Classic treks in the world

These 10 classic treks are for serious walkers. All of them require a sturdy pair of lungs, fit legs and a good amount of preparation. However, if you choose to go on any of these trails then you will be rewarded with experiences that last a lifetime. In no particular order:

1. Torres del Paine Circuit, Chile

With some trademark jagged pink-granite rock thrusts reaching up to 10,000 feet, glaciers and their accompanying bright blue lakes, Torres del Paine National Park is going to compel you to stop often on its 52-mile loop for a photo or just a gasp. Hike all of it in ten days, take five days to trek what’s called the ‘W,’ or just head into the park for day trips to hit the highlights. The highest point in this UNESCO Biosphere is 4,000 feet so altitude sickness won’t be an issue. But you still get up close to glaciers and can even camp lakeside where the ice is crashing into the water. You’ll find plenty of wildlife, especially birds, guanacos (like llamas), nandu (ostrich lite), and if you’re lucky, a puma. This is Patagonia at its most awesome.

When to go: If you like more hiking time in a day, best to go during December-January when the sunset isn’t until 10 p.m. During that time and through March is the warmest season with low chance of rain.

Difficulty: The trail covers all skill levels. Some paths may be strenuous but generally unintimidating. You don’t necessarily need a guide either.

Things to know: You can check in at a local hostel near the park entrance or just pitch a tent. If you’ve got the money, one of the adventure lodges, such as La Remota with upscale pampering and daily expert guides, is a nice way to go too.

2.- Annapurna Circuit, Nepal

Shaped like a horseshoe, this 128-mile trek makes a circle tour of Nepal’s Annapurna range. Terraced rice paddies, jungle, pines, deep canyons, flowing water, and of course the glorious snow-capped peaks themselves make a constantly evolving scenic backdrop for your trek. But then add to that the characters you meet along the way, the teahouses-cum-hostels, yak cheese, the yak-butter candles at night. This is a whole world in itself in a setting that will leave you talking about it for the rest of your days.

When to go: October is best for milder temperatures and clear blue skies.

3. Pays Dogon, Mali

‘The land of the Dogon people’ is one of Africa’s most breathtaking regions. A trek here can last anywhere between two and 10 days, and takes in the soaring cliffs of the Bandiagara escarpment inlaid with old abandoned cliff dwellings. Dogon villages dot the cliffs and are an extraordinary highlight of the journey. The Dogon are known for their masked stilt dancers, intricately carved doors and pueblo-like dwellings built into the side of the escarpment.

4. Everest Base Camp, Nepal

Reaching a height of 5,545m (18,193ft) at Kala Pattar, this three-week trek is extremely popular with those who want to be able to say, ‘I’ve been to the base of the world’s highest mountain’. The difficult trek passes undeniably spectacular scenery and is trafficked by Sherpa people of the Solu Khumbu. The heights reached during this trek are literally dizzying until you acclimatise to the altitude, and the continuous cutting across valleys certainly has its ups and downs.

5. Indian Himalayas, India

Fewer folk trek on the Indian side of the world’s greatest mountain range. So, if isolation’s your thing try trekking in Himachal Pradesh. Hardcore hikers can try teetering along the mountain tops for 24 days from Spiti to Ladakh. This extremely remote and challenging walk follows ancient trade routes. The bleak high-altitude desert terrain inspired Rudyard Kipling to exclaim, ‘Surely the gods live here; this is no place for men’.

6. Overland Track, Australia

Tasmania’s prehistoriclooking wilderness is most accessible on the 80km (50mi, five- to six-day) Overland Track. Snaking its way between Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair (Australia’s deepest natural freshwater lake), the well-defined path (boardwalked in parts) passes craggy mountains, beautiful lakes and tarns, extensive forests and moorlands. Those who want more can take numerous side walks leading to waterfalls, valleys and still more summits including Mt Ossa (1,617m, 5,305ft) – Tassie’s highest.

7. Routeburn Track, New Zealand

See the stunning subalpine scenery of New Zealand’s South Island surrounding this medium three-day (32km, 20mi) track. At the base of New Zealand’s Southern Alps, the track passes through two national parks: Fiordland and Mt Aspiring. Highlights include the views from Harris Saddle and atop Conical Hill – from where you can see waves breaking on the distant beach. The main challenge for this popular hike is actually securing a place among the limited numbers who are allowed on the track at any time.

8. The Narrows, USA

A 26km (16mi) journey through dramatic canyons carved over centuries by the Virgin River, the Narrows in Zion National Park is a hike like no other. The route is the river, with over half of the hike spent wading and sometimes swimming. The hike can be traversed in a day, though some choose to take the hanging gardens and natural springs at a more leisurely pace – spending a night at one of the park’s 12 camp grounds.

9. The Haute Route, France-Switzerland

Leading from Chamonix in France through the southern Valais to Zermatt in Switzerland, the Haute Route traverses some of the highest and most scenic country accessible to walkers anywhere in the Alps. The summer Haute Route walk (which takes a different course than the more famous winter skitouring route) takes around two weeks to complete. It mainly involves ‘pass hopping’ and demands a high level of fitness, with every section containing a high huff factor.

10. Baltoro Glacier & K2, Pakistan

This corridor of ice leads to the colossal peak of K2 (8,611m, 28,251ft), the world’s second-highest peak. This incomparable trek traverses some of the most humbling scenery on the planet. What begins following icy rivers boldly goes to the guts of the glacier before leading to the granite pyramidal mountains including Paiju (6,610m, 21,686ft), Uli Biaho (6,417m, 21,053ft), Great Trango Tower (6,286m, 20,623ft) and ultimately K2. If the 15 days doesn’t floor you, take side trips to more moraine-covered glaciers.

11. GR20, France

This demanding 15- day (168km, 104mi) slog through Corsica is legendary for the diversity of landscapes it traverses. There are forests, granite moonscapes, windswept craters, glacial lakes, torrents, peat bogs, maquis, snow-capped peaks, plains and névés (stretches of ice formed from snow). But it doesn’t come easy: the path is rocky and sometimes steep, and includes rickety bridges and slippery rock faces – all part of the fun. Created in 1972, the GR20 links Calenzana, in the Balagne, with Conca, north of Porto Vecchio.

12. Appalachian Trail, USA

Bill Bryson gave the benign title A Walk in the Woods to his book of trekking this enormous trail. It’s hard to imagine you are in the Eastern United States when you are passing through what is almost exclusively wilderness for 3,500 kilometres. While there are so many access points along the Appalachian Trail, making it perfect for day hikes or simple overnighters, a hiker can feel like they are far from civilization as they follow the Appalachian Mountains only leaving the wild in a few places along the trail’s length, from Georgia in the south all the way north to Maine. Some try to tackle this one in a summer season.

When to go: The best times are in the spring and fall. If you are attempting to hike its entirety (over 9,000 have done it), then consider starting in the north to have a bit more warm weather as you near the end – about 6 months after your start!

Difficulty: Some stretches are flat and easy, others are the up and down variety that gets your heart pumping. Still others might get your hands involved. Consult guidebooks and websites to make sure you know which variety you’re going to get.

Things to know: Certain sections of the trail can be rather “crowded”. Other stretches might be muddy during rainy periods or just overwhelmed with mosquitoes. Check your target trail section at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

13. Inca Trail, Peru

This 33km (20mi) ancient trail was laid by the Incas and is currently traversed by thousands each year. The trail leads from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu winding its way up and down and around the mountains, taking three high passes en route. Views of white-tipped mountains and high cloud forest combine with the magic of walking from one cliff-hugging ruin to the next – understandably making this South America’s most famous trail.

14. West Coast Trail, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada

Caves, coves and cliffs dot the shore along the coastal portions of this hike. You may encounter sea lions or spot whales offshore, but what you are not likely to see are other hikers. With abundant wildlife (both in the sea and on land) and old-growth forest, this is perfect, pristine Canadian wilderness that is still not too far from civilization. Hop across logs and boulders, get your feet wet in creeks and tide pools, and trek across beautiful beaches and through misty forests. Cable cars, ladders and some rope work add to the adventure.

When to go: The trail is only open from May through September. July and August are peak season so apply early for a trail pass.

Difficulty: Challenging just for the variety of terrain. You can expect to get wet, cold and damp at any time.

Things to know: Only 52 hikers are allowed to set off each day and the required trail permit can be denied at times. The trail is only open from May through September. 

15. Mont Blanc, France, Italy, Switzerland

Here’s a multi-cultural Euro hike. Go alpine on this trek around the highest point in Western Europe. The namesake towers to 4,807 metres and is surrounded by other white peaks and glaciers. Stay in huts each night as you make a two-week circle of 170 km through the Alps of three European countries. We’re talking fabulous scenery of green meadows and valleys, blue glaciers and white peaks, with great food and creature comforts when you quit for the day.

When to go: Take advantage of the European summer from June through September.

Difficulty: All levels at one point or another, from easy meadows to strenuous climbs.

Things to know: Book your accommodations along the trail in advance, especially in late July and August when it’s high season. You can camp if you prefer not to hostel it. Rain is likely, especially on any given afternoon. There is some ladder climbing involved, and for those looking to ease the challenge a bit, some cable cars and chair lifts. Get a guide or a tour unless you are really experienced. 

16. Tongariro Northern Circuit, New Zealand

There are three volcanoes in the center of New Zealand’s North Island, and this top hike takes you around one of them: Mt. Ngauruhoe. But the scenery here is much more than “just” the mountains. You’ll trek through both volcanic desert, grassy plain and rich forest. You will also see Red Crater, Emerald Lakes, and even a bit of boiling mud. The highest point is 1,886 metres and the loop extends for 34km (19 miles)

When to go: December through March.

Difficulty: The climbs aren’t too demanding but you’ll still be working at about a medium level of challenge and have some tough stretches. But the trail is clearly marked so a guide isn’t necessary.

Things to know: It’s popular so you won’t be alone, for better or worse. While the loop can be done in three days you can add on some ascents of Mount Tongariro and the Mount Doom from the Lord of the Rings: Mount Ngauruhoe. A trail pass from the visitor center is required.

17. John Muir Trail, Yosemite National Park, USA

John Muir is an icon to nature lovers, and though he gave his name to this trail, this is also Ansel Adams territory. If that creates some expectations, you can bet you’re going to be satisfied. Count Yosemite and Half Dome among the attractions as well as the sequoias and Mt Whitney, the tallest peak in the continental US. The trail passes through 6 ecological zones and 11 high passes.

When to go: August and September are best. Snow lasts well into summer in the upper reaches.

Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous with Half Dome being something for the more experienced.

Things to know: You need to protect your food from bears, for one thing. You also need a trail permit which you can order in advance, the sooner the better. Otherwise it is first-come, first-served for the rest. There are a lot of considerations for this hike, from gear to safety to supplies, and too numerous to list here. Research and plan carefully. Public transportation to trailheads makes it possible to do this challenging hike in segments and reverse the order (descent vs. climb) in some cases. 

18. Glacier National Park, Montana, USA

Skirting the US border with Canada in Montana, this mountainous beauty is one of the most important wildlife habitats in the American park system. You’ll be sharing this 104-km hike with the critters, from the little ones (over 200 species of birds) to the not-so-little (elk, moose, bighorn sheep and even black and grizzly bears). If you get there before the middle of August, you will also have the bonus of meadows full of wildflower colors. Pass through the 120-foot Ptarmigan Tunnel and do make a side trip to Iceberg Lake. You can even get to a trailhead by boat from Waterton National Park in Canada. With over 700 miles of trails in this park, you may want to come back a few more times.

When to go: July through September is the best time.

Difficulty: The hike is medium challenging, but the trails are well marked.

Things to know: Book that trail pass well in advance. You will also have to book your campsite for each night of the hike, and the park officials expect you not to be where you intended. Though the summer temperatures in daytime will be comfortable, it often dips below freezing at night. Also, you are going to want to bone up on your bear knowledge and how to safely avoid and understand them. It’s their park, really. You’re just a guest.