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For experienced hikers seeking adventure, the world offers countless trails with unique challenges and breathtaking landscapes. This guide compiles exceptional treks from across the globe, serving as a reference for planning your next expedition – whether you’re looking for a challenging multi-week journey or a shorter but stunning adventure.

Europe’s Majestic Peaks and Trails

Alta Via 1 & 2 (Italy)

• Distance: 120-150km
• Duration: 10-14 days
• Altitude Range: 1,400-2,800m
• Description: Iconic Dolomite trails with challenging climbs and stunning Alpine views
• Access: Fly to Venice Marco Polo Airport, then take a bus to Cortina d’Ampezzo or Dobbiaco to start the trail

Tour du Mont Blanc (France, Italy, Switzerland)

• Distance: 170km
• Duration: 7-11 days
• Altitude Range: 1,000-2,600m
• Description: Classic circuit around Mont Blanc massif through three countries
• Access: Fly to Geneva Airport, then take a shuttle to Chamonix (1 hour), the traditional starting point

GR20 (Corsica, France)

• Distance: 180km
• Duration: 12-15 days
• Altitude Range: 400-2,300m
• Description: One of Europe’s toughest long-distance trails along Corsica’s mountainous spine
• Access: Fly to Ajaccio or Bastia Airport, then take public buses to Calenzana (northern terminus) or Conca (southern terminus)

Haute Route (France, Switzerland)

• Distance: 180km
• Duration: 10-14 days
• Altitude Range: 1,600-3,000m
• Description: High-altitude trek from Chamonix to Zermatt across glaciers with iconic peak views
• Access: Fly to Geneva Airport, then train/bus to Chamonix (starting point) or Zurich Airport, then train to Zermatt (ending point)

Laugavegur Trail + Fimmvörðuháls (Iceland)

• Distance: 80km (combined)
• Duration: 5-7 days
• Altitude Range: 500-1,100m
• Description: Iceland’s most famous trail featuring geothermal areas, glaciers, and volcanic landscapes
• Access: Fly to Keflavik International Airport, take a bus to Reykjavik, then highland buses to Landmannalaugar (starting point)

Kungsleden (Sweden)

• Distance: 440km (full trail)
• Duration: 30 days (full trail), 7 days (northern section)
• Altitude Range: 200-1,100m
• Description: “The King’s Trail” through Swedish Lapland’s remote Arctic wilderness
• Access: Fly to Stockholm, then domestic flight to Kiruna, followed by bus to Abisko (northern terminus) or Hemavan (southern terminus)

West Highland Way (Scotland)

• Distance: 154km
• Duration: 6-8 days
• Altitude Range: 10-550m
• Description: Popular long-distance trail through the Scottish Highlands with lochs and historic sites
• Access: Fly to Glasgow Airport, then train to Milngavie (starting point) or Fort William (endpoint)

Peaks of the Balkans (Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro)

• Distance: 192km
• Duration: 10-12 days
• Altitude Range: 800-2,300m
• Description: Trail network exploring the rugged Accursed Mountains
• Access: Fly to Tirana (Albania), Pristina (Kosovo), or Podgorica (Montenegro), then local transport to Theth or Valbona in Albania to start

Arctic Circle Trail (Greenland)

• Distance: 160km
• Duration: 7-10 days
• Altitude Range: 0-450m
• Description: Remote trek through Greenland’s vast, icy landscapes
• Access: Fly to Copenhagen, then Air Greenland to Kangerlussuaq (starting point) or Sisimiut (endpoint)

Trolltunga Trek (Norway)

• Distance: 28km round trip
• Duration: 10-12 hours or 2 days
• Altitude Range: 400-1,100m
• Description: Famous rock formation jutting out over Lake Ringedalsvatnet
• Access: Fly to Bergen or Oslo, then bus/train to Odda, followed by shuttle to the trailhead at Skjeggedal

Slovenian Mountain Trail (Slovenia)

• Distance: 617km (full trail)
• Duration: 30-40 days (shorter segments possible)
• Altitude Range: 200-2,864m
• Description: Connects the Julian Alps, Kamnik-Savinja Alps, and Pohorje massif
• Access: Fly to Ljubljana Airport, then bus to Maribor (eastern starting point) or Nova Gorica/Ankaran (western endpoints)

Switzerland’s Alpine Treasures

Grosser Mythen

• Distance: 5km round trip
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Altitude Range: 1,100-1,899m
• Description: Steep but rewarding hike with 360° panoramic views of central Switzerland
• Access: Fly to Zurich Airport, take train to Schwyz, then bus to Brunni and cable car to Holzegg (trailhead)

Jöriseen

• Distance: 14km round trip
• Duration: 5-6 hours
• Altitude Range: 1,800-2,650m
• Description: High-alpine lake circuit with stunning views of multiple glacier-fed lakes
• Access: Fly to Zurich, train to Davos Dorf, then bus to Flüelapass (starting point)

Murgseen Wanderung

• Distance: 15km
• Duration: 5-6 hours
• Altitude Range: 910-1,820m
• Description: Beautiful trail passing three mountain lakes in the Heidiland region
• Access: Fly to Zurich, train to Murg am Walensee station (starting point)

Muttsee and Limmerensee with Ruchi Wanderung

• Distance: 16km
• Duration: 6-7 hours
• Altitude Range: 1,100-2,800m
• Description: Challenging hike featuring two alpine lakes and peak ascent of Ruchi
• Access: Fly to Zurich, train to Linthal, then cable car to Kalktrittli or Tierfehd (starting points)

Glattalpsee to Furggele and Ortstock Wanderung

• Distance: 18km
• Duration: 7-8 hours
• Altitude Range: 1,200-2,716m
• Description: Challenging route with lake views and optional summit of Ortstock
• Access: Fly to Zurich, train to Glarus, bus to Richisau, then cable car to Glattalp (starting point)

North America’s Wild Wonders

John Muir Trail (California, USA)

• Distance: 340km
• Duration: 14-21 days
• Altitude Range: 1,200-4,400m
• Description: Legendary trail through Sierra Nevada, passing through Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia
• Access: Fly to San Francisco or Los Angeles, then drive or take public transport to Yosemite Valley (northern terminus) or Whitney Portal (southern terminus)

Yosemite Grand Traverse (California, USA)

• Distance: 100km
• Duration: 6-8 days
• Altitude Range: 1,200-3,600m
• Description: Challenging route through Yosemite hitting iconic landmarks
• Access: Fly to San Francisco or Fresno, then drive or shuttle to Yosemite Valley

West Coast Trail (British Columbia, Canada)

• Distance: 75km
• Duration: 5-7 days
• Altitude Range: 0-100m
• Description: Rugged coastal trail on Vancouver Island with beaches, rainforests, and wildlife
• Access: Fly to Victoria or Vancouver, then take ferry/bus to Port Renfrew (southern terminus) or Bamfield (northern terminus)

Rockwall Trail (British Columbia, Canada)

• Distance: 55km
• Duration: 3-5 days
• Altitude Range: 1,600-2,350m
• Description: High-alpine trail in Kootenay National Park with towering limestone cliffs
• Access: Fly to Calgary, then drive west on Highway 1 to Kootenay National Park (approximately 2 hours)

Banff Highline Trail (Alberta, Canada)

• Distance: 100km
• Duration: 7-10 days
• Altitude Range: 1,400-2,600m
• Description: Breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies
• Access: Fly to Calgary, then shuttle or drive to Banff (1.5 hours from airport)

Kesugi Ridge Trail (Alaska, USA)

• Distance: 58km
• Duration: 3-4 days
• Altitude Range: 300-1,200m
• Description: Stunning views of Denali and the Alaska Range
• Access: Fly to Anchorage, then drive or take train to Denali National Park, access trail via Parks Highway

Kalalau Trail (Hawaii, USA)

• Distance: 35km (round trip)
• Duration: 2-3 days
• Altitude Range: 0-370m
• Description: Dramatic coastal trail on Kauai leading to remote Kalalau Valley
• Access: Fly to Lihue Airport in Kauai, then shuttle or drive to Haena State Park (trailhead)

Wonderland Trail (Washington, USA)

• Distance: 150km
• Duration: 7-14 days
• Altitude Range: 760-2,070m
• Description: Circles Mount Rainier through varied terrain and ecosystems
• Access: Fly to Seattle, then drive to Mount Rainier National Park (2.5 hours)
  

Mount Temple (Canada )

• Distance:
• Duration: 1 day
• Altitude Range:
• Description:
• Access:

Zion Traverse (Utah, USA)

• Distance: 75km
• Duration: 4-5 days
• Altitude Range: 1,200-2,100m
• Description: Cross Zion National Park with dramatic canyon views
• Access: Fly to Las Vegas or Salt Lake City, then drive or shuttle to Zion National Park

Panorama Ridge (British Columbia, Canada)

• Distance: 30km round trip
• Duration: 1-2 days
• Altitude Range: 850-2,100m
• Description: Stunning 360° views of Garibaldi Lake, Black Tusk, and surrounding mountains
• Access: Fly to Vancouver, then drive 1.5 hours north to Rubble Creek parking lot on Highway 99

Skyline Trail (Jasper National Park, Canada)

• Distance: 44km
• Duration: 2-3 days
• Altitude Range: 1,200-2,510m
• Description: Alpine ridge trail with extensive above-treeline hiking
• Access: Fly to Edmonton, then drive 4 hours west to Jasper, or fly to Calgary and drive 5 hours northwest

Bright Angel to Rim-to-Rim (Grand Canyon, USA)

• Distance: 38-45km (depending on route)
• Duration: 2-3 days
• Altitude Range: 734-2,200m
• Description: Iconic descent into and ascent out of the Grand Canyon
• Access: Fly to Phoenix or Las Vegas, then drive (4-5 hours) or shuttle to Grand Canyon National Park

South America’s Untamed Beauty

Huayhuash Circuit (Peru)

• Distance: 130km
• Duration: 8-12 days
• Altitude Range: 3,000-5,000m
• Description: Demanding high-altitude circuit with stunning peaks and glacial lakes
• Access: Fly to Lima, then bus or domestic flight to Huaraz, followed by local transport to Llamac (starting point)

Huemul Circuit (Argentina)

• Distance: 65km
• Duration: 4-5 days
• Altitude Range: 500-1,600m
• Description: Challenging Patagonian trek with Southern Patagonian Ice Field views
• Access: Fly to Buenos Aires, then domestic flight to El Calafate, bus to El Chaltén (trailhead)

O-Circuit (Torres del Paine, Chile)

• Distance: 120km
• Duration: 7-9 days
• Altitude Range: 100-1,200m
• Description: Full circuit around Torres del Paine with iconic granite towers, glaciers, and lakes
• Access: Fly to Santiago, then domestic flight to Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales, followed by bus to Torres del Paine National Park

Cerro Castillo (Chile)

• Distance: 50km
• Duration: 4-5 days
• Altitude Range: 400-1,600m
• Description: Less crowded alternative to Torres del Paine with stunning Patagonian scenery
• Access: Fly to Santiago, domestic flight to Balmaceda, then bus to Villa Cerro Castillo (trailhead)

Ausangate Circuit (Peru)

• Distance: 70km
• Duration: 5-6 days
• Altitude Range: 3,900-5,200m
• Description: High-altitude trek around sacred mountain with colorful landscapes
• Access: Fly to Lima, then domestic flight or bus to Cusco, followed by local transport to Tinki (starting point)

Dientes de Navarino (Chile)

• Distance: 42km
• Duration: 4-5 days
• Altitude Range: 120-1,000m
• Description: Southernmost trek in the world on remote Navarino Island
• Access: Fly to Santiago, then domestic flights to Punta Arenas and Puerto Williams on Navarino Island

Lost City Trek (Colombia)

• Distance: 46km
• Duration: 4-5 days
• Altitude Range: 150-1,200m
• Description: Multi-day jungle trek to ancient Ciudad Perdida ruins
• Access: Fly to Bogotá or Medellín, then domestic flight to Santa Marta, followed by transport to Machete Pelao (trailhead)

Salkantay / Lares / Inca Trail (Peru)

• Inca Trail Distance: 42km
• Salkantay Distance: 74km
• Lares Distance: 33km
• Duration: 4-5 days
• Altitude Range: 2,200-4,600m
• Description: Various routes to Machu Picchu with different difficulty levels
• Access: Fly to Lima, then domestic flight to Cusco, followed by train/bus to respective trailheads

Choquequirao Trek (Peru)

• Distance: 64km
• Duration: 4-5 days
• Altitude Range: 1,500-3,050m
• Description: Challenging trek to less-visited Inca ruins
• Access: Fly to Lima, then domestic flight to Cusco, followed by bus to Cachora (starting point)

Santa Cruz Trek (Peru)

• Distance: 50km
• Duration: 4 days
• Altitude Range: 2,900-4,750m
• Description: Through the stunning Cordillera Blanca with turquoise lakes
• Access: Fly to Lima, then bus to Huaraz (8 hours), followed by local transport to Vaqueria or Cashapampa (trailheads)

El Chalten Day Hikes (Argentina)

• Distance: Various (10-25km)
• Duration: Day hikes
• Altitude Range: 400-1,200m
• Description: Spectacular views of Mt. Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre
• Access: Fly to Buenos Aires, then domestic flight to El Calafate, followed by 3-hour bus to El Chaltén

Asia’s Himalayan Heights and Beyond

Everest Base Camp – Cho-La Pass – Gokyo Trek (Nepal)

• Distance: 130-140km
• Duration: 14-18 days
• Altitude Range: 2,860-5,420m
• Description: Comprehensive Everest region trek combining EBC and Gokyo valley via the technical Cho La Pass (5,420m)
• Route: Lukla → Phakding → Namche Bazaar → Tengboche → Dingboche → Lobuche → Gorakshep/EBC → Dzongla → Cho La Pass → Thangnak → Gokyo → optional Gokyo Ri ascent
• Features: Dramatic Himalayan views, including Everest (8,848m) and Ama Dablam (6,814m)
• Access: Fly to Kathmandu, then domestic flight to Lukla (trailhead)

3 Passes Trek (Nepal)

• Distance: 160km
• Duration: 17-21 days
• Altitude Range: 2,800-5,550m
• Description: Challenging Everest region trek crossing Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La passes
• Access: Fly to Kathmandu, then domestic flight to Lukla (trailhead)

Annapurna Circuit (Nepal)

• Distance: 160-230km (varies with road construction)
• Duration: 12-18 days
• Altitude Range: 800-5,416m
• Description: Classic Himalayan trek circling Annapurna massif with diverse landscapes
• Access: Fly to Kathmandu, then bus or jeep to Besisahar (traditional starting point) or Chame (shortened version)

Manaslu Circuit (Nepal)

• Distance: 177km
• Duration: 14-16 days
• Altitude Range: 600-5,160m
• Description: Less crowded alternative to Annapurna with remote wilderness
• Access: Fly to Kathmandu, then bus/jeep to Soti Khola or Arughat (starting points)

Gosainkunda Frozen Lake (Nepal)

• Distance: 45km
• Duration: 5-7 days
• Altitude Range: 1,400-4,380m
• Description: Trek to sacred high-altitude lake, popular during Janai Purnima festival
• Access: Fly to Kathmandu, then bus to Dhunche or Syabrubesi (starting points)

K2 Base Camp (Pakistan)

• Distance: 180km
• Duration: 14-21 days
• Altitude Range: 3,000-5,150m
• Description: Challenging trek to the world’s second-highest mountain base
• Access: Fly to Islamabad, then domestic flight to Skardu, followed by jeep to Askole (trailhead)

Patundas Pass Trek (Pakistan)

• Distance: 80km
• Duration: 7-9 days
• Altitude Range: 2,000-4,100m
• Description: Beautiful trek through stunning mountain terrain
• Access: Fly to Islamabad, then domestic flight to Gilgit, followed by jeep to Naltar or Hunza (starting points)

Markha Valley Trek (India)

• Distance: 75km
• Duration: 6-8 days
• Altitude Range: 3,200-5,200m
• Description: Ladakh region trek showcasing stunning beauty and culture
• Access: Fly to Delhi, then domestic flight to Leh, followed by transport to Spituk or Chilling (starting points)

Big Almaty Lake (Kazakhstan)

• Distance: 15km (day hike)
• Duration: 1 day
• Altitude Range: 2,000-3,300m
• Description: Beautiful alpine lake accessible by hiking trails
• Access: Fly to Almaty, then taxi or bus to the Big Almaty Lake parking area (1.5 hours from city)

Bhutan Snowman Trek (Bhutan)

• Distance: 325km
• Duration: 25-30 days
• Altitude Range: 2,500-5,320m
• Description: One of the world’s most challenging treks through remote Himalayan landscapes
• Access: Fly to Bangkok, Delhi, or Singapore, then connect to Paro, Bhutan, followed by drive to Lunana (starting point)

Druk Path Trek (Bhutan)

• Distance: 54km
• Duration: 5-6 days
• Altitude Range: 2,400-4,200m
• Description: Shorter, more accessible Bhutanese trek with beautiful scenery
• Access: Fly to Bangkok, Delhi, or Singapore, then connect to Paro, Bhutan (trek starts near Paro)

Gokyo Ri Trek (Nepal)

• Distance: 90km
• Duration: 12-14 days
• Altitude Range: 2,800-5,360m
• Description: Alternative to EBC with stunning lake views
• Access: Fly to Kathmandu, then domestic flight to Lukla, followed by trekking to Gokyo

Mount Rinjani Trek (Indonesia)

• Distance: 40km
• Duration: 3 days
• Altitude Range: 1,000-3,726m
• Description: Active volcano with crater lake on Lombok Island
• Access: Fly to Bali or Lombok International Airport, then drive to Senaru or Sembalun (trailheads)

Australia and New Zealand: Southern Hemisphere Adventures

New Zealand Great Walks and Beyond

Rees-Dart Track (New Zealand)

• Distance: 58km
• Duration: 4-5 days
• Altitude Range: 400-1,800m
• Description: Alpine trek through Mt. Aspiring National Park
• Access: Fly to Queenstown, then shuttle to Muddy Creek (Glenorchy area) for the start

Hollyford Track (New Zealand)

• Distance: 56km
• Duration: 4-5 days
• Altitude Range: 0-600m
• Description: Diverse trek through forests to the Tasman Sea
• Access: Fly to Queenstown, then drive or take shuttle to Hollyford Road end (4 hours from Queenstown)

Northwest Circuit (Stewart Island, New Zealand)

• Distance: 125km
• Duration: 9-11 days
• Altitude Range: 0-400m
• Description: Remote coastal and forest trek on Stewart Island
• Access: Fly to Invercargill, then ferry or small plane to Stewart Island

Gillespie Pass (New Zealand)

• Distance: 58km
• Duration: 3-4 days
• Altitude Range: 500-1,600m
• Description: Challenging alpine pass in Mt. Aspiring National Park
• Access: Fly to Queenstown, then shuttle to Makarora (starting point)

Tongariro Alpine Crossing (New Zealand)

• Distance: 19.4km
• Duration: 1 day
• Altitude Range: 760-1,886m
• Description: Volcanic terrain with emerald lakes and dramatic craters
• Access: Fly to Auckland or Wellington, then drive or bus to Tongariro National Park (4-5 hours)

Overland Track (Tasmania, Australia)

• Distance: 65km
• Duration: 5-6 days
• Altitude Range: 700-1,250m
• Description: Tasmania’s most famous trek through Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
• Access: Fly to Hobart or Launceston, then shuttle to Cradle Mountain (starting point)

Bay of Fires (Tasmania, Australia)

• Distance: 48km
• Duration: 4 days
• Altitude Range: 0-100m
• Description: Coastal walk with white sand beaches and orange-lichen-covered rocks
• Access: Fly to Launceston, then drive or shuttle to Mt. William National Park (2.5 hours)

Great Ocean Walk (Victoria, Australia)

• Distance: 104km
• Duration: 6-8 days
• Altitude Range: 0-200m
• Description: Coastal trail with dramatic cliffs and ocean views
• Access: Fly to Melbourne, then drive or take public transport to Apollo Bay (starting point, 3 hours from Melbourne)

Pro Tip for New Zealand

Consider exploring tracks outside the official “Great Walks” system. A Backcountry Hut Pass offers incredible value and access to a vast network of less crowded, equally stunning trails. Great Walks are beautiful but can be expensive and require booking far in advance.

Africa’s Dramatic Landscapes

Mount Nyiragongo Trek (DR Congo)

• Distance: 15km round trip
• Duration: 2 days
• Altitude Range: 1,989-3,470m
• Description: Active volcano with world’s largest lava lake
• Access: Fly to Kigali (Rwanda), then drive or shuttle to Goma (DR Congo), followed by transport to Kibati ranger station (trailhead)

Conclusion

This list is just the beginning of what’s possible in the world of hiking. Always prioritize safety, respect the environment, and leave no trace. The memories and experiences gained from these adventures are worth every step.

Separate List of Treks in Trekking Atlas of the World

I’ve compiled the list of 54 treks from Jack Jackson’s Trekking Atlas of the World based on online resources and book indexes. Please note that there might be slight variations depending on the edition of the book. This list is organized geographically, mirroring the book’s structure.

Europe

Tour of Mont Blanc (France, Italy, Switzerland)

Walker’s Haute Route (France, Switzerland)

GR20 (Corsica, France)

West Highland Way (Scotland)

Pennine Way (England)

South Downs Way (England)

Pembrokeshire Coast Path (Wales)

Laugavegur Trail (Iceland)

Kungsleden (Sweden)

St Olav’s Way (Norway)

Via Dinarica (Balkans)

Peaks of the Balkans Trail(Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro)

Transcaucasian Trail (Georgia)

Africa

Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania) – Various Routes

Mount Kenya (Kenya)

Drakensberg Grand Traverse (South Africa, Lesotho)

Simien Mountains (Ethiopia)

Mount Toubkal Circuit (Morocco)

Fish River Canyon (Namibia)

Otter Trail (South Africa)

Asia

Everest Base Camp Trek (Nepal)

Annapurna Circuit (Nepal)

Manaslu Circuit (Nepal)

Upper Mustang Trek (Nepal)

Langtang Valley Trek (Nepal)

Snowman Trek (Bhutan)

Druk Path (Bhutan)

Mount Rinjani (Indonesia)

Tiger Leaping Gorge (China)

Kumano Kodo (Japan)

The Great Himalaya Trail (Spans multiple countries, selection)

Altai Tavan Bogd (Mongolia)

Fann Mountains (Tajikistan)

Markha Valley Trek (India)

Oceania

Overland Track (Tasmania, Australia)

Milford Track (New Zealand)

Routeburn Track (New Zealand)

Kepler Track (New Zealand)

Tongariro Northern Circuit (New Zealand)

Kokoda Track (Papua New Guinea)

North America

John Muir Trail (USA)

Pacific Crest Trail (USA) – (Section Highlight)

Continental Divide Trail (USA) – (Section Highlight)

Appalachian Trail (USA) – (Section Highlight)

Wonderland Trail (USA)

West Coast Trail (Canada)

Long Range Traverse (Canada)

Chilkoot Trail (USA/Canada)

South America

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (Peru)

Salkantay Trek (Peru)

Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit (Peru)

Torres del Paine “O” Circuit (Chile)

Fitz Roy Trek (Argentina)

Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) Trek (Colombia)