The 10 best treks in the world

Nov 15, 2010 2:24:34 AM

Note: Javascript is disabled in your browser.
To see the gallery in all its glory, you'll need to enable Javascript.

View gallery

These 10 classic treks are for serious walkers. All of them require a sturdy pair of lungs, fit legs and a good amount of preparation. However, if you choose to go on any of these trails then you will be rewarded with experiences that last a lifetime. In no particular order:

1. GR20, France

Image by Jean-Baptiste Bellet

This demanding 15- day (168km, 104mi) slog through Corsica is legendary for the diversity of landscapes it traverses. There are forests, granite moonscapes, windswept craters, glacial lakes, torrents, peat bogs, maquis, snow-capped peaks, plains and névés (stretches of ice formed from snow). But it doesn’t come easy: the path is rocky and sometimes steep, and includes rickety bridges and slippery rock faces – all part of the fun. Created in 1972, the GR20 links Calenzana, in the Balagne, with Conca, north of Porto Vecchio.

2. Inca Trail, Peru

Image by funkz

This 33km (20mi) ancient trail was laid by the Incas and is currently traversed by thousands each year. The trail leads from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu winding its way up and down and around the mountains, taking three high passes en route. Views of white-tipped mountains and high cloud forest combine with the magic of walking from one cliff-hugging ruin to the next – understandably making this South America’s most famous trail.

3. Pays Dogon, Mali

Image by Crazy Joe Devola

‘The land of the Dogon people’ is one of Africa’s most breathtaking regions. A trek here can last anywhere between two and 10 days, and takes in the soaring cliffs of the Bandiagara escarpment inlaid with old abandoned cliff dwellings. Dogon villages dot the cliffs and are an extraordinary highlight of the journey. The Dogon are known for their masked stilt dancers, intricately carved doors and pueblo-like dwellings built into the side of the escarpment.

4. Everest Base Camp, Nepal

Image by lampertron

Reaching a height of 5,545m (18,193ft) at Kala Pattar, this three-week trek is extremely popular with those who want to be able to say, ‘I’ve been to the base of the world’s highest mountain’. The difficult trek passes undeniably spectacular scenery and is trafficked by Sherpa people of the Solu Khumbu. The heights reached during this trek are literally dizzying until you acclimatise to the altitude, and the continuous cutting across valleys certainly has its ups and downs.

5. Indian Himalayas, India

Image by Chandramohan Burly V

Fewer folk trek on the Indian side of the world’s greatest mountain range. So, if isolation’s your thing try trekking in Himachal Pradesh. Hardcore hikers can try teetering along the mountain tops for 24 days from Spiti to Ladakh. This extremely remote and challenging walk follows ancient trade routes. The bleak high-altitude desert terrain inspired Rudyard Kipling to exclaim, ‘Surely the gods live here; this is no place for men’.

6. Overland Track, Australia

Image by brewbooks

Tasmania’s prehistoriclooking wilderness is most accessible on the 80km (50mi, five- to six-day) Overland Track. Snaking its way between Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair (Australia’s deepest natural freshwater lake), the well-defined path (boardwalked in parts) passes craggy mountains, beautiful lakes and tarns, extensive forests and moorlands. Those who want more can take numerous side walks leading to waterfalls, valleys and still more summits including Mt Ossa (1,617m, 5,305ft) – Tassie’s highest.

7. Routeburn Track, New Zealand

Image by kiwinz

See the stunning subalpine scenery of New Zealand’s South Island surrounding this medium three-day (32km, 20mi) track. At the base of New Zealand’s Southern Alps, the track passes through two national parks: Fiordland and Mt Aspiring. Highlights include the views from Harris Saddle and atop Conical Hill – from where you can see waves breaking on the distant beach. The main challenge for this popular hike is actually securing a place among the limited numbers who are allowed on the track at any time.

8. The Narrows, USA

Image by Adam Belles

A 26km (16mi) journey through dramatic canyons carved over centuries by the Virgin River, the Narrows in Zion National Park is a hike like no other. The route is the river, with over half of the hike spent wading and sometimes swimming. The hike can be traversed in a day, though some choose to take the hanging gardens and natural springs at a more leisurely pace – spending a night at one of the park’s 12 camp grounds.

9. The Haute Route, France-Switzerland

Image by perry_maurice

Leading from Chamonix in France through the southern Valais to Zermatt in Switzerland, the Haute Route traverses some of the highest and most scenic country accessible to walkers anywhere in the Alps. The summer Haute Route walk (which takes a different course than the more famous winter skitouring route) takes around two weeks to complete. It mainly involves ‘pass hopping’ and demands a high level of fitness, with every section containing a high huff factor.

10. Baltoro Glacier & K2, Pakistan

Image by mariachily

This corridor of ice leads to the colossal peak of K2 (8,611m, 28,251ft), the world’s second-highest peak. This incomparable trek traverses some of the most humbling scenery on the planet. What begins following icy rivers boldly goes to the guts of the glacier before leading to the granite pyramidal mountains including Paiju (6,610m, 21,686ft), Uli Biaho (6,417m, 21,053ft), Great Trango Tower (6,286m, 20,623ft) and ultimately K2. If the 15 days doesn’t floor you, take side trips to more moraine-covered glaciers.

Get a whole 12 months of thrills in A Year of Adventures.

Like this? Sign up to get our best articles by email

Comments

17 November 2010 3:22AM txdakini Report this comment
How about the top ten treks for us mere mortals? Think middle aged, not that interested in trekking through snow, middle level of fitness?
17 November 2010 1:41PM beylounisantos Report this comment
I did the Everest Base Camp Trail, Nepal, and the Inca Trail, Peru. At Everest, I felt as I was going to die, because of the highness. And the truth is that I made only half of the trail walking. The secound half, as I was very tired, I hitched a ride with the Chinese Frontier's Police's car. So Exciting! At the Inca Trail, I was sure I was going to die... Extremely hard!And this one I Did all walking! No Chinese Police around for get a ride... Crazyness!
19 November 2010 5:34PM leahmaria Report this comment
txdakini - I can't speak for all these trails, but Tasmania's Overland Track only goes through snow if you do it in winter. I am under the impression you only need to be of reasonable fitness to do it too. The Tasmanian Parks & Wildlife service puts it at 65km long, not 80. 65km split over 6 days is just under 11km a day, if you don't decide to do any of the side-trips along the way. You can also take longer to do it if you like (though I believe there is a maximum amount of time they'll allow).
22 November 2010 10:47AM desertmob Report this comment
The Larapinta Trail that runs 223km through central Australia is a strong contender for one of the great walks. It can be done at different levels of fitness, and an end to end walk is 19 days or so. Stunning country. http://www.larapintatrail.com/
3 December 2010 11:24PM saintlaurent Report this comment
You missed the John Muir Trail, which runs along the Sierras, through 4 national parks, over 340km from Yosemite Valley to the top of Mount Whitney. Entirely remote with no shelters and some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in the lower 48.
12 December 2010 11:51PM khetanagrim Report this comment
How come the Annapurna trek is missing off the list!
25 January 2011 8:11AM k2climb110 Report this comment
Baltoro Glacier & K2, Pakistan I am from this region(Askole)having an Experience to organize this trek as the host of Baltoro.Have a nice trip in Pakistan. Greetings from, The host of Baltoro
6 February 2011 7:40AM gcoyc Report this comment
I would say one of the most amazing walks, based on its nature, how it's being kept, what you see and what you do, is the Lost City in Colombia. The end is not as magnificent as other indigena ruins, but its rivers, jungles, animals and the whole adventure itself makes it one of the most amazing walks around the world.
8 February 2011 11:41AM plc76 Report this comment
Every top 10 treks list is going to leave many superb trails out. But overall I think is a good list. Would maybe put Torres del Paine Circuit instead of two Alpine treks. And maybe also change the Everest BC for the Annapurna Circuit. Other treks worth mentioning: - Landmannalaugar (Iceland); - Huayhuash circuit (Peru); - Mt Kailash (Tibet).
8 February 2011 2:24PM newfrontiersadv Report this comment
I am a bit biased here because I actually work on Roraima in Venezuela and The Lost City in Colombia, but these two, not so strenuous, treks are very popular among travellers.
9 February 2011 7:52AM easttraveler Report this comment
I agree with plc76 that Torres del Paine really should have made the final cut. Maybe the list should have been 11 treks instead of 10, rather than leave off that gem.....
9 February 2011 8:15AM lyrapadma Report this comment
Agree with plc76. I'll also add the trek from Pai to Metok to the top list.
9 February 2011 10:22AM miketelemark Report this comment
This is a great list. Limiting the number to 10, some fantastic treks will be left out. I would have placed Annapurna higher than Everest 2 years ago, but now that they built a road up the west side and half way up the east, it's lost it's title as world's greatest trek- very sad. Torres Del Paine deserves to be on the list, and the Roraima trek is less well known but certainly deserving of a top 15 list. The 3 day barefoot trek across the Lencois Maranhenses sand dunes is Brazil is also well worth a top 15 designation and I would not argue if you put it in the top 10.
-Mike www.MichaelAndersonGallery.com Photos from 5 years of around the world travel
13 February 2011 9:35PM secretcompass Report this comment
Fantastic list!! All I would add is the Atlas mountains in Morocco, Ciudad Perdida in Colombia and the Wakhan Corridor in Afghanistan. Amazing!
14 February 2011 8:48AM tropic75 Report this comment
The Thorsborne Trail on Hinchinbrook Island in Queensland is an amazing wilderness walk. There are so many changes in ecosystem, and it's truly a rainforest meets the reef experience.
14 February 2011 12:28PM germander Report this comment
While I like the idea of the 10 Treks mentioned, these are for the super-fit, not the majority of ordinary people, with ordinary fitness, and ordinary lives! How about adding something like the Camino de Santiago from Roncesvalles to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. It's a pilgrimage walk, but you don't have to be religious to do it. For most of us it takes 6 weeks, carrying everything you need on your back (yet keeping the weight to about 7kgs) and staying in pilgrim albergues at night. If your level of fitness is not the best, just take a little more time.
14 February 2011 1:57PM nishaj Report this comment
Does Ifugao rice terraces of Philippines stand in list of top 20? :-)
14 February 2011 11:41PM pgnpgn Report this comment
The Israel National Trail goes from the northern tip of the country, south to Eilat. In a straight line its about 350 km but the INT does it in 950. Goes through mountains, coast, Tel Aviv and desert. Doesn't at any point go through occupied territories (not Golan , not West Bank and not into any part of Jerusalem))It's a fascinating journey.
12 April 2011 1:25PM frankinoz Report this comment
Hi guys, Hey txdakini the Overland Track is very manageable for "mere mortals". It is not always like that picture with the snow.....
I am over 50 and have walked it 10 plus times including summer, winter, rain and all different seasons. My wife heads off there this week for her 8th trip and she is just 5 foot tall. Write up an article about it today (weird hey): http://ourhikingblog.com.au/2011/04/overland-track-hike-walk-guide.html
The big trick is taking your time, having the right gear and not carrying too much weight in your pack. Cheers Frank
8 August 2011 10:35PM kathmanduo Report this comment
The Annapurna Circuit in Nepal should not be missed and provides a cheaper and more reasonable/accessible trek. My wife and I did it this May and had an amazing experience you can check out here: http://thekathmanduo.blogspot.com/p/trekking.html
10 August 2011 4:12PM rajz007 Report this comment
there are many other unspoiled trekking destinations in Nepal to compete your incomplete list.
2 September 2011 1:33AM jupa Report this comment
There is a GREAT LIST of the Top 50 World Best Hikes and Treks in WIKIEXPLORA.COM:
http://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php/Best_Treks_/_Hikes_of_the_World,_top_100
6 September 2011 11:42PM yazo Report this comment
Hey you don't know italian treks???? http://www.regione.vda.it/turismo/proposte/sport/escursionismo/alte_vie_tor_des_geants_i.asp
30 September 2011 9:45PM economycarhire Report this comment
Wow - sure to give you some inspiration! They look amazing!
9 November 2011 12:11AM thesneets Report this comment
From a nature standpoint, the Everest Base Camp Trek is nothing compared to the Gokyo Trek - the same route until Namche, and then splitting off to some of the most stunning mountain lakes I've seen. Also, there are by far not as many tourists there - I went during peak season, and could walk alone for half the day, nobody crossing my path - brilliant. If you take this route, you will end up in Gokyo (5200 mtr), from there you can do daytrips to the most remote of the Gokyo Lakes. Also, you have the choice of crossing the Ngozumpa Glacier, which connects the Gokyo with the Everest Base Camp Trek, or you could go north over Renjo Pass, for stunning views on your way back to Namche. I felt like I was in some Lord Of The Rings movie when I crossed that pass, no kidding.
Take a look at some of my pictures from the trip if you like: http://preview.tinyurl.com/36k4dym
I also made a video, with everything from Kathmandu up to Gokyo and back over Renjo La: http://preview.tinyurl.com/cl5y54g
9 November 2011 12:13AM thesneets Report this comment
Oh, and I forgot to mention: In Gokyo you can also climb Gokyo Peak, which is around 5400 meters high. Ironically, due to the distance to Mt. Everest, you will get better views of it from here than you would from the Base Camp (on the basecamp itself you don't see the big one at all, actually)...so if you think about trekking in the everest region, think about giving Gokyo a chance. You will love it.
12 November 2011 10:34AM soultravelers3 Report this comment
Wow! I am surprised you didn't include trekking to the Tiger's Nest in one of the world's most beautiful and happiest places...Bhutan.
http://www.soultravelers3.com/2011/07/tigers-nest-in-paro-bhutan.html
13 November 2011 10:49AM mkenway Report this comment
These are quite good listings for me and my fellow adventurers. From these places, Inca Trail is by far one or the most famous trek in Southern part of America. 'think it's rated by a number of groups to be in the top 5 treks in the world. In just 26 miles (43km) it manages to combine beautiful mountain scenery, lush cloud-forest, subtropical jungle. The Inca paving stones, ruins and tunnels are stunning mixtures of beauties. And Machu Picchu being the final destination of the trail is considered the mysterious "Lost City of the Incas". Don't forget to bring in only lightweight gadgets and stuff. http://www.nomadjournals.com/hiking_camping_backpacking.cfm
25 November 2011 2:25PM hilron Report this comment
What I wonder about the high rated Inca Trail is what happens when you get there at Machu Picchu? Is there something or someone to take you back to the civilization ?
25 November 2011 2:38PM hilron Report this comment
This list is about trekking in mountain scenery. There's a lot of nice trekking to do in the lower countries too. Take for instance the Pieterpad in the Netherlands. 492 km in 26 day treks .
11 December 2011 9:52AM bruce3404 Report this comment
A couple others that come to mind would be a Rim-to-Rim at the Grand Canyon and Tiger Leaping Gorge in China. Both can be done in 1-3 days, depending on level of fitness and both can be accomplished by reasonably fit people. I did a one day Rim to Rim at age 57; 22 miles in 10 hours.
13 December 2011 11:38AM kiwitravelwriter Report this comment
Great stuff but all too hard for me! Great selection from New Zealand to Peru!!
13 December 2011 11:43AM hellis Report this comment
Consider the wonderful trek down the Gorge of Samaria, Crete, Greece. Fit oldies can do it - I was 65 when I did it! Takes about 5-7 hours - I guess it's not a real trek but ...
13 December 2011 11:47AM luscious Report this comment
Torres del Paine Circuit is in my top 3 treks and should have been included !
13 December 2011 12:20PM path111 Report this comment
For another article. I agree with the earlier comments: treks through wonderful vistas but call for a lesser level of fitness. For some of us, our hardiest days are behind us but spirit still wanders.
13 December 2011 12:22PM vit Report this comment
beylounisantos , Are you sure you got a lift to Everest Base Camp in a Chinese Frontier Police car on the Nepal side of Mt. Everest ?
13 December 2011 12:42PM spidermuncher Report this comment
I am 82 and my favourite trek (no ropes needed) is from the Hotel California on Sisowath Quay in Phnom Penh to the Riverside Bistro. Lots of great watering holes in between the two if you get tired or dehydrated.
I can recommend some similar treks in Havana, Buenos Aires, Chiang Mai and Cusco all environmentally friendly and safe for the over 50's
13 December 2011 12:45PM kenagsaway Report this comment
how about Mount Pulag in Benguet, Philippines. 2922MASL.
http://pinoymountaineer.com http://kenagsaway.blogspot.com
13 December 2011 1:16PM kevinabraham Report this comment
Not a single African Trek made it into the top ten? Shame. How about the "Eden to Addo Hike",in S.A.'s Eastern Cape? Distance Covered: 400km Mountain Ridges Linked: 7 Number of Distinct Biomes: 5 Hiking Days: 20 National Parks & Nature Reserves: 6
13 December 2011 1:40PM sbrock22 Report this comment
Torres del Paine, by far. Listed has the #1 hike in the world on other sites and that is so true.
13 December 2011 2:53PM tiantianskyee Report this comment
the Rinjani volcano in Indonesia, El Calfate in Argentina also amazing:) Torres Del Paine, hmm, beautiful but cant be the No 1..
13 December 2011 3:18PM alicehurkett Report this comment
At last the Routeburn Track in New Zealand has recognition and has made the cut above the more popular Milford Track. I've done both the Milford, Routeburn and some of the others listed and I agree the Routeburn should be in the top 10 choices! Top tip is to walk the Routeburn and include a cruise on Milford Sound too being so close. Plenty of local Queenstown companies can help arrange that.
13 December 2011 3:25PM adventureross Report this comment
Having walked many of these and run several of them: Torres del Paine is brilliant. Annapurna Circuit was brilliant 30 years ago - is almost ruined by roads now. Everest Base Camp is dramatic, but the Cho La from Gokyo Everest is better. Inca Trail was brilliant. There are also many lesser known treks that can often be more satisfying. Don't just chase the big names.
13 December 2011 3:57PM raghavkheria Report this comment
chadar trek in the zanskar valley (indian himlayas) is the greatest trek...frozen rivers and waterfalls, snow leaopards...accessible only for 1 month of the year
13 December 2011 4:11PM eriknilsson Report this comment
No. 11 Camino Del Rey :P
13 December 2011 4:13PM spidermuncher Report this comment
The trek through Cusco is brilliant starting at Norton Rats and going clockwise around to Cross Keys. No real difficult sections although avoiding the shoe cleaners and postcard sellers can slow you down
13 December 2011 4:33PM nikhilchandra Report this comment
Ah! there are some suberb trekking trail in Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand too. Chandrashila (Chopta), Valley of Flower, Gangotri, Hemkunt and Roopkund etc are some terrific trails which should be on the wishlist of trekkers in India.
13 December 2011 7:55PM madan17 Report this comment
I did Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp few years ago and this year( in April) Kanchenjunga Base Camp from Nepal side covering both south and north face. KJ trek, I consider as mother of all treks both from point of challenge, pristine beauty, grandeur of mountain vistas and also free from maddening crowds,it's real virgin trek for those who love to trek solo or in small group.
13 December 2011 8:39PM donktec Report this comment
@kevinabraham, #3 is in Mali, so there is one from Africa.
Could also add the Fish River Canyon trail in Namibia or the Amatola in SA. Perhaps the Outeniqua.
14 December 2011 3:28AM markfranh Report this comment
I've done two (Routeburn and Everest) and sections of three others (Tasmania, Chamonix, and Zion) and feeling quite proud of that at age 55 when I see your list. I also did Milford Track the week after doing the Routeburn and find it odd it isn't included on your list, especially when many consider it "the finest walk in the world".
14 December 2011 3:57AM lbrieda Report this comment
I did a five day backpack through the Slovak Low Tatras this summer and it was an amazing time. The first two nights are spent in manned chateaus where you can get hot cooked dinner and even better - cold beer. The trip report is here if interested: http://www.slovakcooking.com/2011/blog/nizke-tatry-hike/
14 December 2011 4:04AM javieraviajera Report this comment
All ob them are ok....but not had included the Trek of Patagonia Torres del Paine??????! is a huge mistake......the trek which is consider the best trekking in the world.....this ranking sucks!
14 December 2011 4:13AM ryaanmc Report this comment
The most brutal ten miles I've done is the Na'apali coast on Kauwaii, Hawaii. But why is the Appalachain trail not mentioned? Or the Arizona trail,(Utah to Mexico), which includes a rim-to-rim through the Grand Canyon?
14 December 2011 4:16AM orkycarolyn Report this comment
MADAN17: I, too, have completed many of these "top ten" treks. I want to go to Kanchenjunga base camps, north and south this new year. Did you do this with an organized group? Can you organize it once you get to Kathmandu, or can it be done independently? Did you find that April was a good time, with clear weather, to do this trek? How many days? Would you mind sharing information with me? thanks. Carolyn
14 December 2011 5:14AM alacalufe Report this comment
Torres del Paine is definitely missing...amazing trek, in longer or shorter circuits.
14 December 2011 6:31AM himalayantramp Report this comment
https://www.facebook.com/events/223929930981994/ Here is another trek I feel would be a killer experience
14 December 2011 6:42AM lucygoosey75 Report this comment
I've done the Inca trail which was hard, but Everest Base Camp last year was definitely more difficult since it's longer. I thought the scenery was spectacular and well worth the 13 days of torture to my body. Torres Del Paine is next on my list and maybe another trekking trip in Nepal since package tours are so cheap if I book them in Kathmandu.
14 December 2011 12:36PM mariedragon Report this comment
The Huayhuash trek in Peru should definitely be on the list, it is simply magnificent!
14 December 2011 3:22PM chanata Report this comment
The Amazon Waterfalls Trek was omitted since it was only discovered in 2007 and trek completed in 2010. This trek passes 4 waterfalls as high as any of the continental USA, with Yumbilla being Peru's highest, 17 times as high as Niagra Falls or 3 times as high as the Eiffel Tower. It is a 15 mile trek on a narrow cliff ledge, and contains 5 very endangered species in a pristine un-cut Amazon forest. All income for this trek goes to preserving the ecology of this zone, and benefiting the villages. www.amazonwaterfalls.org
14 December 2011 4:07PM xarne107 Report this comment
I did the Overland, the Routeburn, the Milford and the Everest BC, and I have to say that the Overland is rightfully there. The Milford is over rated. With over 50% chance of rain (I got 100%), it's just not as fun and the views, well when you have some, are ordinary.
14 December 2011 6:45PM jeroen Report this comment
I found the Indian Himalayas stunning, easy to do treks in with relatively little preparation or gear. I highly recommend the 5-7 day Milam glacier trek from Munsyari, along the old Tibet trade route in north-eastern Uttaranchal, (my trek report here: http://is.gd/TacK3S) which has views of the peaks of the legendary Nanda Devi mountain. There are teahouses along the way for food and accommodation, if you have a tent you can do trips up side valleys and beyond the glacier to lakes and even better views. Even in high season you're unlikely to see many other trekkers.
14 December 2011 7:00PM patagonline Report this comment
Why is not in the list El Chalten ? http://www.patagonline.com/en-el-chalten
In Patagonia is one of the best trekking spots.
14 December 2011 8:51PM spacebetween Report this comment
Love to be getting a mention for the Grande Randonnee routes in France - GR5/52 - the lovely Mercantour National Park in the the Alpes-Maritimes and of course Gran Paradiso in Italy!
14 December 2011 11:12PM GeniusLoci Report this comment
I agree with the GR20 in Corsica - but Italy has been overlooked completely. What about the Dolomites, Mount Etna and the great Abruzzo Mountains (http://www.genius-loci.it/tour/divine_countryside/abruzzo-walking-tour)The best trekkings are not only physical, but make you see and understand the country as well !
14 December 2011 11:24PM janepack Report this comment
Glad to see the Dogon trail in there as it is only one of two walks that I've along with doing the Inca Trail. Really enjoyed the Dogon trail, not a hard walk just very different culture & people. Did suffer on the Inca trail with a dodgy stomach so the longest day walking was a struggle but definately worth it. GR20 definately in future plans.
15 December 2011 12:34AM edgreen Report this comment
I have just completed everest base camp and found it quite an easy trip. The view is spectacular but it is getting very tourists and you can totally see the impact of people on the environment and settlments exist purely for tourists. I am lucky-becasue of the cancellation of flight there were way less people! But as soon as the flights resumed we ran into hordes of people marching up the hill. You can follow my reivew here - I am going to do a day by day posting once I got some time over Christmas holidays: www.baboobada.com
15 December 2011 5:05AM ihal Report this comment
Another one worth mentioning: The Simien Mountains in Ethiopia.
15 December 2011 7:46AM nitsuj77 Report this comment
All these treks are from the McDonalds menu for trekking and are well worn trails, come on LP you can do better. Get off you slippery slop to guidebook irrelevance.
Im visting my 50th country next year and for the first time I will considered not even looking at the LP for anything. Word of mouth and the internet is all you need.
15 December 2011 8:55AM scatkinson Report this comment
The 2-week Waitukubuli Trail in Dominica is well worth a mention. It's the tropics, brutally humid, involves crawling on all fours when it's raining and takes you through all of the history, ecosystems and geology of the last remaining wilderness in the Eastern Caribbean.
15 December 2011 10:24AM jdubyu Report this comment
There must be a thousand treks that deserve to be in the top ten! In North India I would recommend the Hampta Pass trek in Himachal Pradesh and Lamayaru - Chilling in Ladakh. My favourite place to hike is the Pyrenees. I walked from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic using a mixture of the French GR10, the Spanish GR11, the HRP along the spine of the range, and countless local paths and regional trekking routes which meant that I could pretty much make it up as I went along. I could choose from high peaks or rural valleys and from periods of isolation or trips down to civilisation depending on how I felt each week. And don't dismiss lower altitude walking - most European countries, particularly the UK, have networks of paths which are well worth walking. the important thing is enjoying yourself.
15 December 2011 8:57PM ts_0707 Report this comment
Ive done several of these, they're all different: the GR20 takes two weeks, the Zion NP Virgin narrows top down or Grand Canyon rim to rim two days. At the Annapurna circuit, EBC, Leh, Ladakh you also have the cultural experience (as a westerner), which you then don't have in the Alps. Camino de Santiago is not in this list because it lacks scenic views in comparison to the others. The trek around Mt. Toubkal in Marocco and a hut to hut one in the High Tatras would make the top 20. Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bhutan, Tibet then again might be to dangerous, or not open to independent travel I'm afraid. Organized package tours with wealthy tourist might spoil the Inca trail, Pays Dogon, EBC and Haute Route experience. Happy trails!
15 December 2011 10:45PM melib Report this comment
As with all lists, all the rest of the world's great hikes are left out. My own country, South Africa has some stunning hiking routes/treks. The older I get, the more I want medium to easy hikes. But when all is said and done, there is nothing to beat that heavy sound of glorious silence from high up on a mountain.
16 December 2011 10:25AM zippledippledoo Report this comment
I'd also like to suggest the John Muir Trail in California, the Alpine Pass Route in Switzerland, and the West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island Canada (makes many 10 best lists).
17 December 2011 3:31AM flaherty16 Report this comment
I find this list very impressive but I feel there is a significant trek that should be included. The Trek to Petra - a 6 day trek in Jordan that has tourists hike to the ancient rose red city of Petra via bedouin trails. The hike is truly amazing, exploring new terrain every day seeing new landscapes as you walk through valleys, mountains and desert to get to Petra. Once you reach Petra you enter through a much less traveled (which means less crowded) back entry point, which makes you feel as you are the only people in Petra. I actually reached out to the guide/creator of this Trek to Petra from Lonely Planet's suggestion in their Jordan guidebook. Check it out! www.adventurejordan.com and the founder is Yamaan Safady.
17 December 2011 2:14PM sagarpanthi Report this comment
It is great to know that we have one of the 10 best treks in the world. Of course, there are many more treks in Nepal. Some of them like Annapurna and Upper Mustang have been destroyed by the roads. Others don't lead to the base of the world's tallest mountain. This trek should also be reasonably easy (except for the altitude) since there are lodges on the way and the major portion of the trek can now be covered with a fligt to Lukla.
17 December 2011 2:14PM sagarpanthi Report this comment
It is great to know that we have one of the 10 best treks in the world. Of course, there are many more treks in Nepal. Some of them like Annapurna and Upper Mustang have been destroyed by the roads. Others don't lead to the base of the world's tallest mountain. This trek should also be reasonably easy (except for the altitude) since there are lodges on the way and the major portion of the trek can now be covered with a fligt to Lukla.
18 December 2011 7:12PM himalayantramp Report this comment
The zanskar region is one of the best I have seen over the years. Impeccable.. here are a couple of events that are coming up Happy to share with you all freaks https://www.facebook.com/events/223929930981994/ https://www.facebook.com/events/155201914584378/
20 December 2011 11:28PM ambarviajes Report this comment
¡Una muy buena elección de rutas sin duda! A esta lista se podrían añadir algunas más como el trekking "W" o el Circuíto del Parque Nacional de las Torres del Paine y la Ruta del Landmannalaugar en Islandia.
Salud!
21 December 2011 4:09PM waterfallist Report this comment
For we mere mortals, the Kalalau trail on the Napali coast of Kauai.Just 11 miles one way with an additional 2 mile spur to a great waterfall. Plenty challanging for one day, more reasonably done in two. No snow here,just fantastic tropical coastal and mountain scenery, beaches and waterfalls to refresh en route.
22 December 2011 8:00AM carolynpthomas Report this comment
I agree with the poster who mentioned the trek into Petra. It's a great way to see the scenery in peace and quiet and to get a real handle on Petra. Yamaan Safady is a great guide. Nothing like sleeping out under the stars after a 3 course dinner cooked by bedouins! There were some long days but I have also trekked MP in Peru and it was easier than that.
23 December 2011 4:33AM cardamoms Report this comment
Indeed! Petra is a fantastic destination and nothing beats the adventure of getting there by trekking through pristine wilderness for 6 days. It's impossible to do it without a guide and Yamaan Safady is your man. He does an unsupported version for those who want a real 'alone in the wilderness' experience, and a supported version where a Bedouin crew erect your goat hair tent and prepare meals that would put most restaurants to shame. Highly recommended!
7 January 2012 12:42AM fareedgujjar Report this comment
k2 is indeed wonderful trek and i done this trek in year 2010.
2 February 2012 1:52PM rb69 Report this comment
I think it's fair to say that all the treks have their challenges, however, I am a 40ish year old unfit, overweight smoker and I completed the 4 day Inca Trail...dont think I would do it again but it was the best experience of my life.
19 February 2012 12:24PM poult Report this comment
Guess I am a trek virgin when reading other peoples experiences. I am 50+ish and have just completed Kili via the Lemosho route. I found it pretty hard and was a little dissapointed not to find Kili listed above (guess there are so many good treks, can't mention them all)I appreciate that Chris Moyles and a few celebrities trekked Kili last year - although admirable, i hope this hasn't devalued the walk!! The transition from tropical rain forest to desert and glaciers should not be underestimated. Don't think i would do this again as spent most of my time watching my colleagues boots - better than taking a tumble. We are thinking about the GR20 next year - any thoughts, advice, warnings ..... ha, ha? Think I may be getting a little menopausal, what the heck .... the others can put on thier slippers, think i will put on my boots!!