20 of the Best Wilderness Hikes Around the World from Travel Bloggers

Last Updated on March 20, 2019 by mountainswithmegan

I’m not gonna lie to you guys… When I asked other bloggers to share their favorite wilderness hikes around the world, it came from a selfish place. I really was asking for myself to find some new inspiration for trails to hike.

Regardless of my questionable intentions, the list is here. These hikes range from multi-day to multi-week and span six different continents. They have you staying in mountain guest houses, glamping with trekking guides, or roughing it in a tent on your own. No matter where in the world you want to travel, there should be something on this list for you and most importantly me.

Megan from Mountains With Megan (that’s me)

The Albanian Alps, Albania

Length of Trail: It depends on how much you want to hike. The most common trail is Theth to Valbona, which is 11 miles (18 km). However, there’s plenty of options for other trails if you want to spend more time in the region.

Guides & Permits: Neither are required.

Accommodations: Hikers can stay in locally-owned guesthouses along the way. They typically provide dinner, breakfast and a packed lunch.

Cost: $24 a day. The only cost you have to worry about is the guest house price, which includes 3 meals. Transport to and from the region comes out to about $30 total. And since you’ll be sleeping indoors, you don’t have to worry about buying camping gear.

The Albanian Alps are not yet a popular tourist destination. They are in that phase where it still feels like an adventure, and locals and tourists co-exist harmoniously. While hiking one day, a sweet old lady invited me in for espresso shots and rakia (an Eastern European liquor that is similar to moonshine). I feel it’s only a matter of time before the Albanian Alps surge in popularity.

If friendly locals and hipster traveler status is not reason enough, then go for the mountains and lakes. The terrains is so varied here, from green forests to rocky mountaintops. And it feels like nature, as it’s not littered with trash or crowds.

Lola from Miss Filatelista

Doi Inthanon, Thailand

Doi Inthanon is the tallest mountain in Thailand at 2565m. 

Length of Trail: It can be hiked for as short as a day trip or up to 5 days depending on what you’re pace and what you’re after.

Accommodations: There’s a dense mossy cloud forest and countless waterfalls that are hidden away in the lush greenery as well as authentic Karen hill tribe villages that have set up comfortable homestays in order to welcome guests and teach them about their culture.

Guides: As the mountain is well traversed there are a variety of trails to follow–it’s best to go with a local guide who can help you create a custom itinerary that fits your skill level and what you want to experience, plus this will help support the community. They’ll know the terrain–which can be a bit scary at times as you have to shimmy along the sheer cliff edge to get to some waterfalls, and also know how to deal with unexpected encounters say with wild monkeys or snakes. 

I did a 2-day 1-night hike in April and didn’t come across any other foreigners. Perhaps it was because it was in April, which is the end of the burning season, so the air can still be a bit heavy with smoke, or perhaps it’s because the mountain is so huge that you’re likely to have the incredible wilderness all to yourself. I booked my trek with Next Step Thailand, a local eco-tour company dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment and local people.

Cost: Their 5-day trek is $450 for solo travelers or $250 per person when 4 or more people book together.

Warren from Sling Adventures

Overland Track Hike, Tasmania, Australia

Length of trail: 82km; 6 days, 5 nights.

Guides & Permits: Hikers mostly travel independently, although guided trips are possible. A $200 permit is required (except in winter) purchased in advance from Tasmanian National Parks.

Accommodations: Shared dormitory style huts and camping areas are available at key overnight locations with bathroom facilities and are included in the hiking permit. Guided trips have access to some more secluded and upmarket catered lodges.

Cost per day: For independent hikers, allow $300 to get to and from the track, $200 for the permit and $15 per person per day for food provisions. This works out at approximately $100 per day.

The Overland Track in Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is one of the most popular and scenic multi-day hikes in Australia. It meanders through remote, World Heritage Listed rainforest, rugged mountains and wide alpine plains left from pre-historic glaciers. The Overland track guarantees four seasons in one day with bright sunlight, wind, rain, fog and even snowfall is possible year-round.

Hikers travel typically from Cradle Mountain in the north to Lake St Clair in the south. In winter months travel is permitted in both directions although this is often through deep snow falls. Distances travelled each day are between 10-17km with huts and designated camping areas the only places hikers are permitted to spend overnight. Most water is drinkable but recommended to be treated. Hikers need to bring all their food and cooking gear for the entire hike as there are no towns or shops accessible along the trail. 

The trail is well-marked and wooden duckboards and elevated platforms cover the super muddy sections. That said, gaiters are recommended for protection from the mud, leeches and infrequent tiger snakes. Side trips are also possible to scale various mountain peaks from Cradle mountain, Barn bluff and Mt Ossa, Tasmania’s highest mountain. The last day provides the option of taking a small ferry across Lake St Clair to the finish or walking 17km along the lake to the finish. Most will take the ferry!

Claudia from My Adventures Across the World

Jesus Trail, Israel

Guides & Permits: One of the nicest multi-day hikes in the world is the Jesus Trail, in Israel. The Jesus Trail can be easily walked independently, though guided tours are available. If you do decide to go alone, make sure to get a good map as the signs can be confusing at times, and a good GPS system. 

Accommodations: Along the trail you can sleep in guest houses, camping sites and even huts. As there really are no restaurants in the villages you’ll walk through, guest houses will also offer family style meals. 

Cost Per Day: The overall cost of the hike per day varies depending on your accommodation, but it can be anything between $25 to $45. 

Length of Trail: It takes between 4 and 6 days to walk the entire trail, depending on how much you walk each day. The trail starts in Nazareth and takes you through Galilee, until the Sea of Galilee and eventually Tiberias, on what is thought to be the way followed by Jesus. 

The hike goes through different environments. The first day is mostly spent getting out of Nazareth and reaching Cana, where Jesus is thought to have performed one of his miracles. To be fair, the views aren’t stunning as you’ll be going through some wasteland with lots of abandoned garbage. Yet, Zippori National Park and the archeological site are worth the walk. 

The second day is better in terms of sights, and you will be crossing some beautiful fields until you reach Ilaniya, a tiny village and a model farm that was founded in 1899. 

The third and fourth days are the best in terms of walking and sights: it becomes a bit more challenging, and the distances are larger, but you will visit the Horns of Attin, one of the most interesting sites in the area, and Nebi Shu’eib, where the tomb of Jethro, father in law of Moses and a prophet in the Druze tradition is located. You will then reach Arbel, where there are the remains of a synagogue, and Mount Arbel, from where there are incredible views of the Sea of Galilee. 

From there, it is an easy walk to the Sea of Galilee, where there are some lovely small beaches and where it is pleasant to swim. You can even continue your walk to visit other places around the Sea of Galilee, such as Capernaum.

Nam from Laugh, Travel, Eat

Poon Hill Trek, Nepal

Poon Hill Trek in Nepal is one of the most beginner friendly treks in the Annapurna region that also offers the best view.

Length of Trail: On average, the hike takes about four days, with the start and end point within easy reach of Pokhara.

Hiking to the Poon Hill summit for sunrise usually happens in the morning of the second or third day. It’s only an hour from the village Ghorepani and offers a full view of Annapurna south.

Guides & Permits: A permit is required for hikers to go on the trail, however, a guide is not necessary. The route is relatively straightforward with plenty of foot traffic, though having a guide or porter would make life easier.

Accommodations: There are many villages with guest houses along the way, and unless it’s high season, it’s possible to just turn up and ask for a room. Most guesthouses have all the basic amenities, with duvet, bathrooms, hot water, and even WiFi. Do note that some will charge for charging your devices and WiFi.

Cost: Accommodation costs around 5 USD per day, food is basic but cheap hence altogether it shouldn’t be more than 10 USD per day. Porters can be hired for 20-30 USD per day, with guides costing 30-40 USD, although there are also guides who double up as porters.

Alya & Campbell from Stingy Nomads

Choquequirao Ruins, Peru

Length of Trail: The trek to Choquequirao is a 58 km return route. It’s possible to extend it and from Choquequirao ruins walk to Machu Picchu, then the total distance will be 136 km.

Guide & Permits: The hike can be done independently, a guide is not required. It’s possible to hire a guide or join a tour as well. No special permits are needed, the only entrance fee to Choquequirao ruins is paid on the way at the checkpoint just before the ruins.

Accommodations: camping

Cost per day: US$12 per person per day including campsites, food (self-cooking), entrance fee and transport. More if you rent camping gear in Cusco.

Choquequirao ruins are called “the little sister of Machu Picchu”. Unlike with Machu Picchu walking is the only way of getting to Choquequirao which makes it significantly less crowded, in two days we spent there we saw about 20 people. The trek to the ruins starts at Cachora, a small village about 3 hours drive from Cusco, it’s possible to get there by public transport.

It takes 4 days to complete the hike; 2 day to the ruins and 2 days back, but we’d suggest to have an extra day and spend it at the ruins. If you decide to walk from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu you’ll need 4 more days.

Choquequirao is a moderate altitude hike, between 1550m and 3000m which is lower than Cusco. If you stay in the city for a couple of days it’ll
be enough to acclimatise for the hike. The most challenging part of the trek is a very steep and long descend to the bottom of the canyon with a subsequent ascend, about 1500m altitude gain. The ascend it done in two days, with an overnight stay in the middle. It’s better to have chlorine pills, UV filter or LifeStraw for sterilizing drinking water.The best time for doing the hike is between April and October – dry season.

The scenery on Choquequirao trek is amazing; lush green
mountains, rivers, canyon, waterfalls, flowers, many butterflies and hummingbirds. The highlight of the hike was the sunrise at the ruins with nobody around, we had all the ruins for ourselves!

Raksha from Solo Passport

Everest Base Camp, Nepal

The name Mount Everest itself portrays power and exotic. The Mount Everest Base Camp (in short EBC) is the camp site that marks the beginning of the hike for mountaineers to climb Mount Everest. 

The EBC is accessible by two ways – one from Nepal and the other from Tibet. The altitude of EBC from Nepal is 5364 metres and the altitude of EBC from Tibet is 5150 metres. To reach EBC, the mountaineers hike for multiple days and making their way between the spectacular snow-capped mountains and different terrains of Nepal or Tibet.

Length of Trail: The EBC from Nepal is called the South Base Camp. The length of the hike is 11 days and the starting point of the hike is at Lukla which is at an altitude of 2840 metres.

Guides & Permits: Even though the hike can be done independently, I would suggest going with a guide. Due to the complexity of the hike and its logistics, with a guide, it is just easy. I would advise all the hikers to definitely spend a day or two acclimatizing during the hike. The hike requires permits. Permits are obtained at different check points along the way to EBC. The hikers are required to show their passports and buy the permits at these check points.

Accommodations: There are plenty of villages along the way to EBC that provide tea houses. A tea house is owned by the locals and they offer restaurant and stay facilities. It is best to book the tea houses before as they tend to run out of spaces during the peak season. The tea houses usually provide blankets and they are clean.

Cost: The total cost for the stay, permits, guide and a porter would be around USD 900 for 11 days. The food, wifi and drinking water are top of the cost, which depends on each hiker. 

It is one of the best hikes I have ever done in my life and I would totally recommend this hike to be on top of everyone’s hiking bucket list. The mountains, the people and the entire hike is breathtaking.

Thea from Zen Travellers

Cordillera Real, Bolivia

Many of the world’s greatest long trails are in the process of being loved to death but the same cannot be said of Bolivia’s Cordillera Real (Royal Range in English) mountain range. Nestled in South America’s sprawling Altiplano region, the 125km Cordillera Real stretches from southeast of the shores of Lake Titicaca to just east of the Bolivian capital city La Paz. Those seeking tremendous views of staggering glaciated peaks and jewel-toned lakes, as well as solitude on the trail will be delighted by a trek in this region.

Length of Trail: Once in La Paz, acclimated trekkers can arrange anything from a few days in the region to a full TransCordillera traverse of the whole range which will take between 17 and 20 days.

Guides & Permits: Treks can be completed both with a guide or without. Guides and transportation to and from the trail can be arranged in La Paz and will vary on the company that you choose. Experienced alpinists can choose their own adventure amidst the 600 peaks over 5000m without the hassle of permitting required in other parts of the world. 

Accommodations: There are very rustic refugios (huts) along the way, as well as campsites. Fees will be paid to the owners of the land and will generally be less than $10usd a night.

Cost: A fully guided TransCordillera hike with equipment rental, all food, and transportation included will cost between $70-150usd per person per day. Those wishing to bring their own equipment and food can pick up a guide for starting at about $70usd per day, which is not required but recommended. This is a good option for groups as the trail can be extremely remote and easy to lose at parts. Guides will also be able to share valuable information about the region and local Aymara culture. Lastly, those who bring their own gear, maps, and food can complete the trek for less than $20usd per day, depending on what they are charged to camp.

In sum, Bolivia’s Cordillera Real is an affordable, off the beaten path trekking and climbing destination that is not to be missed.

Ben from Horizon Unknown

Conrad Kain Hut, Bugaboos, Canada

Canada is a country well known for its towering snow-capped peaks and hiking opportunities to view them. Within the province of British Columbia is Bugaboo Provincial Park, and home to one of the best multi-day hikes in all of Canada.

Hikers usually spread this fairly short, but exhausting hike over multiple days, as there are many trails that continue on from the accommodation available on the trail.

Accommodations: Conrad Kain Hut and Applebee Dome are the places where hikers can pitch a tent, or get a bed inside the cabin. While there are plenty of camping spots, booking is required, and if you would like to sleep in the hut, book far in advance as there are very limited beds.

Length of Trail: The 4.5km to Conrad Kain Hut is quite difficult. Flat trail for the first 1.5km quickly turns into a 700-meter elevation gain for the remainder 3km. You are even required to climb a vertical ladder, bolted on to the side of the cliff.

This hike through the Purcell Mountains in British Columbia gives some amazing views of glaciers and steep mountains that is home to some of the best rock climbing routes in the world. As the trail inclines through pine trees and weaves along sheer cliff edges, this challenging hike gives some of the best views you can get in Canada!

Rahma from The Sane Adventurer

Jebal Shams, Oman

Jebal Shams near the city of Nizwa in Oman is the highest mountain in the Arabian Peninsula. Standing 3000m above the sea level, Jebal Shams means ‘The Mountain of the Sun’ in Arabic, due to the dramatic sunrise and sunset views from the top of the mountain. It is one of the most loved hiking trails for the adventure seekers visiting Oman. The route to the mountain is quite challenging considering the weather being extremely hot for the most time of the year in Oman. Moreover, the terrain consists of narrow passages and rocky routes.

Length of Trail: The hike can be completed within two to three days depending on the fitness level of the hiker.

Guides & Permits: It can be self-guided as no permit is required; however, it is recommended to go with a guide as the route passes through small villages and the villagers are conscious about their privacy.

Accommodations: There are no lodges or teahouses for the first 2000m so wild camping is the only option. There is a small two-star hotel at the top of the mountain, which is mostly used by the campers for food and lavatory purposes during overnight stays on the mountain. It should be noted that there are no shops or restaurants on the entire hiking trail, therefore, the hikers should be equipped with enough food and water to last two days. It is highly recommended to camp overnight on the mountain. After all, who wouldn’t like to see the sunset and sunrise from the top of ‘The Mountain of Sun’?

James from Travel Collecting

Rwenzori Mountains, Uganda & Democratic Republic of Congo

One of the best – and least well-known – hikes in the world is the Rwenzori Mountains, also called the Mountains of the Moon.  These snow-capped mountains in the middle of equatorial Africa can be accessed from the Rwenzori Mountains National Park in Uganda or Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire), but the Ugandan side is safer and easier to access.  The highest peak in the mountain range, and third-highest peak in Africa, Mount Stanley, is 5,109 meters high. 

Length of Trail: The trek typically takes 7 days for the central circuit, but can be extended up to 12 days if you want to tackle more than one peak. 

Accommodations: There are basic but comfortable huts to stay in along the way. 

Guides: A guide and porters are compulsory, and help employ local people, as well as making the trek a little easier. 

The landscape is like something from an alien planet.  Plants topped with enormous cabbage-like branches, giant lobelias, and trees draped in Irish moss, often shrouded in mist, all make for a mystical, magical experience.  The flora, much of it unique to these mountains, grows mostly in bogs, so the trek can at times involve hopping from tussock to tussock to avoid wading through deep mud, though there are boardwalks in the muddiest parts.  The landscape is fragile, and there is an annual cap on the number of hikers who can enter the park, to help preserve it.  At the top there are several peaks you can climb to the summit, and a few remaining glaciers, though they are rapidly decreasing or disappearing. 

Cost: There are several outfitters who can organize an excursion for you, and I recommend choosing a local company.  Costs typically run about $US 130/ day. 

It’s not easy to get there, but the effort is well worth it – this is one of Earth’s truly special places.

Kristen from Yonderlust Ramblings

King’s Peak, Utah, USA

For as long as I can remember, whenever I would picture Utah, I would see those famous red rock canyons and cliffs, or the instantly recognizable arches, or those other worldly spires and hoodoos. What instantly endeared me to the far reaches of northern Utah, however, was the chance to see an
undiscovered side of this state. A side full of towering mountains, turquoise waters, and stately forests, all set in one of the most rugged wildernesses I have ever hiked. This is the setting for one of my favorite multi day backpacking hikes, the hike to the tallest point in Utah, King’s Peak, residing in Utah’s Uinta mountain range.

Length of Hike: 26.8 miles out and back

Guide & Permit: Not required

Accommodations: There are several campgrounds in the Uinta Mountains, including the Henry’s Fork Campground which is adjacent to the Henry’s Fork Trailhead, the starting point for the hike to King’s Peak.

Cost Per Day: Campgrounds in the area are approximately $21 per night. Other costs include required gear and backpacking meals.

I recommend taking three days for this hike, due to the strenuousness, as well as the significant increase in elevation as you make your way up to the summit of King’s Peak. Begin the first day at the Henry’s Fork Trailhead, and hike the initial seven miles of this trek until reaching Dollar Lake, an ideal backcountry spot with a reliable water source suitable for overnight camping.

On day two, plan to reach the summit of King’s Peak. It is approximately six miles from Dollar Lake to King’s Peak, making it a twelve mile round trip day. This is the hardest day of the three, taking hikers to an elevation of 13,527 feet at the top. But it is also the most stunning day, as hikers have the chance to witness basins of alpine pools mirrored by towering peaks. Return to Dollar Lake and camp a second night after reaching the summit.

On day three, hike from Dollar Lake back to the Henry’s Fork Trailhead, traversing a total of almost twenty nine miles and over 5,000 feet in total elevation gain on this hike!

Michelle from Full Time Explorer

Mt. Rinjani, Indonesia

Length of Trail: You can choose between a 2-day and 1-night hike or a 3-day and 2-night hike. The altitude at the summit is 3,726m.

Guides & Permits: Taking a guide is highly recommended but not required. You will need to sign a waiver if you go without a guide. There is an entrance fee of about $12 USD a day.

Accommodations: Hikers will have to carry their own camping gear. The mountain has a carry in carry out rule, so everything you bring including waste, must be carried back out with you. There are no toilets, so having a system to remove toilet paper is also important.

Cost per day: Tour companies charge around $70 a day including a guide, porters, camping equipment, waste removal, and all meals.

Mt. Rinjani holds a special place in my heart because it was my first real hike. I signed up after hearing other travelers brag about making it to the summit (something not everyone succeeds at). Being competitive, I wanted to see if I was strong enough to make it to the top. Mt. Rinjani is the second highest volcano in Indonesia and stands at 3,726m (12,224ft). Although it pales in comparison to higher altitude hikes, this is one of the hardest I’ve ever done for one simple reason. Volcanic ash.

As strange as that might sounds, walking up an active volcano made of ash is like walking on an elliptical made of dust. For every two steps you take forward, you slide one back. I asked my guide what his favorite part of the trek was, and he told me that many of his clients cried at the summit. It seemed silly to me. Why would anyone cry? But, lo and behold, as I took my final exhausted step to reach the top, my entire body collapsed into a puddle of exhaustion, and I sat there staring out at the breathtaking view with tears in my eyes. At that point, it was the most mentally challenging thing I’d ever done, and it proved to me just how strong my mind could be
when my body wanted to quit.

Sam from Alternative Travelers

Camino de Santiago, Spain

The Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James) is a long-distance hike through the north of Spain. Often known simply as “The Camino”, it began as a religious pilgrimage in the Middle Ages. Pilgrims traveled from across Europe to the city of Santiago de Compostela, where they believed the bones of St James (Santiago) were buried. Today, people hike the route for religious, spiritual, fitness, and a variety of other reasons.

There is no definitive starting point for the Camino and historic routes range as far east as Hungary and beyond. Similarly, there are many different routes. Many choose to start at a town on the French-Spanish border, following the Camino Francés through the regions of Navarre, La Rioja, Castille and León, and Galicia.

Length of Trail: The full length of this route crosses over 780 km, though many people start at various cities closer to the city of Santiago. In order to get the “Compostela”, or certificate of completion for the route, pilgrims must travel at least 100 km on foot or 200 km by bike.

Guide/ Independent: Most people hike the trail independently, though there are now several companies that will do group tours.

Cost & Accommodations: Total cost varies greatly depending on accommodations and food choices. The typical accommodations for pilgrims are known as albergues, or hostels in which only pilgrims can stay. These might be privately run and cost 10-12 euros a night (including dinner and breakfast), or be government run and donation based (no meals provided). Alternatively there are also private guest houses, pensions, or hotels in larger cities. Pensions typically cost 25-40 euros a night. Pilgrims can either go out to eat (usually 10-12 euros) or cook their own meals, which can cost a few euros.

Claire from Past the Potholes

Lost City, Columbia

Distance:  23.3km out and back

Guide required?: Yes (access fee to enter indigenous land is paid by guide)

Accommodations:  Combination of bunk beds or hammocks in basic camps

Average Cost per Day:  Total cost is $950,000COP for 4, 5 or 6 days (about $290USD).  This means approximately $73USD per day for the 4 day trek or $48USD for the 6 day trek.

Starting in Santa Marta, Colombia, the Lost City Trek is a tough but rewarding 4-6 day hike deep into the jungle and foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range.  You will be picked up at your hotel and driven out to the small town of Machete where you will be given a hearty lunch before setting off out of town. 

The hike begins as it means to go on: with a small river crossing and a solid hour of sun drenched uphill hiking.  The views make up for the effort and eventually you reach the first fruit stop of the adventure.  Each day begins early to try to avoid the midday heat and includes swimming stops and a visit to an indigenous village. 

Breakfast, lunch and dinner, in addition to morning and afternoon fruit stops, are all included in the price and delicious.  Watermelon and oranges have never tasted so good!  Finally the day has arrived and everyone is awoken extra early to hike the last stretch and make the climb up the ancient stone stairs that lead to La Ciudad Perdida or The Lost City.  The setting is incredible and your guide will show you the main areas and explain the discovery. 

When finished, you’ll hike back to the last night’s camp for lunch before embarking on the return journey.  Returning to Santa Marta or Parque Tayrona you will be exhausted, dirty and ready to celebrate your accomplishment with your new friends!

I’d recommend either the 4 day hike or 6 day hike if you are worried about fitness or simply want to take your time and enjoy the nature surrounding you.  The 5 day option simply means the last day is split in half.  The second day – the longest and probably toughest day – is only broken up for the 6 day hike.

Lora from Explore with Lora

Inca Trail, Peru

Length of Trail: The Inca Trail is a 42km four-day trek in Peru that starts near Cusco and culminates in the ancient city of Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail passes through many original Inca ruin sites as well as breathtaking natural scenery including snow capped Andes Mountains, lush jungle, and mystical cloud forests.

Guides & Permits: The Inca trail is one of the most popular treks in the world and the government only allows a certain amount of permits per day, so you need to book a few months in advance. As it is not possible to hike the Inca Trail without a guide per government regulations, treks must be booked through a tour agency.

Accommodations: On the trek you will sleep in tents on established campsites throughout the trail.

Cost: The cost to hike the Inca Trail varies depending on the tour operator. I booked the Inca Trail with Peru Treks, which cost $650 USD. This price includes pickup from Cusco to the start of the trail, trek permits, two guides, porter services, food, camping equipment, entry to Machu Picchu, and a train ticket back to Cusco.

During the trek, the altitude goes from 2400m to 4200m so it is possible to experience altitude sickness. To avoid this take altitude sickness tablets, acclimatize in Cusco before starting the trek, and eat coco leaves to help with the symptoms. While hiking the Inca Trail does require some preparation in advance, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

Gàbor from Surfing the Planet

Carros de Foc, Pyrenees, Spain

Length of Trail: 56 km with total elevation gain of 9200 m. I have done it in 4 days, but people usually walk the whole circuit in 5-7 days. You can also do part of the circuit in 2-3 days, just as we did in our 3-day hike in the Pyrenees.

Permit: not required, although you can buy a forfeit and stamp it in the refuges, but it’s not obligatory.

Guide: not required and not necessary

Accommodation: There are 10 refuges along the circuit that offer bed in dorm rooms and half-pension. You can also take a picnic with you. Camping is strictly forbidden in the national park.

Cost per day: Bed in the huts with breakfast and dinner cost around 50
euros per person.

The Carros de Foc is a beautiful multi-day hike in the Aiguestortes National Park in the Catalan Pyrenees. The national park is characterized by a large variety of pristine likes of all sorts of colors. There are several 2700-meter high mountain passes along the walk, the highest point being the Coll de Contraix. My favorite thing in this trek is that the landscape is never monotonous; it changes frequently from dense pine tree forests to barren rocky cliffs.

Claire from The Adventurous Flashpacker

Tok Tokkie Trails, Namibia

Length of trail: 22km / 2 nights

Guides: Guide required 

Accommodations: Sleep under the stars in a warm stretcher bed. Camp has an outdoor kitchen, bucket shower and long drop.

Cost: N$6980 per person (roughly US$500) all inclusive for 2 nights (hike, guides, meals, drinks, ‘accommodation’).

Tok Tokkie Trails is a three day / two night guided hike through Namibia’s stunning NamibRand Nature Reserve. The hike is a fairly leisurely 22km over 1 full day and 2 half days, which makes it perfect for newbies. However, Tok Tokkie Trails is not your regular multi-day hike. It’s the surreal desert landscape and eco-luxe glamping style that make the walk so unique. 

During the hike, the NamibRand Nature Reserve slowly unveils landscapes that are both desolate and dramatic, endless and ever changing. On the Tok Tokkie Trails, you’ll experience a mix of flat grassy plains, undulating hard and soft dunes and one larger rocky hill, all set against a backdrop of soaring mountains and sweeping valleys. Along the way, expect to spot desert wildlife like oryx and zebra, and wonder how they survive in such barren lands. 

The group size is small (max 8 guests). The guide sets a steady (but not fast) pace and explains the history, desert and wildlife as you walk. The hike is relatively easy, and is suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. 

Jess from Longest Bus Rides

Bechler River Trail, Yellowstone National Park, USA

The trail has two forks and each is multi-day. You can also do a sort of loop trail. There are so many waterfalls that you might eventually skip looking at each one. However, don’t skip Dunanda Falls where steaming hot water emerges into the river at the base of the falls for a wonderful bathing experience.

The camping is beautiful and peaceful—each campsite is easy walking distance, if not along, a water source. Of course, because of the bear population it was also outfitted with a bear hang.

Backpacking solo is possible although not highly recommended, because of the bears. People walking in groups make more noise and are less likely to surprise a bear and unwittingly enter into a dangerous situation. If you’re planning a route that includes river crossings, ensure you have sufficient experience determining the best fording location and techniques for crossing in fast-moving water.

Guides & Permits: A guide is not required, but a backcountry permit is since Yellowstone is a national park.

Accommodations: Accommodation on the trail is purely reserved campsites. The fees are $25 for the advance reservation and $3 per day per person backcountry permit. Reserve well in advance for summer trips when the trail is most popular and arrive early at the ranger station to stand in line and watch the required bear safety video and get the latest
information on river crossings.

Miguel from Travelsauro

Markha Valley Trek, India

Located right in the middle of the Indian Himalayan Region, Ladakh is 
one of the best destinations for hiking lovers traveling in India. Also 
known as “Little Tibet”, this beautiful region offers impressive Tibetan 
monasteries, remote villages, and gorgeous mountains.

If you have time, I really recommend that you hike the Markha Valley 
Trek. This route will take you along unforgettable landscapes such as 
rocky peaks, moon-like plateaus and wild rivers. In addition, it 
traverses below the summits of some of the highest peaks in the region, 
and crosses several high passes like the Gandala La and Kongmaru La 
located at a height of about 15748 feet and 17060 feet respectively.

Length of Trail: The trek can be completed in 7 days, and is of medium difficulty. There are many options to complete this hike.

Guide: A guide is not mandatory, but I recommend that you hire one just to be on the safe side.

Accommodations: Also, you can either camp in the wild or you can stay in the local home-stays that you’ll find along the circuit.

Cost: The price for accommodation and food in the home-stays is around $12 per night. This is a great option because you won’t need to bring any camping gear.

The best months to hike the Markha Valley Trek are from May to 
September.

Maya from Travel With the Smile

Torres del Paine W Trek, Chile

It is one of the most popular treks in the world, as named by several well-known outdoors magazines. (No matter how busy it gets every season). Be prepared to see dramatic mountain peaks, lakes, glaciers, and the famous 3 Towers at the end which mark the amazing accomplishment of completing the W trek.

Length of Trail: The trail is shaped in a letter ‘W’ and covers 80 km with quite a steady elevation and trekkers usually finish in 5 days.

Guides: While there are many guided options, most people choose to trek independently. The trail is well-trodden so you don’t even need a map.

Accommodations: The only issue is booking your campsites or huts. During the high season, from December to February, it’s fully booked months in advance. My boyfriend and I have trekked in April and booked all the
campgrounds last minute just a few days before starting the trek. The complexity of the booking process is even harder when you have to book through 3 different companies, as is the case of Torres del Paine. Once you book your campsites, or huts offering full board, you only need to pay a national park entrance fee, no permits required.

Cost: If you stay in campsites and cook all your meals, the average cost is 28 USD per day (including transport to and from the park and a boat at the beginning of the trek).

Many people get overwhelmed with the booking process wondering if it’s worth all the hassle. But I’m a believer that the best things in life don’t come easy, don’t you think? For more info about the trek, including the breakdown day by day, campsites booking process, all the costs, conditions of the trail and anything else you need, can be found on our blog.