Nothing is as appealing as lacing up a pair of hiking boots, trekking up a revered course with a heartthrob in the excitement of what is to come. The crisp fresh air, the seclusion, and the stillness of the landscape are some of the things that drive hikers to flock hiking trails in the remotest parts of the globe.
A fantastic hike must meet certain factors to stand out as Ivy League standard; incredible landscape and geological features such as waterfalls and ice fields, unique flora and fauna, and the ultimate experience. The three factors have inspired the list of what I believe to be the best hiking trails globally.
The sunrise experience on this course is incomparable to none in the world. Descending from Inca Trail to Machu Picchu at sunrise is life’s gift that very few will ever get to experience. The Inca Trail is a 42-kilometer trek that leads you up over two 13,000 foot passes. The ancient trail to the hilltop of Machu Picchu was laid by the Incas and came to mainstream attention by Hiram Bingham in 1911. Centuries later, millions still flock to catch a glimpse of the lost city. In 2018, a hiker cap of 200 per day was installed on the course. That was after the course was believed to be degrading due to the vast flocks of hikers. The rich history and beautiful landscape, and excellent hiker experience make Inca Trail to Machu Picchu top seed.
Not so many people get to stand on the highest point of the globe. The unique course running 65-kilometers is top of every hiker’s bucket list, but only a few have the guts to try. The hike takes 12 to 14 days to accomplish and reaches 5,500 meters. This course is the most popular thanks to its spectacular scenery and bragging rights for the hikers to hold. The trail, trafficked by the Sherpa people of the Solu Khumbu, threads between small, characterful mountain villages before reaching the famous campground. The trail’s difficulty is down to how your body acclimates to the altitude more than your attitude to the task at hand, making it a revered track.
It is the most luxurious course on the planet, stretching 170-kilometers through France, Italy, and Switzerland. Imagine getting a chance to compare three cuisines while hiking to the 15,781 foot Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Europe. The entire course, usually completed in 11 to 12 days, gives hikers a delightful experience in the wild. You will pass through broad valleys, expansive meadows, and rhododendron forests and crest up high Alpine passes along the way on the path. In addition, the trip offers the option of taking cable cars up and down on the most strenuous part of the track.
The 2,200-mile stretch is billed as the longest hiking-only footpath in the world. The Appalachian runs from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine, passing through some of the most secluded parts of the United States. Of the 2,200 miles, the 72-mile section through Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most revering. That may be down to how the mist clings to the ancient ridges or the sanctity of standing on the 6,625-foot Clingman’s Dome, the highest summit in the entire trail.
The picturesque Half Dome granite outcrop in Yosemite National Park has been home to hikers for over 100 years. The 23-kilometer day hike via Mist Trail is challenging. You will ascend nearly 1,500 meters to the top, a 10 to 12 hour round trip. The rewarding view while atop is a relishing realization for the daring hikers who bask in the realm of accomplishment. The 360 view of the surrounding mountains isn’t the only accomplishment; the Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls offer you company on your push for the summit.
The W Torres Del Paine is one of the most famous tracks on the globe. Located in the southernmost region of the Chilean Patagonia, the W circuit cuts through elite courses. It is easily identifiable by its “w” shaped tower rocks and beautiful glacial lakes. There have been improvements on the course over the years to make it more accessible.
The utmost point on the African continent, Kilimanjaro, presents a challenge like no other. The 23 to 40 miles trek (depending on which route you take) to Uhuru Peak 19,340ft is an achievement of its own. It should take you 8 to 9 days to reach the summit, but some take even longer due to lower acclimatization. It is reported that over 30,000 hikers attempt to summit every year, a popular destination.
The Indian Himalayas are believed to be home to the gods by Rudyard Kipling, only the daring attempt at the 24-day trek from Spiti to Ladakh. This extremely remote and strenuous track is said to follow ancient trade routes. So if you love isolation then perhaps, trekking in Himachal Pradesh might be your remedy.
If you are all about scenery, then the Milford Trail might be what you are seeking. The 53-kilometer trek that begins at Lake Te Anau on New Zealand’s South Island has exhilarating scenery for hikers to wonder. Over the five days on the course, hikers are treated to innumerable waterfalls such as the 580 meters high Sutherland Falls. Unfortunately, the Milford trail has the most volatile weather and receives rain for 182 days of the year.
Famous known as the Great Wall of China, the Jinshanling section is located 87 miles northeast of Beijing. Walking the Great Wall at the tourist section of Badaling can be a stressful experience. In addition, the route through to the wall at Simatai is closed, which makes the back and forth along the area a strenuous workout for hikers.
