35 most beautiful hiking trails in the world

1. Inca Trail, Peru

• Destination: From KM82 to Machu Picchu, southern Peru
• Length: 45 km
• Time: 4 days
• Difficulty: Medium to difficult, with some high passes
• Tour guide required

The Incas built a network of trails that stretched across the far corners of the Inca Empire, from Quito, Ecuador to Santiago, Chile, and east to Medoza, Argentina. Cusco was the historic capital of this great empire. Most of the main trails were in the mountains surrounding Cusco.Inca TrailThere are three routes to Machu Picchu. However, the most important and beautiful archaeological route is only 45 km long, passing through Runcuracay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Winay Wayna and Machu Picchu. This is the famous Inca trail that any backpacker dreams of.

The route is of medium difficulty and can be undertaken by any traveller. However, it is important to be adaptable to changing weather conditions, as you will experience different climate zones as you travel from the foot of the mountain to an altitude of 4,200 m.

Starting from the sea level plains, you usually spend at least 2 days in Cusco to acclimatize before starting your trip, visiting the city and the Inca ruins in the surrounding areas such as Sacsayhuaman, Q'enko, Pucapucara and Tambomachay. In addition, spend an extra day exploring the Sacred Valley with the traditional market town of Pisac and the "charming" fortress of Ollantaytambo.

2. El Circuito Road, Chile

• Destination: Torres del Paine, Chile
• Length: 130 km
• Time: 7-10 days
• Difficulty: Medium to hard
• A tour guide may not be needed.

10 days, 130km and sweeping scenery - that's what you can expect from the country's number one hiking destination.Chile, while passing through the Torres del Paine mountains and experiencing the true magic of the South American continent. After flying into El Calafate, you have to take a 6-hour bus ride to the town of Puerto Natales to catch another bus to Torres Del Paine National Park, a journey of about 2 hours. There will be many guides offering tours in the national park, and if you are careful, book in advance and just experience and explore Torres del Paine.

Torres del Paine National Park is a biosphere reserve recognized by UNESCO in 1978, located between the Andes and the Patagonian steppe in southern Chile, known for its beautiful and diverse landscape, including majestic mountains, endless valleys, rich flora and fauna, glaciers, dense forests, waterfalls..., especially the three granite peaks 2,900 m high. The best way to explore this area is to walk on El Circuito, through Ascencio, Frances Valleys and Grey Glacier. There are many pre-built tents on the road but they are often crowded, especially in the summer months, so bring your own tent to be more proactive.

3. Inca Trail, Ingapirca, Ecuador

• Destination: From Achupallas to Ingapirca, Ecuador
• Length: 40 km
• Time: 3 days
• Difficulty: Medium
• A tour guide may not be needed.

The Inca road system linked the snow-capped peaks of the Andes at altitudes of 5,000 - 6,000 m, running through tropical rainforests, fertile valleys and deserts. This great work was built by the indigenous people over centuries, stretching some 40,000 km across the length and breadth of the Andes and reaching its maximum extent in the 15th century, during the consolidation of the Inca Empire. The main route of the Inca road system connected Cusco (Peru) and Quito (Ecuador) with the ancient city of Ingapirca.

Nestled in the heart of the westEcuador, Ingapirca is the most famous city of the ancient Incas. It was originally built by the Canari people and expanded by the Incas after the powerful Amerindian empire invaded the area in the 15th century. The highlight of Ingapirca is the Temple of the Sun, which is located on the remaining ruins of the ancient city of Ingapirca.

4. Patí Valley, Brazil

• Destination: From Capão to Guinea, Chapada Diamantina, Brazil
• Length: 15 km
• Time: 1 day
• Difficulty: Easy
• A tour guide may not be needed.

Trekking the route from Vale do Capão to the village of Guiné is the ideal way to explore Chapada Diamantina with its "Jurassic Park" style mountains, lush vegetation, rushing waterfalls, majestic highland views, and most of all, you can enjoy the landscape without people.

5. Waitukubuli National Trail, Dominica

• Destination: From Scotts Head to Cabrits National Park, Dominica
• Length: 184 km
• Time: 9-14 days
• Difficulty: Medium
• A tour guide may not be needed.

The Waitukubuli National Trail is nestled amidst the jungle and volcanic landscape of one of the Caribbean’s lesser-known islands. It’s relatively new to the hardcore hikers’ game. Small communities of Dominica’s indigenous Kalinago people, hot springs and pristine beaches offer visitors a fascinating experience.

6. From Nebaj to Todos Santos, Guatemala

• Destination: Cuchamatanes Mountains, northwestern Guatemala
• Length: 55 km
• Time: 4 days
• Difficulty: Medium
• Should hire a tour guide

One of the most attractive hiking routes in North America is the Guatemala Volcano Exploration Route. There are three volcanoes famous for tourists, the most special of which is the 3,976 m high Acatenango peak with a view of beautiful scenery, from vast fields to vast pine forests. Especially at the end of the journey, you will be immersed in the majestic volcanic landscape and can see part of the blue Atilan Lake.

7. Silver Trail, Mexico

• Destination: From Carachic to Batopilas, Copper Canyon, Mexico
• Length: 160 km
• Time: 9 days
• Difficulty: Medium to hard
• Should hire a tour guide

In the 18th century, the Spanish carved a trail to the silver mines deep in Batopilas Canyon. The Silver Road followed steep mountain slopes, up and down valleys, through caves, streams, and lakes. Today, the trail is used only by the indigenous Tarahumara (known for their endurance), and occasionally by a few hardy travelers and heavy-duty trucks.

8. Tsitsikamma Trail, South Africa

• Destination: Eastern Cape, South Africa
• Length: 60 km
• Time: 6 days
• Difficulty: Medium
• A guide may not be needed, but tent rentals must be booked in advance.

The trail features pristine evergreen forests, rocky paths along dramatic coastlines, and numerous waterfalls and rivers.

These rivers flow through the gorges forming numerous freshwater lakes surrounded by a diverse flora, famous among them the South African fynbos and mushrooms. The Tsitsikamma is arguably the oldest and most famous walking trail inSouth Africa.

9. The road to Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

• Destination: NorthTanzania
• Length: From 45 km
• Time: 6-9 days
• Difficulty: Hard
• It is mandatory to hire a tour guide.

Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the seven highest volcanoes in the world, and also one of the most difficult volcanoes to climb in the world. With the landscape and weather changing magically from the foot to the top of the mountain, Kilimanjaro always attracts a lot of tourists who love to conquer the peak. There are about 9 routes to climb to the top of the mountain, each journey lasts about 6-9 days. You can choose the most suitable climbing route depending on your health condition, weather, and budget.

10. Toubkal Road, Morocco

• Destination: Atlas Mountains, Morocco
• Length: 72 km
• Time: 4-6 days
• Difficulty: Medium
• Should hire a tour guide

From the city of Marrakech, considered the tourist capital ofMorocco, you can take a minibus or 4x4 up the mountain, then walk along the slopes, wade through streams, pass through silvery olive groves, and visit traditional Berber houses. Follow the winding cobblestone Toubkal Road through the hills, down into the valley and up the pass, you will see the highest peak of Morocco (4,167 m) Jbel Toubkal, located in Toubkal National Park.

11. Road through the Simien Mountains, Ethiopia

• Destination: Ethiopia
• Length: Not fixed
• Time: 6-9 days
• Difficulty: Medium to hard
• Should hire a tour guide

Simien National Park, in the Amhara region ofEthiopia, embracing the Semien mountain range with Ras Dashen, the highest peak in Ethiopia and the fourth highest in Africa. This is the biosphere of the largest mountain region in Africa. Following the long and narrow roads around the mountain ranges, the most attractive part of Simien for many visitors slowly opens up: that is the spectacular landscape in the quiet canyons. The rock wall stretching about 35 km in the north of Simien is made up of sharp cliffs up to 1,500 m high. Some peaks are over 4,000 m high. The combination of earthquakes and erosion over many successive millennia has created the spectacular landscape of the Semien range with many deep canyons and cliffs.

Trekking through the Simien Mountains, visitors also have the opportunity to see many rare and endangered animals such as Walia ibex, baboons and Ethiopian wolves...

12. Sentiero degli Dei, Italy

• Destination: Bomerano-Positano, Amalfi Coast, Italy
• Length: 8 km
• Time: 1 day
• Difficulty: Fairly easy
• No need to hire a tour guide

Sentiero degli Dei, orThe Path of the Gods, is a must-see destination in Campania with stunning views of the rugged Lattari Mountains falling to the pristine Mediterranean and the island of Capri. The road connects Positano to Praiano and winds through terraced hillsides, lemon and sage plantations. In Arienzo, you can stop for a refreshing swim.

Tour du Mont Blanc, France - Switzerland - Italy

• Destination: France - Switzerland - Italy
• Length: 170 km
• Time: 9-12 days
• Difficulty: Medium to hard
• No need to hire a tour guide

Mont Blanc, one of the most famous peaks in Europe with an altitude of 4,810 m, attracts tourists thanks to exciting sports such as adventure skiing, ice climbing, paragliding and many other exciting activities. If you are looking for tranquility, you can relax in the city of Chamonix at the foot of the mountain. A more interesting option is to walk along the Tour du Mont Blanc route that surrounds the mountain, 170 m long, crossing France, Switzerland and Italy at an altitude of about 2,700 m. This trip usually lasts from 9 to 12 days. The best time to climb the mountain is around July and September, you will have the opportunity to admire the wildflower fields and countless beautiful glaciers, or combine climbing and exploring the villages along the way is also very interesting.

To get to Mont Blanc, you can fly into Geneva airport and then take a bus to Chamonix. Alternatively, most trains from other parts of Switzerland and France stop at the villages of Saint-Gervais or Martigny, which are close to the mountain.

13. Camino de Santiago, France & Spain

• Destination: From St. Jean Pied de Port to Santiago de Compostela, France/Spain
• Length: About 800 km
• Time: 30 days
• Difficulty: Long but not difficult
• No need to hire a tour guide

Also known as the “Way of St. James,” the Camino de Santiago is a famous path that leads to the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in northern Spain, where St. James (one of Jesus’ twelve apostles) is believed to be buried. The Camino de Santiago is about 800 km long, starting from St. Jean Pied de Port, and it takes an average of a month to walk. Along the way, you can also visit several small towns to enjoy the culture, local cuisine and Rioja wine.

14. Laugavegur, Iceland

• Destination: From Landmannalaugar to Thórsmörk, Iceland
• Length: 55 km
• Time: 4 days
• Difficulty: Medium
• Should hire a tour guide

For those who love trekking and sightseeing, Laugavegur is definitely a great destination. This is one of the few routes with the wildest natural scenery that has not been exploited by humans in Iceland in particular and in the world in general. This route is about 55 km long and usually takes you about 4 days to conquer. Passing through deserted valleys, waterfalls, glaciers and beautiful volcanic landscapes will make you feel like you are lost in another planet. The ideal time to explore this place is from June to September every year.

15. Lycian Way, Türkiye

• Destination: From Fethiye to Antalya,Türkiye
• Length: 509 km
• Time: 25
• Difficulty: Medium to hard
• No need to hire a tour guide

The Lycian Trail is an ideal choice for those who are "tired" of traditional holidays inTürkiyeand want to experience more interesting things. The route has continuously appeared in the list of 10 most beautiful trekking routes in the world. On both sides of the road are picturesque mountains, Turkish villages, fruit bushes, plantations and ancient fortresses. In addition, you will also have a great opportunity to spend the night on the most beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean, admire the starry sky and feel like you are far away from civilization...

16. Faulhornweg, Switzerland

• Destination: From Schynige Platte to First, Switzerland
• Length: 16 km
• Time: 1 day
• Difficulty: Medium
• No need to hire a tour guide

The Faulhornweg is Switzerland’s most scenic trek. Reached by a vintage train from Wilderswil, it offers stunning views of the emerald-green Lakes Thun and Brienz, with the Bernese Oberland peaks beyond. Pass through lush valleys, along dramatic, winding slopes, and stop at 2,680m before continuing by cable car from First to Grindelwald.

17. West Highland Road, Scotland

• Destination: From Milngavie to Fort William,Scotland
• Length: 154 km
• Time: 6-7 days
• Difficulty: Medium
• No need to hire a tour guide

From Glasgow to the UK's highest peak, the West Highland Way is the UK's most pristine trek.ScotlandUsing a variety of old trails – from pastoralist tracks to disused railway lines – it winds through the lowlands, skirts Loch Lomond and crosses Rannoch Moor before reaching the glorious sunrise atop 1,344m-high Ben Nevis.

18. West Coast Trail, Canada

• Destination: From Pachena Bay to Gordon River, Vancouver Island, Canada
• Length: 75 km
• Time: 5-7 days
• Difficulty: Hard
• No need to hire a tour guide

At 75 km long, this road runs along the southwest coast of Vancouver Island. Built in 1907, originally to help locals rescue survivors of a shipwreck, the West Coast is now open to tourists who want to trek and experience coastal wildlife.Canada.

19. Appalachian Trail, USA

• Destination: Springer Mountain to Katahdin Mountain, USA
• Length: 3,500 km
• Time: 180 days
• Difficulty: Varies depending on terrain
• No need to hire a tour guide

The Appalachian Trail is not the longest trail in the United States. Established in 1936, it is approximately 2,200 miles long, stretching from New York to Mississippi. But the majestic Appalachian Trail is always the most popular, with more than 3 million people volunteering to try it each year. In addition, more than 3,000 people attempt the thru-hike each year, but only a quarter of them complete the entire journey.

20. John Muir Trail, USA

• Destination: From Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney, California, USA
• Length: 340 km
• Time: 20-30 days
• Difficulty: Medium to hard
• Should hire a tour guide

This trail, named after the famous naturalist John Muir, runs for 210 miles in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. It passes through King's Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park. Much of the John Muir Trail is in designated wilderness, rising to approximately 8,000 feet in elevation. The John Muir Trail is considered the most famous trail in the United States and one of the most scenic. However, you need a permit to trek Mount Whitney, which can be obtained from national park officials.

21. Virgin Narrows, USA

• Destination: From Chamberlain's Ranch to Temple of Sinawava, Zion NP, Utah, USA
• Length: 26 km
• Time: 1-2 days
• Difficulty: Medium
• Should hire a tour guide

Carved by the Virgin River over millennia, Zion National Park’s Narrows Canyon is a breathtaking 16-mile stretch. More than half of the trek is on the river, with some sections requiring swimming. But the trek can be completed in just one day, and you can stop at one of twelve campsites throughout the park.

22. Berg Lake Trail, Canada

• Destination: Mount Robson, British Columbia, Canada
• Length: 23 km
• Time: 1-2 days
• Difficulty: Medium
• No need to hire a tour guide

With lush, dense forests interspersed with towering mountain ranges on one side and a pristine blue lake on the other, this trail is one of the most beautiful treks in the world, challenging visitors both mentally and physically as they have to climb 800 m over a 23 km length, from the Valley of Thousand Falls to Berg Lake, which receives water from the ice of the Robson River, on the highest peak of the Robson Rockies, Canada.

23. From Dana to Petra, Jordan

• Destination: Southwest Jordan
• Length: 45 km
• Time: 3-5 days
• Difficulty: Medium to hard
• It is mandatory to hire a tour guide.

Considered one of the most beautiful treks in the Middle East, this trail takes you through canyons, rocky terrain, deserts, and stunning temples and tombs carved into red sandstone cliffs. There are different routes for every level of experience. The 3-5 day trek takes you through the stunning scenery of the Dana Nature Reserve along the Jordanian desert, then onto the ancient Bedouin migration route through the mountains toPetra- famous ancient citadel with thousands of years of history.

24. The road to Mount Sinai, Egypt

• Destination: Egypt
• Length: Not fixed
• Time: 1-4 days
• Difficulty: Medium
• It is mandatory to hire a tour guide.

Mountain peakSinaiis where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God and since then, this place has become an important pilgrimage site for Jews and Christians. This place has many ancient architectural works scattered here, mainly small monasteries or churches, including St. Catherine's monastery at an altitude of 2,641 m. This Byzantine-style monastery was built to commemorate the martyr saint Catherine with a system of granite walls about 15 m high, behind the wall are gardens planted with many cypress trees. Before that, until the 20th century, the only entrance to the monastery was a 9 m high door. Visitors coming here often depart at midnight, follow one of the longest trails leading to the monastery and step up the stone steps carved by monks into the mountain to reach the top at dawn, sit in front of the monastery door to watch the sun rise in the middle of the desert.

25. Milford Trail, New Zealand

• Destination: From Lake Te Anau to Milford Sound, South Island, New Zealand
• Length: 53.5 km
• Time: 4 days
• Difficulty: Medium
• No need to hire a tour guide

Although visitor numbers are strictly limited to protect the environment, up to 14,000 people each year trek the 53.5km route from the headwaters of Lake Te Anau, 200m above sea level, to MacKinnon Pass, 1,069m above sea level, to take in the spectacular views of the ice age valley and its series of peaks mingling with the clouds. Milford is also the route to Milford Sound, one of New Zealand's most popular tourist destinations, with 550,000 visitors a year, despite the difficulty of access.

Overland Road, Australia

• Destination: From Ronny Creek to Lake St Clair, Tasmania, Australia
• Length: 65 km
• Time: 6 days
• Difficulty: Medium
• No need to hire a tour guide

Tasmania's prehistoric wilderness rewards trekkers who have tackled the 65km Overland Track, which runs between Ronny Creek and Lake St Clair (the deepest natural freshwater lake).Australia) takes in boulder mountains, stunning lakes, vast forests and moorlands in the Tasmanian Natural Heritage Area. You can also explore tracks leading to waterfalls, valleys and other peaks including 1,617m Mount Ossa, Tasmania's highest mountain.

26. Tongariro Road, New Zealand

• Destination: Tongariro National Park, North Island, New Zealand
• Length: 19 km
• Time: 1 day
• Difficulty: Easy to Medium
• No need to hire a tour guide

Tongariro National Park is a mixed cultural heritage of the world in New Zealand and was recognized by Unesco as a Natural Heritage in 1990. Tongariro was established in 1887 with a total area of ​​nearly 80 hectares, located in the center of the North Island of New Zealand, so it is considered the heart of the whole region. This is the first national park in New Zealand and the fourth in the world. With a large area, this national park covers three volcanoes including Ruapehu, Ngauruho, Tongariro with average heights of 797 m, 2291 m, 1968 m respectively and above all, it has a very sacred meaning for the unique culture and beliefs of the Maori people.

If you have ever seenLord of the RingsYou will be overwhelmed when you set foot on the volcano Ruapehu, the largest volcano in New Zealand, formed 25 million years ago, the main setting for Mount Doom in the movie. Ruapehu is hidden in the middle of a dense forest, home to many rare animals that can only be found in New Zealand, such as the short-tailed bat, which is listed in the world's red book and needs to be preserved.

The route around this national park has many grasslands that are always lush and green all year round, clear blue lakes that change color with the magical weather, a system of rivers, volcanic peaks... and very unique geological features and unique ecosystems that blend together to create a beautiful natural picture with irresistible appeal. All promise to bring you interesting and unforgettable experiences.

27. Larapinta Trail, Australia

• Destination: Alice Springs to Mount Sonder, NT, Australia
• Length: 223 km
• Time: 11-16 days
• Difficulty: Hard
• No need to hire a tour guide

The Larapinta Trail is a spectacular way to explore Australia’s Red Centre. The 223km route from the old Alice Springs telegraph station to Mount Sonder is for the fittest of legs and the most energetic of spirits. You’ll pass through the West MacDonnell Ranges, deep gorges, dry creeks and termite-strewn plains, swim in cool pools, camp under the stars in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and see native birds and animals.

28. Kokoda Trail, Papua New Guinea

• Destination: From Owers Corner to Kokoda, Papua New Guinea
• Length: 96 km
• Time: 6-10 days
• Difficulty: Hard
• It is mandatory to hire a tour guide.

In 1942, this 100km jungle trail was a fierce battleground between Japanese and Australian forces; today, it is a battleground for travelers, traversing steep, slippery slopes and raging, treacherous, leech-infested rivers from the north to the south coast of Papua New Guinea. It will take 6-10 days of walking, climbing and swimming to cover the entire trail, sometimes with the chance to encounter local tribes and rare birds of paradise.

29. Great Himalayan Trail, Nepal

• Destination: From Kanchenjunga Base Camp to Hilsa bordering Tibet, Nepal
• Length: 1,700 km
• Time: 150 days
• Difficulty: Long and difficult
• It is mandatory to hire a tour guide.

The Great Himalayan Trail inNepalThe 1,700km trek is one of the longest and highest in the world and takes 5 months to complete. Escorted by local sherpas, you will have the opportunity to travel through valleys and rocky mountains to soak up the unique and stunning scenery of the Himalayas.

30. The Great Wall of China

• Destination: Beijing, China
• Length: Total 5,000 km, can be divided into many short sections
• Time: 1-12 days/section
• Difficulty: Easy to Medium
• No need to hire a tour guide

Hiking the entire length of the Great Wall is difficult, not only because it is so long, but also because many sections are not well marked. However, you can combine a short day hike in the Great Wall section near Beijing, from where you can easily enjoy the watchtowers, steps and mountain views.

31. Chomolhari Route, Bhutan

• Destination: From Paro to Dodena, Bhutan
• Length: 133 km
• Time: 10-13 days
• Difficulty: Hard
• It is mandatory to hire a tour guide.

Chomolhari is one of the famous tourist spots ofBhutan. This route starts from Paro, reaching a peak of around 7,326m. Along the way, you will encounter monasteries and small villages, beautiful alpine forests and experience some of Bhutan's most untouched wilderness, and may even spot the footprints of the rare snow leopard.

32. Mount Kailash Trail, Tibet

• Destination: Tibet
• Length: 52 km
• Time: 3-5 days
• Difficulty: Medium to hard
• It is mandatory to hire a tour guide.

Kailash is 100 km from the capital Lhasa.TibetAbout 1,000 km to the west, it is famous as a sacred mountain according to Buddhism. Thousands of people have climbed to the 8,848 m high Mount Everest, but no one has set foot on the 6,714 m high Kailash. Many legends say that those who set foot on the slope leading to the mountain are committing sacrilege and may die. Therefore, pilgrims to Kailash are only allowed to walk around the foot of the mountain, called Kora Kailash in the local language. Currently, to protect the sacredness of the mountain, the Chinese government has banned climbing the mountain.

The ritual of walking around the foot of Mount Kora Kailash will bring good luck to pilgrims. Buddhists and Hindus walk clockwise. Jains and Bons follow the opposite direction. Every year, thousands of people come to the sacred Mount Kailash, but only a few can endure the hardship of reaching the foot of the mountain. Even fewer can walk the entire 52 km long mountain. Many Tibetans believe that they must "walk one step one bow" to complete this path within a day, but it is difficult for anyone to do it because even with the help of a guide, pilgrims have to carry a lot of things for the trip. Easier, visitors can go to Lhasa, then stop at Darchen at an altitude of 4,600 m, then walk, ride buffalo or horse to walk around the foot of the mountain, taking about 3-5 days.

33. Lantau Trail, Hong Kong

• Destination:Hong Kong
• Length: 70 km
• Time: 3-12 days
• Difficulty: Fairly easy
• No need to hire a tour guide

The Lantau Trail is 70km long, starting in the coastal town of Mui Wo and ending in Pui O. Lantau Peak is part of this trail and is the first of three sections of the trail. Notably, there are 38 wooden stakes engraved with mantras from the Heart Sutra in calligraphy.

34. Singalila Ridge, India

• Destination: From Manebhanjan to Rimbik, Sikkim, India
• Length: 85 km
• Time: 6-7 days
• Difficulty: Medium
• Should hire a tour guide

From Sandakphu, the route’s 3,636m summit, near the Darjeeling rice terraces, you can see the world’s highest peaks, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse and Everest. During the day, admire Hindu temples, prayer wheels and red pandas. At night, hospitable locals welcome you with curries and Sikkimese beer.

35. Annapurna Trail, Nepal

• Destination: From Besisahar to Naya Pul,Nepal
• Length: 300 km
• Time: 17-24 days
• Difficulty: Medium to hard
• Should hire a tour guide

The Annapurna Trail crosses two different river valleys, circling the Annapurna mountain range to a height of 5,416 m at the Thorung La pass and touching the edge of the Tibetan plateau. The Annapurna Trail passes through several Hindu villages in the lowlands to the Tibetan village of Manang, with stunning views of the Himalayas.