What comes to mind when you think about the best treks in the world? We get it; there are too many trekking destinations you’ve heard about, and you can’t list every trek down. Did you know that each trekking destination you’ve heard of has a speciality? It is not all mountains and rough terrains all the time. The best treks will take you through remote mountains, national parks, beautiful alpine rivers, valleys, and the creaking mass of the world trails.
Stretching from South Asia to the West, each trekking location has its unique feature to offer adventurers like yourself. Needless to say, an adrenaline junkie must have heard about the Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal as well as the wild adventures at the Routeburn trail in New Zealand. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about some of the most famous treks in the world. Keep reading to learn more!
The Greatest Kanchenjunga Trek, Nepal
Kanchenjunga is one of the most breathtaking mountains in Nepal, and it can be trekked from more than one location. With an altitude of 8,586m, it is the third-highest mountain in the world. You don’t necessarily have to climb the hill to trek through the significant landmarks below the summit. The Kanchenjunga trek is known as the most remarkable trek worldwide. Your journey to the Eastern part of the country will take you through rugged terrains, mindblowing scenery, views of glaciers, and a glimpse at the lifestyle of the hillside locals.
Kanchenjunga North Base Camp is the most challenging journey, while Kanchenjunga South is an easier trekking choice. Trekking to and from Kanchenjunga North will take you through many ups and downs through steep pathways. Trekkers typically complete the trek within 18 days. The maximum altitude you will reach is 5,140m.
Likewise, the Kanchenjunga South trek typically takes 14 days to complete, and the maximum height you will reach from this trekking route is 4,800m. Each trek will see glacial lakes, several campsites, and a vista worth remembering for a lifetime. Additionally, trekking through either of the routes will begin from Taplejung.
Manaslu Circuit Trek, Nepal
Another amazing trek that will take you to the highest mountain is the Manaslu Circuit Trek. At 8163 m above sea level, Mount Manaslu is also the eighth-highest mountain in the world. You will traverse the remote terrains of the Manaslu region of the country for 14 days in total.
Since this is a restricted trekking region, the rules will be strictly implemented in this journey. You will also be required to take along significant permits, such as an ACAP permit, Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, Tsum Nubri Rural Municipality Entrance Fee, and a reliable Nepal Government-Licensed Trekking Guide.
On this trek, you will get the best views of Samdo Peak, Naike Peak, Larke Peak, Manaslu North, and Cheo Himal. The trek’s most challenging yet thrilling aspect is the Larkya La Pass. Trekkers can enjoy the landscape, the unique cultural aspects of the multi-ethnic villages, and prominent religious landmarks like Nubri Monastery & Pungyen Monastery in Manaslu.
K2 Base Camp, Pakistan
No adrenaline junkie should miss out on the epic undertaking of the K2 base camp trek in Pakistan. Mount K2 is the second-tallest peak in the world and the most dangerous mountain in the world. It stands tall at the height of 8,611 meters above sea level. The views of K2, Gasherbrum, Broad Peak, Trango, Cathedral, and Lobsang are the main attractions when going on this base camp trek.
You will also explore glacial lakes, streams, and rivers during the ascent along the trails. The remote and rugged landscapes are a blessing to the eyes, though they make for a challenging trek. If you want to trek without an extra burden on your shoulders, you can also opt for a jeep safari through the pathways and take along Balti porters.
Routeburn Track, New Zealand
At just 32 km, the Routeburn Trail in New Zealand, the island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, is arguably the best in the world. Even waiting for the bus can be a fun adventure for each trekker. Moving from Queenstown to Milford Sound, you will drift along the mountains between Mt Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks. With a proper itinerary, you can visit impressive Kiwi spots. For the gear needed for hiking, you can hire the essentials, including hiking boots, to save extra.
Altai Trek, Russia
Have you ever imagined yourself in a dreamy land where green hills and towering mountains surround you? For those living in Russia and Mongolia, this is a reality! On the Altai trek in Russia, you can also experience the scenic richness of the snow-capped mountains.
The trek is far from urban sites and is known as the untouched beauty on earth. Trekkers will be mesmerized each step by natural elements like the Kucherla River, Lakes Kucherla and Ak-kem, Kyulu River, and the 300-year-old religious village of Verhniy Uymon. With rest along the way, your trek to Altai will take around 12 days.
Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal
No wonder you’ve heard about the Everest Base Camp. It is, after all, the base camp to the world’s highest mountain, Everest, also known as Sagarmatha in Nepali. It is undoubtedly the first among the world’s top treks. The Himalayas and the small yet well-kept Sherpa villages are a wonder to the eyes of the onlookers. You don’t have to summit Mount Everest to experience the most of the Solukhumbu Region. At 5,364 meters above sea level, hiking to Everest Base Camp gives trekkers the experience they seek.
If you’re looking to go on a trek that’s easier to complete, then you can opt for Short Everest Base Camp Trek that lasts for 9 days. Similarly, if you’re in for a wilder adventure for a longer period, it would be best for you to go for Three Passes High Trek, which lasts for 16 days. For those wondering, you can spend from 1 to 5 days in the Everest Base Camp by going to the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour and Everest View Trek as well. You can get the trekking experience of the base camp with a heli ride when you go for the 10-day long base camp trek and heli tour.
Other treks that you can enjoy are Everest Chola Pass Trek which lasts 15 days, 12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek, and Lower Khumbu’s 7 Days Pikey Peak Trek. You can quickly complete the expedition with a decent level of fitness. The craze for EBC among global tourists can be deemed beyond popular because of its mountaineering history, which began in the 1950s after Sir Edmund Hilary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa first explored the mountain. Besides the Khumbu region’s attractions, you can also visit a few locations listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu.
Strenuous Haute Route in French Alps
This hike is perfect for those exploring the French and Swiss Alps. Though not quite a hectic and stressful hike, travelling through the Strenous Haute Route will make you fall in love with the scenery of the mountain passes, alpine meadows, and snow-capped peaks.
Moreover, the highest range you will reach from the standard route is 2,987 meters, whereas the significant height you’ll get on this route is 15200 meters. Completing this hike typically takes you 14 days. The hike should not be taken lightly, as it’s not easy to follow the trail that begins in Chamonix, France, and ends in Zermatt, Switzerland, through the high route of the Chamonix Valley and Swiss Alps.
WHW Stretch, Scotland
The WHW Stretch trek in Scotland is one of the shortest multi-day treks in Nepal, taking only a week or seven days to complete. It can be deemed one of the best hikes to take when you have a few days in hand and want to explore nature. Further, the journey goes from south to north and is 96 miles long.
Many trekkers coming for this experience tend to start the trek from Milngavie because this route is simpler. The further north they go, the tougher it gets for them. Since the hike is very challenging, it would be best for trekkers to take a break every now and then to fuel themselves along the way.
Copper Canyon, Mexico
Located in the Sierra Madre Range, the Copper Canyon in Mexico is much bigger than the Great Canyon in the United States. What’s interesting about Copper Canyon is that it is not just one of the world’s best hiking destinations; it has just as much of a rich history. The canyon is believed to be haunted by Pancho Villa’s army, martyred Jesuits, and every other fallen warrior in ancient times.
When you’re here, you can also explore the undying culture of the Tarahumara natives. You can also take the Copper Canyon train. There are plenty of stops along the way, and the drive is 418 miles. Another major highlight of this destination is Basaseachi National Park. The popular hike will take 3-4 days to complete, and it is suggested that every new hiker take along a trustworthy guide.
The Snowman Trek, Bhutan
If you want to challenge yourself physically, this is the trek for you! The Snowman Trek in Bhutan is very challenging and meant for daring adrenaline junkies who are ready to cross 13 passes, spend at least 29 days starting and ending at Paro.
Except for the central city areas of Paro, Punakha, Wangdue, and Jakar, you will mostly be going through high-altitude trails in the remote and isolated Bhutanese villages. That said, the trekkers will get the chance to get the best possible view of the Japanese mountain range, including mountains like Jichu Drake, Chomolhari, and Tsering Gang.
Toubkal Circuit, Africa
When seasoned trekkers think of the best multi-day treks in Africa, they think of the Toubkal Circuit trek. If you’re looking to hike individually with your fellow circle of trekkers without guidance, this journey might be perfect for you. Starting from Imlil village, the trails will take 3-4 days to complete. While the standard distance covered in this circuit trek is 37.3 miles, you will cover 44.7 miles if you ascend Jebel Toubkal. Overall, anyone with sound physical fitness can complete this trek without issue.
Laugavegur Trail, Iceland
Going to the highlands in Iceland for an adventure may sound like a dream. You will see everything while passing through the trails of the Laugavegur, as you’ve seen in your computer’s screen pictures for decades. You will see it all, from the terrific view of the volcanoes to mossy hills and from the sand desserts to the glacial rivers.
You will experience the beauty of each element above during the trial. But this does not mean it will take you many days to complete. The seemingly long hike will only take 6 days to complete. The great walk will begin by passing the smaller Stórihver Gorges region and will end after the exploration of Mount Útigönguhöfði. For those looking to go on a more straightforward journey, you can finish the expedition by returning to Reykjavík. If you’re the latter kind of adventurer, you also have an option to explore Húsadalur.
Essential Trekking Gear Guide
Trekkers must carry enough and go on the adventure while properly ready. The following are essential trekking gear guides you will need for either of the treks:
- Down jacket/ Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Thermal innerwear (top and bottom)
- Socks (broken down or worn before the trek)
- Trekking shoes (broken down before trek)
- Sneakers and slippers
- Pajamas, sleepwear, etc.
- Beanies, sunhats, etc.
- Headlamp
- Trekking poles
- Crampons (depending on the nature of the trek)
- Gloves (double and single-layered)
- Water bottle (at least 2 liters)
- Water purifying tablets
- First aid kit
- Sanitary products for women
- Extra cash
- Necessary permits
- Sunscreen
- Toiletries
- Camera, journal, and miscellaneous
