There are hiking trails in the world that impress not only with their difficulty but also with their landscapes, atmosphere, and sense of adventure. Some of them run through desert highlands, others along ocean cliffs or among glaciers and volcanoes. Find out more about the best hiking trails in the world that inspire you to go on a journey right now

Hiking has long ceased to be just a way to spend an active vacation. For many travelers, it is an opportunity to see unique parts of the world that cannot be reached by car and feel real contact with nature. It is on trekking routes that you can see landscapes that will always remain in your memory.

There are routes of varying difficulty around the world: from relatively easy walks along the coast to multi-day treks through highlands, glaciers, and volcanic slopes. Lonely Planet experts have named the best trekking routes in the world that combine incredible landscapes, physical challenges, and unforgettable experiences.

In the previous article, we talked about the TOP-10 tourist destinations according to Time Out, which are definitely worth visiting in 2026.

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1. Trekking in the Markha Valley, Ladakh, India

Distance: 80 km.

Duration: 6-7 days

The Indian Himalayas are often overlooked by tourists who choose more popular routes in Nepal or Tibet. However, the Markha Valley in Ladakh impresses with its large-scale desert landscapes, mountain ranges, and a sense of complete remoteness from civilization. There is almost no dense vegetation here, but panoramas resembling alien landscapes open up.

The route passes through high mountain passes, small villages and Buddhist shrines. After a few days of hiking, travelers gradually approach the Khemis Monastery, which is considered one of the spiritual centers of the region. This is a track for those who want to see the Himalayas from a less touristy side.

2. High mountain route for hikers, France-Switzerland

Distance: 200 km.

Time: 14 days

The Walkers' Haute Route connects the French city of Chamonix with the Swiss city of Zermatt and passes through the heart of the Alps. During the two weeks of the trip, tourists cross alpine meadows, glacial valleys, and high mountain passes with panoramic views of the highest peaks of the region.

One of the main advantages of this route is its well-developed infrastructure. There are mountain shelters and hotels along the way, which makes the hike more comfortable compared to wild tracks. At the same time, the route remains physically demanding and is suitable for prepared travelers.

Earlier we talked about the 13 best places for a spring trip in Europe in 2026.

3. Torres del Paine O Trek, Patagonia, Chile

Distance: 136 km.

Time: 9 days

Torres del Paine National Park is one of the most famous places in Patagonia. Most tourists choose the shorter W Trek route, but it is the full O Trek that allows you to see the park from different angles and feel the scale of this territory.

For nine days, travelers pass glaciers, turquoise lakes, open plains, and old forests. The Grey Glacier and the massive stone towers of Torres are particularly impressive. This is a route for those who are ready for changeable weather, strong winds, and rapidly changing landscapes.

4. Kalalau Trail, Hawaii, USA

Distance: 18 km one way

Time: 2 days

This route runs along the Na Pali Coast on the island of Kauai and is considered one of the most beautiful coastal trails in the world. The trail leads along high cliffs covered with tropical vegetation and ends at the secluded Kalalau Beach.

The beginning of the route is relatively easy, but then the path becomes more difficult due to steep climbs and narrow sections of the trail. The reward for the effort is waterfalls, green valleys and panoramas of the Pacific Ocean, which are especially impressive at sunrise and sunset.

5. Inca Trail, Peru

Distance: 33 km round trip

Time: 4-5 days

One of the most famous trekking routes in the world leads to the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu. The path passes through mountain passes, cloud forests and archaeological sites that have been preserved since the 15th century.

Due to the limited number of permits, the route requires booking in advance. During the hike, tourists overcome significant elevation changes, rising to more than 2400 meters above sea level. The final reward is the appearance of Machu Picchu from the fog - one of the most famous views in South America.

6. Routeburn Track, New Zealand

Distance: 32 km

Time: 3-4 days

Routeburn Track passes through two national parks of the South Island of New Zealand - Fiordland and Mount Aspiring. This is a route with open spaces, mountain passes and picturesque valleys that change literally every hour.

Panoramic viewpoints, mountain lakes, and alpine meadows await travelers along the way. Due to the popularity of the route, places in shelters need to be booked in advance. The track is suitable for those who want to see the “wild” New Zealand in a relatively short time.

7. Gunung Rinjani, Indonesia

Distance: 24 km

Time: 2 days

The Gunung Rinjani volcano on the island of Lombok is one of the highest in Indonesia. The route leads to a crater with a lake, and the final climb to the top usually starts at night to meet the dawn at an altitude of over 3700 meters.

During the hike, tropical forests, rocky slopes and open areas with ocean views change. The volcano remains active, so the hike requires preparation and consideration of weather conditions. This is a short but physically challenging route.

8. GR20, Corsica, France

Distance: 168 km round trip

Time: 15 days

GR20 is considered one of the most difficult long-distance routes in Europe. It crosses Corsica from north to south and passes through mountain ranges, forests, rocky plateaus and glacial lakes.

The trail is often narrow and uneven, with cliffs and scree crossings. This route is chosen by experienced hikers who are looking for a challenge and want to see the diversity of natural landscapes of one island in one trip.

In the article at the link, we have provided useful tips to help you save money while traveling in Europe in 2026.

9. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Distance: 37-90 km

Time: 5-9 days

Climbing Kilimanjaro is a dream of many travelers. It is the highest mountain in Africa, and the route to its summit passes through several climatic zones: from tropical forests to alpine desert and snow-capped peaks.

Despite the lack of technical mountaineering, the climb requires good physical fitness and acclimatization due to the risk of altitude sickness. The view from the summit of Uhuru at dawn is considered one of the most impressive in the world.

10. Everest Base Camp, Nepal

Distance: 130 km round trip

Time: 2 weeks

The route to the Everest Base Camp is one of the most popular Himalayan tracks. The road passes through valleys, glaciers and Sherpa villages, where you can see traditional life and Buddhist monasteries.

The trek requires time to acclimatize, as the altitude gradually rises to over 5,000 meters. For many, the main goal is not so much to reach the camp as to feel the presence of the highest peak in the world and the views of the Himalayan mountain ranges.

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Reminder! Popular tourist destinations can be a trap. We have already told you which 8 places in the world Fodor’s advises to avoid in 2026 due to overtourism, environmental risks and social tension – and what alternatives to choose instead.

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