Adventure enthusiasts would love to have a new thrilling destination on their list every so often. The dilemma is, they sometimes run out of ideas on where to go.
If you love the outdoors and hiking is your thing, we’ve got you covered. While you may have been to one or two places on this list, you might discover new reasons to revisit the place and make new memories.
Paired with the best trekking poles in the market, you’ll never go wrong when you decide to check out and experience what these top eight hiking destinations can do for your overall well-being.
1. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
There’s no denying that Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most magical destinations you can ever visit in your lifetime. Being the highest mountain in Africa with three volcanic cones, namely Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira, it’s one of the best-known hiking spots on the continent.
It’s also one of the most recognizable mountains globally. No wonder most adventure-seeking travelers around the globe are eager to experience the hike.
You can make the trip in seven days. Travel agencies who offer guidance and itinerary for Kilimanjaro have already prepared an optimal route when you decide to take it for a week. But if you have extra time in your hands, you can go through it within nine days.
But whatever time frame you choose, it’s the roller coaster experience that will make the trip worthwhile. This includes going through grasslands, alpine meadows, and tropical rainforest all in one trip.
That’s an adventure you can’t replace with anything else.
2. Inca Trail, Peru
Take the Inca Trail in Peru if you’re looking for a trail that keeps your physical form in shape and enriches your spiritual being.
Given the altitude, hikers should be in good shape before conquering the Inca Trail. Nonetheless, the experience is worth the effort once you reach the historical Machu Picchu through the sacred Sun Gate.
The Andean peaks and green fields are just a bonus to the whole adventure.
3. Torres del Paine W Circuit, Chile
A surprise at every turn and the mesmerizing Patagonian wind, there’s no reason for you not to take the Torres del Paine W Circuit hike in Chile.
For four amazing days, you’ll go through valleys and peaks while taking in the most jaw-dropping views of glaciers and ice-blue streams. You can either take a private trek along the route or join a group of other wanderers alike and gain yourself a friend.
Don’t bother bringing a heavy pack; a small rucksack can last you through the multi-day hike without a problem. Just don’t forget to bring in the essentials!
4. Milford Track, New Zealand
The Milford Track is one of New Zealand’s most famous walks. The 53-kilometer hike starts at the beautiful Lake Te Anau and ends at Milford Sound.
The start and endpoint may be already stunning, but wait till you experience the entirety of the journey. From rainforests to wetlands, each step is an adventure on its own. It’s like starring in a travel film that features only the best spots. Only this time, the reality is everywhere you go is the best spot!
Right by the end of the hike, you can find local restaurants that offer a comforting local selection of food, a perfect way to cap off the experience.
5. Everest Base Camp, Nepal
Who wouldn’t want to take on the tallest mountain in the world? For someone hungry for thrill and quest, the Everest Summit would probably be first on their list.
But if you’re someone who’s just starting and want to experience the beauty of this Nepalese spectacle, you may try and go for the Everest Base Camp hike instead.
You won’t reach the actual peak, but you can climb two mountain ridges that will take you to the base camp.
The hike will usually take twelve to fourteen days versus the 3-month requirement when you aim for the summit. It’s a nice hike filled with challenges with every turn, from high altitude points and rocky edges, you’ll never get bored.
6. Panorama Ridge, Canada
Depending on your endurance, you can hike through the Panorama Ridge in Canada in under a day, specifically in 11 hours. But don’t underestimate this trail. The experience within those hours is a difficult one.
Some experienced hikers would even decide to camp overnight instead of pushing their bodies to complete the hike right away. But despite the level of difficulty, a walk through the Panorama Ridge is filled with impressive sights. The Taylor Meadows alone can leave your jaws on the floor. The alpine flowers blooming in the area will make you stop in your tracks and appreciate the beauty of nature.
However, this Canadian trek has ecologically sensitive areas wherein hikers should stay mindful. There are certain flowers and green patches that take years, even decades, to regrow. You don’t want to be the one to damage them.
7. Pennine Way, United Kingdom
One of the UK’s most famous long-distance walks, the Pennine Way stretches from England to Scotland.
It’s a 268-mile route that follows hills and valleys filled with historic landscapes. This particular rocky spine paved the way for locals and visitors to have access to the England wildlife.
The entire walk will take you about nine days to complete, with stops at the most beautiful river gorges and ridges.
8. The Basho Wayfarer, Japan
If you live in haikus and metaphors and would love to follow the footsteps of the great poet Basho, there’s no arguing what should be on top of your destination bucket list—The Basho Wayfarer in Japan.
It’s a pretty easy hike where you can walk comfortably for four hours. But if you decide to take the whole narrow road to the deep north, it will take about six days.
Whatever you choose, the beauty of this trail is that it boasts of the zen culture of the Japanese people. You’ll experience quiet and beautiful forests, occasional temples along the way, and the Ryokans. These are Japanese-style hotels that are ready to welcome you when you’re looking for a place to stay for the night.
It’s surprising what hiking can do for your health. It doesn’t only make you physically fit, but it also allows you to be more aware of what’s going on around you. Well, that’s the beauty of nature—it brings your consciousness to a higher level.
