So you’re looking for an adventure to get your blood pumping, adrenaline going and possibly the best full body workout with some pretty awesome scenery?
Here is a list of the best treks in the world to add to your bucket list. From the best day hikes in the world to some of the toughest hikes in the world that stretch across a few days/weeks, this list includes hikes for beginners as well as strenuous hikes for those looking for something a bit more hard-core.
Related Read: The Best Mountains to Climb Around the world
Let’s start with the first hike
1. Kungsleden
Where: Sweden
How long: 3 – 5 days
How far: 65 miles
When to go: August to Early September
The Kunsgleden hiking trail is a 275 mile traverse between Abisko in the north and Hemavan in the south of Sweden, however you can get the full experience in with the shorter trails (65 miles).
The trails range from easy pathways to rocky edges increasing difficulty. Huts are available to stopover for the night for a minimal fee. One of the highlights is Kebnekaise, Sweden’s highest mountain and centre of the Swedish alpinism. Visit this location for one of the best treks in the world at any level of difficulty.
2. Tour du Mont Blanc
Where: France, Italy, and Switzerland
How long: 10 days
How far: 104 miles
When to go: July to mid-September
The Tour du Month Blanc hiking trail travels through three different countries, over several mountain passes and along some of Europe’s most epic glaciers. This is one of the more famous long-distance hikes along the Alps. What makes the hike even more special is stopping over in the little villages scattered through the mountains. You can stop over in the villages for a delicious home-cooked meal and a comfortable bed each night before heading out for your next day of trekking.
This is one of the best treks in the world and is incredible aspirational due to the wonderful hotspots nearby.
If aren’t up for hiking, then join one of the day trips exploring Chamonix and Mont Blanc from Geneva, like this one.
3. The Snowman Trek
Where: Bhutan
How long: At least 25 days
How far: over 200 miles
When to go: April or October
A hike not for the faint hearted at all, The Snowman Trek has often been pegged as the most difficult hike in the world with many eager hikers not finishing due to the unpredictability of the weather. The hike can also be a fairly costly exercise, with the cost of the tour-guides (it is illegal to hike without one) and the daily fees from the Government to travel in the country adding to your bill. You will definitely feel proud of yourself for finishing this one!
If 25 days is a bit too long, the Laya Gasa Trek is said to be the second most beautiful hike (after Snowman Trek). Book the 17 day hike here.
4. Inca Trail
Where: Peru
How long: 4 days
How far: 26 miles
When to go: May to September
The Inca Trail takes you through 26 miles of gruelling inclines and declines. This hike is one of the most popular in the world, and it’s no surprise as you get to explore the jungle, take in the mountain scenery, wonder around old ruins and then end it all at the spectacular Machu Picchu. Definitely one of the most surreal experiences. Book the four-day trial with a professional guide here.
If the Inca Trail is booked you can always do the lesser-known Inca Jungle Trail.
5. Mount Kailash Pilgrimage
Where: Tibet
How long: 3 days
How far: 32 miles
When to go: April – September
Mount Kailash is not a destination for mountaineers, rather for those seeking a spiritual pilgrimage. There is much religious significance along the 32 mile traverse around the mountain. The Himalayan trek encompasses meditation sites at waterfalls, the sacred cave of Zuthal Puk and 18 600 foot Dolma La Pass. This 15 Days Kailash Pilgrimage Tour includes the hike as well as most of the major attractions of Lhasa, Shigatse, EBC and Nagri Area.
6. Laugavegurinn/Fimmvörðuháls Pass
Where: Iceland
How long: 4 days
How far: 50 miles
When to go: June – September
Laugavegurinn offers a hike of pure wilderness, with volcanoes, steaming fumaroles, lichen-covered volcanic rocks and views of copper-coloured rhyolite peaks. Remember to book your huts ahead of time as they fill up quickly in the busy season.
7. Fitz Roy Trek
Where: Argentina
How long: 36 miles
How far: 2 – 5 days
When to go: February – March
Mount Fitzroy is located in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares and is accessible from the small, but growing, the town of El Chalten in southern Argentina. There are dozens of different routes to take, all varying in distance. The views of Mount Fitzroy vary from site to site and greatly based upon the time of day and weather.
Enjoy the granite structures turn a rose hue at sunrise, end the wonderful show at night when the clouds thin out and wisp around the mountain peak. This is one of the best hikes in the world due to the incredible natural beauty surrounding this adventure.
Venture into the wild, snow-capped peaks of the Patagonian Andes on a 2-day small-group guided hiking tour from El Chalten.
8. Bibbulmun Track
Where: Australia
How long: 6 – 8 weeks
How far: 1 000 miles (divided into 9 sections)
When to go: September to November and March to May
Bibbulman Track is one of the longest walking trails in the world, stretching from Kalamunda in the Perth Hills, to Albany on the south coast, and winding through the heart of the scenic South West of Western Australia.
There are numerous different routes that you can take, from day walks to the full-on end-to-end hike that will take around 6 to 8 weeks to complete. This is one of the best treks in the world for hardcore hikers.
9. Yosemite Grand Traverse
Where: California, United States
How long: 60 miles
How far: 6 – 7 days
When to go: Mid-July to Mid-September
Hike through granite basins, meadows and waterfalls through the Yosemite National Park. The Yosemite Grand Traverse is part of the John Muir Trail and the Cathedral Range. For those afraid of hikes be prepared for the ascending Half Dome via the Cable Route. It’s no surprise that this is one of the best treks in the world.
10. Mount Kilimanjaro
Where: Tanzania
How long: 7 + days
How far: 35 miles
When to go: January, February or September
Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak, reaching 19,340 feet. There are various distances available, some for even the least experienced climbers. Experience what it’s like to be above the clouds as you go higher and higher. This can be considered one of the toughest hikes in the world due to its length and distance.
A less travelled route, Lemosho offers a more pristine trail to the summit, with lush rainforest and fabulous wilderness experiences – book the trek here.
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