Best Hiking Trails in the World


Best Hiking Trails in the World

Hiking is a wonderful adventure, combining an external and internal journey. Below are some of the most famous hiking trails on the planet. Some of them can be booked with us. If a route is available for booking, we have left a link under its description.

Cordillera Blanca - Llanganuco Trek (Peru)

The city of Huaraz in northern Peru is the starting point for many amazing hikes in the Cordillera Blanca mountains. The Llanganuco Trek is considered one of the most beautiful trekking routes in South America. The trail leads past Alpamayo (5947m), recognized by many as one of the most impressive peaks in the world, then through Taulliraju (5830m) to the foot of Peru's highest mountain - Huascaran (6738m). This area is popular among climbers conquering the icy peaks of the Cordillera Blanca. In this mountain range, there are 22 peaks over 6000 meters and 35 peaks over 5500 meters. In addition, the route is in demand among hikers, although there are noticeably fewer of them than on the Inca Trail. This is regrettable, as the Llanganuco hike is much more picturesque than the famous Inca Trail.

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (Peru)

Undoubtedly, this is the most famous hiking trail in South America. On the classic route, a group departs by car from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, and then to the 82nd kilometer marker, where the hike begins. Over the next four days, they advance through lush tropical forests, deep canyons, and high mountain passes. The Inca Trail is part of an ancient network of trails used by the Incas within their vast empire. The hike culminates when trekkers pass through the Sun Gate, revealing the ruins of the lost city of the Incas - Machu Picchu.

Kora around Mount Kailash (Tibet)

Kora around Mount Kailash (Tibet)

Mount Kailash is located in western Tibet. This peak is considered the center of the universe and sacred to four religions. In particular, Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims from Tibet and India undertake the Kora - a pilgrimage walk around the mountain. In a survey on the website Walkopedia.net, users rated this hike as the best in the world. Some hardy Tibetans complete the Kora in one day, while devoted nomads choose to perform a full prostration at each step, encircling the mountain in three weeks! Most foreigners take three days to complete the journey. Along the way, they cross the Dolma-La pass at an altitude of 5648 meters. This is a short, but challenging hike, accompanied by breathtaking cultural impressions.

Trek to Everest Base Camp (Nepal)

Kora around Mount Kailash (Tibet)

A popular classic! And perhaps the most famous hiking route in the world. After more than 20 years of trekking in the Everest region, we have no doubt about the most beautiful and impressive path to reach Everest Base Camp. It goes through the remote Gokyo Valley, crosses the Cho-La pass, and leads to Everest Base Camp and the summit of Kala Patthar (5645m) with a view of the majestic Everest. Here you really find yourself in the heart of the Himalayas. Along the way, you'll see four of the world's highest peaks over 8000 meters, as well as one of the most beautiful mountains on the planet - Ama Dablam (6856m).

Annapurna Base Camp (Nepal)

Another classic Nepalese trekking route, popular for good reason. The hike passes through some of Nepal's most diverse landscapes, including cozy villages, terraced fields, and rugged high-mountain regions. From the start, there are views of some of the greatest and most beautiful Himalayan peaks, such as Fish Tail Machapuchare (6990m) and Annapurna (8091m). The trail ascends through the scenic Modi Khola valley, through dense rhododendron and bamboo forests to the alpine landscapes of Machapuchare Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp at an altitude of 4130 meters. Here you are surrounded by icy giants: Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna III (7555m), Khangsar Kang (7485m), Gangapurna (7454m), Annapurna South (7219m), and Hiunchuli (6441m).

Manaslu Trek - Tsum Valley Ceremony

The trek around the world's eighth-highest peak, Manaslu (8153m), is considered by many experts to be one of the most beautiful in the Himalayas. It has also become possible to visit the hidden and untouched Tsum Valley, which until recently was closed to tourists. Tsum is located on the very border with Tibet, and people here live the same way as they did centuries ago. Until the last few years, the Manaslu trek was a real “off the beaten path” experience, with camping and rare encounters with other travelers. It has changed and now there are teahouses along most of the route and more tourists, which affects the experience.

Base Camp of Kanchenjunga (Nepal)

This trek is my favorite in the Himalayas. The journey to the foot of the world's third-highest peak, Kanchenjunga (8586m), located in remote eastern Nepal on the border with Sikkim, is, in my opinion, the most scenic, diverse, and underrated trekking route in the Himalayas. Here you truly find yourself “off the beaten path,” with fantastic cultural and natural impressions. The trail leads along the Tamur River through deep gorges, terraced landscapes, small villages, and virgin forests, before reaching the wild alpine edge. The route passes by the peak of Jannu to Pang Pema and the base camp of Kanchenjunga at an altitude of 5150 meters. Here you are surrounded by the giant snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, before crossing the Mirgin La pass to the south side of Kanchenjunga. Very few tourists visit this area, and the locals live as they did centuries ago. A long and difficult journey, but it's worth it!

Trek on the Frozen Zanskar River (India)

The winter "Chadar" trek along the frozen Zanskar River is a thrilling adventure that takes you into the heart of the Himalayas in the midst of the icy winter season. Half of the year, the remote villages in the Zanskar region of northern India are almost cut off from the outside world due to snow in the passes. But by following the ancient trade route along and on the frozen river, you can reach these settlements. Temperatures often drop to -30°C, and the hike is suitable only for the most daring adventurers. But you will see amazing winter landscapes and incredibly hardy people living in the extreme conditions of the remote valleys. The hike also offers unique cultural experiences – in the villages and Buddhist monasteries located high above the entrances to the Zanskar and Ladakh valleys, like eagle nests. Truly an incredible hike in harsh conditions.

Base Camp of K2 (Pakistan)

The challenging trek to the foot of the world's second-highest peak, K2. The route via the Baltoro Glacier to Concordia, the base camp of K2, and further through the technically difficult Gondogoro La pass is considered one of the greatest hiking adventures in the world. The Karakoram mountains in northern Pakistan are perhaps the wildest mountain region on the planet, and on this route, you get it all: Nanga Parbat, Trango Towers, Masherbrum, Broad Peak, and K2, along with many other Himalayan giants. Concordia is called the "Throne of the Gods," from where you have an indescribable 360-degree panorama of K2 and a whole range of seven-thousanders. Due to political instability and security risks in northern Pakistan, the depths of the Karakorams are primarily visited only by expeditions to K2 and other eight-thousanders in this region.

Milford Track (New Zealand)

Milford Track (New Zealand)

New Zealanders themselves call the Milford Track the "Finest Walk in the World." Indeed, this 53-kilometer, 4-day route through Fiordland National Park is an incredibly beautiful hike through the picturesque and wild part of New Zealand. The trail leads hikers through magnificent views of jagged mountain peaks, steep gorges, and majestic waterfalls. It meanders along raging rivers, through lush green tropical forests, and ascends through the McKinnon Pass to end at Milford Sound. Most travelers stay overnight in shelters along the route.

Around Mont Blanc (France, Italy, Switzerland)

Hiking around Mont Blanc through three countries - France, Italy, and Switzerland - at the foot of Mount Mont Blanc. It offers bare passes, alpine landscapes, small villages, and giant glaciers. This is a classic mountain trek from refuge to refuge through the European Alps. The Mont Blanc massif has attracted mountaineers and hikers from around the world for centuries, offering snowy peaks, glaciers, alpine history, and cultural diversity. Combined with exquisite French and Italian cuisine, this area becomes a paradise for mountain hikes and must be on the list of essential routes.

Trek through Mustang (Nepal)

Trek through Mustang (Nepal)

Mustang is called the "Hidden Kingdom" - it is located in northwestern Nepal, on the border with Tibet. This ancient wind kingdom is geologically part of the Tibetan Plateau but is culturally closely connected to Tibet. The classic trekking route follows the Kali Gandaki Valley north from Jomsom to Lo Manthang. The hike from Jomsom to Lo Manthang takes five days, and it's worth spending at least two days in the Lo Manthang area before returning south. On Walkopedia.net, the Mustang trek was rated the second-best trekking route in the world, and it is indeed unique. The trail passes through a wind-eroded desert landscape with wildly eroded mountains and gorges, through ancient Tibetan villages with mani prayer wheels, fluttering prayer flags, and villagers whose faces are as wind-carved as the surrounding mountains.

High Route in the Dolomites (Italy)

The Dolomites, also known as the Italian Alps, are a beautiful mountain chain listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The peaks reach over 3000 meters, with Marmolada (3343m) being the highest point. The famous high route Alta Via 1 runs at altitudes from 1400 to 2400 meters around the Pelmo, Civetta, and San Sebastiano-Tamer massifs through Talvenu. The hike leads from refuge to refuge with views of other mountain groups of the Dolomites: Marmolada, Sella, Col di Lana, Lagaciu, Tofana, Fanes, and Dolomiti Ampezzane. Along the way, you'll have unparalleled views of jagged grey peaks, wild passes, green alpine meadows where herds of cows and goats graze, and picturesque valleys with small villages. Definitely, one of the most beautiful hiking routes in Europe.

Simien Mountains (Ethiopia)

The highest mountain massif in Africa – the Simien Mountains in Ethiopia. The source of the Blue Nile begins here, and the vast Simien National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site at risk. But the park itself covers only a small part of the Simien Mountains. This stunning region with deep canyons, huge valleys, and an endless array of high peaks reaching 4500 meters is truly magnificent. On steep slopes, you can see geladas – Ethiopian monkeys with a characteristic mane resembling a lion's, wild sheep, and wolves. The 10-day trekking route goes through the Afro-alpine highlands at an altitude of over 3000 meters. If you climb to the highest peak in Ethiopia and the fourth highest in Africa, Ras Dashen, you'll ascend to 4620 meters.

Hiking in Patagonia (Argentina and Chile)

Hiking in Patagonia (Argentina and Chile)

Trekking through Los Glaciares National Park with views of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre in Argentina and Torres del Paine in Chile is definitely on the list of the world's best hiking trails. The path runs through the most magnificent mountain areas that Chile and Argentina can boast of. The hike is divided into two areas: Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina and Torres del Paine in Chile. Most start their journey in Los Glaciares National Park, where some of Latin America's most famous peaks - Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre - soar into the sky. These wild mountains are surrounded by melting glaciers and reflected in smooth lakes. It is recommended to visit El Calafate and the famous Perito Moreno Glacier - the third-largest glacial mass in the world. Then along the legendary "Ruta 40," you'll reach Torres del Paine National Park. Here you can go hiking between the Grey, French, and Ascencio valleys, which offer views of the iconic granite monoliths that gave the park its name.

Markha Valley (India)

The Markha Valley itself runs parallel to the Indus Valley, separated by the Stok ridge. The Markha River flows along the valley floor, and beautiful trails adorned with colorful Buddhist stupas and prayer flags fluttering in the wind meander along its slopes. The landscape changes from narrow canyons to open plains and summer pastures where valley residents graze their cattle. Plus, there are scenic stops near small villages. The standard version of the hike includes two fairly challenging passes and several river crossings. The journey begins with the Gandha La pass at 4950 meters and after several days of delightful trekking crosses the Indus Valley through the Gongmaru La pass at 5250 meters. The hike ends at Hemis, where one of the largest monasteries or gompa of Ladakh is located.

Lingshi Laya Trek (Bhutan)

Among trekking guides, it is said that the most beautiful girls in the Himalayas live in Laya! And if there is a real Shambhala, it's only in Bhutan. The only Buddhist kingdom in the world is undoubtedly a small corner of paradise that few have heard of and many consider a closed country. Bhutan is not closed at all, it just has a regulated tourist policy. There are countless opportunities for exciting extra-class hikes, and the best of them is probably the Lingshi Laya trek. The route passes by the base camp of Chomolhari and the fortress-monastery in Lingshi, to the northern side of the Himalayas and the remote villages of Laya. Here you will meet authentic, untouched Tibetan culture. Locals wear traditional clothes unchanged for centuries. In short, the Lingshi Laya trek is a colossal adventure!

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