Best Places to Hike in the World - Top 10 Coolest Hikes on Earth

Best Places to Hike in the World

Hiking is one of America's most popular adventure activities. It is also one of the most authentic ways to explore the natural landscapes. Be it mountain ridges, paths through thickly vegetated forests, or narrow spiny trails on rocky hills and plateaus, the best hiking brings you experiences that stay with you. Every awe-inspiring view, every conquered summit, and every breath of fresh air is a real reward when you've earned it after a hike. Whether you're exploring the glaciers of Patagonia or the snow-clad peaks of the Himalayas, hiking connects you to the real rugged beauty of nature. This list of the best hikes in the world brings you routes that stand out for their scenery, scale, and sense of awe. If you've heard a calling for adventure, it could be one of these hiking trails.

What Makes a Great Hiking Destination?

• Natural Beauty: A great hiking destination, no matter its geographical area, must offer spectacles you won't see otherwise. It could be tall peaks, sprawling coastlines, thick forests, otherworldly deserts, unique geological formations, and more.

• Trail Difficulty: The best hikes don't have to be the most strenuous ones. The ones that strike a balance are usually the coolest hikes in the world. They throw a good challenge before you get the reward, but don't punish without purpose. The terrain type, elevation, and duration all matter in this regard.

• Accessibility & Infrastructure: Accessibility matters. Hikers favor well-marked and maintained trails. The availability of safety guidelines, transport, and lodging options also adds immense value. Good infrastructure helps keep your hike safe and smooth. 

• Local Culture & Community: The human factor is a major part of hiking. Wherever you go for a hike, that place's people, culture, and customs add a lot to your experience. The best hikes on earth are timeless because of local legends, traditions, and hospitality. A warm and friendly local community will add layers to your experience that you did not know existed.

Top 10 Hiking Destinations Around the World

• Tour du Mont Blanc

• Laugavegur Trail

• Inca Trail

• Santa Cruz Trek

• Salkantay Trek

• Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim

• Dolomites Alta Via 1

• Mount Kilimanjaro Trek

• Annapurna Sanctuary

• Everest Base Camp

Tour du Mont Blanc

• Country: France, Italy, and Switzerland

• Location: European Alps

• Distance: 105 miles (170 km) approx.

• Duration: 10–12 days

• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging. 

• Best time to visit: Late June through early September

• Overview: Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the most beautiful hikes in the world and one of Europe's most famed long-distance hikes. Circling the Mont Blanc massif and crossing through France, Italy, and Switzerland, this iconic route takes you through various landscapes. You will cross through alpine scenery, mountain villages with an ancient charm, and high passes that offer panoramic views. Since it’s a loop, you can start and end at various locations.

• Trail Highlights: 

  • The TMB, as it is popularly called, is famous for its captivating mountain scenery.

  • The trail's natural beauty, cultural richness, and physical challenge make it a must-do for avid trekkers.  

  • It offers some of the best views of Europe's highest peak, Mont Blanc. 

  • It crosses 11 mountain passes, the highest point being Col des Fours at 8743 feet (2,665 meters). 

  • You will be treated to diverse terrains ranging from teeming valleys to craggy high-altitude paths. 

  • Set amidst these enthralling views, are comfy mountain huts and inns run by local communities, where you can get warm meals and a peek into the local culture.

Laugavegur Trail

• Country: Iceland

• Location: Southern Highlands (Stretches from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk)

• Distance: 34 miles (55 km)

• Duration: 3–5 days

• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

• Best time to visit: Mid-June through early September

• Overview: Iceland’s premier multi-day hike, the Laugavegur Trail is known for its diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes. The trail begins in the geothermal area of Landmannalaugar, traverses colorful rhyolite (volcanic rock) mountains, wide lava fields, black sand deserts, and dense valleys. It concludes with the verdant region of Þórsmörk.

• Trail Highlights: 

  • The Laugavegur Trail is a treasure trove of natural wonders. 

  • You'll come across steaming springs, glacial rivers, and sweeping views of volcanic landscapes. 

  • The colorful slopes of Brennisteinsalda, the jaded black obsidian deserts near Emstrur, and the calm birch forests of Þórsmörk are some of the trail's highlights. 

  • The route is well-marked, making it fairly accessible. 

  • Along the route, there is a network of mountain huts and campsites, which help you experience life in interior Iceland with the local Icelandic communities. 

  • You can also extend the trip via the Fimmvörðuháls pass. It adds 15 miles (25 km) but rewards you with dramatic highland scenery.

Inca Trail

• Country: Peru

• Location: Peruvian Andes (Begins near Cusco, continues to Machu Picchu)

• Distance: 26 miles (42 km)

• Duration: 4–5 days

• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

• Best time to visit: May through September

• Overview: One of the most epic hikes in the world, the Inca Trail is visited by approximately 25,000 hikers every year. The trail takes you through the Andes mountains to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, Peru. The trail is replete with natural beauty and history.  As you walk the ancient pathways built by the Incas over 500 years ago, you witness diverse ecosystems (including cloud forests and alpine tundra) and numerous Incan archaeological sites. The trail ends at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), which is famous for its magnificent sunrise view over Machu Picchu.

• Trail Highlights: 

  • The Inca Trail experience is a blend of a terrain that tests you and a rich cultural heritage that inspires you. 

  • The trail's highest point is Dead Woman’s Pass at 13,776 feet (4,200 meters), which you reach after a significant elevation gain.

  • Along the way are important archaeological sites, such as Wiñay Wayna and Runkurakay, which present a glimpse of Incan engineering and architecture. 

  • There are no hotels along the trail; only designated campsites with basic facilities and meals.

  • Since it is a highly popular hike, a limited number of permits are granted daily. It is advisable to secure permits well in advance.

Santa Cruz Trek

• Country: Peru

• Location: Cordelia Blanca mountain range, Huascarán National Park

• Distance: 31 miles (50 km)

• Duration: 3–4 days

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Best time to visit: May through September

• Overview: Peru has one of the coolest hikes in the world, the Santa Cruz Trek. It is a multi-day hike in the Cordillera Blanca mountain range, known for its spectacular alpine landscapes and relatively serene experience compared to more popular trails. The route traverses glacial valleys, turquoise lakes, and high mountain passes. The trail is accessible to hikers with moderate experience and proper acclimatization.

• Trail Highlights: 

  • The trek reaches its highest point at Punta Unión Pass, an elevation of 15,583 feet (4,750 meters). This vantage point offers unparalleled panoramic views of snow-capped peaks. 

  • On this trek, you can witness some of Peru's iconic peaks, such as Taulliraju and Alpamayo, as well as calm glacial lakes such as Laguna Arhuaycocha. 

  • The trail winds through far-off valleys and traditional Andean villages, giving you a glimpse of local culture and lifestyles. 

  • It is a must-do adventure if you appreciate demanding ascents, diverse ecosystems, and captivating landscapes all in one place.

Salkantay Trek

• Country: Peru

• Location: Andes Mountains )from Soraypampa to Aguas Calientes)

• Distance: 46 miles (74 km)

• Duration: 4–6 days

• Difficulty: Challenging

• Best time to visit: April through October

• Overview: The Salkantay Trek, another gem of Peru, is a popular alternative to the Inca Trail. It is a less crowded but more diverse route to Machu Picchu than the Inca Trail. It takes you through various ecosystems, ranging from snow-capped peaks to cloud forests. It starts from Soraypampa and ends in Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.

• Trail Highlights: 

  • The Salkantay Trek is the perfect choice if you're seeking an alternative to the iconic Machu Picchu.

  • The trek is known for its highest point, the Salkantay Pass, which is 15,190 feet (4,630 meters) high. 

  • It presents quite a hiking challenge given its significant altitude and rugged terrain. 

  • It rewards you with stunning views of Mount Salkantay, tranquil glacial lakes like Humantay, and the chance to explore remote Andean villages. 

  • The Llactapata ruins, which lie along the trail, offer you quite a view of Machu Picchu.

Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim

• Country: United States of America

• Location: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

• Distance: 21–24 miles (34–39 km), depending on the route you take

• Duration: 1–3 days

• Difficulty: Strenuous

• Best time to visit: Mid-May to mid-October

• Overview: Another top hike in the world is the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim hike, which reveals the canyon’s colossal and layered beauty. It is a demanding trek that spans from the North Rim to the South Rim, traversing one of the most legendary landscapes on the planet. As you take this hike, you descend steep canyon walls, cross the Colorado River, and climb up thousands of feet. It’s a physically intense but abundantly rewarding hike that gives you a profound sense of achievement.

• Trail Highlights: 

  • The dramatic elevation change first makes you descend more than 6,000 feet (1829 meters) from the North Rim to the canyon floor. Then it makes you ascend about 4,500 feet (1371 meters) to the South Rim.

  • One of the best parts of this hike is crossing the Colorado River via the Silver Bridge or Black Bridge. 

  • Along the way, at the canyon’s base, you can rest at the historic Phantom Ranch. You can get simple meals and cool drinks here. You can also stay here overnight if you make a reservation.

  • Highlights include Bright Angel Creek and the hidden oasis of Ribbon Falls, a moss-covered grotto and waterfall.

  • This hike is home to several ecological zones: alpine forests, pinyon-juniper woodland, desert, river zone, and conifer forests. 

  • You witness nearly two billion years of exposed rock layers, with constant color shifts and geology defining the Grand Canyon’s awe-inspiring landscape.

Dolomites Alta Via 1

• Country: Italy

• Location: Dolomites, Northern Italy

• Distance: 75 miles (120 km)

• Duration: 8–11 days

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Best time to visit: Mid-June through mid-September

• Overview: The Alta Via 1 takes you through Italy’s Dolomites, stretching from Lago di Braies to Belluno. This hut-to-hut trail is known to be the most challenging among Alta Via hikes in Italy. The reward for accomplishing these challenges is incredible views of tall limestone peaks, blooming meadows, and distant valleys.  

• Trail Highlights: 

  • Alta Via 1 is one of Europe's most scenic multi-day hikes. 

  • With a moderate difficulty level, it is accessible to most hikers with a good fitness level.

  • Along the way, you will be inspired by views of jagged limestone peaks like Tofana di Rozes and Croda da Lago and serene lakes like Lago di Braies. 

  • If you're trekking during summer, you will catch mesmerising views of flower-filled meadows in all their glory. 

  • The trail also passes through WWI tunnels near Lagazuoi, adding a historical charm. 

  • Along the way, there are cozy rifugi, where you can spend nights and have warm meals. These are also great places to view sunsets.

Mount Kilimanjaro Trek

• Country: Tanzania

• Location: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park

• Distance: 37–61 miles (60–98 km), depending on the route you take

• Duration: 5–9 days, depending on the chosen route

• Difficulty: Challenging

• Best time to visit: Mid-June through October and December through mid-March

• Overview: The Mount Kilimanjaro trek is a high-altitude hike to the summit of Africa’s tallest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. Though not a technical climb, this hike is physically demanding due to the elevation gain and rapid changes in climate zones. You start the trek from a thick rainforest, cross a moorland and an alpine desert, and eventually reach the icy summit of Uhuru Peak at 19,341 feet (5895 meters). With proper gear, skill, and support from local guides and porters, it is an achievable goal for adventure seekers.

• Trail Highlights: 

  • Despite the elevation, you can accomplish Kilimanjaro without any climbing gear. It is, in fact, one of the world’s most accessible high-altitude treks.

  • The Uhuru Peak, situated at 19,341 feet (5,895 meters), is the highest point in Africa and the ultimate goal of this trek. Watching the sun rise above the clouds from here is an opportunity you don't want to miss.

  • As you undertake this journey, you cross five ecological zones with distinct scenery, temperatures, flora, and fauna. The lower slopes are home to colobus monkeys, giant lobelias, and unique alpine plants found only on Kilimanjaro.

  • As you progress on the climb, you also witness panoramic views of glaciers, volcanic rock formations, and vast African plains stretching in all directions.

  • Shira Plateau & Barranco Wall are two iconic features that you'll find en route. They both have a dramatic terrain and rewarding climbs.

Annapurna Sanctuary

• Country: Nepal

• Location: Annapurna Conservation Area (starts at Pokhara)

• Distance: 68–93 miles (110–150 km), depending on the route you take

• Duration: 7–14 days

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Best time to visit: March–May and October–November

• Overview: The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is a journey, leading right into the heart of the Himalayas. The goal is the stunning Annapurna Base Camp. The trail takes you through forests, terraced fields, and high mountain landscapes, surrounded by grand peaks. The trek is moderately challenging but extremely rewarding in terms of mountain views and rich cultural encounters in traditional Nepalese villages.

• Trail Highlights: 

  • The trek typically starts from Nayapul, a small town about 1.5 hours by road from Pokhara, Nepal. Some itineraries may also begin from Ghandruk or Phedi. 

  • You will hike among vivid rhododendron forests, terraced farmlands, and far-off mountain villages of the Gurung and Magar communities.

  • The trail ends at Annapurna Base Camp, amidst a striking amphitheater of peaks (Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, and the sacred Machapuchare). 

  • On the way, you'll be treated to panoramic views of the Himalayas, natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda, and a diverse ecosystem.

Everest Base Camp

• Country: Nepal

• Location: Sagarmatha National Park (Khumbu Region) 

• Distance: 81 miles (130 km) round trip

• Duration: 12–14 days

• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

• Best time to visit: March through May and September through November

• Overview: The Everest Base Camp trek is undoubtedly the best hike in the world. It's a breathtaking journey through Nepal’s Khumbu region amidst the otherworldly views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest. It passes through Sherpa villages, ancient monasteries, and diverse Himalayan landscapes while reaching an altitude of 17,598 feet (5,364 meters). 

• Trail Highlights: 

  • Like Kilimanjaro, Everest Base Camp is not a technical hike but quite demanding, given the elevation gain, duration, and Himalayan terrain. 

  • The trek starts from Lukla (via a thrilling mountain flight from Kathmandu) and culminates at Everest Base Camp and the viewpoint of Kala Patthar.

  • You spend time acclimatizing and exploring the charming traditional Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar.

  • The journey takes you through the depths of Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its rich biodiversity.

  • On the way, you will also encounter the Tengboche Monastery, one of the region’s most sacred Tibetan Buddhist monasteries.

  • The hike not only gives you 

How to Prepare for Your Hiking Adventure

• Physical Conditioning: Having a regular fitness routine is essential. Focusing on cardio, strength, and endurance since you will need all those to prepare your body for the best hikes in the world.

• Gear Checklist: Take essential hiking gear such as hiking boots, layered clothing, navigation tools, and a sturdy backpack. Don’t forget emergency items like a first aid kit, flashlight, and multi-tool.

• Weather & Altitude Adaptation: It is advisable to check forecasts frequently since sudden weather changes can occur. Dress in layers and carry rain protection. Acclimatize your body well before ascending high altitudes.

• Health & Safety Precautions: Always inform someone about your itinerary and estimated return time before hiking. Stay hydrated, use sun protection, and know about wildlife and potential trail hazards.

• Permits & Regulations: Most of the best hikes in the world require permits. Research and obtain them well in advance. Read a little about the laws of the land and rules regarding hiking, camping, fires, and Leave-No-Trace principles.

Why AdventureTripr is the Best Choice for Hiking Trails?

AdventureTripr is committed to curating unforgettable hiking experiences for you. We tailor itineraries for the coolest hikes in the world according to your skill levels. You can trust us and our local partners for authentic, safe, and sustainable adventures. From breathtaking trails to quality gear recommendations and personalized support, we're there to support you with our expertise. With AdventureTripr, you're not just hiking—you're creating lasting memories with the best hike on earth.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question 1: Am I likely to get altitude sick on these hikes?

Answer 1: Most of these hikes are high-altitude, so you will likely face altitude sickness. It is advisable to acclimate before ascending. 

Question 2: Can a beginner attempt a moderate difficulty level hike?

Answer 2: It depends heavily on the technicality and terrain of the hike. Hikes that are high-altitude but non-technical may also be great for beginners. 

Question 3: How should I prepare for high-altitude hiking?

Answer 3: Getting in a habit of regular cardio, resistance, and strengthening a few months before the hike works well. While on the hike, acclimating your body, staying hydrated, and pacing your hike are essential.