Trekking worldwide

A great trek is not just about the distance you cover. Trekking is a very unique and interesting way to blend into the destination’s culture and history, while enjoying spectacular views. This year is your chance to embark on the trek you’ve always dreamed about and reward yourself with an experience of a lifetime. Here are 5 of the best treks that make up the best adventure holidays in the world. They will sure challenge you physically and mentally.

GR 20, France

GR 20 (Grande Randonnées trails) is a demanding trail that crosses over Corsica diagonally from north to south. The trek can be completed in 15 days and covers a total distance of 180 km with variations in height of about 10,000 metres. Although this route is considered one of the most difficult, it is also one of the most spectacular mountain trails in Europe. While enjoying the breath-taking view, you get to face a steep rocky path that includes shaky bridges, but what’s an adventure without some risk? This particular trek is quite popular and most hikers walk towards the south. If you want to limit crowded meetings, it is recommended to walk in reverse towards the north. Best time for this trek is late June or early September.

Inca Trail, Peru

The Inca Trail towards the lost city of Machu Picchu is South America’s most famous trail. This 33 km ancient trail was first traversed by the Incas and nowadays thousands of hikers cross it every year. Discover the ruins of the Sacred Valley where the trail starts. Enjoy the surrounding beauty as you pass snow-capped Andes Mountains and stunning tropical forests. Nothing surpasses the feeling of catching the first glimpse of the beautiful Machu Picchu after the 5-day trek. Best time to go is between May and September.

Everest Base Camp, Nepal

Reaching a dizzying height of 5,545m at Kala Pattar, this epic trek is undeniably in a league of its own. This is for the true adventure seekers who want to be able to say that they’ve been to the base of the world’s highest mountain. During this three-week difficult trek, you get to pass incredible scenery including forests, Sherpa villages, glacial moraines, and foothills. You will sure feel closer to the locals within the mighty Himalayas during your adventure and learn about their culture. That surreal moment when you first lay your eyes on Everest will be in your memory forever. Best time for this wondrous trek is between August and November.

Baltoro Glacier/K2, Pakistan

A trek towards the second highest peak on the planet is a classic and is among the most impressive trails to try. The magnificent scenery within this trek is endless. You start by following icy rivers heading towards the majestic glacier. The route includes the granite pyramidal mountains Paiju at 6,610m, Uli Biaho at 6,417m, and Great Trango Tower at 6,286m before ultimately reaching K2 at 8,611m. The trek takes about 15 days and summer is the best season for it.

Haute Route, France-Switzerland

The trail’s name translates to “high route” and is one of the most stunning treks in the world. The 12-day trek will have you gazing upon the great peaks of Mont Blanc and Matterhorn mountains. The trail is about 200 km from Chamonix in France through the southern Valais to Zermatt in Switzerland. The Haute Route offers one of the most scenic treks in the heart of the Alps. The highest point reached by the standard route is 2,987m. The Haute Route season runs from the middle of July to the middle of September.

By Amal Ahmed