The Top 10 Hikes in the World
Hiking is a great way to explore the natural beauty and diversity of our planet. Whether you are looking for a challenge, a scenic view, a cultural experience, or a combination of all three, there is a hike for you. Here are some of the best hikes in the world that you should add to your bucket list.
1. Everest Base Camp, Nepal
The Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most popular and rewarding hikes in the world. It takes you to the foot of the highest mountain on Earth, where you can admire the majestic peak of Mount Everest and the surrounding Himalayan range. Along the way, you will experience the rich culture and hospitality of the Sherpa people, who live in the high-altitude villages and monasteries. The trek is about 80 miles (130 km) round trip and takes about two weeks to complete. The highest point is Kala Patthar, at 18,193 feet (5,545 m), where you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the Everest region1.
2. Kungsleden, Sweden
Kungsleden, or The King’s Trail, is a long-distance hiking trail that spans 270 miles (435 km) in the far north of Sweden. The trail passes through the pristine wilderness of Lapland, where you can see glaciers, lakes, rivers, forests, and mountains. The trail is divided into four sections, each with its own character and difficulty. You can hike the whole trail in one go, which takes about a month, or choose a shorter section that suits your preference and time. Along the trail, there are huts and campsites where you can rest and replenish your supplies. The best time to hike Kungsleden is from June to September, when the weather is mild and the days are long. You can also witness the midnight sun in the summer or the northern lights in the autumn2.
3. Inca Trail, Peru
The Inca Trail is a historic and scenic hike that leads you to the ancient city of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The trail follows the footsteps of the Inca civilization, who built a network of roads and bridges across the Andes mountains. The trail is about 26 miles (42 km) long and takes four days to complete. You will see impressive archaeological sites, such as the Sun Gate, the Temple of the Moon, and the Wiñay Wayna, as well as diverse flora and fauna, such as orchids, hummingbirds, and llamas. The trail reaches its highest point at Dead Woman’s Pass, at 13,828 feet (4,215 m), where you will need to acclimatize to the altitude. The trail is limited to 500 people per day, so you need to book your permit well in advance3.
4. Milford Track, New Zealand
The Milford Track is a classic hike that showcases the stunning beauty of New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park. The track is 33 miles (53 km) long and takes four days to complete. You will walk through lush rainforests, alpine meadows, glacial valleys, and waterfalls, including the spectacular Sutherland Falls, the tallest waterfall in New Zealand. You will also cross the Mackinnon Pass, at 3,786 feet (1,154 m), where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the fiords and mountains. The track ends at the Milford Sound, a breathtaking fjord that is home to dolphins, seals, and penguins. The track is open from late October to late April, and you need to book your hut and transport in advance4.
5. Zion Narrows, USA
The Zion Narrows is a unique and adventurous hike that takes you through the narrowest section of Zion Canyon, in Zion National Park, Utah. The hike is 16 miles (26 km) long and takes one or two days to complete. You will walk in the Virgin River, which carved the canyon over millions of years, creating towering sandstone walls that reach up to 2,000 feet (610 m) high. The hike is a continuous feast for the eyes, as you will see different colors, shapes, and patterns on the rocks, as well as hanging gardens, waterfalls, and wildlife. The hike is best done from May to October, when the water level and temperature are moderate. You need a permit to hike the Zion Narrows, and you should check the weather and flash flood warnings before you go.
6. Tour du Mont Blanc, France, Italy, and Switzerland
The Tour du Mont Blanc is a circular hike that circumnavigates the Mont Blanc massif, the highest mountain in Western Europe. The hike is 105 miles (170 km) long and takes 10 to 12 days to complete. You will cross three countries, France, Italy, and Switzerland, and experience different cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. You will hike through alpine meadows, glaciers, forests, and valleys, and see some of the most iconic peaks in the Alps, such as the Matterhorn, the Grand Jorasses, and the Aiguille Verte. You will also pass by charming villages and cozy huts, where you can enjoy the local hospitality and food. The hike is best done from June to September, when the weather is clear and the flowers are in bloom.
7. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. It is also one of the most accessible and popular peaks to climb, as it does not require any technical skills or equipment. However, it is still a challenging and rewarding hike, as you will ascend from the tropical savanna to the arctic summit, passing through five different climate zones. The hike is about 40 miles (64 km) long and takes five to nine days to complete, depending on the route and the acclimatization. The highest point is Uhuru Peak, at 19,341 feet (5,895 m), where you will be greeted by a stunning sunrise and a sense of achievement. The hike is open all year round, but the best time to go is from January to March or from June to October, when the weather is dry and stable.
8. GR20, Corsica, France
The GR20, or Grande Randonnée 20, is a long-distance hiking trail that crosses the island of Corsica, France. The trail is 112 miles (180 km) long and takes 15 days to complete. It is considered one of the most difficult and beautiful hikes in Europe, as it traverses rugged mountains, deep gorges, dense forests, and crystal-clear lakes. The trail is divided into two parts, the northern and the southern, each with its own character and difficulty. The northern part is more challenging and technical, while the southern part is more gentle and scenic. The trail reaches its highest point at Monte Cinto, at 8,878 feet (2,706 m), where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the island and the sea. The trail is open from June to September, and you need to book your accommodation in advance.
9. Tiger Leaping Gorge, China
Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest and most scenic gorges in the world, located in the Yunnan province of China. The gorge is formed by the Jinsha River, a tributary of the Yangtze River, which cuts through the Haba Snow Mountain and the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The hike is about 14 miles (22 km) long and takes two or three days to complete. You will walk along the high trail, which follows the upper rim of the gorge, and see stunning views of the river, the mountains, and the terraced fields. You will also pass by local villages, where you can experience the culture and hospitality of the Naxi people, who live in the area. The hike is best done from March to May or from September to November, when the weather is pleasant and the flowers are in bloom.
10. W Trek, Torres del Paine, Chile
The W Trek is a spectacular hike that takes you to the heart of the Torres del Paine National Park, in the Patagonia region of Chile. The hike is named after the shape of the trail, which resembles the letter W, and covers some of the most iconic landmarks of the park, such as the Torres del Paine, the French Valley, and the Grey Glacier. The hike is about 50 miles (80 km) long and takes four to five days to complete. You will hike through diverse landscapes, such as glaciers, lakes, rivers, forests, and mountains, and see a variety of wildlife, such as guanacos, condors, and pumas. You can stay at campsites or refuges along the trail, where you can enjoy the amenities and the views. The hike is best done from October to April, when the weather is mild and the days are long.
Hiking is a wonderful way to discover the world and yourself. It can challenge you physically and mentally, but also reward you with unforgettable experiences and memories. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, there is a hike for you among the top 10 hikes in the world.
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