In search of a trekking destination for your next vacation? We’ll, we know that this blog itself has covered many treks in the Himalayan region. However, this list is trying to diversify a bit with a list of 10 best treks in the world.
With these diverse trekking activities, we can ensure that you can relish the calm weather, stillness of the woods, mesmerizing views of mountains and valleys, and indulge in the richness of different corners of the world. From simmering beaches in Indonesia and rugged trails in France to the trek to Nepal at the highest peak in the world- Mt Everest, we got it all covered here.
In this blog, we’ve assembled the 10 best treks in the world. We hope you’ll find this information helpful and choose your desired destination correctly.
Let’s get started!
Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal
Best Time: March/April, September/November
The Everest Base Camp is the most famous trek in Nepal. It takes you to the ancient routes Sir Edmund Hillary, and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa took to the highest peak- Mt Everest. It is an exciting trek admired and traveled by thousands of trekkers every year.
The normal length of the Everest Base Camp Trek is 14 days, and the maximum elevation of this trek is 5644m at Kala Patthar. You’ll get to enjoy the mesmerizing views of Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Aba Dablam, Thamserku, and many more here.
Highlights
- Thrilling flight from Kathmandu to Lukla
- Enter the Sagarmatha National Park
- Explore the flora and fauna of the Khumbu region
- Visit the Sherpa museum, where you can check out the yeti scalp
- Enter the largest Buddhist monastery – Tengboche monastery
- Sunrise at Kala Patthar- highest hiking point
- Explore the foot base camp of Mount Everest
GR20, Corsica, France
Best Time: June – September
The Grand Randonnée trek, also known as GR20, is considered the most challenging trek in Europe. The name Randonnée is derived from the French word meaning trek or hike.
It is located on an island in the middle of the mediterranean sea known as the Island of Corsica. GR20 also offers various spectacular alpine views and an unforgettable hiking experience.
The trek lasts up to 15 days and is about 180 km long. It starts at Calenzana at the foothills of the mountain, where you need to hike for several days. Sounds challenging, doesn’t it?
Highlights
- Lush green meadows and pine forests
- Steep uphill and downhill terrains
- Explore Lac de Nino, Lac de Melo, and Lac de Capitello – glacial lakes.
- Enjoy the mesmerizing views of Monte d’Oro, and Monte Inudine
- Prepare for the spectacular cliffs of Aiguilles de Bavella
- Hike and pass along the beautiful gorges and small rivers.
Kilimanjaro Trek, Tanzania
Best Time: December to mid-March and mid-June to the end of October.
The Kilimanjaro Trek is amazing in South Africa. You’ll have the opportunity to trek the famous routes to the tallest peak in South Africa. It is located in Tanzania, South Africa. The dense tropical rainforests, meadows, and moorlands will keep you in awe throughout the climb.
The duration of the trek is a total of 5-9 days. The highest altitude you’ll be reaching is 5,895m at Mount Kilimanjaro. By allocating acclimatization days and taking medicines, you’ll be good to go. It is not a technical mountain where you need expert experience. Even beginners can trek in this region with the correct equipment and planning.
Highlights
- Explore activities like paragliding, mountain cycling, and nature walking at Kilimanjaro National Park.
- Enjoy the tangerine orange sunrise at Uhuru Peak.
- Seven Different routes to climb Mt Kilimanjaro
- Unique flora like sycamore trees, junipers, Senecio trees, red hot pokers, and lobelias
- Wide range of birds and animals like tropical boubous, green wood hoopoes, turacos, colobus monkeys, olive baboons, and also blue monkey
- Explore the vibrant local Tanzanian culture.
Markha Valley, Ladakh, India
Best Time: June-October
Let’s change the scenery. We’ll now move to a different location, in Markha, a cold desert in Ladakh, India. The scenic views of the river valley in the heart of the Hemis National Park are something to look forward to.
It will take you 6-7 days to reach your ultimate destination. The maximum altitude you’ll be reaching is 5212m. The picturesque views of Mt Kang Yatse and other ranges will make it worthwhile.
Highlights
- Explore the Hemis National Park
- Look out for wild animals like snow leopards, Tibetan wolves, and Eurasian brown bears
- Watch for the golden eagle, Himalayan griffon, and Himalayan snowcock.
- Visit Buddhist monuments and monasteries in Leh
- Learn about Tibetan culture and lifestyles
- Get unique glimpses of the Ladakh and Zanskar ranges, the 21,000 ft Kang Yatse and the 20,086 ft Stok Kangri peaks.
Gunung Rinjani, Indonesia
Best Time- April-November
Located in southeastern Asia, Gunung Rinjani is a strenuous trek popular in this region. If you want to trek Gunung Rinjani, also known for being the second-highest volcano in Indonesia, then this trek is perfect for you.
Even though it just takes two days to reach the summit, the trek is graded as challenging. Trekkers must start the trek with multiple climbs, one lasting from 1500m over 8 km.
Highlights
- Indulge in the rich culture of the local villages of Senaru and Sembalun
- Camping experience beside the Lake Segara Anak
- Walk around the open dense grassland
- Enjoy the fantastic sunrise across the Wallace Line and Mt Agung
- Look for numerous edelweiss plants ( Bunga Abadi) along the trails
- End the trek with a relaxing dip at the hot spring
Kalalau Trail, Hawaii
Best Time: May-October
Now, we’ll go into a similar trek- Kalalau Trail, located on an island called the Kala-lau on the north shore of Kalalau Valley in Hawaii. The word is derived from their ancient language meaning fluted leaves. It is described similarly to the appearance of the cliffs surrounding the island.
The trail covers crossing the rocky mountainside and glimpses of the beautiful green cliffs and blue sea. The hike lasts for two days and is considered moderate to challenging as you progress.
Highlights
- Get on an exciting boat ride to Kalalau beach
- Enjoy the panorama view of Ke’e beach
- Relish the majestic views of the Na Pali coast
- Have a blast at the Hanakapi’ai falls!
Toubkal Circuit, Morocco
Best Time: May/ September
The Toubkal Circuit is a relaxing and finest trek in Morocco. The route which you’ll embark on is the ancient routes of the Berber groups of morocco.
The trek lasts 4-6 days, and the maximum elevation gain will be 4167m. The route is safe; hence hikers can opt for solo or group trekking. The group of Berber is known for its hospitality and warm nature. Make sure you respect them as well!
Highlights
- Enjoy the mesmerizing views of Atlas mountain
- Cross the ancient villages of the Berbers
- Look out for mud brick dwellings and shepherds along the trail
- Explore the local cuisines of the Moroccan people
- Relax at the shore of the pristine lake situated at Amsouzert
Horton’s Plains National Park, Sri Lanka
Best Time: April/ September
Horton’s Plains National Park is a major component of the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s named after a British Governor but this area has been important for the country from ancient times and it’s called Maha Eliya in Simhala.
The main trek is a circular trek of around 8 KMs, that take syou through the vast open plains. Gradient is minimal, which makes it an easy and pleasant day-long activity where you come accross roaring waterfalls, and deep gorges along with intresting flora and fauna.
Highlights
- Enjoy the vast green expanses of Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands
- Spot Sambar Deer grazing unmindful of tourists
- Feel the power of the roaring Baker Fall.
- Get yourself clicked on the edge of the cliff at the World’s End
- Enjoy the sanguine rhododendron blossoms all over the plains
- Keep your eyes open for small birds, raptiles, and insects
Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand, India
Best Time: June/ August
Valley of Flowers National Park is a part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hemkund Sahib is another trek in the same region that bifurcates from Ghangaria. Check the map below to understand the route clearly. As you can see, you have to take the NH 58, the highway that goes towards Badrinath and Mana, till Govindghat and then start trekking.
While the locals must have known about it since time immemorial, it gained worldwide fame only in the early 20th century as a group of British mountaineers landed here by chance. The peak season here is brief and the flowers bloom between late June and August. This is exactly when you’ll get the best views.
Highlights
- Enjoy the iconic wild blossoms of the valley
- Go for an additional trek to Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib
- Take a dip at the aquamarine Hemkund Lake
- Enjoy the unobstructed views of some of the most revered peaks in the world dominated by Mt Nanda Devi.
The Inca Trail, Peru
Best Time: May to September
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (also known as Camino Inca or Camino Inka) is a hiking trail in Peru that terminates at Machu Picchu. It consists of three overlapping trails: Mollepata, Classic, and One Day. Mollepata is the longest of the three routes with the highest mountain pass and intersects with the Classic route before crossing Warmiwañusqa (“dead woman”).
Located in the Andes mountain range, the trail passes through several types of Andean environments including cloud forest and alpine tundra. Settlements, tunnels, and many Incan ruins are located along the trail before ending the terminus at the Sun Gate on Machu Picchu mountain. Maximum altitudes can be above 4200 meters and there’s always a possibility of altitude sickness.
Highlights
- Hike through diverse terrain, including cloud forests, high-altitude mountain passes, and Inca ruins.
- Observe the well-preserved Inca ruins, including Wiñay Wayna, Intipata, and Phuyupatamarca.
- Reach the highest point on the trek is the famous Dead Woman’s Pass, which sits at an elevation of 4,200 meters.
- Enjoy sunrise at Machu Picchu, one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world.
A Quick Checklist for Trekkers
Before winding up, let’s discuss some preparation points. Trekking, as we mentioned above, is an adventure within itself. You may face harsh weather, sleep under the twinkling stars or even walk rigorously for hours. You may find comfortable accommodations, or you won’t.
Nevertheless, we want our adventurers to be prepared for anything that comes to them. Hence, here are some checklists for you to consider before trekking,
Proper Trekking gear & equipment: Good gloves, a warm jacket, and a sleeping bag are essential. Besides that, please gather all the important things you would want there.
Necessary Medications: Carry all the medicines for the trek
Acclimatize to the High Altitude: Plan the trek properly and keep at least two days for acclimatizing to the high altitude.
Choose the correct month: Trekking can be fun only if favorable weather conditions.
Find the right tour operator: A trekking agency can guide you in every way possible.
Conclusion
We’ve reached the end of the blog. We hope you had a great time reading all the information above.
We’re sure you have decided which trekking destination you want to prepare for your next vacation.
Comment below, and we want to know which one you choose. Please feel free to share this blog, comment and follow us on our social media platforms!
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