With everything from breathtaking views to unique geological features, the Baltic Travel Company has rounded up the 10 best hikes from around the world
Everest Base Camp Trek
Location: Nepal
Distance: 80 miles (130 km)
Duration: 13+ days
When to go? March to May, September to December
Often regarded as one of the best treks in the world, the Everest Base Camp Trek gives you an insight into the highest summit on earth. This is your chance to hike to the unique viewpoint of Kala Patar at sunset and to experience the wonderful mountain scenery of the Khumbu. Be sure to remember that this is a trek, not a climb and for most parts, it is on mountain paths with gentle gradients.
Bay of Fires
Location: Tasmania, Australia
Distance: 16 miles
Duration: 4 days
When to go? October to May
This hike is filled with magnificent views – white beaches, blue waters and orange granite. The crisp air will awaken your senses as you experience everything to do with wildlife and ecology. As you cross the dark blue waters of the Bass Strait you’ll see the coastline of Tasmania.
Queen Charlotte Track
Location: New Zealand
Distance: 45 miles (70 km)
Duration: 3-5 days
When to go? September to May
Queen Charlotte Track displays the very best of what New Zealand has to offer and the views of the native bush and coast are second to none. The iconic adventure stretches from Ship Cove to Anakiwa where you will encounter the likes of weka, fantail, wood pigeon and if you’re lucky even seals. The track offers historical roots and the freedom to walk or mountain bike without heavy gear.
Mount Kilimanjaro
Location: Tanzania
Distance: Depends on which route you take
Duration: 5-9 days
When to go? June to October
This dormant volcano is one of the best mountain hikes in the world. Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro does have less wildlife in comparison to others, but it’s home to many beautiful landscapes and terrains unique to the area. While climbing, trekkers will experience five distinct ecological zones on their way to the top. Each zone gets much colder and drier as the elevation increases. The summit is in the arctic zone and is indicated by ice and rock.
Santa Cruz Trek
Location: Peru
Distance: 31 miles (50km)
Duration: 4 days
When to go? April to October
The landscape of the Santa Cruz Trek is saturated with lagoons, rivers, snow drenched peaks and valleys. The hike is mostly flat, but this is all in preparation for Punta Union which reaches the highest point of the trek at 4,750 meters. It is advised not to take the altitude lightly – give yourself time to acclimate in Huaraz before you go.
GR20
Location: Corsica, France
Distance: 112 miles (180km)
Duration: 15 days
When to go? June to September
GR20 has been labelled the toughest long-distance trail in Europe, stretching across Corsica diagonally from north to south. Despite the rugged nature, the hike is more than capable for most backpackers as it is well marked with regular accommodation and resupply facilities. Full of granite peaks, the difficulty comes from the loose rocky climb which calls for unassisted scrambling in the Mediterranean heat.
Laugavegurinn
Location: Iceland
Distance: 34 miles (55km)
Duration: 2-4 days
When to go? June to September
The sights you’ll see along this trail are astounding; think ice caves, neon-green valleys, rainbow-coloured hills, river crossings and black volcanic deserts. In 2010 the eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano closed the trail but it has since been reopened, allowing backpackers to experience the aftermath of the in the disruptive beast. Truly a once in a lifetime trek.
Mount Kailash Trek
Location: Tibet
Distance: 32 miles (52km)
Duration: 2-3 days
When to go? May to October
This hike is treated as a pilgrimage by many different religions and completed by thousands of worshippers each year. It’s believed that to climb the mountain itself is a mortal sin, but the trek around is filled with spectacular scenery with snow-capped summits, crisp valleys and blue lakes. The average altitude is nearly 5,000m.
Inca Trail
Location: Peru
Distance: 26 miles (43 km)
Duration: 4-5 days
When to go? May to September
This trail is one of the most popular things to do in South America and as such, is one of the world’s most famous hikes. The path will take you along ancient narrow paths into the Peruvian countryside and high into the Andean mountains. It’s gorgeous due to its perfect Incan ruins, cloud forest and majestic valley views. This incredible multi-day hike finishes with the iconic Machu Picchu.
Torres del Paine W Circuit
Location: Patagonia, Chile
Distance: 37+miles (60+miles)
Duration: 5-6days
When to go? October to March
The W circuit is the perfect introduction to multi-day trekking with a place to stay each night, although more challenging routes are available for the experienced hiker. The final leg runs down the Logo Grey where cobalt blue ice floats up to the large glacier that stretches out towards the ice cap.
For more information about the Baltic Travel Company, visit baltictravelcompany.com
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