Travellers' Choice · 202650 Best Treks

The most iconic trekking journey on Earth — following the footsteps of Hillary and Tenzing through the Khumbu Valley to the foot of Mount Everest (8849m). Passing Sherpa villages, Tengboche Monastery, and the legendary Khumbu Icefall, EBC is the ultimate Himalayan pilgrimage for every serious trekker.

The "King of Treks" — a complete circumnavigation of the Annapurna massif crossing Thorong La Pass (5416m), the world's highest trekking pass. The route traverses every climate zone from subtropical jungle to arctic desert, passing through Gurung and Manangi villages with views of 14 peaks above 7000m.

The classic 170km circuit around the roof of Europe — Mont Blanc (4808m). The TMB passes glaciers, alpine meadows, and charming mountain villages including Chamonix, Courmayeur, and Champex, crossing through three countries with views of Europe's highest peak throughout.

The world's most famous archaeological trek — 4 days along ancient Inca stone pathways through cloud forest, Andean peaks, and Inca ruins to arrive at the Sun Gate at sunrise for the iconic first view of Machu Picchu. Walking stones laid 600 years ago by one of history's greatest civilisations.

One of the world's great multi-day hikes — the iconic granite spires of the Torres del Paine massif framing glaciers, turquoise lakes, and wind-blasted steppe. The W-shape visits Mirador Torres base, Valle del Francés hanging glacier, and the vast Grey Glacier.

The "Whiskey Route" of Kilimanjaro — the most scenic path to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest summit in Africa. The Machame route passes through five climate zones and has a 65% summit success rate — significantly higher than the Marangu "Coca-Cola" route.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site — a stunning national park known for its meadows of 600+ endemic alpine flowering species including brahmakamal, blue poppy, and cobra lily. The monsoon months transform the valley into an impossibly vivid natural canvas unlike anywhere else on Earth.

"The finest walk in the world" since 1908 — the Milford Track in Fiordland traverses dramatic rainforest, the soaring MacKinnon Pass, and the roaring 580m Sutherland Falls before arriving at iconic Milford Sound. Strictly controlled at 40 walkers per day to preserve its pristine character.

The ultimate Himalayan spectacle — offering jaw-dropping views of Kangchenjunga (8586m), the world's third-highest mountain, at just 5km distance. The trek passes through rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and pristine glacial lakes with views of 16 Himalayan peaks simultaneously.

The mystery lake trek — Roopkund is a high-altitude glacial lake at 5029m infamous for the 500-year-old human skeletons visible through the ice. The trek passes through dense forests of Bedni Bugyal, massive meadows, and the imposing Ali Bugyal before the dramatic final ascent.

India's finest winter snow trek — Kedarkantha offers a magnificent 360-degree panoramic summit view of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Black Peak. The trail passes through dense pine forests, frozen streams, and charming shepherd villages blanketed in deep snow from December to March.

Iceland's most celebrated trail — 55km through Mars-like terrain connecting the geothermal highlands of Landmannalaugar to the green valley of Þórsmörk. Obsidian lava fields, multicolored rhyolite mountains, boiling hot springs, black sand deserts, and glacial river crossings make this trail genuinely unlike any other on Earth.

The legendary frozen river trek — walking on a sheet of ice over the Zanskar River at sub-zero temperatures as cold as -35°C. One of the most extreme and unique treks in the world, offering surreal landscapes of frozen waterfalls, towering gorge walls, and ice caves. Only possible January–February.

The most accessible 6000m summit in the world — Stok Kangri (6153m) offers a summit view stretching across the entire Zanskar range, Karakoram peaks, and the vast Indus Valley 4000m below. The only true mountaineering trek in this list, requiring crampons and ice axe.

Often called the most beautiful trek in India — visiting seven pristine glacial lakes nestled among the meadows of the Kashmir Himalayas. Gangabal, Nundkol, Vishansar, Kishansar — each a different electric shade of blue-green, cradled by snowpeaks and grazed by Bakarwal nomad flocks.

Europe's most demanding long-distance trail — 180km through the mountainous spine of Corsica with nearly 12,000m of vertical gain. The route crosses granite peaks, glacial lakes, dense maquis, and snow-streaked ridges through landscapes that feel more Alpine than Mediterranean.

The classic Ladakh village-to-village trek through the Markha Valley, crossing two high passes and spending nights in traditional Ladakhi homestays. The route passes ancient gompas, dramatic canyon walls, yak pastures, and Kongmaru La (5150m) with views of Kang Yatse (6400m).

The finest alpine trekking route in Europe — 180km connecting Chamonix (France) and Zermatt (Switzerland) beneath Mont Blanc (4808m) and the Matterhorn (4478m). Considered the gold standard of European mountain trekking, combining glacier views, high mountain passes, and world-class mountain villages.

Ascending through terraced rice paddies, rhododendron forests, and Gurung villages to the Annapurna Sanctuary — a high glacier bowl completely encircled by a horseshoe of peaks above 7000m, with Annapurna I (8091m) towering directly overhead. One of the most dramatic amphitheatres in the Himalayas.

The most dramatic alternative to the Inca Trail — crossing the snow-capped Salkantay Pass (4600m) beneath the sacred mountain Salkantay (6271m) before descending through cloud forest and coffee plantations to reach Machu Picchu. More challenging and more remote than the classic trail.

A dramatic crossover trek from the lush green Kullu Valley to the arid desert of Lahaul-Spiti. The contrast in landscapes on either side of Hampta Pass (4270m) is breathtaking — from dense forests and meadows to barren moonscapes and glacial rivers. One of the most popular treks in Himachal Pradesh.

Goechala's shorter sibling offers the same extraordinary panoramic views of Kangchenjunga (8586m) without the full commitment. The Dzongri plateau at 4020m provides a 270° canvas of Himalayan giants — perfect for a first high-altitude trek in Sikkim with rhododendron forests blanketing the approach.

The classic high route through the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site — 120km between Lago di Braies and Belluno through the most dramatically beautiful mountains in Europe. Rose-tinted limestone towers, via ferrata sections, mountain refugios, and the iconic Cinque Torri.

One of India's greatest mountain crossovers — connecting the lush Parvati Valley to the stark Pin Valley (Spiti) via a demanding 5319m glacier pass. This multi-day expedition crosses rivers, glaciers, and moraines through landscapes that shift from alpine green to lunar desert.

The short but spectacular trek to Laguna de los Tres beneath Monte Fitz Roy (3405m) — one of the most recognisable mountain silhouettes on Earth. The final 400m scramble to the glacial lake viewpoint delivers one of the most dramatic mountain panoramas in the entire Southern Hemisphere.

The new "Annapurna Circuit" — a complete circuit of Manaslu (8163m, 8th highest peak), largely unspoiled compared to busier Nepal treks. Crossing the remote Larkya La Pass (5160m), the route passes ancient Tibetan-Buddhist culture, deep river gorges, and pristine high forests home to snow leopards.

Scotland's most famous long-distance trail — 154km from Milngavie near Glasgow to Fort William in the shadow of Ben Nevis. The Way passes through dramatic Loch Lomond shores, the vast Rannoch Moor, and Glencoe's tragic history, showcasing Scotland at its most atmospheric.

The best moderate winter trek in India — Brahmatal offers crystal-clear views of Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti reflected in the frozen lake. Deep snow, dense pine forests, and panoramic high ridges from December to March make this one of the most photogenic winter trails in the Himalayas.

America's greatest wilderness walk — 340km through the Sierra Nevada of California from Yosemite Valley to the summit of Mount Whitney (4421m), the highest peak in the contiguous USA. Passing 50+ high-altitude lakes, 13 major passes, and through three national parks.

The only place in India from which four of the world's five highest peaks — Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu — are all visible simultaneously. The Singalila Ridge walk through the Darjeeling hills is bathed in rhododendron blooms in spring and crisp Himalayan clarity in autumn.

The world's most popular pilgrimage walk — 800km across northern Spain from the Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. Walked by 350,000+ pilgrims every year, the Camino Francés crosses medieval towns, the vast Meseta plateau, and Galician oak forests in equal parts physical challenge and spiritual journey.

The hardest trek in the world — a 24-day, 290km expedition crossing 11 passes above 4500m through remote northwest Bhutan to Lunana, one of the most isolated human settlements on Earth. Fewer than 100 trekkers complete the full Snowman Trek every year.

The "Valley of Gods" — a stunning cradle-shaped valley at the head of the Tons River, surrounded by ancient villages where the Mahabharata legends are still lived. Har Ki Dun is one of the few high-altitude valleys in the Himalayas with motorable road access, making it perfect for beginners.

Norway's most spectacular rock formation — a horizontal cliff jutting 700m above Lake Ringedalsvatnet like a frozen tongue. The 22km round-trip day hike is one of Europe's iconic viewpoints, gaining 800m through birch forests and open mountain plateaus for one of the most photographed views in Scandinavia.

A perfect short circuit combining two of Uttarakhand's most loved destinations — the mirror-like Deoriatal Lake reflecting Chaukhamba peaks, and Chandrashila summit with views of virtually every major peak in the Garhwal Himalaya. The ideal first Himalayan trek for absolute beginners.

Nepal's most accessible high-altitude trek from Kathmandu — rebuilt after the 2015 earthquake by its resilient Tamang communities. The Langtang Valley route ascends through yak pastures, Buddhist monasteries, and a traditional cheese factory to Kyanjin Gompa with close views of Langtang Lirung (7227m).

Australia's most iconic alpine trek — 80km through the heart of Tasmania's Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. The route passes Cradle Mountain (1617m), glacial turquoise lakes, and ancient pencil pine forests found nowhere else on Earth. The wilderness of Tasmania is genuinely unlike anything in mainland Australia.

Chopta is the "Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand" — the base for trekking to Tungnath, the world's highest Shiva temple (3680m). Easy for beginners, yet offering breathtaking 360° views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedarnath, and Chaukhamba. The perfect introduction to Himalayan altitude for first-timers.

The highest peak in North Africa and the Arab world (4167m) — achieved by a 2-day hike from the Berber village of Imlil. The summit offers a phenomenal view stretching from the Atlantic coast to the Saharan plains, and the Berber villages below are amongst the most traditional and hospitable in North Africa.

A high-altitude lake trek from Manali offering stunning views of the Kullu Valley and Pir Panjal range. Bhrigu Lake (4250m) is considered sacred and remains largely frozen until July. The rolling meadows en route, bursting with wildflowers in July–August, are among the most beautiful in Himachal Pradesh.

New Zealand's most walked Great Walk — 60km through Abel Tasman National Park's golden sandy beaches, jade-green waters, and lush coastal forest. The option to kayak between bays or take water taxis makes this the most flexible of all New Zealand Great Walks, accessible for all fitness levels.

The highest peak of the Lesser Himalayas and the closest high-altitude trek to Delhi-NCR — a perfect first Himalayan trek for urban adventurers. Nag Tibba (3022m) offers views of Bandarpoonch, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Swargarohini peaks through a gentle forested trail of oak and rhododendron.

Connecting two of the world's most iconic mountain towns beneath the two highest peaks in the Alps. The 14-day route is considered the gold standard of European high-altitude trekking.

The "Baby Trek of Ladakh" — an easy introduction to Ladakhi trekking through ancient Buddhist monasteries, village gompas, and dramatic canyon landscapes. Perfect for those acclimatising to altitude before harder Ladakh adventures. Traditional homestays in remote villages rarely visited by tourists.

One of New Zealand's Great Walks — a spectacular 32km traverse through two national parks, the Hollyford Valley, and the alpine Harris Saddle with panoramic views of Fiordland. Often combined with the Milford Track for the ultimate South Island trekking experience.

The lesser-known Great Walk that experienced trekkers often rate highest for sheer alpine drama — a circuit above Te Anau with exposed ridge walks above the clouds, beech forest, and a descent through limestone caves. The hardest of the NZ Great Walks in terms of terrain.

One of Uttarakhand's most demanding and rewarding crossover treks, connecting Har Ki Dun valley to Yamunotri via Bali Pass at 5470m. The trail crosses pristine glaciers and meadows with views of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Kalanag peaks — only for experienced Himalayan trekkers.

A high-altitude glacial lake trek in the Gangotri region, with jaw-dropping views of Thalaysagar (6904m) and Jogin peaks reflected in the pristine waters of Kedartal (4750m). The boulder-hopping approach through Bhagirathi Valley involves steep and technical sections, making this a connoisseur's trek.

Climbing Japan's sacred and iconic volcano — Mt Fuji (3776m) — via the most popular Yoshida Trail. The overnight hike timed to summit at sunrise rewards with a sea of clouds below and a 360° view from the Japanese Alps to the Pacific Ocean. An unmissable rite of passage for Japan visitors.

Twin alpine lakes of incomparable beauty in the Lidder valley above Pahalgam. Heart-shaped Tarsar is electric-blue; larger Marsar is reached through rolling meadows grazed by Bakarwal nomads. One of the most photographed trekking destinations in Jammu & Kashmir, visited by only the most discerning hikers.