Everyone should go on a trekking adventure at least once in their life. It’s one of those things that must be on your bucket list. It’s an incredible experience which creates priceless memories and comes with a long list of benefits.
It would help to have at least some pre-trip fitness training or a basic fitness level. But in return, you get an overall physical health boost, jaw-dropping scenery, and more of a cultural understanding. Exposure to nature counteracts the negative effects of the many stressors of daily life.
Spending time in pristine places is the most fantastic experience, no matter how strenuous. The fresh air and the feeling of being on top of the world are simply incredible, regardless of the sore calves and aching quads.
In addition, the more epic the trekking trail, the richer the experience! There are many stunning trekking trails all over the world, but if I had to pick three of them, I would pick the following 3:
Top Worldwide Trekking Trails to Tackle
1. Annapurna Circuit in Nepal
Nepal is an obvious choice for epic trekking trails. This beautiful country offers an incomparable array of hiking trails, from the verdant forests that cover the land like an emerald carpet to the majestic Himalayas.
You might have heard of the two-week trip to Everest Base Camp, the most popular trekking trail in Nepal. Yet, as beautiful as it is, it’s probably the busiest, with thousands of trekkers every year.
A trek with different landscapes always wins my heart, and the Annapurna Circuit is stunningly varied.
The Annapurna Circuit is anything between 160 and 230 kilometres (100-145 miles), which can be completed typically between 15-18 days and in terms of difficulty, it is a hard one. But the more you train beforehand, the easier it will be!
More often than not, the hard ones are also the most satisfyingly beautiful. This trekking trail should be noticed, from plunging valleys, deep gorges, crystal clear rivers, and lakes to glaciers and snow-topped peaks.
Book a hotel in Kathmandu, Nepal, here on Booking.com
2. Kalalau Trail in Hawaii
We are now on to a more exotic trekking trail on the Kauai Island of Hawaii. Commonly known as the Garden Isle, Kauai is Hawaii’s lushest and most tropical island.
The beautiful Kalalau trail offers breathtaking views, with every bend exceeded by the next corner.
Along the way, you will find an abundance of fruit trees and plenty of areas to explore and relax. The colour of the Pacific waters, the lush greens, and the beautiful sunset make this trip worthwhile.
The trail itself isn’t the most challenging part. It’s a two—to three-day trip. You’ll be okay if you pack smart and can comfortably run a few miles. So, venture out! I guarantee you won’t regret it.
Book a hotel on Kauai here with Booking.com
3. The Haute Route in France-Switzerland
Last is the Haute Route, from Chamonix in France to Zermatt in Switzerland and Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn.
The Haute Route is a network of trails traversing the Pennine Alps, crossing high passes and glacial valleys. It is considered a classic trek with one of the most scenic views in Europe.
Speed and fitness are important factors, as this is one of the more strenuous treks. It has a distance of 213 km / 132 mi and a demanding 14,000 m / 46,000 ft elevation gain.
But nothing compares to the feeling you get when you’ve trekked all day, and you arrive at a modern hotel on the route, with a warm bed and delicious food. You heard that right! There are hotels, inns, mountain huts and refuges along the way. So, in terms of accommodation, you can sleep comfortably in plenty of resting places.
Have I mentioned the alpine valleys, pretty mountain hamlets, and flower-filled meadows? This trekking trail truly has it all and is certainly worth considering when planning your next travel itinerary.
Book a hotel in Chamonix here with Booking.com
Venture Out and Explore
From the snow-topped peaks in Nepal to the beautiful exotic beaches in Hawaii and the picturesque meadows of Switzerland, these three trekking trails are worth keeping when planning your travel itinerary.
Venture out. Explore. And as Dan May said, “When preparing to climb a mountain, pack a light heart.”
