World's Best Trekking and Hiking Destinations
By dorotix, March 22nd 2010 in Vacation Ideas Comments (57)
Ice climbing in Iceland or a jungle trek to ancient ruins in Colombia? The spectrum of the world's trekking and hiking opportunities is unlimited so let us help you select some of the most rewarding destinations that best suit your preferences. From more travelled countries to absolutely remote and wild states, this list will help you choose your next ultimate trek adventure.
1. Colombia. The Andes.
After years of civil conflict, Colombia is now back on the travelers' map, luring backpackers and holidaymakers with spectacular nature and cultural achievements. Among the country's highlights are its trekking possibilities - Colombia offers some of the best destinations on the continent for hiking and trekking addicts.
Among the most rewarding mountain zones are Pargue Nacional El Cocuy and Los Nevados. Sierra Nevada Del Cocuy is a stunning mountain range, with 20 spectacular peaks (most of them higher than 5,000 meters), waterfalls, glaciers and crystal lakes. Los Nevados, located in the central area of Colombian Andes, is a great, though a bit more demanding, destination for mountain lovers. It is home to the famed Nevado del Ruiz, the northernmost volcano of the Andean Volcanic Belt. In turn, the trekking beginners should consider a 5-day hike through Colombia's rainforest to fascinating Ciudad Perdida, a lost city founded about 800 A.D., some 650 years earlier than Machu Picchu in Peru.
2. Tajikistan. The Pamir.
If you are looking for a wild, remote and off the beaten track trekking destination, Tajikistan should be your choice for the next adventure trek. This mountainous landlocked country in Central Asia, bordering with Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan and China, is covered by the spectacular Pamir range known locally as the Roof of the World. In fact, 50% of Tajikistan's area lies over 3,000 meters (10,000 ft) above the sea level so the high-altitude landscape is right at your fingertips.
The country is home to the Pamir Highway, one of the Asia's most spectacular road trips, and it also contains three of the four highest peaks in former USSR. The highest is the Communism Peak (now renamed as Koh-i-Samani) - the mountain of 7495 m discovered only in 1928. Of course, climbing the latter would be an option for the advanced trekkers. Still, the country has hundreds of outstanding routes of different difficulty levels on offer.
3. The USA. California.
It may not be the most unspoiled destination on Earth, but California certainly is home to some of the most amazing trekking and hiking routes in the country. This third largest state (by area) in the USA offers something for every type of trekkers, from mountain addicts to desert lovers. Besides such iconic natural sites as Death Valley, Yosemite National Park and Sequoia National Park, California also contains an array of mountain ranges: coastal mountains in the west, the Sierra Nevada to the east, the Cascade Range in the north and the Tehachapi Mountains in the south.
Be it hiking along the famous High Sierra Trail to the Mount Whitney, the highest peak (4,421 m) in the contiguous forty-eight states, popular wine treks, or a hiking tour in the spectacular scenery of California's national parks, the state has plenty of rewarding trekking destinations.
4. Argentina and Chile. Patagonia.
Shared by Argentina and Chile, Patagonia is a must for every avid trekker and mountain lover. Though it is now being visited by more and more travelers, Patagonia remains a land of wild nature, large spaces, pristine lakes and unconquerable peaks. Among the Patagonia's most spectacular treks are the Fitz Roy Range trails, Torres del Paine National Park, and Glacier Perito Moreno as well as Tierra del Fuego, an archipelago off the southernmost tip of the South American mainland, perfect for lone wolf type of trekkers. Whether you follow more popular tourist trails or venture more isolated stretches of the region, Patagonia is a place not to be missed while in South America.
5. Iceland.
The absolutely stunning landscape of Iceland creates a perfect scenery for some of the world's best hikes and treks. Be it glacier trails leading through the labyrinth of glacier tongues, hot spring hikes, ice climbing or mountain climbing, trekking Iceland is like walking on the moon. If you search for an ultimate adventure, don't miss hiking Hvannadalshnúkur, the country's highest peak of 2110 m (6,900 ft). The trail offers jaw-dropping views of Vatnajokull glacier (one of the world's largest), though it is a long and physically challenging climb. On the Iceland's hike odyssey, you will discover much more than the highlands - the country is home to fantastic waterfalls, geysers, volcanoes, hot springs and steaming waters of thermal pools, where you can relax and give your muscles the rest they deserve after the treks.
6. Slovakia. The Tatras.
This tiny country in Central Europe is a paradise for trekkers and hikers. While the trails of the Alps and the Dolomites are well-worn and crowded, Slovakia offers amazing, pristine mountain land of crystal lakes, snow-capped peaks and wild forests. The Carpathian Mountains extend across most of the northern part of the country and amongst these mountain ranges are the Tatra mountains - shared by Slovakia and Poland. Slovakia is home to Gerlachovský štít (2654m), the highest peak in the Carpathian range and around 600 km of hiking trails that will take you to beautiful alpine valleys and high summit ridges.
7. Kazakhstan.
The travelers are still rare in Kazakhstan, so the vastness of its highlands is literally all for those who decide to venture into this remote state in Central Asia. This huge country, the ninth largest in the world, contains two grand ranges: the Tian Shan and the Altai Mountains, where Russia, China, Mongolia and Kazakhstan come together. The beauty, remoteness and wilderness of the country go beyond imagination. Although the mountain areas cover around 10% of the Kazakhstan's territory, their untouched and breathtaking landscapes make it one of the world's most rewarding trekking and hiking destinations.
8. The USA. Alaska.
It goes without saying that Alaska is one of the world's most beautiful and wildest destinations. Home to Denali and Glacier Bay National Parks as well as Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska has so much to offer for trekkers and hikers that one could spent a lifetime venturing the state. Alaska's iconic area is Denali National Park, home to Mt McKinley, the highest peak in North America. The park offers loads of off-trail trekking opportunities where nature lovers can admire absolutely stunning wildlife such as marmot, brown bears and moose, which are, fortunately, quite easy to spot. Though expensive and difficult to access, Alaska is a heaven for outdoor enthusiasts.
Hello?!?! The Alps?!!?!? and Himalaya?!?!
I intend to travel to India this year and I want to know more information about the most visited destinations and prices for accommodation and transport.
hey christian, if you love the mountains! ladakh is the place for you.. best time is between june - sept.
you can trek, raft or just enjoy the unspoiled beauty and landscape. you have to fly to delhi and then can either fly to leh or go by road via manali or even from srinagar. Its not very expensive and you can get accommodation since there are plenty of guest houses etc in leh. have a great trip!
I like how they didn't include the Alps or Himalaya. Most of these destinations are far off the beaten path (except CA, of course).
An extremely adventurous and unrealistic list. I suspect whoever made this list has never been to these places. Citing "beauty, remoteness, and wilderness" is telling less than half the story. I've been there, done that ... and had a gun put to my head by bandits at the same time ... not recommended.
Note that the longest continuous and unbisected trail in the world is located not in the Himals, not in the Andes, and not in a place you could be kidnapped and held for ransom, but instead is in the most populous state in our Union.
Taiwan is slowly building up a reputation for excellent hiking and trekking. Few people go there, but those that do come back raving about how underrated it is. Certainly no issues with bandits or overdevelopment!
Nepal is one of the best hiking destination in the world. Having 8 peaks above 8000 metre out of 14, Nepal offer varieties of the trekking here in Nepal. Everest, Annapurna, Langtang are the popular tea house trail where as Kanchanjungha, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, Makalu and others are popular as camping trek.
where is the list of NEPAL's Annapurna circuit.It's the top 8 listed trekking trail of the world with its renowned beautiful trails,mountains and blend of culture,a package.
if you happen to get swayed into asia, you may want to try trekking your way into the awesome blue waters of the Mt. Pinatubo in the Philippines.
Nepal offers Wonderful Himalayas views. it is one of the best trekking destination in world.
Nepal is paradise for trekking and hiking. it is located between india & china. it offers one of the best mountain views.
Nepal has wonderful trekking places. you get full information at (www.nepaltrekkingtours(dot) com) about nepal trekking.
the exoitic treakking zone is nepal its beautiful landscape higher and highest mountain make feel like great enjoy inthe world
Mysterious and Exotic, Nepal holds prime position in the imagination of every mountain lover and trekker in the world. It is home to the bulk of the Himalaya and of course Mt. Everest, planet Earth’s highest peak. In fact, of the world’s 14 highest peaks, 8 are in Nepal. It is also the birthplace of Buddha and home of the famed porters and mountain climbing Sherpa. This mixture of mountains and ancient culture make Nepal a magical land of superlatives and an absolute delight for trekkers.
obviously nepal gotta be in the list. I have been there couple of times and also to some of the places mentioned in the list. Annapurna area treking in nepal is far better and for me the best in the world. i wish i could live all my life in there..
Colombia is so interesting. I was so happy staying there for 3 days
Where is Nepal? Unbelievable list!!
Nepal is an independent country which lies in between india and china.....There are many places where you can hike and trek.....
First time trekking in Nepal at the age of 16 with my dad who had been there atleast 10 time before that. I am 34 years old. I have been to Nepal 7 times after that. I wish if I could always live there. Annapurna circuit and Barun Valley. Can't describe because it is undescribable, Be there to only know what it is.
TAJIKISTAN ( Pamir ) the best place for hiking, trekking ..... All sorts of fun, unbelievable beautiful nature.
Himachal Pradesh, India also offers best trekking routes. Just try.
I think this sites is one of the rubbish sites in the world .I think this sites is in the bias.I'll suggest that if you visit Nepal then you'll find which is the best.you'll find world's highest mountain and this is the place for peace luxury.
What about the Nepal with the top of the world MOUNT EVEREST,ANNAPURNA and so on
? They are Better than that of the world
Are you sure you missed Nepal intentionally? People will laugh at you if they saw this.
Nepal is one of the best place for trekking
Nepal is one of the best place for trekking
Asian Adventure Treks
i too good......but they do not show the world best treks which is the in the pakistan,,,,,,,,,,,
Nepal is among the best not only in treking and hiking but also in white wtare rafting, bunzy jumping, kayaking, kenoeing and mountain biking in the world. The list without Nepal is never complete if places to be mentioned under these titles.
Really nice destinations.
But.... Wow!
You managed to Leave Pakistan out of this List. The country has enough stunning tracks in its north to keep a person engaged for the whole life.
Himalays is the best , this list is unrealistic, the world's highest mountains and ranges are not in list, nepal, India(ladakh),karakoram ranges and many more all are missing, once you visit those you will be mesmerised, and there are so many and I guess one life term is short for it.
u all annapurna base camp is the most beautiful place to live the life ,,,,,,,,,,,,, just live ur life in nepal
You could spend a lifetime exploring California. We have the highest peak in the U.S. outside of Alaska (Mt. Whitney), the lowest point in the western hemisphere (Death Valley), the tallest trees in the world (coast redwoods), the largest trees in the world (giant sequoias), and the oldest trees in the world (bristlecone pines). We have many millions of acres of wilderness and national parks to explore.
oh my god, can not describe the nepal trek, so nice and wonderful , beauty himalayan
I m sure the person who created the site has never been to nepal or has intentionally chosen to avoid it. The places that has been mentioned above are no doubt beautiful but if you are talking about trek folks, you just cant ignore nepal. Hiking around the beautiful landscapes as above may look good to the eye and make sure that the dollars you spent on your DSLR didnt go wasted. But trekkking is fun and most rewarding when it is combined with a challenge. All the mental and physical preparations that you make while crossing the high mountain passes, fight and overcome the acute mountain sickness threat and the sight of the gigantic 8000 meter peeking above the clouds is a royal treat to the eyes of the real trekkers and this i belive makes trekking in Nepal the ultimate trekking destination for the real adventure seeking trekkers.
hey dude itz all fake list
..intentionally Nepal iz missin so sad 2 see this...u knw dat highest peak of the world iz in Nepal MT EVEREST 8848 m..also world top 8 highest peak lies @ Nepal..so u guys must b kiddinn better watch out ur list.. if there iz HEAVEN in world dat lies in Nepal..its da paradise.. I WISH I WAS BORN THERE..wow my trip obey there was awesome.
The World's Best Trekking and Hiking Destinations Is Nepal (Mt. Everest,Mt. Makalu, Mt.KanchanJanga, Mt.Anapurna,Mt. Dhaulagiri and Many More...............)
serously, you forgot norway. this pic is not a fake. it´s the bessegen. you should consider to put it in the list: http://www.westernwild.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/On-Bessegen.jpg
where is munnar , kodaikkanal (kerala and tamilnadu ; south india)
all those countries are beautiful.. but there is Nepal which I personally like to say HEAVEN OF EARTH
and it is also beautiful like others.. you can watch this vedio.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4mM5oEWb_4&feature=fvwrel
It unbelievable,Nepal is not in the list.If we search in google, we find that Nepal is the most consistent destination in terms of the world's most beautiful trekking sites.
I think Nepal Should be listed........Trail to Mt. Everest, Annapurna Circuit are the Natural Wonder that you can't Ignore...........So it Who ever made this...........list he has to come here and watch Nppal, How is it..............
where is Nepal? it`s missing here..plz check your list twice before you published..k2 and Ebc is missing here
um.... guys, have you ever thought that maybe nepal isnt there because everyone already nows about it. they probably put ones on the site that arent that famous to get people to go there. Nepal is a great place but, this site is just trying to advertise some other hiking/trekking destinations and STOP BEING SO MEAN TO THE WRITER! sites are hard to make, the person is probably TRYING to make it a great site
and this website was very in formational, so quit your COMPLAINING
Norway has a trekking organization with close to 500 cabins, all with beds and fuel, half with food; i.e. you can hike with a 30 lbs pack in the summer, partly marked trails and of course an incredible scenery.
been to nepal, heaven on earth
I am not the good trekker and do not know about the trekking world that much. But viewing the forementioned comments one should be come to the conclusion that excluding Nepal no rating of trekking is credible (including this one).
How to get to nepal
?
awesome sites to hike.................
nepal is the best in the world.
Nepal is best trekking destination in the world http://www.nepalguidetrek.com
Hello there, what's about Nepal , It is homeland of Mt. Everest (8848m)
http://www.dreamhimalayan.com/
Nov01Yogesh Aadi raajaa indra hos ki bgaaawhan krishna taanaashah hitler hos yaa prakhyaat bil clinton; sundari yuwati prati ko mohit hudaina ra
ma ta vutukkai bhaye !!
Nepal is the best destination for hiking and trekking as we can get variations of height frm 60m to 8848m and probably all kind of ecosystems within the height variation.
Come on and what about alps? Just you don't know it... I have been in Patagonia and Himalaya but there is very little difference. visit www.trekking-alps.com
Morocco is definitely an excellent tourist destination. It is the most beautiful country in North Africa. Morocco offers a wide range of tourist activities .
If you are looking for a professional mountain guide in atlas mountains of Morocco, feel free to contact us.
www.trekking-toubkal.com
Looks really nice adventure and very information, trust in Nepal we have so many adventure trekking route and 14th highest mountain in the world. So do not forgot to visit Nepal for any type of Adventure.
http//oshoadventure.com
http//trekkingtopnepal.com