Quick Picks – Top 5 Must-See Hiking Spots in the World
Best for Adventure Seekers
Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal: A challenging 130 km (80 mi) round-trip. Ascend to 5,364 m (17,598 ft) through Sherpa villages, glaciers, and extreme mountain weather. Best visited March–May and September–November. Requires robust fitness and acute altitude awareness.
Best Family-Friendly Trail
Milford Track, New Zealand: 53 km (33 mi) over four days, rated moderate. Famous for lush Fiordland rainforests, manageable daily stages, and ranger support. Open October–April (New Zealand summer). Suitable for families with children age 10+ with hiking experience.
Most Scenic Viewpoints
Tour du Mont Blanc, France/Italy/Switzerland: A 170 km (105 mi) circuit renowned for panoramic alpine valleys, glaciers, and wildflower meadows. Best June–September. Wide range of accommodation, supports day hikes and full circuit adventures.
Best for Wildlife Encounters
Torres del Paine W Trek, Chile: 80 km (50 mi), moderate-challenging. Hike among condors, guanacos, and unique Patagonian flora. Iconic granite towers and Grey Glacier. Best October–April; permits required in peak season.
Most Culturally Significant Hike
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru: 42 km (26 mi), moderate-challenging, four days. Traverse ancient Incan ruins, cloud forests, and high passes, finishing at the Sun Gate entrance to Machu Picchu. May–October. Permit quota limits visitors daily; book early.
How We Chose the Best Hiking Spots in the World
Research and Selection Criteria
Selection is based on physical metrics (length, elevation gain), trail maintenance, and environmental impact. Sources include user/expert reviews (AllTrails, Hiking Project), scientific GIS analyses, and trip reports. Criteria emphasize accessibility, safety (trail marking, risk factors), and experiential factors (scenery, cultural sites). [1][2][3][4]
Evaluation of Safety, Accessibility & Sustainability
Trails were assessed for marked routes, signage, emergency access, and weather resilience. Environmental sustainability drew on Leave No Trace adherence and ecosystem diversity. Trail maintenance and community impact further prioritized. Most top trails have ranger oversight and enforce waste rules.
Expert and Local Recommendations
Heavily weighted to trails with consistent international praise, local stewardship, and positive feedback from sustainable travel operators and independent hikers. Hidden gems source local guides, emphasizing cultural integration and conservation.
The 15 Best Hiking Spots in the World (2026 Edition)
1. Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (Peru)
Length: 42 km (26 mi), 4 days, moderate-challenging. Highlights: Incan ruins, cloud forest, Sun Gate finish. Permits sell out fast — plan at least 6 months ahead.
2. Torres del Paine W Trek (Chile)
Length: 80 km (50 mi), 5 days, moderate-challenging. Features: Granite towers, wildlife, Grey Glacier, turquoise lakes. Book refugios/campsites for regulated access.
3. Tour du Mont Blanc (France, Italy, Switzerland)
Length: 170 km (105 mi), 10–12 days, challenging. U-shaped route through France, Switzerland, and Italy. Glaciers, pastures, diverse cultures, multiple entry points.
4. Appalachian Trail (USA)
Length: 3,524 km (2,190 mi), 5–7 months, very challenging. East Coast classic, diverse climates and terrains, well-marked with robust safety resources.
5. Milford Track (New Zealand)
Length: 53 km (33 mi), 4 days, moderate. Lush rainforest, Mackinnon Pass, Sutherland Falls. Ranger huts, resupply points, strict limit on daily hikers.
6. Everest Base Camp Trek (Nepal)
Length: 130 km (80 mi) round-trip, 12–14 days, challenging. Remote Himalayan experience, high elevation—altitude acclimatization crucial.
7. Laugavegur Trail (Iceland)
Length: 55 km (34 mi), 4 days, moderate-challenging. Volcanic landscapes, hot springs, rhyolite mountains, seasonal stream crossings.
8. The Drakensberg (South Africa)
Length: Varies; Sentinel Peak (12 km/7.5 mi day hike) to Grand Traverse (220 km/137 mi), moderate to challenging. Audience: Scenic escarpments, unique Afro-montane ecosystems.
9. Kalalau Trail (Hawaii, USA)
Length: 35 km (22 mi), 2–4 days, challenging. Dramatic Na Pali coastline, steep drop-offs, tropical waterfalls. Permit system controls numbers, trail can be hazardous in rain.
10. Overland Track (Australia)
Length: 65 km (40 mi), 6 days, moderate. Tasmania’s wilderness—cradle to Lake St Clair, alpine and rainforest environments, hut bookings required.
11. Dolomites Alta Via 1 (Italy)
Length: 120 km (75 mi), 8–10 days, moderate-challenging. Alpine huts serve as bases; notable for dramatic limestone outcrops and WWI history.
12. GR20 (Corsica, France)
Length: 180 km (112 mi), 15 days, very challenging. Known as Europe’s toughest trek—rugged, technical sections for expert hikers.
13. Kungsleden (Sweden)
Length: 440 km (270 mi), usually hiked in 5–7 day sections, moderate. Sweden’s wild Lapland, accessible huts, northern lights in September.
14. Annapurna Circuit (Nepal)
Length: 160–230 km (100–145 mi), 12–21 days, moderate-challenging. Mountain passes, subtropical to alpine zones, deep cut with Himalayan vistas.
15. Patagonia’s Fitz Roy Trek (Argentina)
Length: 50–80 km (30–50 mi), 3–6 days, challenging. Towering granite peaks of Cerro Fitz Roy, turquoise lagoons, unpredictable weather.
Hiking Spot Details: Key Info, Tips & Maps
Distance, Duration & Difficulty
- Short/Moderate: Milford Track, Kalalau Trail (32–35 km; 2–4 days; moderate–challenging)
- Intermediate/Challenging: Tour du Mont Blanc, GR20, Dolomites Alta Via 1, Annapurna Circuit (>100 km; 8–15 days; challenging)
- Very Long/Strenuous: Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail (up to several thousand km; months; very challenging)
Best Time to Visit Each Trail
- Northern Hemisphere: June–September (Mont Blanc, GR20, Kungsleden, Dolomites, West Highland Way)
- Southern Hemisphere: October–April (Torres del Paine, Milford Track, Overland Track, Fitz Roy Trek)
- Equatorial & High-altitude: Inca Trail and Everest Base Camp (May–October and September–November, respectively)
What to Pack & Preparation Advice
- Navigation: Map, compass/GPS, backup power bank, local emergency contacts
- Hydration: 2L+ per person, filter or purification system
- Clothing: Weatherproof layers, hat, sunglasses, sturdy boots, extra socks
- Nutrition: High-calorie snacks, main meals, lightweight cookware
- Safety: First-aid kit, headlamp, whistle, multi-tool, insect repellent, sunblock
- Permits/ID and insurance (check for altitude coverage)
- Train with loaded backpack, hike on similar terrain, build fitness in advance
Safety Guidelines Specific to Each Region
| Region | Main Hazards | Key Advice |
|---|---|---|
| High Altitude (Peru, Nepal) | Altitude sickness, dehydration, cold | Acclimatize, hydrate, ascend slowly, know limits |
| Rainforest (New Zealand, South America) | Sudden weather, river crossings | Padded dry bag, extra layers, respect river warnings |
| Mountain/Alpine (Europe, North America, South Africa) | Steep drops, storms, loose rocks | Check forecasts, use poles, stay on trail, inform others of plans |
| Wildlife Areas (Chile, USA, Australia) | Large mammals, venomous snakes | Store food securely, know local species, carry bear spray where applicable |
Hidden Gem Hiking Spots Around the World
Off-the-Beaten-Path Trails
- Dientes Circuit (Chile, Navarino Island): Southernmost wilderness trek, low annual visitors, pristine subantarctic biodiversity
- Sunshine Coast Trail (Canada): 180 km, hut-to-hut through native forests—minimal tourist impact
- Accursed Mountains (Albanian Alps, Albania): Rugged, remote, rich endemic flora and cultural heritage
- Dragon’s Back (Lesotho): Highland traverse with dramatic terrain, biodiversity hotspot, few hikers
Underrated Destinations for Solitude
- Pouakai Circuit (New Zealand): Volcanic, native bush, less crowded than Milford/Routeburn
- Rwenzori Mountains (Uganda/DRC): Equatorial glacier peaks, unique montane forests, rare wildlife
- Jesus Trail (Israel): Diverse habitats and ancient history, quiet multi-day option
Local Insights and Experiences
Local guides recommend the Dientes Circuit for total wilderness, with permits managed by Chilean authorities. Balkan and African routes often pass through traditional villages—book guides who respect local customs and conservation measures.
Responsible Hiking and Eco-Friendly Travel
Leave No Trace Principles Worldwide
- Plan ahead: Small groups, off-peak travel, repackage food to cut waste
- Stay on trails/durable surfaces: Prevent erosion/trampling
- Pack out all waste, avoid open fires
- Respect wildlife: Observe without feeding, secure food, clean gear
- Be courteous: Yield on trails, keep noise low, respect locals and sites
Sustainable Practices and Community Impact
Choose local lodges and certified eco-tours. Use bear canisters, treat water responsibly, and opt for refillable bottles/pouches. Engage with destinations using guides that train local youth or reinvest in conservation. Support stewardship programs at sites like Torres del Paine, where fees help trail upkeep.
Supporting Local Eco-Tourism Initiatives
Book via certified organizations (e.g., Leave No Trace Center) or national parks official pages. Look for “Travelife” or “Biosphere” certification. Participate in volunteer trail repair if possible.
Cultural Highlights & History on the World’s Best Hiking Trails
Indigenous Communities and Stories
Annapurna and Inca trails cross Indigenous lands—learn histories through local guides. Respect sacred sites; don’t touch artifacts. In Patagonia and Drakensberg, hire guides from local villages to support traditional practices.
Cultural Etiquette for International Hikers
- Stay on public footpaths/respect fences (UK, Europe)
- Ask permission in Indigenous/communal territories
- Dress modestly and greet locals (South America, Africa, Asia)
- Follow “right of way” (yield to uphill hikers, livestock, traditional users)
Festivals, Food, and Traditions Along the Trails
Times hikes with local festivals—e.g., “Inti Raymi” in Cusco (Inca Trail), or cheese/alpine blossom fests in Europe. Sample local cuisine provided by communal huts or teahouses (dal bhat, empanadas, fresh breads). Participate respectfully in local events.
Planning Your Epic Hiking Adventure
Building Your Itinerary with Interactive Tools
Use GPS apps like Gaia GPS and AllTrails to download offline maps and elevations. Book through government or official sites for permit assurance. Interactive planning on platforms such as Bookatrekking or National Park Services simplifies logistics.
Essential Apps and Planning Resources
- AllTrails
- Gaia GPS
- Hiking Project
- Government park websites for permits and safety updates
Booking Guides and Permit Tips for 2026
- Book Inca Trail and Milford Track six months early—permit quotas fill fast
- Consider guided treks on technical or remote trails (Everest, GR20, Dientes Circuit)
- Always check for updated rules and safety closures (weather and environmental impacts are increasing)
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Hiking Spots in the World
- What’s the easiest top trail for beginners? Milford Track or West Highland Way offer manageable distances and overnight huts.
- Which destination is best for wildlife? Torres del Paine (guanacos, condors), Drakensberg (vultures, baboons).
- Are solo hikes recommended? Only on well-marked trails with steady traffic and network coverage. Always inform someone of your route and expected return.
- How do you minimize environmental harm? Adhere strictly to Leave No Trace, pack out all trash, stick to marked routes, use eco-certified guides/transport.
- Is altitude a concern? Yes. Inca, Everest, parts of the Annapurna Circuit, and Kungsleden involve altitude acclimatization.
- Where to find high-quality gear? Shop at recognized outdoor retailers like REI, Cotswold Outdoor, or Backcountry.com.
- What’s the safest way to book guides? Use national park services or certified eco-touring operators for local employment and best safety practices.
Ready for your adventure? Plan ahead, book early, hike responsibly, and explore landscapes and cultures that make these destinations the world’s best. For up-to-date trail info, reviews, and tips, visit AllTrails or Luggage and Lipstick’s top hiking guide. #Hiking2026