65 Best Hikes in the World Revealed by Travel Experts (Including Off-the-beaten-path)

If you are searching for the best hikes in world at the less crowded places and discovering some real hidden gems, you are in the right place. You are about to find out the most complete collection of the The Best Hikes in the World revelead by the top Travel Bloggers and Hikers in the world.

This is the most complete collection of The Best Hikes in the World you will find!

I have invited travel bloggers from all over the world to help me put together this ultimate list of the best off-the-beaten-path hikes in the world, and the result is this extensive list of 65 amazing Dream Destinations to go Hiking in the world.

Here you can find hikes for all tastes, fitness levels, and styles.  Hikes from a few hours, to several days. A family day-hike with your kids, to the most extreme conditions. Or even, hikes that include wine tasting. Why not!? 

Also, if you are looking for a fitness challenge, you can check the complete fitness preparation guide for hiking, or subscribe to my YouTube Channel for great workout ideas.

This is a very extensive list, so to make it easier for you to navigate, it is separated by Continents – just use the Table of Content to navigate 😉

Find what hiking is the perfect fit for you, and let me know at the end which is the next hike that you have chosen from these 65 amazing choices.

You may want to also check the complete guide for each Continent:

• Hardest Hikes in the World
• Best Hikes in South America
• Best Hikes in Africa
• Best Hikes in Asia
• Best Hikes in Europe

1) Stairway to Haven

• Location: Oahu, Hawaii
• Distance: 4,000 ft long hike
• Duration: 3 hours
• Hike Expert: Jackson Groves from Journey Era

The Stairway to Heaven also known as the Haiku Stairs on Oahu, Hawaii, is arguably the most epic attraction on the entire island. Hidden in the center of the island, you will find 3,922 stairs leading up the imposing mountain ridge, often at a vertical incline, with only a handrail to catch you. There are many sections that truly do seem like a ladder although with common sense and in fair weather conditions it isn’t as dangerous as it sounds.  The stairs were originally constructed in  1942 by the U.S. Navy as a top-secret facility for transmitting radio signals to ships that were sailing throughout the Pacific Ocean. The stairs were then opened to the public for hiking until 1987 when they were unfortunately deemed unsafe because of disrepair. 

READ MORE: 30 Dream Destinations for Adventure Travelers

2) Bright Angel Trail

• Location: Grand Canyon, USA
• Distance: 20 km / 12.5 miles
• Duration: 6-7 hours
• Hike Expert: James Ian from Parks Collecting

Grand Canyon has some of the Best Hikes in the World, offering spectacular sights, but seeing the walls of the canyon from below the rim is the best way to truly appreciate its incredible size.  The main trail from the south rim of the canyon to the Colorado River far below is the Bright Angel Trail.  It can be done as an overnight trip, with a night spent at the bottom of the canyon, or half of the trail can be completed down and up in one day, turning back at Indian Garden.  The trail consists of four series of switchbacks, so it is a difficult trail, but well worth the effort.  This is truly one of the most epic hikes in the world.

3) Joshua Tree National Park

• Location: California, USA
• Distance: Various trails
• Duration: Various trails
• Hike Expert: Monica from This Rare Earth

Joshua Tree National Park in California, USA is one of the most unique landscapes I’ve visited, anywhere in the world.  I am a frequent desert hiker of the American Southwest, and what I love about this park is how distinctly alien it feels.  My most memorable hiking moment in the park was on the Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail, which is a moderate in-and-out 3-mile hike over rocky peaks filled with barrel cacti, featuring a hidden natural oasis in the desert. This national park is spectacular and anyone who enjoys the desert should experience Joshua Tree National Park at least once in their life!

READ MORE: Best Hikes in United States Revealed by Travel Experts

4) Big Bend National Park

• Location: Texas, USA
• Distance: 150 miles of trails
• Duration: from 1 to 7 days
• Hike Expert: Erin from Sol Salute

The best hiking experience I’ve ever had is in Big Bend National Park. This small national park is home to 150 miles of trails, and here you can find some of the best hikes in the world. There are three unique areas of the park, the mountain, river, and desert, and all three are home to their own iconic hikes. Some of the most popular and the best hikes in the Big Bend area in the mountains, such as the shorter Lost Mine Trail or strenuous but rewarding South Rim Trail. Both offer stunning panoramic views from the mountains. For epic desert hikes trek to Mule Ears or into Elena Canyon.   

5) Angel’s Landing

• Location: Zion National Park, USA
• Distance: 8.7 km / 5.4-miles
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Hike Expert: Nicole from American SW Obsessed

Hiking in Zion National Park is one of the best ways to explore the park but it can be hard to decide which are the best hikes. Home to some of the Best Hikes in the World, there are so many stunning hikes to choose from but the most popular is Angel’s Landing. A difficult hike that includes using chains to pull yourself up to the top,  but reaching the top is exhilarating, and the views are magnificent. the views from the top are stunning. No matter which hike you go on in Zion you will enjoy the beauty and nature that can be found. The scenery is magnificent and there are so many hikes where you can really be out in nature and get some exercise.  

6) Devils Bridge

• Location: Sedona, Arizona
• Distance: 6 km/ 3.6 miles
• Duration: 1-4 hours
• Hike Expert: Paula from Paula Pins the Planet

Besides being a short hike, the Devil’s Bridge deserves to be on this list with The Best Hikes in the World. Devil’s Bridge Trail is nestled within the beautiful rugged red rock formations. it is one of the most iconic places to hike in Sedona, because of the natural stone features around this area. Devil’s Bridge is the largest sandstone arch in the Sedona. Despite the name, the bridge is rather an arch created by wind and weather erosion and overlooks Coconino National Forest. The trail goes up a 400 ft elevation gain and it can get quite steep at parts.

READ MORE: 15 Best Hikes in Arizona

7) Harding Icefield Trail

• Location: Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
• Distance: 13 km/ 8.2 miles
• Duration: 6-8 hours
• Hike Expert: Paula from Paula Pins the Planet

I first heard about the Harding Icefield Trail during my road trip to Alaska. I have decided to take a day to go on this spectacular hike, and it was the highlight of my trip. The trail is strenuous! It starts from the Exit Glacier Area, the trail winds through a forest, passes through heather-filled meadows and ultimately you will climb well above tree lines to the breath-taking views of the Icefield. The top of this trail is a horizon of ice and snow that stretches as far as my eyes could see. One of the most epic views of my life!

READ MORE: 10-Days Road Trip in Alaska Itinerary

8) Ice Hiking the Ricketts Glenn Falls

• Location: Pennsylvania, USA
• Distance: 11 km/ 7 miles
• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Hike Expert: Karen Dawkins from Family Travels on a Budget

Ice hiking the Ricketts Glen Falls Trail is such a unique experience. Waterfalls are always beautiful, but when the trail is draped in icicles, it becomes even more spectacular. At the base of the 94′ Ganoga Falls, look up all around. The world is draped in ice. There’s good news for this hike. The upward climb back to base is actually easier than the downward hike in winter. Climbing ice is easier than descending it. The Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park winds past 21 waterfalls that range in height from 11 to 94 feet. Because the trail offers so many varied challenges, it’s a great day hike for adventurers who want a challenge. The views make the effort worthwhile.

READ MORE: Top-Rated 15 Backpacks for Hiker (expert review)

9) O Circuit in Torres del Paine National Park

• Location: Patagonia, Chile
• Distance: 136 km / 85 miles
• Duration: 9-11 days
• Hike Expert: Steph Dyson from Worldly Adventurer

Chile has some of the best hikes and South America, and Patagonia is a destination that has rapidly joined most hikers’ bucket lists, offering some of the best hikes in the world. Thanks to its glorious mountain scenery and its reputation as a place of pristine wilderness, as yet untouched by human hands (or feet).  The O Circuit in Torres del Paine National Park is Patagonia’s finest hike. This nine- to eleven-day trek covers the wildest parts of the national park: you’ll pass through sun-scorched grasslands inhabited by guanaco, climb past glaciers hanging perilously from cliff faces and summit the park’s highest pass for spectacular panoramas of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Everything about this hike is wild, magical, and truly unforgettable.

READ MORE: Best Hikes in South America Revealed by Travel Experts

10) Cerro Castilho

• Location: Patagonia, Chile
• Distance: 53 km / 33 miles
• Duration: 3-4 days
• Hike Expert: Campbell & Alya from Stingy Nomads

Patagonia is an incredible place for hiking with several world-renowned trails and many off-the-beaten-path routes. Cerro Castillo trek inside the Cerro Castillo National Reserve is one of the lesser-known hikes in Patagonia. Here you get to enjoy the beautiful Patagonian landscape without tourist crowds. The scenery along the trail is truly spectacular; mountain peaks, indigenous forest, crystal-clear rivers, turquoise lakes, and hanging glaciers. Walking the route hikers have great chances of spotting wild animals. Hikers have to carry camping gear and food. There are no shops or restaurants inside the park, it’s a totally wild experience.

11) Choquequirao to Machu Picchu

• Location: Cusco region , Peru
• Distance: 65 km / 40 miles
• Duration: 9 days
• Hike Expert: Ariana from World of Travels with kids

Hands down, I believe one of the best hikes in the world is found in the Cusco region of Peru. The combination of beautiful mountains and a chance for cultural interaction make the Cusco part of the Andes unparalleled and therefore a worthy contender for Best hiking on the Planet.  My personal favorite trek is the 9-day Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek which is one of the most interesting and stunning ways to trek to Machu Picchu.  If getting beautiful photos is more your thing, you can head south of Cusco and trek the Ausangate Vinicunca Rainbow mountain trek which takes in some truly unique Peruvian scenery.

12) Montaña Machu Picchu

• Location: Peru
• Distance: 2 km/ 1.2 miles
• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Hike Expert: Paula from Paula Pins the Planet

Just amazing and challenging, this is how I describe this hiking in Peru. It offers the most spectacular and yet, one of the most overlooked options for a hike at Machu Picchu. During this hiking, you follow a stone Inca Trail up ascending to the summit of the mountain, and at some points, it is pretty strenuous, hot, and humid, and some fitness level is required for this hiking. The trail is not very difficult, but the high altitudes make it arduous, and I had to take several breaks to catch my breath on my way up. Only 400 people can get a permit to hike per day, and I got my tickets a few weeks in advance. The top is around 10,000 feet above sea level, and the panoramic views of Machu Picchu, Urubamba River, and the surrounding mountains are stunning!

READ MORE: Best Hikes in Peru + Tips How to Plan

13) Santa Cruz Trek

• Location: Cordilleras Blancas, Peru
• Distance: 45 km / 28 miles
• Duration: 4 days
• Hike Expert: Julie from Why not Ju

The Santa Cruz trek is a trek through the Cordilleras Blancas mountain range, located in the Peruvian Andes Mountains. The trek is considered one of the best in the world, with a 4-day that takes you through some amazing sceneries at higher altitudes. The altitude ranges from 2900 meters above the ocean to 4760 meters. The mountains and altitude make for some amazing and varying nature and views. Expect turquoise lakes, snow-capped mountaintops, rivers, and incredible starry skies. The unique experience of hiking an altitude, with beautiful views and a little off-the-beaten-path trail, is one of the reasons the Santa Cruz trek is one of the best hiking experiences you can ask for!

14) Rucu Pichincha Volcano

• Location: Quito, Ecuador
• Distance: 9 km / 5.6 miles
• Duration: 4-7 hours
• Hike Expert: Carla from Travel by Carla Vianna

The Rucu Pichincha hike in Quito, Ecuador is a difficult but incredible trek that takes hikers to the top of an active volcano. The peak sits at a 4,700-meter peak, or over 15,000 feet, making an extremely high-altitude hike. That means two things: Difficulty breathing and a whole lot of stunning views. The adventure starts before you even hit the trailhead: To reach the start of the trail, you must first ride up one of the highest aerial lifts in the world, Quito’s TeleferiQo. Aside from the spectacular views you get from the summit, the hike’s popularity is also due to its easily accessible location on the outskirts of Quito.

15) Capim Açu Trail

• Location: Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
• Distance: 9 km / 5.6 miles
• Duration: 4-6 hours
• Hike Expert: Mario from Rest & Recuperation

In the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, there is a gem which is really worth a visit: Fernando de Noronha, in Brazil. The authorities put in place strict policies on the number of people that can fly there. This has been beneficial for the nature of the island. Despite being famous for its beaches, do not forget to have some good hikes there. My favorite? The Capim Açu trail, to the wildest part of the island. Follow the coast to reach a natural pool and then up into the wild forest, for a total of four to six hours of mouth open walk.

READ MORE: Best Backpack Routes in South America

16) Reef Bay Trail

• Location: St. John, US Virgin Island
• Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
• Duration: 2-4 hours
• Hike Expert: Kristin from Snorkel and Hike

Not really located in South America, but in the middle of the stunning Caribbean. One of the best and most rewarding hikes in the Virgin Islands is the Reef Bay Trail on St. John. The strenuous 6 miles out and back hike takes you through the lush tropical forest and past ancient petroglyphs, a waterfall, and ruins of a sugar mill before ending at the ocean.  To avoid the more difficult return hike back up the mountain, there are options for a 3-mile hike down or a short 1-mile hike from the ocean. However, both of these will require a tour or a boat charter.

17) Drakensberg Royal Natal National

• Location: South Africa
• Distance: 12 km / 4.5 miles
• Duration: 6 hours round trip
• Hike Expert: Oksana & Max from Drink Tea & Travel

As the home of South Africa’s highest mountain ranges, Drakensberg Royal Natal National Park offers some of the best hikes in the world. Its craggy peaks and deep valleys are unlike any other landscape in South Africa and live up to their name “Drakensberg” which roughly translates to the “mountains of dragons”.  The most stunning feature of the UNESCO world heritage site is Tugela Falls, the second-highest waterfall in the world. There are a couple of ways to reach the falls but the most popular is via the 13 kilometer Sentinel Trail. The challenging hike passes by landscapes of exquisite beauty, cheeky monkeys, chain ladders, and more. For avid hikers, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

18) Otter Trail

• Location: South Africa
• Distance: 45 km / 28 miles
• Duration: 5 days
• Hike Expert: Campbell & Alya from Stingy Nomads

Otter Trail hike on the Garden Route in South Africa is considered to be one of the most beautiful trekking routes on the continent. The scenery on this trek is truly breathtaking; evergreen indigenous forest, unspoiled sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, deep canyons, and diverse wildlife. The route is well-marked with yellow paw prints painted on rocks and trees. For the entire 5 days, the trail follows the coast of the Indian Ocean offering stunning views of the rugged coastline. Otter Trail is a great hike for nature lovers every day on the trail hikers can see different animals such as sea otters, monkeys, whales, dolphins, genets, crabs, birds, etc. Along the route, there are many rivers, small bays, and hidden beaches that are great for swimming and chilling in the sun.

19) Amatola Trail

• Location: Amathole Mountain Range, South Africa
• Distance: 100 km / 62 miles
• Duration: 6 days
• Hike Expert: Campbell & Alya from Stingy Nomads

Amatola Trail is probably one of the most amazing treks we’ve ever done, and arguably one of the best hikes in the world. The whole area that the trek goes through looks like a fairyland. The trail goes over the beautiful Amathole Mountain range offering stunning views of the area. The indigenous forest covering the big part of the mountain range looks like the perfect decoration for a Lord of the Rings kind of movie. Massive yellowwood, white stinkwood, and chestnut trees look impressive. The scenery on the Amatola Trail is fantastic; rocky mountains, lush green forest, crystal-clear rivers, stunning waterfalls, massive boulders, natural pools, and breathtaking lookout points. There are many beautiful places to see along the route.

READ MORE: Best Hikes in Africa Revealed by Travel Experts

20) Outeniqua Trail

• Location: Garden Route, South Africa
• Distance: 120 km / 75 miles
• Duration: 7 days
• Hike Expert: Campbell & Alya from Stingy Nomads

Outeniqua Trail is one of the lesser-known hiking trails in South Africa, a real hidden gem of the Garden Route. It’s a great hike to do to get away from the bustling city life. A 7-day trek takes hikers through the indigenous Knysna forest, one of the most beautiful forests in the country. Walking for days through the fantastic Knysna Forest is an incredible experience. The vegetation here is so dense that some parts of the trail look like a tunnel. Huge tree trunks covered in moss, long lianas hanging from tree branches, massive ferns, rivers with big boulders, all these give you a feeling of hiking through a Jurassic forest. 

21) Sabyinyo Volcano

• Location: Uganda
• Distance: 13 km / 8 miles
• Duration: 7- 10 hours
• Hike Expert: Aga from Worldering Around

Mount Sabyinyo is an extinct volcano located on the border of three countries – Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, in East Africa. What is special about it is that when you get to the top, you can stand on the borders of these three countries at the same time. The peak is only accessible for tourists from the Ugandan side. The volcano is a part of the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which is famous for the rare mountain gorillas. Many people travel to Uganda to see these apes. Hiking in the same area where they live creates a special atmosphere. Mt. Sabyinyo has three peaks, and thanks to that it looks like a tooth. This is what its name translates to. The first peak is at 3421 meters, and the summit is at 3,669 meters. 

22) Cape Verde

• Location: Cabo Verde
• Distance: depends on the hike
• Duration: depends on the hike
• Hike Expert: Paulina from Paulina on the Road

You can find some of the best hikes in the world here, in Cape Verde! You might never have considered or even heard of this travel destination, however, the archipelago boasts a myriad of gorgeous hiking trails, a real gem. Whilst you can go hiking on almost any island, the most spectacular hikes can be found in Santo Antao, Brava, and Fogo. Some of the best trails are climbing Mount Fogo on Fogo island and hiking from Ponta do Sol to Cha d’Igreja in Santo Antao. Indeed, Cape Verdean islands are so much more than only beach holidays, since there are plenty of things to do in Cape Verde, particularly for hiking lovers.

23) Tsingy de Bemaraha

• Location: Madagascar
• Distance: 5.6 km / 3.5 miles
• Duration: 5 hours
• Hike Expert: Linn Haglund from Brainy Backpackers

Not many tourists get to the African island of Madagascar and even fewer tourists get to the secluded Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park in the western part of the country. However, here lies one of the most spectacular geographical areas and the most fun hike you can do in Madagascar! It’s actually two different hiking routes, the Small Tsingy and the Big Tsingy. The small Tsingy is the easiest of the two with small bridges and wooden paths connecting the razor-sharp rock formations. On the other hand, the Big Tsingy requires a harness for climbing the Ferrata which winds through narrow tunnels at the far bottom of the landscape and climbs 100 meters up to the top of the deadly sharp landscape.

READ MORE: Top-Rated Jackes for hiking (expert review)

24) Mount Toubkal

• Location: Atlas Mountain, Morocco
• Distance: 4,167 m / 13,667 ft (altitude)
• Duration: 2 days
• Hike Expert: Diana from The Globetrotting Detective

Mount Toubkal is the highest point in Morocco. It’s situated in the High Atlas Mountains at an impressive altitude of 4,167 m (13,667 ft). It is one of the best hikes in the world and a pretty challenging and tough trek but it was worth it for the spectacular views. In the beginning, you can admire the incredible views of rural Morocco. As you move up you walk along waterfalls, gentle brooks, lush green river banks, and walnut groves. The best part is meeting up with cute mules on the way. The trails become very rocky after 3,207 m (10,522 ft). There are parts with gigantic rocks you need to climb over. If you want to conquer Mount Toubkal, you need to travel to Imlil first and stay there one day to organize your hike for the next day. Imlil is a lovely small village at the foot of Mount Toubkal.

25) Manchewe Falls

• Location: Livingstonia, Malwai
• Distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles
• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Hike Expert: Wendy from The Nomadic Vegan

Livingstonia is a small and very peaceful town in Malawi that sits high up on the Rift Valley Escarpment. Just a few kilometers outside of the town are the 125-meter tall Manchewe Falls, which make the perfect destination for a short day hike. I recommend hiring a local guide from the nearby Mushroom Farm Eco-Lodge, as they can show you the path to walk down to the bottom of the falls for some spectacular views, and also guide you to some natural pools where you can cool down in the water. The Mushroom Farm is a great place to base yourself in Livingstonia, as it’s very eco-friendly and serves up some of the best food in Malawi.

26) Ngare Nadare

• Location: Ngare Ndare Forest, Kenya
• Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Hike Expert: Lisanne from Africa Originals

This is one of the most unique hikes in Africa. Ngare Nadare forest is only a few hours from Nairobi and it is a great weekend getaway in Kenya. The park is a corridor vital to various wildlife, such as elephants, that use the forest to move between Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and Mount Kenya. The park is also home to seven stunning waterfalls and the longest canopy walk in East Africa, 450 meters long and 10 meters high, giving you an amazing birds-eye view over the forest and its animals. Go for a 7km hike, swim in the waterfall’s pools, and watch elephants drink from the stream below you. The walk ends on the platform on the other side where the ranger will bring you safely back to your starting point.

27) Fish River

• Location: Namibia
• Distance: 86 km / 53 miles
• Duration: 4-5 days
• Hike Expert: Campbell & Alya from Stingy Nomads

Namibia is famous for its stunning desert and massive sand dunes. But not many people know that it’s home to one of the best hikes in the world, the second-largest canyon in the world is Fish River Canyon. Hiking along the canyon is the best way to discover its beauty. The trek starts at Hobas campsite and finishes at Ai-Ais Hot Springs. The terrain is quite challenging; sand, small rocks, and boulders. Due to the extreme heat, the hike can be done only in winter between May and September. Even in winter, it’s extremely hot in the canyon and there is no shade to hide. There are no designated campsites, hikers can camp anywhere next to the river. Most people don’t carry a tent, only a sleeping mat, and a light sleeping bag. It’s warm enough at night to sleep outside.

READ MORE: Namibia Road Trip Adventure Itinerary

28) Ngong Hills

• Location: Kenya
• Distance: 16.7 km / 10.4 miles
• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Hike Expert: Nadine from Live Travel Kenya

The Ngong Hills were made famous in Meryl Streep and Robert Redford’s film Out of Africa, which told the true story of Karen Blixen and her fight to keep her farm alive during British rule in Kenya. The Ngong Hills are 25 miles out of Kenya’s busy and chaotic capital city, Nairobi. Stand atop the hills and to the north, you gaze at the impressive sight of the Nairobi skyline. Turn around and you are staring at wild, unencumbered Africa. East of the Ngong Hills lies the Great Rift Valley, that rent in the face of the earth that is so vast that it can be seen from space. Within the Rift are rumbling volcanoes, great lakes, volcanic geysers. Far to the south is Maasai land, a shimmering heat haze of barren desert reaching Tanzania. And to the west the relatively civilized views over Nairobi National Park and its safari of wild animals. 

29) Rwenzori Mountains

• Location: Uganda
• Distance: 120 km / 75 miles
• Duration: 6-9 days
• Hike Expert: James from Travel Collecting

The trek to the Rwenzori Mountains, the legendary Mountains of the Moon, in Uganda is one of the most incredible – and most rarely done – multi-day est hikes in the world.  The hike takes you through forests hung with Spanish moss, across muddy bogs, down into mist-shrouded valleys, and across high mountains covered in alien-like vegetation unique to the area, to hidden lakes and equatorial glaciers.  This is a truly magical place.  There are primitive mountain huts along the way. Porters and a guide are mandatory and can be arranged through a local company.  Kasese is the main access town.

30) Ak-Suu Transverse

• Location: Kyrgyzstan
• Distance: 109 km / 68 miles
• Duration: 7 days
• Hike Expert: Stephen Lioy from Asia Hikes

The Ak-Suu Transverse Hike in Kyrgyzstan remains one of my favorite multi-day treks even in a region as spoiled for choice as Central Asia. It visits some of the best landscapes Eastern Kyrgyzstan has to offer, from still as glass alpine lakes to exposed and rugged mountain passes, and all along the views just get progressively more amazing.  It passes through the highlight of the entire Issyk-Kol region: Ala-Kol lake, but does so while minimizing time spent on crowded trails and opts instead for out of the way routing and extra helpings of amazing mountain views.

READ MORE: Best Hikes in Asia Revealed by Travel Experts

31) Chadar Trek

• Location: Himalayas, India
• Distance: 65 km / 40 miles
• Duration: 5 days
• Hike Expert: Arnav Mathur from High on Himalayas

The Himalayas region is well-known for some of the best hikes in the world. One of the toughest treks in India, in the Himalayas, and yet one of a kind is the famed Chadar Trek. Chadar means a blanket, and as the Chadar Trek in the Himalayas basically involves walking on the river Zanskar, which freezes in the winter, and becomes a thick layer of snow and ice over the flowing river, it appears to be a snow blanket. Hence the name Chadar Trek. It’s a 65 km long trek, spread over 5 days of walking over snow and ice in freezing cold temperatures, and at times on the slippery rocks by the riverside.

32) Petra Circuit

• Location: Petra, Jordan
• Distance: 11 km / 7 miles
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Hike Expert: David Leiter from The World Travel Guy

Petra is a majestic ancient city carved into the rocks in southern Jordan, and the ruins inside Petra Jordan can be explored by walking on foot or riding a camel. Most people do this as a circuit hike that starts at the Siq, a narrow slot canyon with high walls, and the path then leads to the Treasury, which is the most famous and photogenic building in Petra. Lastly, the hike gives you an optional detour to a scenic mountain called the High Place of Sacrifice, before taking you to the magnificent Monastery, which is even bigger than the Treasury. Overall, it’s a fantastic hike with some priceless views!

33) Phadaeng Peak

• Location: Laos
• Distance: 3.4 km / 2.1 miles
• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Hike Expert: Sasha and Vincent from Mog and Dog Travels

Laos is often overlooked by hikers in favor of its more well-known neighbors Thailand and Vietnam, but this is a huge mistake. This small landlocked country has something for everyone, from fairly easy well-marked trails with stunning views to challenging multi-day jungle and hill-tribe trekking experiences. Pha Daeng Peak in Nong Khiaw is a great hike in Northern Laos. The steep 1.5-hour climb at either sunrise or sunset rewards you with fantastic 360-degree views of the karst limestone mountains carpeted in trees, the lush surrounding valleys, and the Nam Ou River snaking into the distance below. Simply gorgeous!

34) Adam’s Peak

• Location: Sri Lanka
• Distance: 5,000 crumbling steps
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Hike Expert: Emma from Bonjour Sunset

Climbing Adam’s Peak, a Sri Lankan pilgrimage site, is an incredible experience both physically and spiritually. Climbing 5000 steps will challenge your body, while the interaction with the local pilgrims, of all ages and physical conditions, is a truly humbling experience. The ideal time to climb is at night, to reach the summit for a sunrise that is definitely worth your effort!  The walk back is just as amazing, as you finally discover the lush landscape surrounding Adam’s Peak. It takes around 3 to 4 hours to reach the summit, and there are plenty of shacks along the route to take a break. 150 km from Colombo, climbing Adam’s Peak is a great addition to any Sri Lanka itinerary.    

READ MORE: Top-Rated Hiking Leggings (Expert Review)

35) The Pha Dok Siew Trail Hike of Doi Inthanon

• Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand
• Distance: 5.6 km / 3.5 miles
• Duration: 2 hours
• Hike Expert: Vaibhav Mehta from The Wandering Vegetable

One of the most unique off-the-beaten-path hike experiences that I’d experienced was in Chiang Mai, Thailand, while hiking the Doi Inthanon National Park. Located in the Chom Thong district, the Doi Inthanon National Park surrounds the highest mountain in Thailand – Doi Inthanon (2,565 m). During this hiking, you can explore the rain forest – encountering rare species of flora (including a Chrysanthemum flower plantation), chasing spectacular waterfalls, crossing a river on a cute rickety bamboo bridge, and walking along beautiful terraced rice fields leading to the Mae Klang Luang village. My advice is to hire a local Karen tribe expert to guide you through the rainforest. That’s because they add so much context to the entire experience by enlightening you about the forest.

36) Sandkphu Trek

• Location: West Bengal, India
• Distance: 46 km / 28.5 miles
• Duration: 6 days
• Hike Expert: Ruma from The Holiday Story

Sandakphu is the highest peak in West Bengal which means “Height of the Poison Pants”. Poisonous trees grow near the summit of Sandakanfu and hence the name. The peak is 3638 meters (11941 feet high), and it is on the West Bengal-Nepal border along the Singalila National Park in Darjeeling, the highest point of the Singalila Hills. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu – all four of the five highest peaks in the world can be seen from here. Sandakan is a paradise for those who may not be a very good trekker but love mountains. This is probably why Sandakanfu is called Trekkers Paradise.

37) Bottle Beach Hike

• Location: Koh Phangan, Thailand
• Distance: 2.5 km / 1.5 miles
• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Hike Expert: Veronika from Travel Greekery

Hiking in the tropics doesn’t get any better than this. Imagine passing through a lush jungle, with wonderful views, and ending up on a beautiful secluded beach! That’s what the most famous hike of Koh Phangan, the Bottle Beach hike, is all about. You can choose from two different routes, but the destination is the same – the pristine Bottle Beach, a hard-to-access beach in the Northeast of the island. You can expect a peaceful experience both on the hike and on the beach, even at the peak of the tourist season. What’s more – tired hikers can take a boat back to civilization.

38) Tiger’s Nest

• Location: Paro, Bhutan
• Distance: 6.5 km / 4 miles
• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Hike Expert: Dagney & Jeremy from Cultura Obscura

The Tiger’s Nest is a Buddhist monastery perched precariously on a mountainside overlooking the city of Paro in Bhutan. The hike from the base of the mountain up to the monastery is the most popular journey in the country, and it is possible for anyone with any level of hiking expertise to do comfortably, though beginners will find it tough due to the altitude. Because of the path travelers must take to reach the Tiger’s Nest, the monastery first reveals itself dramatically once you crest the first ridge, before heading down the mountain in order to climb up again on the other side. However, this just means that you get two rewards for hiking this trail: the majesty of the monastery, and the ability to go inside!

39) Kumano Kodo

• Location: Kii Peninsula, Japan
• Distance: 70 km / 44 miles (different trails to choose from)
• Duration: 1-9 days
• Hike Expert: Wendy from The Nomadic Vegan

If you’d like to learn more about Japanese culture and religion while enjoying some of the country’s most beautiful scenery, then walking the Kumano Kodo is definitely for you. This ancient pilgrimage trail leads to and connects the three most important shrines in Japan’s native Shinto religion. It has been walked by emperors, samurai warriors, and countless common people of Japan over the centuries. The Kumano Kodo is actually not a single trail but a series of connected trails, so you could choose a route that lasts anywhere from one day to nine days. I recommend the 2-day Nakahechi Route, which runs from the Takijiri-Oji to the Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine.

40) Mount Halgurd

• Location: Iraq
• Distance: 16.8 km / 10 miles
• Duration: 7-8 hours
• Hike Expert: Diana from The Globetrotting Detective

Mount Halgurd is considered to be the highest mountain in Iraq. The peak of the mountain is at an altitude of 3,607 meters and is located very close to the Iranian border. One of the most fascinating things about Halgurd Mountain is that it has absolutely no tourism infrastructure, and that makes it a perfect off-the-beaten travel destination. To climb to the highest summit of the country, you need to go with people who know the exact route due to the fact that some of the routes on the way are off-limit. The best way is to get to know locals on Couchsurfing or social media and organize the hike together. 

41) Jyrgalan

• Location: Jyrgalan village, Kyrgyzstan
• Distance: Various distance
• Duration: range from few hours to a few days
• Hike Expert: Margherita & Nick from The Crowed Planet

Kyrgyzstan is truly one of the best places in the world for hiking lovers. The majority of the country is covered in mountains, including peaks over 7000 meters, with countless trails and hiking opportunities. Jyrgalan is a small village and a great place to arrange hiking expeditions to the nearby Tien Shen mountains. There are literally hundreds of hikes possible in the surroundings of Jyrgalan, ranging from a few hours to a few days, some of which can also be done on horseback. However, it’s important to go with a local guide, as hiking in the Tien Shan mountains is completely different from hiking in the Alps or Rockies – there are no signs, and it’s very easy to get lost. 

42) Kalaw Trek

• Location: Myamar
• Distance: 57 km / 35 miles
• Duration: 2-3 days
• Hike Expert: Reshma from The Solo Globetrotter

Kalaw is a small hill town known for its natural beauty, relatively cold climate, and lots of floral and wild species. Most people first visit Inle Lake, one of the top destinations in Myanmar, and hike all the way further to Kalaw. Hikers will pass through many remote settlements in the mountains, where they can experience the Burmese ways of life in the countryside, staying at homestays run by these locals, and trying the delicious Burmese food. It is an experience to get to the heart of rugged Burma, away from the chaotic cities and the crowds. The hiking can range from easy to slightly moderate depending on your fitness level. 

43)Taung Wine Mountain

• Location: Myamar
• Distance: 180 meters up the mountain
• Duration: 1 hour
• Hike Expert: Ilse from Digital Travel Couple

Hiking the Taung Wine Mountain in Hpa-An Myanmar is a must-do. It’s one of the most beautiful hikes and viewpoints in the country. The hike up to the top of the 180-meter high mountain is very steep and strenuous, but doable in about 45 minutes – an hour. It is recommended to do this hike before sunrise or sunset. Firstly because with sunrise or sunset the light reflects beautifully on the mountains and creates a beautiful orange golden glow. Secondly, you avoid the midday heat when hiking early or later in the afternoon.

READ MORE: Best Hiking Jackets for Hikers

44) Birtvisi Canyon

• Location: Georgia
• Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
• Duration: 5-6 hours
• Hike Expert: Baia from Red Fedora Diary

Birtvisi Canyon in Georgia is known for its rocky terrain created millions of years ago as a result of an eruption of an active volcano. This is considered one of the best hikes in the world, and it is a less-traveled hike. It is an ideal option to escape the traffic-heavy capital, Tbilisi, as the proximity to the city enables you to make a hiking day trip. Apart from hillocks, the canyon features centuries-old Birtvisi Fortress known as the invincible and least accessible citadel in the whole country. The trail passes through forests, rocks, and ruins of several walls and towers of the fortress hidden under the green foliage.
Hiking Birtvici Canyon is doable all year round. It’s especially beautiful in spring and autumn, as summer months tend to be quite hot here. 

45) Trek to Tobavarchkhili Lakes

• Location: Georgia (Europe/ Asia)
• Distance: 77 km / 48 miles
• Duration: 4-5 days
• Hike Expert: Jozef from Caucasus-Trekking

In Georgia, you can find some of the best hikes in the world. This group of glacial lakes lies in the mountains of western Georgia that belong to the Caucasus mountain range. Despite the superb scenery, the area is still only a little-visited, mainly because of its inaccessibility and zero tourist infrastructure. To visit the main lakes, you will need to trek for at least four days but to explore all of them, reserve at least a week. There is a way to somewhat shorten it if you hire a large jeep or Kamaz but that’s quite expensive. You will ford rivers, cross lush forests and 3000m high mountain passes, wild camp by several lakes (each one more beautiful than the other), admire massive waterfalls and gorges and drink with local shepherds. An unforgettable adventure!

46) Kokoda Track

• Location: Papua New Guinea
• Distance: 96 km / 60 miles
• Duration: 8 days
• Hike Expert: Jackson Groves from Journey Era

 This hiking made to the Best Hikes in the world list for a reason. The Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea is known as one of the toughest multi-day treks in the world. It also has an immense historical significance as it was the epicenter of the Kokoda Battle between the Japanese and the Australian Forces in WWII. Today, trekkers from around the world reflect on the four pillars of Kokoda, which are mate-ship, endurance, sacrifice, and courage as they push themselves physically and mentally to complete the arduous journey across the Kokoda Track. This hiking is a challenging single-file trail, which runs right through the Owen Stanley Range in Papua New Guinea. Each night you will camp in a designated site or stay in a thatch hut at one of the local villages along the route.

READ MORE: Top Dream Destinations for Adventure Travelers

47) Bouma National Heritage

• Location: Taveuni, Fiji
• Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles
• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Hike Expert: Chantae from Chantae Was Here

While Fiji is often associated with sandy beaches and incredible scuba diving, it is one of the best places in the world if you love to hike. The islands of Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, and Taveuni are all mountainous with hiking trails weaving throughout their interiors. Each trek is lush with tropical foliage and the trails are rarely crowded. Because treks through Fiji almost always pass through a settlement, it is customary to visit the town community center and present a bundle of kava, a root of a pepper tree that makes for a relaxing drink, before continuing your journey—a cultural and adventure experience in one!

48) Paekakariki Escarpment Track

• Location: Near Wellington, New Zealand
• Distance: 20 km / 12.5 miles
• Duration: 4-6 hours
• Hike Expert: Jub Bryant from Chur New Zealand

The Paekakariki Escarpment Track often dubbed NZ’s Stairway to Heaven is a 10 km end-to-end walk near Wellington. Along the way, you’ll navigate a lot of stairs, kohekohe forest, two swing bridges, and on a clear day, the views are incredible. You’ll see Kapiti Island (as seen in the photo), the South Island, the coastline north and south, and on a super clear day, you’ll see Mount Taranaki. Although the trail is less than a 40-minute drive from Wellington, you might want to catch the train as the trailheads begin close to  Pakakariki and Pukerua Bay train stations.

49) Pinnacles in the Coromandel

• Location: near Thames, New Zealand
• Distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles
• Duration: 7-8 hours
• Hike Expert: Alissa from Mount Adventure Club

One of our favorite hiking in New Zealand is the Pinnacles Track. The stunning Kauaeranga Valley, located upriver from the Thames is one of New Zealand’s true hidden treasures. Climbing around 550 meters through classic New Zealand bush on well maintained and clearly marked track, up until you reach the 80 bed Department of Conservation hut, and from there, Pinnacles can clearly be seen away up a scrambling, twisting track, up endless steps with rocky outcrops and fixed ladders, There’s a viewing platform at the end of the track, and you will be rewarded with the stunning first sun rays rising over the Pacific Ocean in the distance. 

50) Cradle Mountains Summit

• Location: North-west of Tasmania
• Distance: 12.8 km / 8 miles
• Duration: 8 hours
• Hike Expert: Susan & John from Thrifty After 50

The hike to Cradle Mountain Summit in the northwest of Tasmania is one of the top hikes in the world because it is a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience and one of the must-do activities in Tasmania. The views of Dove Lake and the Frenchman’s Cap are stunning and are guaranteed to keep you inspired. You should expect the 12.8 km hike to take around 8 hours to complete and includes a considerable portion of rock scrambling over smaller rocks than large boulders. The hike to Cradle Mountain Summit has the ability to demoralize you due to a large number of false summits. You have been hiking for hours and think you have finally arrived only to find that there is another hill to climb!

51) Pico Ruivo

• Location: Madeira
• Distance: 45 km / 28 miles
• Duration: 4 hours
• Hike Expert: Sany from Earthosea

One of the best hikes in the world is for sure the hike to Pico Ruivo in Madeira. The hiking trail is notable for its breathtaking views over the Atlantic Ocean and perilous paths going to the top of Madeira. The hiking trail to Pico Ruivo starts off at the top of Pico Areeiro in Madeira, which can be easily reached by car. Then, it passed by some of the most picturesque vistas until it reaches the dangerous Pico das, Torres. Right there, it is advisable to be extremely cautious, as there might be some rocks falling over the path. Eventually, after around 4 hours of hiking, you will reach the top of Madeira at Pico Ruivo. The view from the top is breathtaking and will make you fall in love with the Atlantic Ocean and the rocky island of Madeira!

READ MORE: Best Hikes in Europe Revealed by Travel Experts

52) Valbona to Theth

• Location: Albania
• Distance: 9.5 km / 6 miles
• Duration: 6-10 hours
• Hike Expert: Emily from Wander-Lush

The most popular trek in Albania is located in Valbona Valley National Park in the country’s north. The single-day walk between the alpine villages of Valbona and Theth is nothing short of spectacular. It’s mildly challenging, and I do recommend having a basic level of fitness to make the mountain pass, but the views are well worth the effort. This is really an off-the-beaten-track and if you get an early start, you probably won’t meet another person on the track until you reach the halfway point. Note that the trail is only accessible in the summer months – from late May through September.

53) Maderanertal Valley

• Location: Switzerland
• Distance: 16 km / 10 miles
• Duration: 2-3 days
• Hike Expert: Annabel from Smudged Postcard

Switzerland offers some of the best hikes in the world and the Maderanertal Valley is a particularly rewarding Swiss hike for families. The Valley is located near the Gotthard Pass in southern Switzerland close to the border with Italy. The hiking can be done at your own pace, as there are some inviting lakes along the way, which may slow down your progress on your hiking. This hiking is an off-the-beaten-path option, as it is very popular with the locals, but there are not too many travelers from outside who take this route. taking this route. The walk begins at Bristen where there’s a cable car up to Golzern with its wonderful lake, and there are a couple of simple guesthouses for an overnight stay near the lake. 

54) GR 221

• Location: Mallorca
• Distance: 120 km / 75 miles
• Duration: 4-7 days
• Hike Expert: Adrianna from Czech the World

Dry Stone Route GR 221 is a beautiful long-distance trail in Mallorca – the largest Spanish island in the Mediterranean Sea. The trail is nice especially because it leads through the Tramuntana mountain range as well as through picturesque Mallorca villages with beautiful views of bays and the sea. Trail GR 221 has about 120 km. It can be walked in 4-7 days, depending on the walking pace. It starts in Arras town and goes all the way to Port de Pollença. On the way, there are hiker’s huts called refuges. Drinking water can be found in every village and there are marked water sources even in the mountains as well. 

READ MORE: 15 Best Hikes in Italy + Tips

55) Cele Valley GR 651

• Location: France
• Distance: 55 km / 34 miles
• Duration: 4-7 days
• Hike Expert: Alissa from Mount Adventure Club

GR is the abbreviation of Grand Randonnée, and it has a very diverse collection of hiking paths. The most incredible is the GR 651 which travels along the Cele Valley located in southwestern France. A variation of the Via Podiensis path, part of the Camino de Santiago (‘Chemin de St Jacques’ in France) the GR 651 path splits off the main GR 65 route in Beduer and follows the isolated Cele River along ridge tops, carved mountain paths, and the valley floor. During this hike, you will pass many small villages, either along the river’s edge or carved into the cliff face. This hike starts in Beduer and runs to Bouzies, and you have the options to camp or stay at any of the French beds & breakfasts.

56) Teesdale Way

• Location: Durham Dales, North East of England
• Distance: 147 km / 91 miles
• Duration: 7 days
• Hike Expert: Sarah from ASocial Nomad

Starting on the high fells of Cumbria and running 147 kilometers to the North Sea the Teesdale Way follows the route of the River Tees from start to finish. This 7-day hike covers a variety of terrains and passes through small villages, market towns such as Barnard Castle, and industrialized areas near Middleborough. Stay overnight in campsites, bed and breakfasts, and local pubs. While part of the route follows the more famous Pennine Way, this is not a highly trafficked route and you’ll have a great deal of solitude to enjoy this glorious area of Northern England.

57) Samariá Gorge

• Location: Crete Island, Greece
• Distance: 16 km / 10 miles
• Duration: 5-7 hours
• Hike Expert: Wendy from The Nomadic Vegan

The Samariá Gorge is quite possibly the most incredible natural wonder on the Greek island of Crete and should not be missed. If you walk all the way through the gorge to the coast, the Samariá Gorge hike is about a 16 km trail in total and takes between five to seven hours. This hiking starts with a pretty steep descent but then becomes pretty flat as you walk alongside the crystal clear waters of the river that runs through the gorge. The scenery keeps getting better and better as you go along, culminating in what’s known as the “Iron Gates”. Here at the narrowest point of the gorge, you walk through an opening that’s just four meters across, while the rock walls towering on either side of you are 300 meters high.

58) Pen-Y-Fan

• Location: Brecon Beacons, Wales – UK
• Distance: Many routes to choose from
• Duration: Many routes to choose from
• Hike Expert: Pauline from BeeLoved City

Wales is home to 3 stunning national parks. Located in the center, the Brecon Beacons National Park is particularly famous for having some of the most epic hikes in the UK – and if not, some of the best hikes in the world! If you are looking for incredible views, head to Pen-y-Fan. It’s the highest peak in the Beacons and from far, one of the best walks in Europe! There are many routes that go up to the summit. I particularly recommend the horseshoe ridge walk. It’s a bit challenging but well worth it! This 10 miles long loop will take you through the mountains, all the way to the top! From the summit of Pen-Y-Fan, you will get to admire beautiful 360 degrees views over the Beacons and the Cwm Llwch valley. You can then make your way back down on the other side and enjoy even more beautifully green landscapes! 

READ MORE: Top-Rated Hikers Backpack on a Budget

59) Lavaux Vineyard

• Location: Switzerland
• Distance: 10 km / 6.4 miles
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Hike Expert: Nisha from Nerdy Footsteps

Terrasses de Lavaux is my favorite hike in the world. It is easy and involves wine tasting! Doesn’t it sound perfect? Wait till I add the old swiss villages and stunning views of Lake Geneva and Alps to the mix. And If the vineyards appear to be melting right into the lake, don’t worry! It is not the wine talking. These beautiful vineyards are indeed sloped. The hike is quite easy and the path is well paved. The path follows through small swiss villages, which welcome the visitors for their ‘open days’ when different vine tasting events are organized by the locals. I highly recommend doing this hike in the harvest season, both for the views and the wine!

60) Pulpit Rock

• Location: Norway
• Distance: 7 km / 4.4 miles
• Duration: 2-5 hours
• Hike Expert: Katalin & Karol from Our Life, Our Travel

 The famous Norwegian hike to Pulpit Rock is spectacular and rather easy, but also considered one of the best hikes in the world. It is located a couple of hours away from Stavanger. You can approach the trailhead by car or bus (and ferry to cross the fjords). General fitness is enough to walk the 7 km long trek. Last time we hiked the trail with our then-two-year-old, who walked almost half of the way himself — what a unique memory itself, not to mention the fantastic landscape around. The trail leads up to the Pulpit Rock, a rectangularly shaped rock above the stunning blue Lysefjord. 

61) El Saltillo Trail

• Location: Malaga, Spain
• Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
• Duration: 4 hours
• Hike Expert: Linn from Brainy Backpacker

This couldn’t be out of the Best Hikes in the World list. Also known as “the other Caminito del Rey”, the El Saltillo trail showcases the best of the Andalusian countryside from the rim of the steep mountainside in Sierras de Tejada, Almijara, y Alhama Natural Park in the Malaga Province. One of Spain’s truly hidden gems that are not for the fear of heights. Despite not being a hike with much elevation, with its two suspension bridges hanging on the vertical cliffside and several parts of the narrow path looking straight down several hundred meters below it’s a truly memorable experience. Passing through olive groves and ending at a refreshing water hole formed by a small waterfall, this is truly a hidden treasure!

62) Vienna Woods

• Location: Vienna, Austria
• Distance: Many options for trails
• Duration: Many options for trails
• Hike Expert: Anca from Dream, Book, and Travel

Austria’s capital is known worldwide as the capital of classical music, delicious pastries, and insanely high living standards, but a stay in Vienna should also be mandatory for outdoor lovers. Vienna is the world’s only metropolis that is partially situated in a Unesco-designated Biosphere Reserve – the Vienna Woods. This literally means the Viennese can go hiking within the city limits and many hiking locations can be reached using the city’s public transport system. Hiking trails punctuated with local wine-producing taverns and beautiful panoramic viewpoints over the city and the entire Danube basin are bound to leave you spellbound and in love with Vienna forever. 

63) Seven Rila Lakes Hike

• Location: Bulgaria
• Distance: 11.4 km / 7.1 miles
• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Hike Expert: Alison from Sofia Adventures

Located only about two hours from Sofia, it is the gem of Seven Rila Lakes Hike. You want to get high enough so you can see the beautiful glacial lakes known as the Seven Rila Lakes. There are actually hundreds of lakes located in the Rila mountains, making it one of the best hikes in the world for the stunning landscape. The hike to the top starts from the bottom and lasts all day, or you can cut your hiking time in half by taking the chair lift to a higher starting point. While the hike isn’t only for expert hikers, expect to spend four hours to a full day on the hike, depending on where you choose to start and where you choose to finish. 

64) Grutshchalp to Murren-Swiss Alps

• Location: Switzerland
• Distance: 4.3 km / 2.7 miles
• Duration: 3 hours
• Hike Expert: Diana Calia from Travels Poland

Last but not least at this ultimate list of Best Hikes in the World. The Swiss Alps are magnificent and provide spectacular views for hikers who decide to hike at higher altitudes.  One spectacular hike is from Grutschalp to Murren, a carless town high in the Alps.  Located above the Jungfrau Valley in the middle of Switzerland, Grutschap can be reached by cable car from Lauterbrunnen.  From there, the hike to Murren is about 3 hours, stroller and family-friendly.  The hike passes through a forest, through meadows with beautiful views of the peaks of the Alps all around.  The return back down to the valley is via cable cars down from Murren.

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• Portable water bottle: Remember to bring and drink a lot of water and if you need to refill, have a LifeStraw Filtered Water Bottle is the best option.
• First-aid kit: Always remember to pack a first-aid kit for your hikes.
• Day-Backpack: I love my day-backpack and it is very handy for any hiking.
• Headlamps:  Carry a flashlight or headlamp even on a day hike. If you have trouble on the trail, darkness may fall before you can finish your hike.
• Wear sturdy shoes for hiking: The most important thing is to protect your feet and avoid twisting your ankle and get injured. I recommend investing in a good hiking boots brand such as Teva, Salomon, or even Keens.
• Moisture-wicking clothing: These clothes help to pull the sweat away from your body and stay cool and dry during your hiking such as light hiking pants & long sleeves shirts.
• Warm-Layers: Early morning or late night can get cold so it is important to bring layers, a lightweight puffy jacket is a must!
• Packing for winter hiking: During winter make sure to have a good quality hiking jacket and pack a warm pair of pants for your hike.
• Wear a hat and sunglasses: It is always important to protect yourself against the sun. Bring a hat with a good face cover like this one and don’t forget to pack a pair of polarized sunglasses
• Bring along some food or snacks: It’s a good idea to pack trail mix or cereal bars to munch on during your hikes.
• Bring your Camera: You will see some incredible views during your hiking, so don’t forget your camera, or check some great value options here

I hope that this extensive list of Best Hikes in the World has inspired you to go on your next hiking adventure.

It doesn’t matter if you go on a day hiking or on the hardest hikes in the world if you keep in mind that “Hiking is the answer.  Who cares what the question is.” Or whatever hiking quote is your favorite. The important thing is to live with adventure and discovery.

You may want to also check the complete guide for each Continent:

• 10 Bucket List Hikes in the United States
• Best Hikes in Africa
• Best Hikes in Asia
• Best Hikes in Europe