Love stunning views, fresh mountain air & a good challenge? Then you’re in the right place. From the snowy Himalayas to the green jungles of South America, the best hikes in the world take you far from the usual path. These are the kind of adventures you never forget.
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or new to trekking, the guide includes some of the most beautiful treks around the world – from tough terrains such as Chile’s Torres del Paine to easier circuits like Norway’s Jotunheimen National Park.
- Everest Base Camp – A Himalayan Dream
- Torres del Paine W Trek, Chile – Patagonian Paradise
- Kashmir Great Lakes Trek – Heaven On Earth
- Tour du Mont Blanc, Europe – The Ultimate Alpine Trek
- Chadar Trek – Walking on Ice
- John Muir Trail, USA – The Crown Jewel of California
- Mount Toubkal, Morocco – North African trekking
- Kedarkantha Trek – A Winter Wonderland
- Milford Track, New Zealand – A Slice of Middle Earth
- The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru – Lost City Trek
- Shikoku Pilgrimage, Japan – A Spiritual Time Travel
- Vancouver Island Trail, Canada – Into the Wild
- Laugavegur Trail, Iceland– A Colorful Volcanic Trek
- Kalalau Trail Hawaii, USA – A Tropical Coastal Trek
- Annapurna Circuit, Nepal – Himalayan Majesty
- Best Time To Hike Each Of The Best Trails In The World
- Essential Trekking Tips
- F&Q’s
Everest Base Camp – A Himalayan Dream
Location: Nepal
Duration: 12–14 days
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
This isn’t just one of the best hikes in the world, it’s also one of the most famous hikes in the world. The Everest Base Camp trek takes you deep in the Himalayas trek region, through accommodated Sherpa communities, old monasteries, and mountainous terrains.
Highlights:
- Mt Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam viewsmts.
- Cultural experience with Sherpa communities.
- Following mountain wildlife and endangered birds.
Torres del Paine W Trek, Chile – Patagonian Paradise
Location: Patagonia, Chile
Duration: 4–5 days
Difficulty: Moderate
The greatest hike of the world is located in Torres del Paine National Park and famous for its surreal scenery.
Highlights:
- The iconic granite towers (“Torres”)
- Glacier Grey
- Ideal for a trek and trail combo for nature lovers
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek – Heaven On Earth
Location: Jammu & Kashmir, India
Duration: 7–9 days
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
It probably is one of the most beautiful hikes in the world, with surreal blue lakes that are cradled between snow capped peaks.
Highlights:
- Seven beautiful glaciers lakes (such as Vishansar, Gadsar, and Gangbal)
- Verdant meadows and wildflowers
- Rich Kashmiri culture and hospitality
Tour du Mont Blanc, Europe – The Ultimate Alpine Trek
Location: France, Italy, Switzerland
Duration: 10–12 days
Difficulty: Moderate
One of the best hikes in Europe, the Tour du Mont Blanc circles Western Europe’s highest mountain.
Highlights:
- Panoramic views of Mont Blanc
- Charming alpine villages
- A cultural and culinary blend of French, Italian and Swiss
Chadar Trek – Walking on Ice
Location: Ladakh, India
Duration: 6–8 days
Difficulty: Difficult
This winter long trek over the frozen Zanskar river is not like any other. It’s raw, extreme, and unforgettable.
Highlights:
- Trekking on a frozen river
- Icy caves and frozen waterfalls
- Cultural observations of remote Ladakhi villa
John Muir Trail, USA – The Crown Jewel of California
Location: California, USA
Duration: 20–30 days
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
A long true trek, the John Muir Trail spans 211 miles through the Sierra Nevada mountains, including stops at Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks.
Highlights:
- Iconic American wilderness
- Camping under the stars
- A deep isolation and communion with nature
Mount Toubkal, Morocco – North African trekking
Location: Atlas Mountains, Morocco
Duration: 2–3 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Northeast Africa’s highest summit, Mount Toubkal is a mountain trekking favourite for those seeking something off the beaten path.
Highlights:
- Panoramic view of the Sahara desert
- Cultural immersion in Berber villages
- Good for a quick but satisfying hike.
Kedarkantha Trek – A Winter Wonderland
Location: Uttarakhand, India
Duration: 4–6 days
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Ideal for beginners and winter trek lovers, Kedarkantha is one of the best amalgamations of trek and trail.
Highlights:
- Snow-covered pine forests
- 360° Himalayan and peak views from the top.
- Stargazing from campsites
Milford Track, New Zealand – A Slice of Middle Earth
Location: Fiordland National Park
Duration: 4 days
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Commonly referred to as the “greatest walk in the world, with waterfalls, glaciers and verdant forest, it’s like walking through a fantasy novel.
Highlights:
- Giant waterfalls like Sutherland Falls
- Rainforests and alpine passes
- Well-maintained paths and huts
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru – Lost City Trek
Location: Peru
Duration: 4 days
Difficulty: Moderate
It’s a combination of trekking, archaeology and jaw-dropping natural beauty — no wonder it is one of the world’s great hikes.
Highlights:
- Ancient Inca ruins along the trek
- Sun Gate entrance while the sun is rising
- A spiritual and cultural experience
Pro Tip: Permits are booked months in advance, be sure to plan ahead.
Shikoku Pilgrimage, Japan – A Spiritual Time Travel
Location: Shikoku Island, Japan
Duration: 30–60 days (may be sliced)
Difficulty: Easy (Variation with length)
The Shikoku Pilgrimage is also a unique form of mountain hiking with a profound spiritual component unlike any in conventional mountain climbing. It runs 88 temples and around 1,200 km, encircling Japan’s Shikoku Island.
Highlights:
- Ancient Buddhist temples and rituals
- Authentic Japanese countryside and hospitality
- A peaceful, reflective long trek
Vancouver Island Trail, Canada – Into the Wild
Location: Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Duration: 20–45 days
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
A recent addition to the ranks of best hikes in the world, it is raw, remote, and perfect for experienced hikers looking for solitude.
Highlights:
- Untouched Pacific shore and dense boreal forests
- Variety of spaces from mountain to sea
- Wildlife tracking and backcountry camping
Laugavegur Trail, Iceland– A Colorful Volcanic Trek
Location: Iceland
Duration: 4–6 days
Difficulty: Moderate
The Laugavegur Trail leads hikers through landscapes as otherworldly as hot springs, glaciers, lava fields and colorful rhyolite mountains.
Highlights:
- Unique geothermal zones
- Read about glacial rivers and volcanic ash deserts
- Remote huts along the way
Kalalau Trail Hawaii, USA – A Tropical Coastal Trek
Location: Kauai, Hawaii
Duration: 2–3 days
Difficulty: Challenging
The Kalalau Trail offers breathtaking vistas of the green Na Pali coast cliffs, waterfalls and unspoiled beaches.
Highlights:
- Tropical rainforest and ocean vistas
- Waterfalls and secluded beaches
- Camping spots at Kalalau Beach
Annapurna Circuit, Nepal – Himalayan Majesty
Location: Nepal
Duration: 15–21 days
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
One of the world’s great hikes, the Annapurna Circuit loops the Annapurna Massif, passing through diverse ecosystems and traditional villages.
Highlights:
- Thorung La Pass 5,416 metres
- Panoramic view of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu.
- Warm hospitality from local communities
Best Time To Hike Each Of The Best Trails In The World
| Trail Name | Location | Best Time to Visit | Why This Season? |
| Everest Base Camp | Nepal | Apr – May & Oct – Nov | Clear skies, mild temps, less snow |
| Torres del Paine (W Trek) | Chile (Patagonia) | Nov – Mar | Southern summer, long daylight |
| Tour du Mont Blanc | France / Italy / Switzerland | Jun – Sep | Snow-free trails, vibrant alpine flowers |
| John Muir Trail | USA (California) | Jul – Sep | Snow melted, fully accessible |
| Mount Toubkal | Morocco | Apr – May & Sep – Oct | Avoids extreme heat & winter snow |
| Milford Track | New Zealand | Nov – Apr | Warm & relatively dry weather |
| Kashmir Great Lakes Trek | India (Kashmir) | Jul – Sep | Blooming meadows, clear lakes |
| Chadar Trek | India (Ladakh) | Mid Jan – Mid Feb | Frozen river trek, icy landscapes |
| Kedarkantha Trek | India (Uttarakhand) | Dec – Mar | Snow-covered peaks, perfect winter trek |
| Inca Trail to Machu Picchu | Peru | May – Oct | Dry season, clear views |
| Shikoku Pilgrimage | Japan | Mar – May & Sep – Nov | Pleasant weather, cherry blossoms & autumn colors |
| Vancouver Island Trail | Canada (British Columbia) | Jun – Sep | Warm weather, minimal rain |
| Laugavegur Trail | Iceland | Jun – Sep | Snow-free, mild weather, open huts |
| Kalalau Trail | Hawaii (USA) | Apr – Oct | Dry season, tropical warmth |
| Annapurna Circuit | Nepal | Mar – May & Sep – Nov | Clear skies, moderate temps, stunning views |
Essential Trekking Tips
Prior to setting out on any one of the world’s best hikes, however, here are some tips that will make your trek not only safer, but smoother, and more enjoyable overall:
1. Know Your Trail
- Research your chosen hike thoroughly
- Verify for difficulty, elevation, weather and kind of terrain.
- Plan out food resupplies and places to stay for longer hikes like the John Muir Trail or Shikoku Pilgrimage.
2. Pick the Right Season
- The weather can make or break your trek.
- Himalayan treks such as Kedarkantha are at their finest in winter (Dec–April).
- Chadar Trek happens only in Jan –Feb and when the Zanskar River gets frozen.
- Machu Picchu’s dry season (May–Oct) is perfect for the Inca Trail.
3. Pack Light but Smart
Carry only what you need. Essentials include:
- High quality hiking boots
- Lightweight backpack
- Thermal, rain and sun protection layers
- First aid kit, hydration and snacks
4. Train Before You Trek
- Add uphill walking, leg presses and cardio to your weekly activities.
- Walk with your backpack on various terrains.
5. Hire Local Guides (When Needed)
Local guides are a safety and culture boon for treks like the Chadar, Everest Base Camp, or Vancouver Island Trail.
6. Respect Nature and Local Cultures
- Carry your waste back down
- Avoid disturbing wildlife
- Always respectful of local customs and dress codes, particularly on spiritual treks like Shikoku Pilgrimage
7. Stay Connected—But Safely
- Take with you offline maps or GPS units.
- In back-country paths such as Kashmir Great Lakes or Toubkal, the phone signal can be weak or non-existent.
- Let somebody know in advance where you’re trekking to.
8. Charge Smart
- Carry power banks or solar chargers.
- In mountain trekking areas, power is limited in teahouses, or it can be expensive.
9. Be Prepared for Emergencies
- Know basic first aid.
- Verify that your insurance includes trekking coverage (especially for Nepal, Peru, and Canada).
- Some regions require trek permits–get those in advance.
F&Q’s
Q. What are some of the best hikes in the world for beginners?
Ans. If you’re new to hiking, these are some beginner friendly yet still epic hikes to get you started:
Kedarkantha Trek, India – Easy on foot trek with great Himalayan views.
Milford Track, New Zealand – Well maintained paths through rain forest and waterfalls.
Kalalau Trail, Hawaii – It is short but scenic and a perfect place for those who love coastal trails.
Shikoku Pilgrimage, Japan – Can be done in parts of it if you want to make the trekking a bit more leisurely with depth into Japanese culture.
Q. What’s the most beautiful hike in the world?
Ans. Though beauty is in the eye of the beholder, most hikers consider India’s Kashmir Great Lakes Trek and Chile’s Torres del Paine’s W Trek to be some of the most beautiful hikes in the world.
Q. Are long treks worth it?
Ans. Yes – long trek walks such as the Shikoku Pilgrimage (Japan) or the Vancouver Island Trail (Canada) provide you with an unparalleled level of solitude, growth and connection to the natural and cultural world.
Q. Is it safe to go on international trekking trips?
Ans. Generally, yes—if you’re prepared. Tips:
Inform someone about your itinerary. Generally, yes—if you’re prepared. Tips:
Check the political condition & weather of the country.
If you’re trekking in a remote part of the world like Nepal or Peru, hire local guides.
Ensure your travel insurance covers trekking.
Q. What permits are required for popular treks?
Ans. Several popular hikes requires advance booking or permits:
Inca Trail, Peru – Permit required; book 4–6 months ahead.
Everest Base Camp, Nepal –TIMS card and national park permit.
Chadar Trek, India – Medical certificate and wildlife permit.
Vancouver Island Trail, Canada – Some sections require backcountry registration.
