Whilst many of us enjoy hiking, it isn’t, perhaps, our first choice when it comes to booking a holiday. But should it be? The Baltic Travel Company has put together its top ten hiking destinations worldwide to inspire you.
- Everest Base Camp
Location: Nepal
Distance: 80 miles (130 km)
Time it takes: 13+ days
When to go? March to May, September to December
A hike to the Everest Base is your chance to see Kala Patar at sunset and experience the mountain scenery of the Khumbu. It is, for the most part, a trek rather than a climb, on mountain paths that have only gentle gradients.
- Bay of Fires
Location: Tasmania, Australia
Distance: 16 miles
Time: 4 days
When to go? October to May
If you like white beaches, blue waters, and orange granite then this is for you. Colour is the theme of this hike, with the dark blue waters of the Bass Strait contrasting with the golden yellow sand and lush green countryside.
- Queen Charlotte Track
Location: New Zealand
Distance: 45 miles (70 km)
Time: 3-5 days
When to go? September to May
The Queen Charlotte Track shows New Zealand at its best, with a hike that has been described as ‘perfect’ with views of the native bush and coast that are second to none. Stretching from Ship Cove to Anakiwa, you will encounter the likes of weka, fantail, wood pigeon and, if you’re lucky, seals.
- Mount Kilimanjaro
Location: Tanzania
Distance: Depends on which route you take
Time: 5-9 days
When to go? June to October
This dormant volcano0 is Africa’s highest mountain and offers one of the best highland hikes in the world. And while Kilimanjaro might have less wildlife in comparison to some other routes, trekkers will experience five distinct ecological zones on their way up.
- Santa Cruz Trek
Location: Peru
Distance: 31 miles (50km)
Time: 4 days
When to go? April to October
The Santa Cruz Trek is filled with lagoons, rivers, snow- drenched mountains and valleys. Mostly flat, the hike eventually reaches the 4,750m summit. This is not an altitude to take lightly, so give yourself time to acclimate in Huaraz before you reach Laguna 69.
- GR20
Location: Corsica, France
Distance: 112 miles (180km)
Time: 15 days
When to go? June to September
GR20 has been labelled the toughest long-distance trail in Europe, traversing Corsica diagonally from north to south. Despite its rugged nature, the hike is straightforward and most seasoned walkers should be able to complete it. Full of granite peaks, it offers the delights of unassisted scrambling in the Mediterranean heat. It is brutal on the mind and body, but makes for a brilliant adventure.
- Laugavegurinn
Location: Iceland
Distance: 34 miles (55km)
Time: 2-4 days
When to go? June to September
With a landscape like no other, this trek slowly reveals ice caves, neon green valleys, rainbow-coloured hills, river crossings, thermal pools, and black volcanic deserts. It is a once in a lifetime trek that should be on every walkers to-do list.
- Mount Kailash Trek
Location: Tibet
Distance: 32 miles (52km)
Time: 2-3 days
When to go? May to October
This hike is treated as a pilgrimage by many different religions, with thousands of visitors making their way here every year. And, while it is considered a sin to climb the mountain itself, the trek itself is filled with spectacular scenery with snow-capped summits, crisp valleys, and blue lakes.
- Inca Trail
Location: Peru
Distance: 26 miles (43 km)
Time: 4-5 days
When to go? May to September
With much ascending and descending, this is renowned as one of the best hikes in the world. The hike itself takes you along ancient narrow paths deep into the Peruvian countryside and high into the Andean mountains where Incan ruins, cloud forest and majestic valley views await you – and you will complete your walk at the iconic Machu Picchu.
- Torres del Paine W Circuit
Location: Patagonia, Chile
Distance: 37+miles (60+miles)
Time: 5-6 days
When to go? October to March
The W Circuit, with its diverse landscape and plentiful accommodation, is the perfect introduction to multi-day trekking. The final leg runs down the Logo Grey where you may see cobalt blue ice floes calving from the glacier itself.
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