30 Best Hikes in the World to Put on Your Bucket List

Data from various researches indicate that there are proven health benefits to hiking. Apart from serving as a hobby or a passion, hiking is now a verified health enhancer as well.

So, if you are a hiker and are wondering about filling your bucket list with the best hikes in the world, here’s the list of trails that might catch your eye.

30. Cordillera Apolobamba – Bolivia

Distance: 71 miles

Duration: 4-6 days

Best Time to Hike: Late June-September

Encircled by the magnificent glacier-coated peaks and deep Andean valleys, Apolobamba range shelters Andean condors, herds of vicuñas (related to alpacas), and endangered speckled bears.

Situated near the Peruvian border, Cordillera Apolobamba provides a unique experience to the trekkers with its numerous solitary summits and deep Andean valleys.

How to get there: You can reach La Paz, Bolivia’s capital city, through a flight. From there, arrange transport to Pelechuco and hike along the Apolobamba Range.

29. Scottish National Trail – United Kingdom

Distance: 470 miles

Duration: 5-7 weeks

Best Time to Hike: April and May

A 470 miles long-distance walking route running from Kirk Yetholm to Cape Wrath, Scottish National Trail offers you the view of stunning landscapes in Scotland.

It is the perfect choice for long distance hikers who have more time at their disposal. The trail gets challenging as you walk towards the North.

How to get there: Take a flight to Glasgow, one of the most dynamic and vibrant cities in Scotland. Once you reach Glasgow, you can opt for a train, taxi, bus or car to reach Kirk Yetholm. From there, start your hike along the Scottish trail.

28. Arctic Circle Trail – Greenland

Distance: 124 miles

Duration: 9-12 days

Best Time to Hike: June-August

Repeatedly listed as one of the best long distance hikes in the world, Arctic Circle Trail extends 125.5 miles from the edge of the ice cap to the fishing town of Sisimiut.

The towns can be found only at the beginning and at the end of the trail. Around 300 hikers walk the trail every year, so you may walk for days without encountering other people.

The Arctic Circle Trail allows you to escape the chaos and connect with nature. Roam free into the wild. Check out Expert Vagabond for detailed itineraries.

How to get there: The Arctic Circle Trail is slightly tricky to reach. However, board Air Greenland to reach Kangerlussuaq Airport. From there, hike up to ice cap and embark on your hiking journey to Sisimiut.

27. Pacific Crest Trail – California, Oregon, and Washington, United States

Distance: 2,653 miles

Duration:4-6 months

Best Time to Hike: April-September

Pacific Crest Trail runs from the border of Mexico to Canada. You will walk through 25 national forests, 7 national parks, and various state parks while you embark on this trail.

The trail avoids civilization and passes through the protected wilderness. Along the way, experience the Mojave Desert and climb elevation over 13,000 feet.

How to get there: Though easily accessible, Pacific Crest Trail, with thousands of access points, can be logistically complicated to reach. Use google map or other mapping tools to find a route.

26. Laugavegurinn Hike – Iceland

Distance: 34 miles

Duration: 4-8 days

Best Time to Hike: June-September

Iceland’s most popular hiking trail, Laugavegurinn Trail, stretches 34 miles from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk providing stunning views with every step.

During the hike, you will pass through diverse landscape: from wildly colored hills to black volcanic deserts, lime green valleys to white ice caves. Explore the Icelandic wilderness. For travel itinerary, go through Laugavegurinn Hike: Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk.

How to get there: Ensure that the buses are running on the days you start and end the trek.

Take a bus to Landmannalaugar, a colorful valley with tempting hot springs. Begin your hike all the way to lush green oasis, Þórsmörk or Thor’s valley.

25. Cinque Terre National Park – Italy

Distance: Varies

Duration: Varies

Best Time to Hike: April-October

Situated in the region of La Spezia, Liguria in northern Italy, Cinque Terre National Park offers spectacular views of the rocky coastline. Stroll along the coast of the Italian Riviera experiencing magnificent views.

If you are seeking to experience Italian culture, hike through five of the Italian towns: Manarola, Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare. To know more about the hike, check Cinque Terre Hiking: Trails to Take

How to get there: Take a flight, train or car to reach Cinque Terre. Walk or catch a train to the first village Corniglia and start your trek.

24. Overland Track – Australia

Distance:  40 miles

Duration: 5-7 days

Best Time to Hike: October-May

Located in Tasmania, The Overland Track takes you through Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair, the deepest freshwater lake in Australia. On the trail, explore mountains, moors, lakes, forests, and waterfalls.

Join 9,000+ walkers along the waterfalls, lakes, and mountains on the Overland Track each year. Cradle Mountain to Lake St. Clair is one of the iconic hikes to put on your bucket list.

How to get there: Reach Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre and let the bus transport you to the starting point of the trek. After 4 hours of travel from the major towns such as Davenport, Burnie and so on, you can reach either Cradle Mountain or Lake St. Clair.

23. Pays Dogon – Mali

Distance: Depends on the route

Duration: 1-8 days

Best Time to Hike: October-February

Pays Dogon is one of the most spectacular places in Africa to put on your hiking bucket list. On this hike, you will experience incredible landscapes, enticing culture, and warm-hearted people.

Expect to witness ancient cliff dwellings and Dogon villages as you walk through the peaks. Bandiagara Escarpment, a 500-meter sandstone cliff, is the highlight of the hike.

How to get there: To reach any place in Dogon, you need to hire a car. Then, drive up to one of the starting hiking villages; Kani-Kombolé, Djiguibombo, Endé, Dourou or Sanga. To get a better idea about the country, use this interactive map.

22. Mountains of the Moon – Ruwenzori Range, Uganda

Distance: 38 miles

Duration: 6-7days

Best Time to Hike: December-March

Mountain of the moon, Africa’s best-kept secret, is a challenging ascent with sloppy paths and changeable weather. Witness the diverse mountain scenery as you hike from tropical rainforest along alpine valleys to the glaciers.

The peaks in this region comprise of the highest range in Africa at over 16,000 feet. Besides the views, this enchanting place also brings you face-to-face with high altitude glaciers and elephants in the same place.

How to get there: Take a flight to Entebbe Airport and transfer to Kampala. Drive to Fort Portal and continue further till you reach Kilembe. In Kilembe, prepare yourself for the trek.

21. The Annapurna Circuit Trek – Nepal

Distance: 100-145 miles

Duration: 15-20 days

Best Time to Hike: October-November, April-May

One of the well known long treks in Asia and in the world, The Annapurna Circuit Trek encircles the immense Annapurna Massif and reaches its topmost point of 5,416 meters at Thorung La pass. Some of the world’s highest peaks such as  Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Pisang Peak, and Paungda Danda surround hikers all along the hike from every direction.

The trail takes you along paddy fields and into subtropical forests, through several waterfalls and gigantic cliffs, and various villages. Starting from less than 1,000 meters you will reach 5,416 meters on this trek while passing a variety of climatic zones.

How to get there: Take a 7 hours ride from Kathmandu to Besisahar in the Marshyangdi river valley and then walk along the circuit until you reach Kali Gandaki Gorge.

20. Appalachian Trail – Georgia to Maine, United States

Distance: 2,180 miles

Duration: 5-7 months

Best Time to Hike: Year Round

Covering an area of 2,180 miles and 14 states, The Appalachian hike tests your endurance and patience as you walk ceaselessly through the longest trail in the world.

The trail takes you through 2 national parks and 8 national forests while you cross some of the highest peaks of the Appalachian Mountain range. Prepare yourself for one of the arduous and challenging trails.

How to get there: The majority of visitors arrive via car. If you wish to trek from North to South, you’ll want to head for Baxter State Park.

19. Sierra High Route – California, United States

Distance: 195 miles

Duration: 2-3 weeks

Best Time to Hike: June-September

Extending approximately 195 miles north to south through the Sierra Nevada, Sierra High Route is one of the most spectacular and demanding treks in North America. The trail stays between 2,743 meters and 3,658 meters for most of its arduous course.

Spend some quality time climbing rocks, crossing off-trail granite, walking amidst meadows and traversing rough terrain.

How to get there: Since there is no public transport to the trailhead, drive a car to Mono Village, Twin Lakes (northern terminus) and start hiking.

18. Santa Cruz Trek – Peru

Distance: 31 miles

Duration: 4 days

Best Time to Hike: April-October

One of the top-rated trekking trails of the Cordillera Blanca, Santa Cruz Trek takes you through lagoons, rivers, valleys and snow-capped mountains.

Walk along the valleys of the Cordillera Blancas while crossing beautiful turquoise lakes on your way to Punta Union, the uppermost point on the trek.

How to get there: Arrive at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima. Then take a bus or flight to the small mountain town of Huaraz, lying 400 km north of Lima. You can use Movil Tours, Ormeño, Cruz del Sur or CIAL to book a bus.

17. Kalalau Trail – Kauai, Hawaii, United States

Distance:  22 miles

Duration: 3 – 5 days

Best Time to Hike: April-October

Though only 22 miles long, Kalalau Trail along the Na Pali Coast in Kauai is a blend of danger and beauty. No wonder why the trail is on the bucket list of many hikers.

Explore splendid valleys and majestic sea cliffs as you march along Kalalau Trail. This fabulous coastal hike takes you through the amazing jungles, lovely waterfalls, and mile-long arc of Kalalau Beach.

How to get there: Take a plane to reach the island of Kauai. Then you can either walk, travel in public transport or take a taxi to reach the starting point Ke’e Beach.

16. Tonquin Valley – Alberta, Canada

Distance: 27 miles

Duration: 3-5 days

Best Time to Hike: July-September

A multi-day hike in the Canadian Rockies, the Tonquin Valley trail leads you into one of Canada’s prime alpine regions, an unusual mixture of barren peaks, ghastly ice, and fertile lakes.

The valley is home to grizzlies, black bears, and mountain caribou and also provides astounding views of Amethyst Lake.  A swift google search will convince you to put Tonquin Valley in your bucket list of Hiking.

How to get there: You can access two trailheads to Tonquin Valley: Portal and Astoria. Drive your vehicle to the Portal and then hitchhike to the Astoria trailhead. This way, when you finish the hike, your vehicle will be waiting at Portal.

15. Queen Charlotte Track – New Zealand

Distance: 45 miles

Duration: 3 – 5 days

Best Time to Hike: Year Round

Located on the north end of the South Island, Queen Charlotte Track stretches 45 miles from historic Ship Cove to Anakiwa in the marvelous Marlborough Sounds. On the trek, walk along the ridgeline of a hill between the Sounds while admiring the views on either side.

You can hike on this track at any time of the year. The temperate climate in Marlborough Sounds makes year-round hiking possible.

How to get there: As there is no road to Ship Cove, you need to travel by sea. Take a cruise to Ship Cove and begin your hike. For further information check out Queen Charlotte Track.

14. Bay of Fires – Tasmania, Australia

Distance: 16 miles

Duration: 4 days

Best Time to Hike: October-May

Stretching along the coast from Binalong Bay in the south to Eddystone Point in the north, Bays of Fires highlights sugar-white sandy beaches, pristine blue waters, and orange-toned granite.

Saunter for miles along splendid white beaches, explore rocky headlands and experience ecology and wildlife while you walk along the Bays of Fires.

How to get there: Take an easy 15-minute drive from St Helens to Binalong Bay, located at the southern end of the Bay of Fire. You can also drive to the northern part of the Bay, Anson Bay, from St. Helens. You can choose between these points to set a starting point for the hike.

13. Tongariro Alpine Crossing – New Zealand

Distance: 12 miles

Duration: 1 day

Best Time to Hike: November-April

One of the best day hikes in the world and Europe, Tongariro Alpine Crossing, must be on your bucket list of hiking. This hike promises you dramatic landscapes as you walk past ancient lava flows, steaming vents, emerald-colored lakes, and glacial valleys.

How to get there: Book a shuttle to drop and pick you up at the starting and ending point of the hike. Be wary about the changeable weather, ensure that the vehicle is arranged to pick you up at the end of the day.

12. Trek to Petra – Jordan

Distance: 47 miles

Duration: 6 days

Best Time to Hike: October-April

Reputed as one of the best hikes in the Middle East, Petra trek takes you through deep gorges, high ridges, and rocky terrain. On the trail, walk amid sculpted sandstone, look for tombs and visit temples.

Step into the hikers-only route to one of the world’s best archeological sites. Explore the marvels of the ‘Rose-Red City’ of Petra.

How to get there: Take a flight to Amman, Jordan. Then catch a bus to Madaba and meet your tour group. Once you are escorted to Dana, your hike to Petra will start.

11. Snowman Trek – Bhutan

Distance: 217 miles

Duration: 3-4 weeks

Best Time to Hike: April/October

A true adventurous hike, Snowman Trek is probably one of the most arduous high-altitude treks. Only a handful of trekkers challenge this trail every season and few of them make it to Lunana, the most remote region of Bhutan. If you are up for the challenge, then put Snowman Trek on your bucket list of hikes.

The trail takes you to the most remote valleys in Bhutan once you cross 9 passes over 4,500 meters, 6 mountains over 7,000 meters and, finally, the Paro Chhu river valley. Along the trail, you can see mountains such as Jumolhari, Jichu Drake, Masangang, Tiger Mountain and Gangkar Puensum and other vivid peaks.

How to get there: Take a Druk Air Airbus to Paro town. Explore the town. Acclimatize. For detailed itinerary check Snowman Trek Itinerary.

10. Fitz Roy Trek – Patagonia, Argentina

Distance: 36 miles

Duration: 4 – 7 days

Best Time to Hike:  November-April

One of the best-known landmarks in South America, Fitz Roy trail takes you to Los Glaciares National Park and gives you the most dramatic views of beechwood forests, open plains, glaciers, waterfalls, and the symbolic Fitz Roy Massif.

Witness the grandeur of Mount Fitz Roy, explore the serene beauty of Laguna Los Tres, with stunning views left and right and traverse through the heart of Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina.

How to get there: First of all, decide on a route you want to take as there are numerous trek routes. Then, take a bus/flight either from El Calafate or San Carlos de Bariloche to El Chalten, the gateway to Mt. Fitz Roy. Finally, start your hiking.

9. Grand Canyon Rim-To-Rim Hike – Arizona, United States

Distance: 48 miles

Duration: 4-6 days

Best Time to Hike: March-May, September-October

Residing in one of the most beautiful parks in the USA, Grand Canyon Rim-To-Rim Hike provides absolutely mesmerizing views. This hike gives you a profound perspective of Earth’s greatest features. Prepare yourself for the amazing experience.

Most hiking trails in The Grand Canyon departs from either the South Rim Village or the North Rim Village. Take a day hike down or go on multi-day treks, the choice is yours. Hike to experience one of the greatest wonders in the world.

How to get there: Since the North Rim does not have an airport, you have to take a car to the Park’s entrance. Grand Canyon North Rim is located in the northwest corner of Arizona, approximately 80 miles from Kanab, Utah and the state line, and about 30 miles from Jacob Lake, Arizona. You can take any means of transport to reach Arizona. To know more go through Grand Canyon Planning.

8. Baltoro Glacier & K2 – Pakistan

Distance: Depends on the route

Duration: 15 days

Best Time to Hike: June-September

K2, the second highest mountain in the world, combined with one of the longest glaciers outside the polar regions, this hiking adventure provides an ultimate adrenaline rush to the adventure seekers. While on the trek, you will witness the majestic view of Mount K2.

On this hike, you will walk along with the Mount K2’s icy foundations and if you are brave enough, you can ascend to its peak. This 15-day hike takes you into the heart of the mighty Karakoram Range up to Concordia Camp and involves an arduous walk through a remote and rugged land.

How to get there: Take an international flight to Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan. Then, fly or take a road to Skardu and hop on a Jeep to Askole, the starting point of your trek.

7. Yosemite Grand Traverse – California, United States

Distance:  60 miles

Duration:6-7 days

Best Time to Hike: Mid July-Mid September

Enlisted under “World’s Top 15 Trails” by National Geographic, the Yosemite Grand Traverse

route is about 60-mile hiking through the heart of Yosemite to the most remote and symbolic areas of the park.

Walk through some of the best sites of Yosemite National Park, part of the John Muir Trail, and the Cathedral Range. Hike past waterfalls, granite basins, green mountain-tops, surreal meadows, and ascend Half Dome via the Cable Route.

How to get there: Land in Fresno Airport, and check in to nearby hotels. On the next day, book a shuttle to take you to the remote trailhead. Spend the night out here and prepare yourself for the hike. For detailed itinerary check out Yosemite Grand Traverse.

6. Kilimanjaro – Tanzania

Distance: Depends on the route

Duration: 5 – 9 days

Best Time to Hike: June-October

Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 meters), is the best-known trek on the whole African continent. You can take one of the six official routes to complete Mount Kilimanjaro hike. The Marangu from the South-east and the Rongai route from the North-east, Lemosho, and Shira from the West, Machame, and Umbwe from the South-west and South respectively.

Kilimanjaro trek, one of the bucket lists to hike, takes you through a wide range of climbing routes up to the top and provides a spectacular view. Enjoy splendid landscapes with flowers and plants native to Kilimanjaro.

How to get there: Take a flight to Kilimanjaro International airport. From there, Arrange private transportation or shuttle bus transfers to Moshi or Arusha. Then, begin the hike.

5. The Haute Route – France/Switzerland

Distance: 112 miles

Duration: over 12 days

Best Time to Hike: July-October

Forged a century ago to link two of the world’s great mountain towns (Chamonix, France and Zermatt, Switzerland), the Haute Route follows the classic trek across the Swiss Alps. The route starts in Chamonix at the base of Mont Blanc and ends in Zermatt at the base of the Matterhorn, the world’s most renowned and astoundingly beautiful peak.

Stay prepared to witness 10 of the 12 highest peaks in the French and Swiss Alps while marching overpasses that near 3,000 meters. From the glistening snowfields to lavish meadows, you’ll encounter various landscapes.

How to get there: Fly to Geneva. At the airport, you can either hire a car or airport transfer to reach Chamonix. Make sure to book a trip with a guide who will lead the hike.

4. The Narrows – Utah, United States

Distance: 16 miles

Duration: 1 – 2 days

Best Time to Hike: June-October

The narrowest section of Zion Canyon, The Narrows with walls 1000 feet tall and the river at times 20 to 40 feet wide, is one of the most popular hikes in Zion National Park.

Hike along the paved, Riverside Walk for a mile from the Temple of Sinawava. To see further, continue your walk in the Virgin River and wade upstream. The Narrows is suitable for hikers with any skill level.

How to get there: Start hiking through the Virgin River at The Chamberlain Ranch, located about 20 miles from Zion National Park’s East Entrance. For detailed directions and maps, go through Zion Guru.

3. Inca Trail – Peru

Distance: 26 miles

Duration: 4 – 5 days

Best Time to Hike:  May-September

Your bucket list is incomplete without the most outstanding trek in South America, The Inca Trail. Just a trail of 26 miles, Inca trail covers gorgeous mountain scene, lavish cloud-forest, subtropical jungle and a magnificent blend of Inca paving stones, ruins, and tunnels.

Be prepared to do a lot of ups and downs when you decide to take on one of the best hikes in the world. Along the trail, you’ll come across ruins, mountains, rivers, and finally rest the journey at Machu Picchu, the mysterious ‘Lost City of the Incas’.

How to get there: Book your trek months in advance as the Inca Trail is strictly controlled. When the time comes, travel to Peru, head to Cuzco and then catch a train to either Aguas Calientes or Ollantaytambo in The Sacred Valley. Contact and ask your tour guide for travel itineraries and walk along with the guide while trekking the trail.

2. Torres del Paine W Circuit – Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia, Chile

Distance: 37-50 miles

Duration: 5 – 6 days

Best Time to Hike: October to March

One of the highly recommended hikes, Torres del Paine Circuit follows the trail resembling an alphabet “W.”  The 5 day W Trek is a self-guided hike that takes you through unique forests, rivers, glaciers, flora, and fauna. Some of the major iconic sites of the park include three granite towers and the horn-shaped hills named Cuernos del Paine.

Experience the magnificent scenes of the Chilean Patagonia, explore the three iconic highlights of the national park, Valle Francés, Base of the Towers, and Glacier Grey.

On this trek, you will come across colossal mountains, walk along deep blue glaciers and explore golden pampas (grasslands) that refuge rare wildlife such as llama-like guanacos.

How to get there: Fly to Torres del Paine from Chile. As all international flights to the country travel via Santiago, make a rest stop at Santiago before you take a three and a half hour flight down to Punta Arenas. Then take a bus straight to Torres del Paine.

1. Everest Base Camp Trek – Nepal

Distance: 80 miles

Duration: 14-17 days

Best Time to Hike: March-May, September-November

Every hiker’s bucket list, Everest Base Camp Trek takes you through Khumbu Valley, into the periphery of Sagarmatha National Park while providing astonishing panorama of 4 of the 6 highest peaks in the world; Mt. Everest (8.848m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 meters), Mt. Makalu (8,470 meters) and Cho Oyu (8,201 meters).

On route, you will explore various Buddhist monasteries, learn about culture profound in history and tradition, and the best of all, you will stand at the laps of Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world.

How to get there: Take a flight to Tribhuvan International Airport. Then, board a flight to Lukla airport which is close to Sagarmatha National Park. Once you reach Lukla, embark on your adventure.

Conclusion

So, make a plan and start crossing off your bucket list. Not all of these places have to fit in your bucket list, just find the one that piques your interest and put it in your bucket list. Whether you are a beginner hiker or an experienced hiker, you are going to enjoy these hiking trails. Travel and experience the amazingness of these places.