What are the best treks in the world? It’s hard to put together a list of hiking destination and trails that everyone will agree on. However, with the help of my travel blogging buddies, I asked the best trekking and hiking adventurers what their favourite great trek or hike is on this planet. They came up with these awesome top hikes in the world!
Covering all continents, here is my ultimate list of the best hikes and treks in the world, for the globe trekker who wishes to venture into the unknown! This post welcomes beginners, well-seasoned explorers and the top-notch experts seeking the best places to hike.
Below you find every trek and hike listed, but to get the full details you need for each hike, make sure to visit each of the specialist blog posts highlighted. These blog posts will go into much more detail about every hike’s difficulty level, how long they take, what you will see and experience and what you must know before you go!
Some hike’s require specialist equipment, whilst other hikes have some nifty hiking hacks that you need to know. Make sure to read the specific blog posts for each continent to make sure you are full prepared. Let’s go and hike the world!
What is the difference between trekking and hiking?
Hiking is an activity which is on trials which are well-marked out, laid down and man-made.
Trekking on the other hand is more challenging. It’s more rigorous, in the wilderness and usually takes more than one day.
The following list includes both hikes and treks so that you can explore this world fully. Just because a route isn’t technically a ‘trek’, this doesn’t mean it’s not good enough. Some of the hikes listed only take an hour to complete for example, but still offer stunning experiences and challenging circumstances!
Mount Huashan in China, Bright Angel Trail in Arizona, GR20 in Corsica
Nepal, New Zealand, Peru, Canada and Switzerland
Pacific Crest Trail in Canada (nearly 15,000 miles long!)
Nepal is undoubtedly the dream for many a mountain trekker where you will be traversing along the best hikes in the world. You are going to experience breathtaking, life-changing views here; Nepal is one of the most beautiful mountainous countries in the world!
Mera Peak Nepal – photo courtesy of Full Time Explorer
Challenge yourself on Mera Peak, attempt the world-famous Everest Base Camp or be kind to yourself (almost!) as a beginner and trek to Annapurna Base Camp.
In no particular order, here are my top 5 best hikes in Nepal.
Read: The Best treks in Nepal Every Adventurer is Dreaming About
The best hiking trails Europe has to offer are just out of this world. You will be spoilt for choice in this varied and stunning part of the world. Will you enjoy the lush green mountains of the UK, throw yourself into the dramatic landscapes of the Dolomites in Italy, or opt for the less known trails in Poland and Slovenia?
The Coumshingaun Lake Loop in Waterford, Ireland – Photo courtesy of Your Irish Adventure
I recommend tackling Trolltunga in Norway, giving the routes in Albania a try and for the ultimate challenge, taking on the GR20 Long Distance Trek in Corsica. Which treks in Europe will you take on?
What’s the best trekking in Europe? These 16 treks and hikes in Europe will get you off to a cracking start! I believe they are some of the most beautiful hikes in the world. Europe also has some of the best day hikes in the world if you want to take it easy.
Read: 16 Best Hikes in Europe That Need To Be On Your Bucket List
How about discovering the best hiking trails in Oceania? The best places to hike on this continent are a wonder to behold. Make your Lord of the Rings dreams come true in New Zealand through stunning forests and along beautiful ridge lines in some of the best National Parks ever! Or venture through the open outback in Australia through canyons and golden rock domes. Don’t miss the coastlines too. It’s definitely worth it.
Routeburn in New Zealand – Photo courtesy of Walk My World
Let’s not forget the islands in Oceania too. This list includes some magical off-the-beaten paths that you may not know about until reading this list!
My personal favourites places to go hiking in this corner of the world include the Routeburn Track in New Zealand and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in New Zealand.
In no particular order of excellence, put these beauties on your trekking and hiking bucket list.
How about taking your mountain trek goals to Africa? The trek adventures in Africa are full of excitement with truly off-the-beaten paths that, although may be at first a challenge to get to, are well worth the effort in the end.
Mount Ololokwe in Kenya – Photo courtesy of German Backpacker
Yes, there’s the epic Mount Kilimanjaro that the best walker will want to take on. Let’s face it: it is by far one of the best hiking trails in the world. However, there are other great hikes here that I urge you to take on and attempt. Venture into the Simien mountains, enjoy the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco and feel that warmth on your face on the Nyiragongo volcano trek in the Democratic Republic of Congo!
What are the best treks in South America? In this part of the world you are going to be absolutely spoilt for choice. This is the land of Peru, Colombia and epic Patagonia. Wow! The hiking trails in South America will take your breath away and make you feel fully alive.
Inca Trail to Macchu Pichu
For the best trekking in South America, you must take on the Cerro Castillo Trek and try what is known as the most scenic trail in Peru – the Huayuhash circuit. It takes 10 days! For full on adventure, try the Inca Jungle Trek in Peru. Basically, there are many best hikes in Peru! Peru wins.
Need something easier? Try the Morro Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
If you’re looking for the best places to hike in the world which are more difficult than usual, South America will deliver. These are my top recommended hikes here:
Trekkers venturing to this part of the world will be treated to some of the best National Parks ever! You may find yourself in stunning Banff, Canada or along the infamous Appalachian Trail.
If you want to venture further, I highly recommend heading to Mexico to Copper Canyon for the best trails. It’s a hidden gem that is still a relative secret to hikers around the world. Get there now before everyone else does.
In no particular order of magnificence, here are the best trekking places in North America.
What are the best mountains to hike in Asia? The answer is that there are so many that I love and that my fellow travel blogging buddies adore too. The hikes here are immense and unforgettable! If you venture to China and India particularly, you’ll be blown away with epic views after challenging but 100% worthwhile adventures.
Snow Mountain at the end of the Tiger Leaping Gorge trek in China
I have personally hiked in Asia the most, so it was hard to whittle the absolute best treks in Asia down within this list. Nonetheless, I believe you will love the following!
Don’t forget these essential items for your best treks around the world!
Check your visa requirements here
I know there’s so many more of the best mountains to hike in the world that have not been listed here! In fact, here’s a couple more of my favourite hikes around the world that I just have to let you know about.
The most dangerous trail in the world? Hiking Huashan in China!
Two hikes in Xingping China you cannot miss
Hike El Caminito Del Rey in Spain
Where will you be trekking and hiking around the world?
Don’t be a mug. Please don’t leave for your adventure without travel insurance. However careful you are, things can still go wrong. I’ve ended up in hospital in Russia, had stuff cut out of my arm in Vietnam and don’t even get me started on that time I was vomiting my guts up in Poland.
Do the right thing right now. Get a quote.
Hello, Alice! Thank you for your effort in putting together this list of best treks in the world. I love trekking a lot and it’s great to consider what my fellow travelers think about the best spots out there.