
- Level of difficulty: 10/10
- Best time to go: October
- How to: Book the 30-day Himalayan Expeditions Snowman Trek.
Did we miss out on any spectacular trek? Which do you think are the best treks in the world?
Travel Resources
Over the years (and traveling to 140+ countries), I’ve learned a thing or two about travel planning. I’ve put together this list of travel resources that I personally use to find the best deals and book travel! For more details, check out my travel tips resource page.
- Booking Flights: Kayak is brilliant for finding the best dates to fly as it allows you to search for the lowest airfares within a 3-day period. Then I use Skyscanner as they’ve consistently given me the lowest airfares.
- Accommodations: I always use Booking.com to book hotels, mainly because of the flexible cancellation policy and good customer service. You can also find short-term rental apartments there (I prefer not to use Airbnb due to the extra charges).
- Travel Insurance: It’s important to have travel insurance, regardless of whether you’re traveling for a few days or months. Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their Nomad Insurance plan, which covers any healthcare expenses I may have worldwide. Refer to my travel insurance guide for more details.
- Health Advice: I always refer to the travel guides on the CDC website for recommended medications and vaccines. You can get them at your travel doctor’s office or a walk-in pharmacy.
- Tours: If you’re looking for all-encompassing tours, I recommend small-group adventure tour outfitter, G Adventures. I’ve traveled with them to Antarctica, Mongolia, Svalbard, and Nepal, and loved every single trip. For day tours, I always book with Viator and GetYourGuide; they have easy booking systems and free cancellations.
- Car Rental: I always book car rentals on Discover Cars, as they’ve consistently given us the best rates and customer service (with free cancellations). We’ve used them in Seychelles, South Africa, Spain, Peru, and Mexico.
- Transportation: Whenever possible, I book local transportation online using Bookaway and Busbud. They’re more reliable than many local transport websites and cover trains, buses, and car hire.
- Restaurants: TripAdvisor is my go-to resource for restaurant reviews and bookings. I also make restaurant reservations on OpenTable.
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The Comments
Ahimsa
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.
Shannon OD
These look so amazing – and I dont have a single one under my belt – guess I better get trekking!
waitinginthedark
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…
admin
waitinginthedarkDefinitely! Have faith, start saving up and you’ll be on your way!
Laurens
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!
admin
LaurensNow 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!
Leigh
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.
admin
LeighHi 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.
Dave and Deb
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.
Chris Nahm
Dave and DebDave and Deb, if you want the best experience look at Active Adventures out of New Zealand. They have a fab tour that includes Fitz Roy in Argentina with the W in Chile. This is the best tour group ever.You will LOVE Patagonia!
Julie
Dave and DebI did the W circuit in Torres del Paine last October and loved every minute of it.I also trekked in El Charlten.Patagonia is just so beautiful.It is a must see destination for lovers of hiking.
John
I think Nepal is the best trekking destination. Not only annapurna base camp there are a lot of nice trekking routes.
Muhammad siddiq
JohnSir, You should visit Pakistan and Karakorum once as well. Pakistan has 5 above than 8000m high peaks including the king of mountainss (K2) and richest in having above 7000m (169) and 6000m (countless) high mountains in the world with the longest glaciers after polar region.
Regards,
Siddiq
Rabin
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!!!
brittonia1
Great list! Wow Patagonia looks amazing! John Muir Trail is next on my list…I did some hiking in Yosemite a couple of years ago & it made me put JMT on my bucket list!
Nicole @ GGT
I have only walked one of these trail so far, John Muir, but Inca and Patagonia are high on the list! The rest look amazing too!
Nellie
Nicole @ GGTWe also hope to go trekking in Patagonia soon! I recently got the chance to go to Ushuaia and did a day trek in Tierra del Fuego but wished I had more time to explore Patagonia.
Hiking @Nomads
I did the Annapurna Circuit and I can't wait to go back! Amazing
Nellie
Hiking @NomadsWe really want to hike Annapurna, how was it? Did you spend two weeks on the trail?
Maria Han
Lovely list! We explored Swiss Alps and will be there in September for France, Italy and Switzerland trail.
Karo
So many of them should end up on my bucket list.. Thanks for the great list!
Cihat
Lycia path in Fethiye/Turkey you must check it out
Nellie Huang
CihatThanks for the suggestion! A friend of mine walked the Lycia trail and it looked fantastic!
Marshall Stoner
CihatI hope to check Lycia Way out next spring.
Last July I did an excellent trek in the Kackar Mountains of northeast Turkey. Very few foreign tourists know of this area. The scenery is rugged and stunning, almost comparable to the Alps.
You must be decently fit though as it is extremely strenuous. Several times you will climb 1000 meters over a 3000m pass and down the other side in a single day. Not many switchbacks either, the paths tend to go straight up. The scramble to the 4000m summit of Kackar is the most exhilarating part.
Vlad M
Great list, but what about the Narphu trek? Def my dream trek, I really like high altitudes and snowy mountain paths!
Leo
Once started, can not stop. Have done 5 of the list and going to do the O trek in Patagonia this March. Would be great if can catch up with some of you there.
From my experience, the photo of Mt Everest this page is taken from Tibet side. the view of Mt Everest may seem a bit remote on the EBC Naple side, but the trekking experience and scenery are …(no word to describe). You best to explore your own feelings.
Mary
Trekking gets in your blood and just stays there …… once I started that was it. Have done some on your list – The Overland Trail in Tasmania, The Routeburn Track in New Zealand, a tiny section of the Inka Trail in Peru and EBC in Nepal. All are amazing … I wish I had starting trekking much much earlier. Am planning Annapurna Circuit next, but Kilimanjaro, Mont Blanc and the whole Inka Trail are on my list. Gonna keep on trekking!
Rebecca
Great List and inspiring, but I have one suggestion: You should correct the photo you posted beneath the Long Range Traverse in Gros Morne. Gros Morne is in Newfoundland. The photo is of Moraine Lake in Banff National Park. The landscapes in these two parts of Canada are very different and their locations are thousands of kilometres apart.
A Canadian
Nellie Huang
RebeccaThanks so much for the correction Rebecca! I’ll make the change asap.
Simon
Stunning places on the list. Thanks for sharing.
Markus
Superb! Thanks for sharing.
Olivia M. Wade
I spent a half-day hiking the John Muir Trail (one of the best hikes in the US). In 5 hours I saw four people in total. The trail is relatively flat and meanders alongside wide rivers, through open meadows (Tuolumne Meadows), shady forests – always within sight of grand, imposing mountains all around. The trail is very well marked and maintained. Good maps are advisable and are available at nearby ranger stations/visitor centers. Be sure to bring ample water and snacks/food depending on the desired length of your hike. Lots of great spots to rest along the trail and plenty of excellent photo ops. A real gem of a hike.
Jason
Awesome write up.
There is one that is not here that is also awesome.
You should check out Mafadi in South Africa it’s their highest point.
Neha C.
Great list but surprisingly none from Indian Himalayas… There are many beautiful and challenging treks in India – Chadar Trek – Leh, India, Kashmir Great lakes, Sandakfu Trek in Sikkim, Roopkund Trek etc to name a few which I have done.
Greg Christensen
Tour Du Mont Blanc is worthy, no doubt. Equally in Alps is the Haute Route, ending at Zermot with a jaw-dropping view of The Matterhorn. Very nice list, including a couple I had not heard of.
Karna Bahadur Puri
perfect !! I guess you forget to mention Annapurna base camp it is worth trekking Annapurna with magnificent views all across the route.
INSTAfinsta
What an incredible list! Each trek sounds more breathtaking than the last. I can’t wait to start planning my next adventure, especially the one in Patagonia! Thank you for the inspiration!
Y2mateOfficial
What an incredible list! I’ve always wanted to tackle the Inca Trail, but the Umbria Trail in Italy looks equally enticing. Thanks for the inspiration!
Spencer
What an amazing compilation! Each of these treks looks more breathtaking than the last. I’ve been itching to add some new adventures to my bucket list, and this post definitely delivered inspiration! Can’t wait to share my trekking experiences too!
Tubidy
What an incredible list! Each trek seems more breathtaking than the last. I’m particularly excited to explore the landscapes of Torres del Paine and the cultural richness along the Inca Trail. Can’t wait to plan my next adventure! Thank you for sharing such inspiring content!
Adrian
I absolutely loved this list! Each trek seems more breathtaking than the last. I can’t wait to start planning my next adventure. Any tips for first-time trekkers tackling these routes?