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12 of the World’s Top Trekking Destinations
Any serious trekker or backpacker is going to have their own version of the world’s top trekking destinations.
My choices are based on experience, reading, chatting with fellow hikers and what’s still on my wish list. In my mind the treks have to offer great beauty and at least three days worth of walking.
Here’s my version of 12 of the World’s Top Trekking Destinations
North America
- West Coast Trail in British Columbia
The West Coast Trail is a physically demanding 75 kilometer hike stretching from Port Renfrew in the south to Bamfield in the north along the west coast of Vancouver Island. If you’re lucky enough to have sun for the entire hike then this is a glorious introduction to temperate rain forests and the stunning beaches of Canada’s west coast. In rain it’s a tough slog through mud. Ideally allow 6-8 days.
One of the beautiful beaches along the West Coast Trail
One of the many ladders on the West Coast Trail
- Chilkoot Trail in Alaska and British Columbia
The Chilkoot Trail begins on tidewater in Alaska and climbs up and over mountains in British Columbia. It presents a unique backpacking opportunity, as this is a trail rich with history. It was the main trail used in the famous Klondike Gold Rush of the late 1800′s. An international crowd of literally tens of thousands, fuelled by dreams of riches, used the Chilkoot Trail to chase the gold in the Yukon. Most suffered incredible hardship, many never even made it and only a few got rich. Today on the trail you’ll find plenty of reminders of their epic journey. You’ll also enjoy fantastic scenery, picturesque campsites and an international border at the top of the pass. Allow 4-5 days.
The Canadian side of the pass on the Chilkoot Trail
South America
- Cordillera Blanca (Alpamayo Circuit) in Peru
The trek through Peru’s Cordillera Blanca takes you within walking distance of Alpamayo, a spectacular mountain called by some the most beautiful on earth. It’s a remote trek and all food must be taken with you. Donkeys and a donkey driver can be engaged for nominal fee at the trailhead. You reach altitudes of over 15,000 feet and cross many passes so acclimatization is important. Hike in June, July and August when it’s consistently sunny but be prepared for bone chilling nights. Allow 8-10 days.
The beginning of the trek - with Perferio our donkey driver/guide and 2 donkeys
- Paine Circuit in Chile
Torres del Paine down in southern Chile offers a 5-10 day hike (depending on which version you do) through an area of soaring granite peaks, lakes, glaciers and forests. UNESCO world heritage status has been conferred upon the park because of its unique landscape and ecosystem. The area is known for its fierce winds (in excess of 100 mph) and uncertain weather. Hike between the months of October to April for long hours of daylight.
Europe
- Tour of Mont Blanc in France, Italy and Switzerland
The hiker’s Tour of Mont Blanc is a 168 kilometer loop tour around the base of Mount Blanc which is the highest peak in western Europe at 4810m or 15,782 feet tall. Hikers usually begin just outside of Chamonix, France if they’re hiking the traditional counter clockwise direction or they start in Champex, Switzerland if it’s the clockwise direction they’re doing. No matter what, you hike through three countries – France, Italy and Switzerland over a 9-11 day period.
- Alta Via 2 in Italy
The Alta Via 2 takes you through the stunning scenery of the Italian Dolomites and begins just south of the Austrian border. It’s a 75 kilometer trek that usually takes 6-8 days. If you’re challenged by exposure then this hike might not be for you especially on the sections known as the via ferrata -the road with irons. You have the option of staying in mountain huts rather than camping and much of the food can be purchased along the way.
- West Highland Way in Scotland
The West Highland Way is Scotland’s first official and now famous long distance walk. It stretches 95 miles (152 kilometers) from Milngavie in the south to Fort William in the north. You can enjoy some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery on this walk – including the views from Conic Hill and Devil’s Staircase, desolate walking across Rannoch Moor and plenty of Loch Lomond and Ben Lomond views. It’s a 5-8 day trek and best done between May and early October.
Views of Loch Tulla and the wooded islands
Africa
- Toubkal Circuit in Morocco
The Toubkal Circuit is primarily a summer trek through the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Spectacular scenery is the order of the day – from the Tichka Plateau through to gorges, forest and remote Berber villages. Allow about two weeks, and a day or two more if you plan to climb Mount Toubkal.
Australia and New Zealand
- Overland Track in Tasmania
I did this trek well before it was discovered by the mainstream backpacking crowd (30 years ago) and what a stunning trek it was complete with wallabies at nighttime at the huts. Go prepared for inclement weather and lots of hiking in mud. You’ll pass by spectacular Cradle Mountain, numerous lakes and interesting vegetation. Allow 5-7 days to complete the 73 kilometers. Our Hiking Blog, an Australian blog offers an ebook on how to hike the Overland Track. I guess it’s a lot more complicated now.
- The Milford Track in New Zealand
I don’t think flying over the Milford Track counts but because I did do that I know that there is superlative mountain and fjord scenery on offer. It’s one of New Zealand’s most popular treks, taking on average four days to trek 53 kilometers. Hike through temperate rain forests and through groves of beech trees. Book well in advance as the walk is highly regulated and the huts fill quickly.
Asia
Although the trek sees throngs of hikers you can’t help but be wowed at some of the highest mountains on the planet. Drop dead gorgeous mountain scenery and the sherpa culture conspire to make this a winning two week trek. It’s been cleaned up considerably in the last few years too. You’ll also get the chance to visit a Buddhist Monastery in the middle of the Himalayas.
- Snowman Trek in Bhutan
You’re going to need a month to do the Snowman Trek and to allow a few days for rests. Plus you’ll have to hike with a tour company. What you get in return is a hike through a pristine landscape of rhododendron forests and big mountain scenery plus the chance to pass through small villages and Buddhist monasteries.
Further reading that might be of interest include:
- 10 of our Favourite Long Distance Walks in the UK
- Donkeys for Rent: How we Hiked the Cordillera Blanc in Peru
- What’s the better hike? – The Kerry Way or the Dingle Way in Ireland?
- The Best of List for the Cumbria and West Highland Ways
- Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc: Itinerary and Where to Stay
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14 Responses to 12 of the World’s Top Trekking Destinations
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I’ve been all over the world – to all continents but Antarctica and to a grand total of 53 countries. I’ve always got some sort of an adventure planned – even if it’s only a weekend. I thrive on change and travel provides that.
Feel free to email me at
leighmcadamtravels@gmail.com
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Wow, some amazing looking treks here.
We aren’t hardcore hikers so loved the 5 day hike we did in the Annapurna region of Nepal. You stay at little guesthouses on the way so don’t have to carry camping equipment and food, and you can go at your own pace. The scenery is spectacular.
I agree, seems like there are enough tips for the rest of my trekking career.
I was happy to find West Highland Way in Scotland on the list, since I am about to go there this summer. I wanted to do the trip earlier during the spring, but friends of mine persuaded me to postpone it as the weather in the mountains may get unpleasant around this time of the year.
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You can download my free West Highland Way hiking guide if you need more info too – http://hikebiketravel.com/eguide-store-bike-tours-adventure-travel-hiking-walking-tours/europe/west-highland/. I’m sure you’ll have a great time but do mentally go prepared to have some rain.
Hey Leigh,
This is a great list. Thanks for including the Overland Track in Tasmania (and our guide)
It has not really become a lot more complicated to do now. We initially wrote the guide to help time poor people organise the trip from outside Tasmania.
It is a bit tricky to organise flights, transfers, passes etc so we packaged it into a step by step guide to help people get organised with the least amount of hassle.
The other thing we really tried to emphasise (trying not to do a sales job here) is the best gear, food and tips we could give people. The Overland Track is often many peoples first long, unsupported multiday walk. Many do it totally unprepared and get into trouble with blisters, heavy packs, hypothermia etc……
P.s. MUST get over to BC, the walking looks great!
Frank
Thanks for adding your two bits & clarifying the information about the Overland Track.
Lots of great hiking trails, hopefully I can do the West Coast trail this year. I would also add the Kungsleden in Sweden to the list
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I haven’t been to Sweden yet but between kayaking and trying your suggested hike I think I would find an amazing assortment of things to do.
Great selection you have made, very helpful for deciding where to go.
There is also an interesting list in Wikiexplora.com,
they have a top 10 list, a top 50 and an honorable mention list.
The specific link is:
http://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php/Best_Treks_/_Hikes_of_the_World,_top_100.
Good luck and thanks for this nice selection
Maybe you should consider to include the Haute Route in France/Switzerland
The Haute Route looks like a fantastic hiking experience. The only reason it wasn’t included was because I was trying to bring more geographic breadth to the list – and I didn’t want to be too Euro centric.
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I had to post this in the forum column after returning from our trek since my boyfriend and I had the absolute best time trekking in the Everest region!
His name is Sanjib Adhikari and his email is sanjib-adhikari@hotmail.com, he is licensed by the country of Nepal and has been a trekking guide for over 12 years.
I found him through the posted forums when I was inquiring about trekking since my boyfriend and I only had 5 days to trek and really wanted to see mount Everest. He was able to customize a plan to get us as close as possible. We had a blast!!! I’d love to send you photo’s of our trek and trust me there was a part when we were climbing the hill to get to Namche and I thought I was going to die!!!!! Sanjib was so patient and his knowledge of the mountain area and all of Nepal is commendable! We met up with a couple of other people trekking and had a blast hanging out in one of the places to stay and even the other people were asking Sanjib about routes to take and length of time it would take to get to base camp.
He is a smart, honest and genuine person and guide! Even after the trek we met up in Thamel and hung out for 2 days seeing the sights around Kathmandu and Patan. Sanjib not only knows the Everest region but all around Nepal and I highly recommend him!!!!
Please contact me if you need more info or would like to see pictures from Facebook-:
Sanjib-adhaikri@hotmail.com
My boyfriend and I also used this guide whilst we were out in Nepal – we were recommended by a friend who used him when she did Everest Base Camp. We decided to do the Annapurna Circuit plus base camp.
We met with Sanjib in Kathmandu when we arrived in Nepal and we told him what we wanted to do and how much time we had etc. He told us about a few trips that were possible and we eventually came up with this one.
It was the most amazing trip and wouldn’t have been the same without him and Ram our porter (
We spent 20 days trekking in November 2011 and Sanjib was able to answer all of our questions from the birds to the trees to the mountains and religion. It was a very cultural trek with so much history.
Some people say that it is possible to do the trek without a guide, which may be true but you miss so much when you are on your own and we learnt such a lot from Sanjib which meant that we understood so much more of Nepal when we visited different areas.
We paid all of our money to him up front, which we were dubious about at the start as we didn’t know him but I wouldn’t say that this was a problem at all.
He made sure we were happy and safe and had full bellies at all times and made sure that we knew everything about altitude sickness which we didn’t get in the end thanks to his slower pace higher up and aclimatisation walks. We also took Diamox, under his recommendation and we were both fine and only suffered a bit of tingling in our faces (a side effect of the drug)!
I would recommend Sanjib to ANYONE that was thinking about going trekking in Nepal, I would love to go back and visit him and do another trek with him when I have the time! There are so many guides out there that claim to do everything that he does but I wouldn’t choose anyone without a recommendation because you hear so many stories about dodgy guides and it would be so sad to lose your money and have a bad experience.
Feel free to email me if you have any questions and enjoy your trek!
Email to him-:sanjib-adhikari@hotmail.com
http://www.nepalguideinfo.com
http://www.nepaltreckingguide.jimdo.com
Really decent selection and rather disappointed that I’ve only done one of these! Would definitely reccommend the Wakhan Corridor in Afghanistan – IO went there with http://www.wildfrontiers.co.uk last year and while it is expensive, it really is as unique as they come. For mountain scenery, the trek up to K2 Base Camp in Pakistan is seriously special too – rivals anything I’ve done in Nepal.
@Alan There’s a never ending supply of great hikes to do isn’t there. That’s an out there kind of trek you did last year. Did you feel safe? I bet the scenery was outstanding and rarely seen by a westerner.