Breathtaking Hiking Trails
There's nothing better than escaping the hustle and bustle of city life and heading out into the wilderness. Immersing yourself in the native landscape of a country allows you to fully reflect and appreciate how stunningly beautiful the world is. Not only that, it's a great opportunity to keep fit and healthy. Here are some of the most breathtaking hiking trails you can experience around the world.
1. Tiki Trail - Queenstown, NZ
Puff Level: Light
Time: 1-2 hours
This relatively easy, but gorgeous trail takes you up to the top of the Queenstown gondola via the scenic route. Once you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with a stunning view of Queenstown. From here, you can either head back down via the gondola, or continue to the summit of Ben Lomond.
Queenstown
2. The Inca Trail - Peru
Puff Level: High
Time: 4 days
The great bucket list hike to reach the ancient city of Machu Picchu. Experience incredible scenery, archaeology, and a few llamas here and there! Plan, and book ahead - only 500 people are allowed on the trail per day, and 2500 at the site.
3. Everest Base Camp - Nepal
Puff Level: High
Time: 12-20 days
The more popular of the two base camps (the other being in Tibet), the Himalayan trek is made by thousands of people each year. Traditionally used as place for serious climbers to acclimatize, the base has become a destination in its own right. Enjoy the incredible panoramic views of the highest mountain in the world.
4. Overland Track - Tasmania, Australia
Puff Level: Moderate
Time: 5-6 days
Experience the stunning Tasmanian bush land winding from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair. Make your way through rainforest, rivers, and alpine plains. You might even be lucky enough to come across a quoll, wombat, or Tasmanian devil!
5. El Caminito del Rey - Spain
Puff Level: Moderate
Time: 3-5 hours
Previously known as the most dangerous trail in the world, the trail has been rebuilt and fortified since re-opening this year. Wind your way along the hugely steep walls of the El Chorro gorge. Hold on tight - the walkway is only 1m wide!
6. The Haute Route - France/Switzerland
Puff Level: High
Time: 12 days
The Haute Route - or the 'high' route is the name given to the famous trail through the Alps from Chamonix in France to Zermatt in Switzerland. It has become so popular that there are now two versions of the route: the original which requires ski and mountaineering gear, and the 'walkers' route which is a classic hike trail at a lower altitude.
7. Kalalau Trail - Hawaii, USA
Puff Level: High
Time: 2-3 days
Running along the coast of Kauai Island in Hawaii, the famous Kalalau Trail offers hikers an amazing view of stunning beaches, rivers, and sheer cliffs. Hiking the trail requires a permit, and it has been noted as being fairly dangerous - especially the infamous "crawler's ledge"!
8. Yosemite Grand Traverse - California, USA
Puff Level: High
Time: 6-7 days
Experience one of the USA's most famous national parks at a whole other level. This incredible hiking trail takes you right through the heart of Yosemite, past famous landmarks like Cathedral Peak, Half dome, and Isberg Pass.
9. Laugavegurinn/Fimmvörðuháls Pass - Iceland
Puff Level: High
Time: 4 days
Iceland's most popular hiking trail connecting two nature reserves. You'll be treated to spectacular glaciers, hot springs, rivers, waterfalls, and even the two craters of Magni and Móði.
10. Torres del Paine Circuit - Chile
Puff Level: High
Time: 9-10 days
In all honesty, I think I've saved the best till last. Hike the Torres del Paine, and encounter some of the most breathtaking South American scenery. Glaciers, huge monolithic granite peaks, icebergs, and lakes intertwined with lush greenery and native wildlife. This one is certainly going on the bucket list.
