Trekking adventure, the process of long distance hiking and camping in the wilderness, has been enjoyed by humans for thousands of years. However, there are many unique destinations and ways to enjoy trekking that may be new to you—and they’re worth adding to your bucket list! Here are fifteen trekking adventures that will make your jaw drop with both their natural beauty and their physical demands.
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, India
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is a three-week trek that will take you through some of the most beautiful sights in India, including Ladakh and Zanskar. You’ll get up close and personal with the pristine lakes of Dal Lake, Pangong Tso, Tsomoriri, Changu Lake, Manasarovar, Kailash and more.
The Overland Track, Australia
The Overland Track is one of the most famous treks in Australia. It takes about six days to complete, and covers about 100 miles of terrain including mountains, rainforests, and beaches. The track starts at Cradle Mountain (a world heritage site) in Tasmania and ends at Strahan on the west coast of Tasmania. There are also a few shorter walks that take you through areas not covered by the main track.
The Snowman Trek, Bhutan
The Snowman trek is a 16-day hike through rural Bhutan. The trail, which weaves up and down the country’s highest mountains, passes through diverse terrain and offers views of each of Bhutan’s four seasons. It’s not for the faint-hearted – there are more than 3,000 meters of elevation gain and loss on this trek. But if you’re looking for a challenge that’ll blow your mind, then this is it.
The Tour du Mont Blanc, France/Italy/Switzerland
The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the most challenging and stunning treks in the world. It’s a week-long journey that begins in France and ends in Italy, traversing through Switzerland. With over 10 passes and an elevation of 4,200 meters above sea level, it is not for the novice hiker. However, for those who are up to the challenge and have time to spare, this trek can be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have on earth.
The Haute Route, France/Switzerland
The Haute Route is a popular trekking route in the Alps that stretches from Chamonix, France to Zermatt, Switzerland. The name Haute Route means high route and refers to the high altitude of this trek. This 16-day trek crosses six mountain passes with an elevation gain of over 8,000 meters! The scenery on this trek is absolutely stunning with views of glaciers and snow-capped mountains.
The Kalalau Trail, Kauai, Hawaii
If you’re looking for a trek that will make your jaw drop, then look no further than the Kalalau Trail in Kauai. Located on the beautiful island of Kauai, the trail is considered one of the most dangerous trails in Hawaii. It’s not for those who are afraid of heights or tight spaces as there are many steep cliffs and narrow sections. In fact, this trail was once ranked as one of America’s most hazardous trails by Backpacker Magazine.
The Great Wall of China
This iconic landmark was built to protect the country from invaders and can be found in several provinces. The total length of the wall is an astounding 21,196 km, with about 8,851 km sections still intact. This is one of the most popular treks for many reasons: it has been featured in numerous movies such as Wolf Warrior and The Great Wall and it offers spectacular views of the countryside. It’s a challenging hike but well worth the effort!
The Routeburn Track, New Zealand
If you’re looking for a trek with jaw-dropping views, New Zealand’s Routeburn Track is the place to go. This hike starts at the beautiful Fox Glacier and continues on to Mt. Aspiring National Park, following the valley of the Routeburn River as it winds its way through forests and alpine meadows. The track offers stunning views of New Zealand’s Southern Alps, including Mt. Aspiring, Queenstown, and Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.
The John Muir Trail, California
The John Muir Trail is one of the most iconic treks in the world, and it’s not hard to see why. The 211-mile (340 km) trail winds its way through California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, starting from Yosemite National Park and ending at Mt. Whitney. It has been called one of the finest pieces of engineering in America. The trail is named after naturalist John Muir, who was instrumental in protecting Yosemite National Park for future generations to enjoy.
The Kumano Kodo, Japan
The Kumano Kodo is an ancient pilgrimage route through the mountains of Japan. The main temples on this route are Hongu, Nachi, Hayatama, and Nachi. Some consider this to be one of the most beautiful and spiritual treks in the world. It’s a challenging journey that can take anywhere from 3 days to 3 weeks depending on what you want to see along the way.
The Camino de Santiago, Spain
The Camino de Santiago is one of the most popular treks in the world. The trail has been traveled by pilgrims for more than a thousand years, and it remains a spiritual journey to this day. It spans 800 kilometers from France to Spain, passing through varied landscapes including forests, mountains, and coastal towns.
The Te Araroa Trail, New Zealand
The Te Araroa Trail is a long-distance hiking trail that stretches for over 2000 kilometers. From Cape Reinga on the tip of the North Island to Bluff at the bottom of the South Island. The trail is an amazing and challenging experience, offering mountain views. And expansive glaciers as well as remote beaches and dense rainforest in places.
The Appalachian Trail, USA
A 2,200-mile-long trail from Georgia to Maine, the Appalachian Trail is one of the most popular treks in America. The trail spans 14 states and can be walked in five months with a few breaks. It’s often called America’s footpath and was created by foresters in the 1930s as a way to promote their work. Famous landmarks along the way include Mount Washington, Roan Mountain, and Shenandoah National Park.
The Pacific Crest Trail, USA
The Pacific Crest Trail is one of the most popular treks in the world. It starts in Southern California, crosses into Oregon and Washington, and finishes at the Canadian border. The trail is 2,650 miles long and passes through 25 national parks. It’s also known as the longest hiking-only footpath in North America.
The Snowdonia Three Peaks, Wales
The Snowdonia Three Peaks trek is considered one of the most adventurous and challenging treks in the world. It has been called the ultimate mountain challenge for a reason. This hike consists of summiting three peaks–Snowdon, Glyderau, and Yr Wyddfa–in less than 24 hours, something that only a few hundred people have ever done successfully. The Snowdonia Three Peaks trek is not for the faint of heart.
