Hikers are brave people who don’t mind experiencing the harshest climates or the most forbidding terrains. Whether they climb the highest mountains or cross moors, hikers know what real adventure feels like. One of the best ways to discover the Earth is to walk the land and admire its natural beauty.
In this list, we feature some of the most exciting destinations for hiking that will surely challenge and enthuse hikers, regardless of their experience.
1. Annapurna Circuit, Nepal
This trek is considered as the holy grail of trekking since it opened in the 1980s. Those who tried hiking in this circuit would agree that Annapurna is simply the best. The route varies from 100 to 145 miles. Depending on your level of experience, it can take 15 to 25 days to complete the journey.
In this circuit, you will find that the trek is a world party. You’ll find different people of different nationalities traveling with guides and porters. The highlights of your travel would include reaching Thorung La summit with a height of 18,000 feet. Then, you can watch the sun rise over Poon Hill. You may wish to leave your camping gear at home as you can stay in one of the cheap hotels along the route.
2. The Narrows, USA
It is one of the most inspiring hikes in America. It offers dramatic scenery and a top-tier adventure that attracts thousands of tourists and locals every year. All of them want to explore the Virgin River. In here, you’ll experience breathtaking scenery throughout the 26km trek. Half of your hiking adventure here takes place in the river. You may need to swim if you wish to explore some of its areas. Don’t worry. You can finish it in one day.
After that, you can dry off your clothes at one of the camping grounds situated in the park. The hike starts at the Chamberlain Ranch found 20 miles from the Zion National Park’s entrance.
3. Kungsleden, Sweden
During the summer months, the northern part of Sweden offers a haven for hikers. Also known as The King’s Trail, Kungsleden provides a 275-mile trek that treats you to untouched wilderness. The trail begins in Abisko, a village in the north. Then, it ends in the Hemavan, which is farther south. Don’t worry, though, as you can find rustic huts if you need shelter. This trek runs through the national parks. And you can visit a nature reserve. Plus, if you are fortunate enough, you will find Santa’s reindeer.
The challenge here is to complete the 440 kilometers trail of Kungsleden. Unfortunately, some hikers choose the shorter route. Then again, the various entry and exit points along the path enable hikers to spend a few days here or hike the 440-km trek the entire month from Hemavan to Abisko. The good thing about this trek is that no matter what route you choose, there is no bad section in here. In other words, you can’t make a wrong decision.
4. Pays Dogon, Mali
It is one of the most scenic places you can go when visiting Africa. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pays Dogon is one of hikers’ haven. It offers breathtaking landscape. You can complete the trek for ten days. In here, you can visit the ancient cliff dwellings. You’ll also see some Dogon villages as you cross the peeks.
To get in Dogon Country, you need to hire a driver or a tourist guide. Or if you want to experience it without a guide, you can just rent a car and drive to one of the hiking villages where the trek starts.
5. Camino de Santiago, Spain
Also known as The Way of St. James, Camino de Santiago is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its trail goes from the Pyrenees in France to the top of Spain and ends in the Santiago de Compostela. This trek is a 500-mile trail, which can be crowded if you go there in the summer months. Thus, if you wish to experience quiet and solitude adventure, opt to go there off-season. If you’re a wine lover, you’ll surely love the route where you can go and visit the functional fountain of wine, or also known as Fuente de Vino.
6. The Haute Route, France, and Switzerland
As you visit The Haute Route, you’ll experience the best areas of The Alps. There are various routes you can take. Every course, however, can take two weeks to complete. And it is only recommended for experienced and fit hikers. It is a demanding hike as you go through the French and Swiss Alps. Then, you walk from Chamonix in France to Zermatt in Switzerland for 10 to 12 days.
When you go there, make sure that you book with a guide who can lead the hike. Then, don’t forget to book a hotel near Chamonix, France.
Author Bio:
Amanda Johnson is a content manager at a real estate startup Rentberry in San Francisco. She loves creating useful articles for tenants and landlords as well as writing about marketing and self-development. Amanda has 2 dogs.