Hikes are enjoyed by many around the world, but the best ones are filled with breathtaking views, unique geological features, all with just the right level of isolation. There is no other feeling like crisp fresh air on a gorgeous hike, even if your ideal journey is a leisurely walk along the coast of France or climbing up one of the highest mountains in the UK – there is something for everyone.
We teamed up with our friends over at Baltic Travel Company who have rounded up the 10 best hiking trails that have an extra something special to stand above the rest. Each hike will leave you with a huge sense of accomplishment, so much so that you will be planning your next one! So read on to find out the all-time best hiking trials that have impressed many over the years…
1. Everest Base Camp Trek
Location: Nepal
Distance: 80 miles (130 km)
Time it takes: 13+ days
When to go? March to May, September to December
Many people have labelled this one of the best treks in the world and no doubt we can see why. The Everest Base Camp Trek gives you an insight into the highest summit on Earth. This is your chance to hike to the unique viewpoint of Kala Patar at sunset and to experience the wonderful mountain scenery of the Khumbu. Be sure to remember that this is a trek not a climb and for most parts it is on mountain paths with gentle gradients.
2. Bay of Fires
Location: Tasmania, Australia
Distance: 16 miles
Time: 4 days
When to go? October to May
This hike is filled with magnificent views. If you like white beaches, blue waters and orange granite then this is for you. The crisp air will awaken your sense as you get the opportunity to experience everything to do with wildlife and ecology. Crossing the dark blue waters of the Bass Strait, the coastline of Tasmania is in view. The hike relishes in the golden yellow line of sand teamed up against green countryside.
3. Queen Charlotte Track
Location: New Zealand
Distance: 45 miles (70 km)
Time: 3-5 days
When to go? September to May
The beauty that is New Zealand is clearly displayed on Queen Charlotte Track. The hike has been described as ‘perfect’ as the native bush and coastal views are second to none. The iconic adventure strenches from Ship Cove to Anakiwa where you will encoutnter the likes of weka, fantail, wood piegeon and if you’re lucky even seals! The track offers historical roots and the freedom to walk or mountain bike without heavy gear.
4. Mount Kilimanjaro
Location: Tanzania
Distance: Depends on which route you take
Time: 5-9 days
When to go? June to October
This dormant volcano is one of the best mountain hikes in the world – it is in fact Africa’s highest mountain. Kilimanjaro does have less wildlife in comparison to others, but it is home to many beautiful landscapes as well as nature which is unique to the area. Whilst climbing Kilimanjaro, trekkers will experience five distinct ecological zones on their way to the top. Each zone gets much colder and drier as the elevation increases. The summit is in the artic zone and is indicated by ice and rock.
5. Santa Cruz Trek
Location: Peru
Distance: 31 miles (50km)
Time: 4 days
When to go? April to October
The Santa Cruz Trek is saturated by lagoons, rivers, snow drenched mountains and valleys. The hike is mostly flat, but this is all in preparation for Punta Union which reaches the highest point of the trek at 4,750 meters. It is advised not to take the altitude lightly and to give yourself time to acclimate in Huaraz before you go such as the Laguna 69 – just to get a feel to how your body is coping.
6. GR20
Location: Corsica, France
Distance: 112 miles (180km)
Time: 15 days
When to go? June to September
GR20 has been labelled the toughest long-distance trail in Europe, it travels along Corsica diagonally from North to South. Despite the rugged nature, the hike is more than capable for most backpackers as it is well marked with regular accommodation and resupply facilities. The hike is full of granite peaks, it is named tough due to the loose rocky climb, unassisted scrambling alongside the Mediterranean heat. It is brutal on the mind and body but makes for a brilliant achievement.
7. Laugavegurinn
Location: Iceland
Distance: 34 miles (55km)
Time: 2-4 days
When to go? June to September
The sights you will see during this trail are astounding which is why people have yet to compare the landscape with any other. Just think ice caves, neon green valleys, rainbow coloured hills, river crossings and black volcanic deserts. In 2010 the eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano closed he trail but it has since been reopened which allows backpackers to live in the disruptive beasts aftermath. It is a once in a lifetime trek.
8. Mount Kailash Trek
Location: Tibet
Distance: 32 miles (52km)
Time: 2-3 days
When to go? May to October
This hike is treated as a pilgrimage by many different religions, thousands of visitors a year make this sacred to different religions. The twist is that you can’t climb the mountain as its believed to be a mortal sin, but the trek itself is filled with spectacular scenery with snow-capped summits, crisp valleys and blue lakes just to name a few. The average altitude of trekking is nearly 5,000m do it is a challenge for many pilgrims around the world and requires string perseverance.
9. Inca Trail
Location: Peru
Distance: 26 miles (43 km)
Time: 4-5 days
When to go? May to September
This trail will involve a lot of ascending and descending but is renowned as one of the best hikes in the world. This is one the most popular things to do in South America and is one of the world’s most famous hikes. The hike takes you along ancient narrow paths into the Peruvian countryside and high into the Andean mountains. It is gorgeous due to its perfect Incan ruins, cloud forest and majestic valley views. To top of the best multi day hike – you finish at the iconic Machu Picchu.
10. Torres del Paine W Circuit
Location: Patagonia, Chile
Distance: 37+miles (60+miles)
Time: 5-6days
When to go? October to March
The W circuit is one of the most recommended hikes you will ever find. Alongside the diverse landscape and striking pillars of granite, you will most likely meet some fellow hikers on the way. This is the perfect introduction to multi-day trekking with a place to stay each night although more challenging routes are available for the experienced hiker. The final leg runs down the Logo Grey teamed with cobalt blue ice floes up to the large glacier that stretches out towards the ice cap.
