Many trekkers from around the world have dreamed of exploring every corner of the globe for trekking and hiking. The title of “best trek” is subjective, varying from person to person based on their preferences for scenery, challenge level, cultural immersion, and remoteness. However, certain trails consistently appear on “best of” lists due to their exceptional natural beauty, unique cultural experiences, and the sheer sense of accomplishment they offer. In this blog, we will present some of the best treks in the world that trekkers love to experience.
These iconic treks often twist and turn through diverse ecosystems, offering ever-changing scenery that captivates the senses. Imagine trekking over high mountain passes with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, descending into green valleys dotted with picturesque villages, or walking along coastlines with rugged cliffs and pristine beaches. Along with the stunning scenery, most of these treks also provide opportunities to interact with local cultures, allowing travelers to catch a glimpse of traditional ways of life and further their appreciation for the destinations. Ranging from challenging high-altitude expeditions to more relaxed strolls through picturesque countryside, the world’s best treks promise once-in-a-lifetime experiences and lifelong memories.
Table of Contents
Top Ten Best Treks in the World
1. Annapurna Circuit Trek
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the world’s premier high-altitude treks, making it a top choice for adventure seekers. It offers majestic views of high peaks in the Annapurna region, including Annapurna I (8,091m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), and Machhapuchhre, also known as the Fish Tail Mountain. These snowy giants make the trek truly special. During the trek, you can visit Tilicho Lake (4,919m). Its clear turquoise water surrounded by snowy mountains is unforgettable. Another highlight is the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the world’s deepest gorge. The trek also includes Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters, which gives some of the best panoramic views of the Himalayas. All of these features make the Annapurna Circuit one of the top treks globally and a must-do trek in Nepal.
Quick Facts
- Best Time: March to May & September to December
- Duration: 2-3 Weeks
- Difficulty Level: Strenuous
- High Elevation: 5,416 meters (17,770 feet) at Thorong La Pass
- Required Permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, TIMS Card
2. Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Peru
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu stands as one of the best treks globally due to its unique blend of historical significance, breathtaking natural beauty, and a rewarding sense of accomplishment upon reaching the iconic lost city of the Incas. This ancient path, once part of the extensive Inca road network, immerses trekkers in the rich history and culture of the Inca Empire as they traverse original stone pathways, explore fascinating archaeological sites, and witness the stunning panorama of the Andes Mountains and lush cloud forests. The culmination of the trek, arriving at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) just as the Incas did centuries ago, provides an unparalleled and deeply moving experience that combines physical challenge with profound cultural discovery.
Quick Facts
- Best Time: May to September (dry season)
- Duration: Typically 4 days (Classic Inca Trail)
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
- High Elevation: 4,215 meters (13,828 feet) at Abra Warmihuañusca
- Required Permits: Limited daily permits
3. Everest Base Camp Trek
The Everest Base Camp Trek is renowned as one of the world’s great treks, a return distance of some 130 km to the base of the highest mountain in the world in Mount Everest. The trek of 14 to 15 days provides superb views of the mythical Himalayan giants Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Highlights include the highest-altitude hotel, the Everest View Hotel, at 3,962 m (13,000 ft), and historic Tengboche Monastery. Adventurers can expect a diverse landscape, from steep rhododendron valleys to rocky alpine terrain, and may even catch a glimpse of elusive fauna, such as snow leopards and Himalayan tahr. It is a trek each outdoor enthusiast needs to take on.
Quick Facts
- Best Time: March to May & Mid September to December
- Duration: 12 to 15 days
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- High Elevation: Kala Patthar (5644m)
- Required Permits: Khumbu Municipality, Sagarmatha National Park
4. K2 Base Camp Trek
The K2 Base Camp Trek is among the world’s best due to its remote location in the heart of the Karakoram Range in Pakistan, for a raw, rugged experience in the midst of some of the Earth’s most spectacular mountain country, including K2, the world’s second-highest point. Consequently, compared to the more popular Everest Base Camp, climbing K2 remains a journey of pride and remoteness, as groups of trekkers fight through brutal terrain and a sea of glaciers with snows of glacial size amidst leviathans of rock.
Quick Facts
- Best Time: June to August
- Duration: Typically 14 to 20 days
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
- High Elevation: Gondogoro La pass (5,585m)
- Required Permits: Central Karakoram National Park (CKNP) Permit
5. Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is renowned for its panoramic views and is one of the world’s most popular trekking destinations. Located inside the Annapurna Sanctuary, it is blessed with picturesque mountain ranges like Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre, and Annapurna South. It is a combination of luxury and adventure as there are teahouses that provide clean rooms, delicious food, hot showers, and Wi-Fi facilities. This blend proves to appeal to both novice and seasoned trekkers, making it a worthwhile option for nature and mountain lovers.
Quick Facts
- Best Time: March to May & September to December
- Duration: 12 to 15 days
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- High Elevation: 4130m
- Required Permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
6. The Torres del Paine Circuit (Talk about the national park)
Stunning Torres del Paine National Park features monumental granite peaks, dramatic turquoise lakes, and expansive Patagonian ice fields. Chilean Patagonia is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including guanacos, pumas, and the Andean condor. The park’s diverse ecosystems, from verdant forests to grasslands, create a fascinating landscape and hiking trail. The Torres del Paine Circuit is one of the world’s greatest treks, offering a demanding hike through iconic landmarks such as the Paine Massif, Grey Glacier, and the French Valley. The stunning landscapes guarantee an unforgettable experience with the natural beauty of Patagonia.
Quick Facts
- Best Time: October to April (Patagonian summer)
- Duration: 7-9 days
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous
- High Elevation: Approximately 1,250m
- Required Permits: Torres del Paine National Park Entrance Ticket
7. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is one of the finest treks in the world because it offers an experience of a lifetime amidst beautiful, untouched nature. The trek offers you exposure to different habitats, starting with dense rainforests at lower altitudes and going up to grasslands, waterfalls, alpine meadows, and ice fields near the base camp of Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world. Trekkers enjoy stunning views of white-capped mountains, including Kanchenjunga itself. The trek also allows you to meet the Rai, Limbu, and Sherpa inhabitants in this remote area. The trek is more of an adventure as you walk unfamiliar trails, deal with boulder-strewn terrain, and witness the awe-inspiring greatness of the Himalayas as you stay in the campsites beneath the open sky.
Quick Facts
- Best Time: April, May, October and November
- Duration: 18-24 days
- Difficulty Level: Strenuous
- High Elevation: 5,143 meters
- Required Permits: Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP), Trekkers’ Information Management System 1 (TIMS) card
8. Laugavegur Trail
Laugavegur Trail is one of the most beautiful treks located in Iceland, and is among the bucket list for many trekkers from around the world. The trekking route begins in the vibrant Landmannalaugar Nature Reserve, renowned for its geothermal activity. You will climb the black obsidian slopes of Hrafntinnusker and walk across the black ash field of Mælifellssandur. Next, you will enter Þórsmörk, known as ‘The Valley of Thor,’ a surprisingly green area surrounded by three glaciers and glacial lakes. Most hikers go from north to south because the trail slopes slightly down in that direction, and this is how you need to book the huts. However, if you prefer camping, you can go the other way. The trekking experience is peaceful as you will likely meet fewer people and can enjoy a soak in Landmannalaugar’s thermal pools at the end of your hike instead of at the beginning.
Quick Facts
- Best Time: Late June to mid-September
- Duration: 3-4 days
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
- High Elevation: Approximately 1,060m
- Required Permits: Mountain Hut Reservations, National Park entry permits
9. Upper Mustang Trek
The Upper Mustang Trek in Nepal is considered to be one of the world’s best treks. The trek offers unique landscapes, rich culture, and an interesting history. It was closed to outsiders until 1992, which earned it the status of “Forbidden Kingdom,” which kept the traditional way of life intact in Upper Mustang. The trek takes you to Buddhist capital Lo Manthang, a walled city that has ancient monasteries, caves, and mud-brick houses enclosed within its walls. En route, there are stunning views of Himalayan giants including Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri. This has made it one of the most popular treks in Nepal, a Mecca for those seeking the ultimate trekking experience.
Quick Facts
- Best Time: Mid March to Mid November
- Duration: 10- 14 days
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
- High Elevation: 4,010 m
- Required Permits: Upper Mustang Special Permit, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
10. The Snowman Trek
The Snowman Trek in Bhutan is widely considered one of the best and most challenging treks in the world due to its extreme remoteness, consistently high altitudes, and the breathtaking, pristine landscapes it traverses through the isolated Lunana region along Bhutan’s northern border with Tibet. This arduous journey crosses multiple high mountain passes, many exceeding 4,800 meters (over 15,700 feet), offering unparalleled panoramic views of the summit of Mount Gangkar Puensum (the highest unclimbed mountain), Jomolhari, and Jichu Drake. The trek provides a unique opportunity to experience Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage by trekking through remote villages and encountering nomadic communities, all against the backdrop of the country’s exceptional biodiversity in protected reserves like Jigme Dorji National Park. The extreme difficulty, combined with the stunning natural beauty and cultural encounters, provides an unforgettable and enriching experience for experienced trekkers.
Quick Facts
- Best Time: Late May to June and late September to October
- Duration: Typically around 25 to 30 days
- Difficulty Level: Extremely Strenuous
- High Elevation: Rinchen Zoe La (5,320m)
- Required Permits: Bhutan Visa, Trekking Permit, Restricted Area Road Permit
Challenges of Trekking: Best Trekking Trails in the world
Trekking on the world’s most renowned trails enables you to see lovely scenery and experience different cultures. However, these legendary trails come with a set of challenges that you have to be aware of. Being familiar with such issues ensures a safe and fun experience. Familiarity with this information helps trekkers prepare and recognize the significance of their trekking experience. Here are five common challenges associated with trekking the best trails in the world:
Altitude Sickness
Many of the world’s most stunning trekking destinations, such as those in the Himalayas or the Andes, involve significant altitude gains. As trekkers ascend to higher elevations, atmospheric pressure decreases, resulting in a corresponding reduction in the partial pressure of oxygen. This can result in altitude sickness, with symptoms ranging from mild headaches and nausea to severe conditions like High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) or High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), which can be life-threatening. Acclimatization, gradual ascent, and proper hydration are crucial preventative measures. For instance, on the Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal, trekkers often spend multiple days at intermediate altitudes to allow their bodies to adjust to the thinning air.
Physical Demands
The most rewarding trekking trails are typically long, challenging, and require traversing varied and challenging terrain. This can involve steep ascent and descent, rugged roads, rough terrain, and long days of walking with a loaded backpack. Trekkers need to have a high level of physical fitness, including cardiovascular endurance, leg strength, and endurance, in order to tolerate these demands. Pre-training, which includes hiking with a loaded pack, is required. Consider, say, the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal, which involves days of sheer walking uphill and downhill on undulating terrain, which requires strenuous physical conditioning.
Unpredictable Weather
Mountainous regions have some of the best trekking trails, but they also have quickly changing and extreme weather. Trekkers can face sunshine, rain, snow, and strong winds all in one day. Temperatures can vary a lot, especially between day and night or at different heights. To stay safe and comfortable, it is important to wear layers, have waterproof and windproof gear, and check the weather forecast. The Torres del Paine trek in Patagonia is known for its sudden weather changes, so trekkers must be ready for any conditions.
Remoteness and Logistics
Some of the planet’s finest trekking routes are found in isolated regions, far removed from modern amenities. This can sometimes make it difficult to reach the trailhead, obtain food and water, and contact someone in the event of an emergency. Trekkers might have to go on pre-arranged tours or fend for themselves with their own provisions and navigation expertise. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru is a highly popular route, although it requires permits that must be booked in advance. It is a day’s journey on rugged mountain terrain with limited outside aid.
Cultural and Language Barriers
Worldwide trekking frequently involves interacting with indigenous communities with alternative cultures and languages. It can be a gratifying experience, but one which brings communication problems, unfamiliar customs, and concerns about respectful contact. You can enhance your trekking experience and foster good relationships with the locals by learning some basic expressions in their language and being mindful of local customs. For instance, hiking in the villages of the remote Langtang Valley in Nepal offers an offbeat cultural experience, but you’ll need to work to communicate and learn about the local traditions.
How to Plan and Prepare for the Best Treks in the world?
Preparation for the best trekking in Nepal has to be undertaken cautiously, particularly for demanding routes such as the Everest Base Camp Trek, the Annapurna Circuit, or the Upper Mustang Trek. Start your preparation at least a few months before your trek. First, get fit. Engage in cardio exercises like hiking, running, and cycling, slowly increasing your intensity and duration. Also, include strength training for your legs and core to allow you to adapt to the demanding trails and long daily walks. Acclimatization to high altitude is extremely critical for a comfortable and safe trek in Nepal. Plan to have acclimatization days in your schedule. These are rest days or periods of light exertion at lower altitudes that allow your body to acclimate to thinner air.
It is also essential to understand the logistics of trekking some of the world’s best treks. Many trekking destinations in Nepal and abroad require permits, documents, tickets, and other necessary items. Additionally, consider the best times for trekking, such as spring and Autumn in Nepal, and Autumn and Winter in Bhutan, among others. The trail takes through remote settlements, isolated regions, with limited facilities. Select the appropriate gear for Nepal’s diverse climates and terrains. Get high-quality trekking boots that support your ankles and are already broken in. Pack layers of clothing for varying temperatures. Bring thermal base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a waterproof and windproof outer shell.
Conclusion
The trekkers all around the world are always looking for the best hikes in the world. The world offers a breathtaking variety of trekking experiences, from Patagonia’s rugged landscape to the Swiss Alps’ towering peaks. Each experience is a combination of close proximity to nature, cultural richness, and personal test. And then there are the Himalayas, in Nepal, that is even more special.
Nepal’s treks, such as Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit Treks, are treks and not hikes that give panoramic mountain scenery and abundant cultural heritage. The luxury of walking through remote villages, witnessing the traditional mode of life, and being in the shadow of the world’s finest peaks makes Nepal a world-class destination for walkers seeking the greatest adventure and soul experience.
