Santhu“Hiking is not escapism; it’s realism. The people who choose to spend time outdoors are not running away from anything; we are returning to where we belong.” – Jennifer Pharr Davis.
We’re just limiting our travel journey to explore new cities, national parks, beaches and new places where unique traditions and cultures exist. But traveling is beyond that, if you’re an enthusiastic backpacker or willing to be a challenging backpacker, then you often take hiking throughout your travel journey.
Hiking is all about accessing new mountain summits, glaciers and going through canyons and gorges only by foot. Throughout your hiking journey backpackers are more eligible people to enjoy epic views of the surroundings, new places and totally different travel experiences.
So, right now we came up with an idea: what are the 7 best hikes in the world and what sort of experiences visitors could expect. Let’s discuss one by one;
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7 Best Hikes in the World
1. Inca Trail- Peru
No matter whether you’re new to hiking or already you have experienced a lot of hiking trails, unless you don’t complete this trail you’ll probably feel you’re missing something in your adventure travel. Because such brilliant hike is well known in the world for its unique 26 miles of hiking trails.
This 26 miles of stunning Andean scenic journey takes you to the most renowned Andes and ancient Incan ruins, deep forest areas, and alpine tundra. However once you start to stroll your best hikes in the Inca trail you’ll be blessed to catch up to the region arecalogical sites like Llactapata and Runkurakay.
Its stone paved paths lead to the entrance of Machu Picchu called “Sun Gate”. The trail is more challenging, passing around 4,200 meters with high altitude ranges requiring a minimum of 4 days to complete.
2. Base Camp of Mount Everest- Nepal
Mount Everest is world famous for its highest point on Earth nestled above 8,848 meters. But trying to hike its base camp could be the lifetime memory in your entire backpacking journey. Your hiking trip is a great opportunity to reach Mount Everest summit, however even epic views of Lhotse and Ama Dablam too.
The reason behind the base camp of Mount Everest hiking trail is great because of its stunning views of Himalayan range and help to catch up scenic views of Sagarmatha National Park. Reaching its top feels like you’re on top of the world, but the most tedious task is to hike 5,545 meters of trail.
As we know that a hiking journey here on Mount Everest is not an easy task, and you need to pass through the most challenging routes, so visitors must maintain a positive mind set. Make sure to keep at least 12 to 15 days of time to reach its summit and do not forget to learn native Sherpa cultures, visit traditional villages and explore Tengboche Monastery while you hike.
3. Quilotoa Lagoon in Andes Mountains- Ecuador
Quilotoa Lagoon is a 13,000 feet hiking trail in the Andes Mountains recognised as the most challenging hiking trek in the world, even in South America too. While hiking amidst its trails visitors would be much fortunate to encounter popular 3 km wide areas of turquoise green Crater Lake. However, trails pass through the region’s oldest indigenous cultures such as the Kichwa community and eye-catching volcanic sceneries.
Since “Quilotoa Loop” trail contains more soft volcanic sand along with high altitude you can expect a more challenging trekking journey. Therefore backpackers need to reserve at least 5 days to finish this hiking journey. An interesting part during the Quilotoa Lagoon hiking journey is that if you’re tired by the long walk, take activities like camping, and kayaking during the middle of your walk.
4. The Pacific Crest Trail- USA
One of the longest hiking trails in the USA that stretching from Mexico to Canada. The Pacific Crest Trail is 2,650 miles long and covers major places like Oregon, California and Washington, covering regions with major landscapes such as forest areas, mountain ranges and desert areas.
Requires immense challenge to backpackers, just because of its long distance of hiking and massive 5 months to complete. So, backpackers not only balance his/her physical challenges, but also mental challenges are also crucial to maintain. But it is worth one, the trail not only covers the country’s best cities and attractions, moreover the trail is much blessed to enjoy exploring the Sierra Nevada Mountains, surrounding beautiful landscapes and Cascade ranges.
5. Cinque Terre- Italy
In the list of best hikes in the world we shouldn’t miss out adding one of the most picturesque and epic hiking trails in the world. Yes, Cinque Terre is the most stunning hike in the world and offers incredible coastal scenic views, Mediterranean views and adhere to culturally rich local villages.
More than 100+ km of rugged hiking trails dotted with 5 most picturesque UNESCO listed villages. These villages are filled with pastel colored houses, vineyards and always overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The trail includes both a difficult range and moderate range of hiking journey, from Riomaggiore to Manarola backpackers wouldn’t expect much hard to stroll. But between Monterosso to Vernazza they could expect more challenging routes. Compared to the above hikes, Cinque Terre usually requires 6 to 8 hours of time to finish your journey, but if you wish to explore everything like villages or activities, better to keep at least 2 days.
6. Torres Del Paine Circuit- Chile
Patagonia, Chile has home to spectacular and best hikes in the world despite being mountains, glaciers and scenic rivers. Torres Del Paine Circuit (O-Circuite) is a challenging 9 days of hiking destination where backpackers catch glaciers, unique geological formations and beautiful lakes while enjoying their hikes.
Often ranked as one of the world’s best hikes due to the long 120 km of trail ranging from most remote regions to natural areas, covers Patagonia’s 75 % major attractions. During O-Circuit visitors are more blessed to watch Granite towers, Grey glaciers and John Gardner Pass. Hikes help us to get a closer experience of French Valley and popular Torres del Paine National Park, home of the region’s unique wildlife, vistas and ice fields.
7. John Muir Trail- USA
This 211 miles of John Muir Trail is often known for its major stopping points and scenic photography. If you’re not visiting USA famous national parks such as Yosemite, Sequoia and Grand Canyon or Mount Whitney then don’t worry this trail will help you to cover its beaut, since it starts from Yosemite Valley and passes through Sequoia and Canyon National Park to Mount Whitney.
Keep at least 20 days to complete the trail along with enjoying alpine lakes, Mount Banner of volcanic sceneries and Rae Lakes- Thousand Island Lake. Alpine Lakes, Granite peaks, great sunset views and Onion Valley are the great hotspots to take a stop and get perfect clicks to your cameras.
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