Top 10 best hiking trails around the World

avatar-Allie OstranderSupported by  Allie Ostrander

Discovering the world's best hiking excursions is embarking on an unparalleled adventure, where each step unveils spectacular landscapes, challenges our limits, and connects us deeply with nature. The planet is filled with trails that promise great adventures, and from NNormal, we want to show you the world's best hiking excursions, whether you are an expert hiker seasoned in a thousand battles, or a novice eager to dive into the fascinating world of trekking, this article is the starting point towards a new adventure.

TOP 10 of the world's best hiking routes:

Inca Trail, Peru:

We start our list of the world's best hiking trails with, possibly, the best route in South America. Descending the Inca Trail towards Machu Picchu, the enigmatic Lost City of the Incas, immerses you in an ascending and descending journey among majestic snow-capped mountains. Waking up among these Andean peaks reveals panoramas of distant rivers, lush green fields, and the subtropical jungle, offering an enchanting experience full of spiritual satisfaction and mystical and unforgettable moments.

The journey on the Inca Trail in Peru lasts approximately four days and stretches for a total of 42 kilometers, elevating you to heights of about 13,000 feet. The grandeur of this route manifests at the end of the day, as you cross the Sun Gate and witness the first magical and fascinating view of Machu Picchu, one of the world's most iconic attractions.

Annapurna, Nepal:

The journey through Annapurna has become one of the most famous and impressive treks in the Himalayas, in the heart of the majestic mountain ranges of central Nepal. This route, lasting approximately 17 days and totaling 205 kilometers, immerses you in some of the planet's highest and most magnificent snowy peaks, attracting true hikers and nature lovers from all over the world.

The culmination of the journey, the Thorung Pass, is surrounded by scenic, stunning, and captivating mountains. Another point of great beauty that most tourists aspire to reach at sunrise is Poon Hill, from where you can contemplate eight of the world's fourteen highest mountain peaks.

Kilimanjaro, Tanzania:

Kilimanjaro, known as Africa's most imposing peak, is one of those experiences that must be lived at least once in a lifetime, offering thrilling challenges and spectacular views of this continent.

Each year, about thirty thousand adventurers conquer Kilimanjaro, ascending from the warm plains, through tropical jungles, meadows, and deserts, to reach the snow and ice regions at the summit. This challenge promises a unique experience, merging the diversity of the terrain with the magnificence of nature.

Everest Base Camp, Nepal:

In our list of the world's best hiking trails, a visit for those adventurers who want to take a look at the world's highest mountain could not be missing. Besides an impressive landscape, the hike to Everest Base Camp is among the most spectacular in the Himalayas, where you can experience the unique local culture and connect with the beautiful locals of Nepal.

This one-way trail of 65 kilometers and 12 to 14 days takes tourists to the crest of a mountain, then descends to a river and goes through another mountain range, leading tourists to the base camp. Upon reaching the summit, you will feel a complete sense of success and have accomplished one of the things to do at least once in a lifetime. Some of the fascinating places along the way include Namche Bazar, the Everest View Hotel, and Tengboche Monastery.

To immerse yourself and gain motivation for this adventure, we recommend taking a look at the following article, in which Kilian Jornet details his experience exploring the territory of the world's highest mountain.

W Circuit, Torres del Paine National Park, Chile:

Located in the southern part of Chile, this route stands as another of the world's best hiking excursions. The W Trail in Torres del Paine National Park stands out as one of the most distinguished, beautiful, and visited places by travelers from all over the world.

You can enjoy the stunning views offered by three wonderful valleys: Ascencio Valley, French Valley, and Grey Lake, forming a W shape for which it is named.

This enclave is a hub for both locals and visitors, offering imposing rock formations, snow-covered lakes, shelters, camping areas, glamping experiences, and luxurious lodges that attract hikers from around the world.

Samaria Gorge, Greece:

Exploring the wonderful views of the Samaria Gorge is positioned as one of the experiences that every trekking lover has to live and, for this reason, is why we have wanted to add it to our list of the best hiking excursions in the world. This route on the Island of Crete descends and crosses the imposing White Mountains, offering the majesty of its rock walls, the beauty of wild flowers and endless panoramas, culminating its journey in the waters of the Mediterranean.

Starting at the top of the gorge, this 16-kilometer trail flows alongside the river, passing through captivating landscapes that include varied flora, disused windmills, ruined castles and farms, to finally end up in the Libyan Sea.

GR 20 Trail–Corsica, France:

The GR 20 emerges as an iconic long-distance trail that crosses the island of Corsica from north to south. This stretch spans 189 kilometers and stands out as the most challenging journey within the GR route network, establishing itself as one of Europe's most picturesque and exciting paths.

Divided into two sections, the northern part is the most demanding but impressive, characterized by its rocky paths with steps that wind up and down from Calenzana to Vizzavona. On the other hand, the southern section, starting in Vizzavona and ending in Conca, shows a less striking landscape. Along this itinerary, there are pools of crystal-clear water, offering visitors the chance to refresh themselves on the warm summer days. The imposing presence of Monte Cinto, the highest mountain in Corsica, accompanies the journey with spectacular views throughout the route.

Milford Track, New Zealand:

The most famous route in New Zealand, the renowned Milford Track, has positioned itself as one of the world's best hiking trails and, therefore, one of the most impressive tourist destinations in the Oceanic country.

Starting at Lake Te Anau, with a length of 53 kilometers, this route offers incredible views of crystalline lakes, glaciers, green meadows, suspension bridges, and the most explosive nature you can imagine. Over five days, an endless succession of waterfalls surrounds you, culminating in the mystical mist of Sutherland Falls, the highest waterfall in New Zealand.

It is very important to book one of the picturesque alpine cabins in advance to ensure a seamless experience and enjoy this wonderful excursion.

Hike to Petra, Jordan:

The next excursion deserves to be on this list, allowing you to marvel at Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Starting from the Dana Nature Reserve, your hike will take you to the edge of the desert, a surprisingly rich space in flora and fauna.

Embark on a fascinating journey through gorges, ridges, and temples, surrounded by various birds and a wide variety of plants, sharing the trail with enthusiastic tourists from all over the world.

Rocky Mountains, Canada:

To conclude the list of the world's best hiking excursions, we dive into Canada's most iconic mountain range. This mountain range is home to four well-known national parks: Yoho, Banff, Jasper, and Kootenay. In your journey, you will come across lakes of emerald green hue, imposing glaciers, forests painting picturesque landscapes, and peaks covered in snow and ice. Additionally, you will enjoy wildlife spotting and have the unique opportunity to behold the magical northern lights. In particular, trekking through the Iceline will provide you with the opportunity to closely observe the glaciers and the dazzling Takakkaw Falls, one of the highest in the country.

Essential Hiking Gear Guide

Having discovered the destinations with the world's best hiking excursions, it's time to learn a basic guide to essential trekking equipment that every hiker should consider:

Trekking shoes:To enjoy an experience without any inconvenience, use NNormal's hiking footwear, which offers good support, water resistance, and a robust sole to adapt to different surfaces.

Technical clothing: Make sure to carry technical clothing with you, which keeps you dry and regulates body temperature despite possible climate changes.

Accessories: Before starting any hiking route, it's important to incorporate various accessories to aid in our journey. For example: hats, backpacks, hydration vests, and more.

Navigation systems: A map, a compass, and, preferably, a GPS device are essential for safe navigation in mountainous terrain. Familiarize yourself with these tools before embarking on your adventure.

Hydration and Food: Carry enough water for the journey. Additionally, pack energetic and nutritious foods to maintain your energy levels.

In our search for the best trekking adventures, we have discovered an amazing diversity of landscapes and experiences. These adventures invite us to connect with nature, explore new horizons, and find peace in natural settings. So, don't hesitate any longer, backpack on your shoulder and explore the great wonders of planet Earth.

Photography: Nick Danielson

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