There is a unique sense of liberation that comes from placing one foot in front of the other on a narrow dirt path, miles away from the nearest paved road. For many, trekking is more than just a physical activity; it is a spiritual journey, a mental reset, and a way to witness the rawest forms of Earth’s beauty. Whether it is the thin air of the Himalayas or the misty forests of the Andes, the best trekking and hiking routes across the world offer a transformative experience that stays with a traveler long after the boots are cleaned and stored away.
In recent years, adventure travel has seen a massive surge in popularity. People are increasingly looking to swap crowded city breaks for the serenity of the wilderness. However, choosing the right trail can be overwhelming. From "tea house trekking" in Nepal to "hut-to-hut" hiking in Europe, the options are as diverse as the landscapes themselves. In this guide, we will explore the best trekking and hiking routes across the world, providing you with in-depth insights into why these trails are legendary and how you can prepare for them.
Why Trekking is the Ultimate Form of Travel
Before we dive into our list, it is worth discussing why trekking is so vital in today’s fast-paced world. Unlike traditional tourism, where you are often a passive observer from a bus or a train, trekking makes you a participant in the landscape.
Mental Health Benefits: Science has repeatedly shown that spending time in nature reduces cortisol levels and helps alleviate anxiety.
Physical Endurance: It tests your limits and rewards you with a profound sense of accomplishment.
Cultural Immersion: Many of the best trekking and hiking routes across the world pass through remote villages where ancient traditions are still very much alive.
Environmental Awareness: Seeing the melting glaciers of the Alps or the pristine forests of Patagonia firsthand fosters a deep commitment to conservation.
1. Everest Base Camp, Nepal: The Roof of the World
When discussing the best trekking and hiking routes across the world, the journey to Everest Base Camp (EBC) is almost always at the top of the list. This isn't just a hike; it’s a pilgrimage to the highest mountain on Earth.
The Experience
The trek starts with a thrilling flight into Lukla, often called the world's most dangerous airport. From there, you wind your way through the Khumbu Valley, passing through the vibrant Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar. You’ll cross suspension bridges draped in prayer flags and walk past ancient monasteries while the peaks of Thamserku, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse loom overhead.
Key Insights
Difficulty: High (due to altitude).
Duration: 12 to 14 days.
Best Time to Visit: Pre-monsoon (March to May) and Post-monsoon (September to November).
Case Study: Many trekkers struggle with Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Successful trekkers are those who prioritize "acclimatization days" in Namche and Dingboche, proving that slow and steady truly wins the race in high-altitude trekking.
2. The Inca Trail, Peru: A Walk Through History
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is arguably the most famous hike in South America. It combines stunning mountain scenery with the mystery of an ancient civilization.
Why It’s Iconic
This trail is a 26-mile (42km) journey that culminates at the Sun Gate, where you get your first glimpse of the "Lost City of the Incas." Along the way, you traverse three high mountain passes, including the infamous "Dead Woman's Pass."
Trail Highlights
Historic Ruins: You don't just see Machu Picchu; you pass through Sayacmarca and Wiñay Wayna, ruins that many tourists never see.
Cloud Forests: The trail transitions from high alpine tundra to lush, orchid-filled cloud forests.
Pro-Tip: Permits are strictly limited and often sell out six months in advance. Always book through a licensed sustainable trekking agency to ensure the porters are treated fairly.
3. Tour du Mont Blanc, France, Italy, and Switzerland
If you prefer your mountain views paired with gourmet cheese and comfortable beds, the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is one of the best trekking and hiking routes across the world for you.
The Route
The TMB is a 170km loop that circles the Mont Blanc massif, passing through three different countries. It is the pinnacle of European trekking, offering a "hut-to-hut" experience where you can enjoy a multi-course French dinner after a 20km day of hiking.
Why You’ll Love It
Variety: Every day brings a new culture, a new language, and a new cuisine.
Accessibility: Unlike the Himalayas, the TMB is well-marked and doesn't reach extreme altitudes, making it a great choice for experienced hikers who want to avoid altitude sickness.
Distance: Approximately 11 days.
4. The W Trek, Torres del Paine, Chile
Patagonia is a land of extremes—massive glaciers, turquoise lakes, and granite spires that pierce the sky. The W Trek is the most accessible way to see the highlights of Torres del Paine National Park.
The "W" Shape
The trail is named after its shape, which takes you into three main valleys: the Ascencio Valley (to see the Towers), the French Valley (for the hanging glaciers), and the Grey Valley (for the massive Grey Glacier).
Anecdote: The Patagonian Wind
Hikers often tell stories of the "Patagonian Lean," where the wind is so strong you can literally lean into it without falling. It’s a reminder that on the best trekking and hiking routes across the world, nature is always in charge.
5. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania: Touching the Sky
Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in the world and the highest point in Africa. Unlike many other high-altitude peaks, "Kili" requires no technical climbing skills—just boots, poles, and a lot of grit.
The Five Ecosystems
One of the most fascinating aspects of Kilimanjaro is the ecological transition. You start in a tropical rainforest, move through moorlands and alpine deserts, and finally reach the arctic summit of Uhuru Peak.
Planning Your Trek
Routes: The Machame ("Whiskey") route is scenic and allows for better acclimatization, while the Marangu ("Coca-Cola") route offers hut accommodation.
Success Rate: To increase your chances, choose a 7 or 8-day itinerary. The "pole pole" (slowly, slowly) mantra of the local guides is the secret to reaching the summit.
6. The Milford Track, New Zealand: The Finest Walk in the World
New Zealand’s South Island is a hiker's paradise, and the Milford Track is its crown jewel. For over 100 years, it has been described as "the finest walk in the world."
What to Expect
This 53km trek takes you through glacial-carved valleys, past the towering Sutherland Falls (the tallest in NZ), and over the Mackinnon Pass. The journey ends at Sandfly Point, where you take a boat across the majestic Milford Sound.
Sustainability Focus
New Zealand takes conservation seriously. The Milford Track is one of the "Great Walks," meaning the number of hikers is strictly controlled to protect the delicate rainforest ecosystem. You must book your spots in the Department of Conservation (DOC) huts months in advance.
7. The Laugavegur Trail, Iceland: Fire and Ice
Iceland is like no other place on Earth, and the Laugavegur Trail showcases its most otherworldly landscapes. This trail is one of the best trekking and hiking routes across the world for those who love geology.
Surreal Landscapes
In just four days, you will see rainbow-colored rhyolite mountains, vast obsidian lava fields, steaming geothermal vents, and neon-green moss that looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie.
Essential Gear
Icelandic weather is notoriously unpredictable. You might experience sunshine, rain, and snow all in one afternoon. High-quality waterproof gear and a sturdy tent (if not staying in huts) are non-negotiable.
8. The Appalachian Trail, USA: The Long-Distance Legend
For those looking for a long-distance challenge, the Appalachian Trail (AT) is a 2,190-mile behemoth that stretches from Georgia to Maine.
Through-Hiking vs. Section Hiking
Through-Hikers: Those who attempt the entire trail in one season (typically 5–7 months).
Section Hikers: Those who tackle the trail in pieces over several years.
Community: The "AT" is famous for its trail culture, including "trail magic" where locals leave food and drinks for hikers.
Why it Ranks
It isn't just about the views; it's about the endurance and the community. It is a social trek where you meet people from all walks of life, all united by a single goal: to keep walking north.
9. The Kalalau Trail, Hawaii: Coastal Grandeur
Located on the island of Kauai, the Kalalau Trail provides the only land access to the rugged Na Pali Coast. It is frequently cited as one of the most beautiful—and dangerous—hikes in the United States.
The Beauty and the Peril
The trail hugs the side of lush green cliffs that drop 1,000 feet directly into the Pacific Ocean. "Crawler’s Ledge" is a particularly harrowing section where the path narrows significantly. However, the reward is Kalalau Beach, a secluded paradise that feels like the end of the world.
Logistics
You need a permit even for day-hiking past a certain point. This ensures the trail doesn't become overcrowded and remains a pristine wilderness experience.
10. GR20, Corsica: Europe's Toughest Trek
If the Tour du Mont Blanc sounds too easy, head to the island of Corsica for the GR20. It is widely considered the most difficult long-distance trail in Europe.
The Challenge
The trail runs diagonally across the island. It is rocky, steep, and requires occasional light scrambling. There are no easy days on the GR20, but the views of the Mediterranean from the rugged mountain spine are unparalleled.
Who is it for?
This trail is for fit, experienced hikers who enjoy technical terrain and don't mind basic mountain refuges.
Comprehensive Hiking Gear List for World-Class Treks
To conquer the best trekking and hiking routes across the world, you need the right equipment. Using the wrong gear can lead to blisters, hypothermia, or worse. Here is a baseline gear list:
1. Footwear
Hiking Boots: Look for waterproof (Gore-Tex) boots with high ankle support for rocky trails like the GR20.
Trail Runners: Increasingly popular for well-maintained trails like the PCT or AT.
Camp Shoes: Lightweight sandals (like Crocs or Tevas) to let your feet breathe at night.
2. Clothing (The Layering System)
Base Layer: Moisture-wicking wool or synthetic (never cotton).
Mid-Layer: A fleece or "puffy" down jacket for warmth.
Outer Layer: A high-quality waterproof and windproof shell.
3. Equipment
Backpack: 35–50 liters for hut-to-hut treks; 65+ liters for self-supported camping.
Trekking Poles: These are essential for saving your knees on long descents (especially in Nepal and Patagonia).
Hydration: A 2-liter bladder and a backup water purification system (like a Sawyer Squeeze or Katadyn BeFree).
Training and Preparation: How to Get Trail Ready
You cannot simply wake up and decide to hike Everest Base Camp. Preparation is the key to enjoying the best trekking and hiking routes across the world.
Physical Conditioning
Cardio: Focus on incline walking, stair climbing, and cycling to build lung capacity.
Strength Training: Don't ignore your core and glutes. Carrying a heavy pack requires a strong "posterior chain."
Practice Hikes: Wear your actual gear on local trails. This "breaks in" your boots and helps you identify hotspots before they become blisters.
Mental Preparation
Trekking is 70% physical and 30% mental. There will be days when it rains, your legs ache, and you want to quit. Developing a "trail mindset"—focusing on the small victories like reaching the next ridge—is what gets you to the finish line.
Sustainable Trekking: Leave No Trace Principles
As these routes become more popular, the impact on the environment increases. To ensure these remain the best trekking and hiking routes across the world for future generations, every hiker must follow the "Leave No Trace" (LNT) principles.
Plan Ahead and Prepare: Know the regulations and pack the right gear.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stay on the marked trail to prevent soil erosion.
Dispose of Waste Properly: "Pack it in, pack it out." This includes biodegradable items like orange peels, which can take years to decompose in cold climates.
Leave What You Find: Don't take rocks, plants, or artifacts.
Minimize Campfire Impact: Use a lightweight stove instead of building a fire.
Respect Wildlife: Observe from a distance; never feed animals.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Yield to uphill hikers and keep noise levels down.
Beginner-Friendly vs. Expert-Level Routes
Not all trails are created equal. If you are new to hiking, start with routes that offer better infrastructure.
For Beginners: Tour du Mont Blanc (Europe), West Highland Way (Scotland), or the Inca Trail (Peru). These have clear paths, plenty of support, and manageable altitudes.
For Experts: GR20 (Corsica), Snowman Trek (Bhutan), or the Huayhuash Circuit (Peru). These require high fitness levels, navigational skills, and the ability to handle extreme isolation.
Conclusion: Start Your Journey Today
The world is full of incredible paths waiting to be explored. Whether you choose to walk among the giants of the Himalayas or follow the historic paths of the Incas, the best trekking and hiking routes across the world offer a chance to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with yourself.
Every great journey begins with a single step—and perhaps a bit of research. Start by choosing a trail that matches your fitness level, gather your gear, and commit to the adventure. The mountains are calling, and they have much to teach those who are willing to listen.
Call to Action: Which of these legendary trails is on your bucket list? Have you conquered any of them already? Share your trekking stories and tips in the comments below! If you found this guide helpful, share it with your favorite hiking partner to start planning your next great adventure.
