Top Hiking Destinations Around the World

You will never run out of options for adventure, as hiking can provide transformative opportunities for you through nature, culture and even a little self-discovery. Whether you look for mountainous hiking or tropical rainforests; essentially, you can look anywhere in the world. It will be difficult to not identify a memorable hike. So, from the super extreme trekker to the timid beginner with a backpack and a plan, the hiking environment will be perfectly unique in its diversity and memory with these top hiking destinations.

Top Hiking Trails Around the Globe You Should Explore

Inca Trail, Peru

• Distance: 26 miles (42km)
• Time: 4 days
• Optimal season: May through September

The Inca Trail, the infamous one that ends at Machu Picchu, is without a doubt the most recognizable hike in South America. Over four days, you will move from foggy cloud forests, ancient ruins and beautiful Andean landscapes to the “Sun Gate”, which is your first horizon view of the breathtaking Machu Picchu. Because of the popularity of the Inca Trail, there are limited permits available to this trek so it is best to book early.

Tour du Mont Blanc, Europe

• Distance: 110 miles (170km)
• Time: 10-12 days
• Best Season: June through September

The Tour du Mont Blanc is a real alpine experience and crosses 3 countries: France, Italy, and Switzerland.

This incredible hike goes around the tallest peak in western Europe and offers a variety of scenery, including gorgeous meadows of wildflowers and glacier carved valleys. Since most of the hikes are travelling through multiple countries, often times travelers will need to present a Schengen travel visa to travel along a route the traditional way without worrying.

Trek to Everest Base Camp, Nepal

• Distance: 80 miles (130 kilometers)
• Time: 12 -14 days
• Best Time To Visit: March – May & September – November

For most, the trek to Everest Base Camp is a significant trek that is partly a physical endurance and partly a mental endurance experience. Travelers will see Sherpa villages, Buddhist temples and stunning scenery of the Himalayas. Altitude can be difficult, but standing at the base of the worlds tallest peak is not an experience that can be many can say they have done.

Laugavegur Route, Iceland

• Distance: 34 miles (55 kilometers)
• Time: 4 – 5 days
• Best Time To Visit: July – August

The Laugavegur Trail gives travelers fascinating access to the volcanic center of Iceland in the far reaches of the world where people have known the area and landscape to be like no other. Hikers will walk through dark lava fields, colors of the rainbow peaks and thermal springs. Although it is a smaller distance, trail conditions can be unpredictable, and you will want to be as prepared as possible.

Because Iceland is part of the Schengen region, some non-EU visitors will need a Schengen travel visa to visit and hike.

Overland Track – Australia

• Distance: 40 miles (roughly 65 km)
• Duration: 6 days
• Best Times to Go: October to May

This gem in Tasmania passes through Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park and boasts beautiful flora, mountain scenery, and glacial lakes. You will need to book ahead, due to limited numbers allowed on the trail during the peak season.

W Trek – Torres del Paine National Park – Chile

• Distance: 50 miles (80 km)
• Duration: 4 to 5 days
• Best Times to Go: November to March

The W-Trek in Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia is a legend, notable for its “W” shape along the route, eye-popping lakes, and colossal glaciers and granite spires. The W-Trek is a classic; prepare yourself for the winds, unbelievable views, and unforgettable sunrises.

Drakensberg Grand Traverse – South Africa

• Mileage: 140 miles (230 kilometers)
• Duration: 14 to 16 days
• Best Times to Go: April to September

The Drakensberg Grand Traverse is not for inexperienced walkers, as solitude and challenges await. The Grand Traverse goes through rugged mountains, deep valleys and ancient San rock art.
The trek can be regarded as a self-supported, multi-day trek relying solely on ones navigation and planning skills.

Kalalau Trail, Hawaii, USA

• Distance: 11 miles (18 km) each way
• Timeframe: 2-3 days
• Best Season: May – September

The Kalalau Trail stretches along the Na Pali Coast of Kauai Island and is characterized by spectacular cliffs, ocean scenery, scenes of tropical lushness that change constantly, and is likely one of the most scenic hikes in the United States. The Kalalau Trail may also be one of the most dangerous hikes due to unanticipated weather forecast changes based on the landscape being aligned with the summer trade winds. Overnight camping requires permits or reservations.

Dolomites, Italy

• Main Routes: Alta Via 1 and 2
• Timeframe: 6-10 days
• Best Season: June – September

Native most Italian mountains boast some of the most beautiful hiking trails in Europe with jagged limestone peaks, mountain huts, and beautiful views. Popular trails like Alta Via 1 are well-marked, with some very nice rifugios (mountain huts) available. Note that non-EU citizens will need a valid Schengen travel visa in place to visit this destination.

Annapurna Trek, Nepal

• Distance: 100-145 miles (160-230 km)
• Timeframe: 12-20 days
  Best Season: March – May, October – November

The Annapurna Circuit has the best of nature and culture. The trek can be completed in a variety of climates, from a sub-tropical forest to high mountain passes. The views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu are spectacular. This is one of the best hikes in Asia.

Final Thoughts

Hiking trails everywhere are not only a great visual experience but also a way for you to learn about world cultures, expand your mind, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Most of the hiking trails in Europe will be in the Schengen area, so if you are a non-EU hiking person in Europe you will need to get a Schengen travel visa.

So, before you head out hiking, be mindful of visa requirements, prepare your gear, and respect the local area and environmental laws. The hiking trail is there waiting for you one step at a time; one of the of great hiking trails in the world.