Hiking & Treking

10 Dreamy Hiking Trails From Around The World

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Tourists climbing mount Kinabalu in Kinabalu national park. Kota kinabalu - Malasia

Image: Shutterstock/Tappasan Phurisamrit

10 Dreamy Hiking Trails From Around The World

Full of extraordinary views, challenging terrain, and indescribable beauty, these hiking trails will leave you breathless… from all of that altitude gain!

When the neighborhood hiking trails get boring and you’re itching to fly off somewhere exotic, these dreamy hiking trails from around the world are waiting for you.

Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia

Walk through the clouds on your way up the tough terrain of Malaysia’s Mount Kinabalu. The hard work has plenty of payoff after a night’s rest in the on-mountain Laban Rata guesthouse. This grueling overnight trek is the hardest 13 miles you’ll ever conquer.

Rhyolite Mountains, Landmannalaugar Trail, Laugavegurinn, Iceland Rhyolite mountains on the Landmannalaugar Trail, Laugavegurinn, Iceland

Image: Shutterstock/Steve Lagreca

Laugavegurinn, Iceland

Take a step into the inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings when you traverse the four-day Laugavegurinn trek in Iceland. Passing twenty waterfalls in only the first seven miles of the trail, it’s easy to see why outdoor enthusiasts itch to hike this fabled route.

Snowman Trek, Bhutan

Meandering for more than 200 miles and over eleven passes, the Snowman Trek is dubbed by experts as the most challenging hike in the world. With unpredictable weather, the extremely high altitude (over 14,000 feet), and the wallet-emptying expenses—it’s only legal to do through a local outfitter—the Snowman Trek is only completed by the lucky few whose stars align.

The Long Range Traverse, Newfoundland, Canada

Hike in utter peace through the wilds of Newfoundland’s Gros Morne National Park on the North Atlantic Seaboard. The trail, which is really more of a backcountry trek, passes over Gros Morne Mountain and has epic views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

The Ancascocha Trail, Peru

Take the road less traveled by experiencing the beauty of the The Ancascocha Trail in Peru. This untouched and uncrowded alternative to the Inca Trail is perhaps even more rewarding in modern times, due to its authentic atmosphere. It takes roughly six days to complete, while passing through towns like Chillipahua.

Happy hiker walking in the mountains, freedom and happiness, achievement in mountains. Himalayas, Everest Base Camp trek, Nepal

Image: Shutterstock/Olga Danylenko

Everest Base Camp Trek

An unforgotten hike in the wake of Mount Everest’s notorious climb, the two-week journey to base camp is nothing short of spectacular. It’s changed a lot since the ‘60s, but locals and seasoned pro’s don’t seem to mind. Passing a few guest houses on the way up (with beer access!), the trail meanders through the little town of Namche Bazaar, before opening up to views of the tallest point on Earth.

Te Araroa Trail, New Zealand

If crossing an entire nation sounds like your kind of fun, New Zealand’s Te Araroa Trail is a must. Starting in Cape Regina at the top end of the North Island and traversing national parks, volcanoes, and river valleys on the way to the South Island’s Bluff, the 1,894 mile Te Araroa Trail is made of legend.

MacLehose Trail, New Territories, Hong Kong

Tucked away from the bustling metropolis of Hong Kong’s city center, the New Territories offer a peaceful escape. But not too relaxing, as the MacLehose Trail traverses nonstop greuling descents with immediate turnaround for the next climb. Passing over ridgetops and through dense tropical forest, you’ll hear monkeys chattering the whole way through.

trekking in Nepal, Annapurna circuit view

Image: Shutterstock/Ditty_about_summer

Annapurna Circuit, Nepal

The Himalayas of Nepal are home to some of the best hiking trails in the entire world. Complete the 127 mile Annapurna Circuit to join an elite number of adventurers who have made the entire journey, which unwinds under the alluring gaze of mountains Annapurna III and Gangapurna.

Tour du Mont Blanc, Switzerland, Italy, France

On every hiker’s bucket list, the Tour du Mont Blanc is legendary in it’s big-mountain views and varying terrain. Descend into seven valleys during this 104 mile trek, which usually takes hikers around ten days to complete. All of that while passing through three unique countries? Worth the sweat!

Mandy Burkholder is a travel, adventure, and outdoor writer who honed her craft in the foothills of the La Plata Mountains of Southwest Colorado. After a stint in the Swiss Alps, she now resides in Tennessee. Follow her on twitter — @mandyburkhold3r

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