Best Treks in the World to Inspire Your Fitness Goals
The trails are calling! The sun is out, and it’s time to come out of hibernation. Get out there, have some fun, and set a summer fitness goal for yourself. Whether you’re a fresh-faced hiker or a trail-conquering beast, be your biggest cheerleader and chase that adrenaline rush with these 12 bucket-list-worthy trails…
Inside this article:
What factors determine the difficulty of a trek?
Not all trails are created equal, which is what makes trekking an adventure. The difficulty of a trail is ascertained by the intensity, distance, elevation gain, and altitude. These combine to create a challenging mix separating beginners from intermediate trekkers.
How to Use These Factors in Choosing a Trek
If you’re relatively new to the world of trekking, worry not. There are great trails for beginners to hike, which cover shorter distances, minimal elevation gain, and lower altitudes. These beginner-level treks are not very intense but help you build stamina. Once you’re ready to take on more of a challenge, intermediate trekkers can ease into hiking more moderate distances with some elevation gain at medium altitude. Master this level, and you’ll be ready to take on longer, more strenuous trails.
List of Best Treks in the World for Beginner-to-Intermediate Hikers
Trek 1 - Camino de Santiago, Spain
The Camino de Santiago, or the Way of St. James, has many routes, allowing trekkers to choose the path that suits their time frame. Ranked as easy trekking trails with mostly flat terrain, the most popular trail is the Camino Frances, or the French Way. Other trails that make up Camino de Santiago include the Camino Primitivo, or Original Way, and the Camino Portugues, or Portuguese Way.
Distance: Varies from 62-124 miles (100-800 km)
Highest Elevation: ~4,000 feet (1,200 mt)
Duration: 5-35 days, depending on the route
Best Months: April to October
Activities: Biking, hiking, and walking
Book Your Trek: Hike the most popular Camino de Santiago route
Why It’s Inspiring Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and featured famously in many movies, Camino de Santiago was originally a network of historic pilgrimage routes leading to the shrine of the apostle James. Trekkers can walk the same ancient paths and see history unfold as they pass through hills and hamlets.
Trek 2 - Milford Track, New Zealand
There’s no better place to get your steps in than walking the Milford Track in Fiordland National Park in New Zealand. Start your hiking adventure at Te Anau Downs, and for the next few days, meander through lush forests, impressive fjords, and soaring mountain passes before ending your hike at Sandfly Point.
Distance: 33 miles (53.5 km)
Highest Elevation: 3,773 feet (1,150 mt)
Duration: 4 days
Best Months: October to April
Why It’s Inspiring Milford Track is pegged as one of the most picturesque hikes; you will be treated to stunning views throughout as you cross suspension bridges and crystalline creeks only to stumble upon the gushing Sutherland Falls, the tallest waterfall in New Zealand at 1,904 feet (580 mt).
Trek 3 - Landmannalaugar Trek, Iceland
The Landmannalaugar Trek, also known as the Laugavegur Trail, runs through the southern Highlands of Iceland in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. The unique landscape comprises lava-laden mountains of colorful quartz and silica resulting from volcanic activity in the 1400s. You can choose to do a day hike or longer, multi-day guided Landmannalaugar treks.
Distance: 34 miles (55 km)
Highest Elevation: 3,280 feet (1,000 mt)
Duration: 4-5 days
Best Months: June to September
Book Your Trek: Classic Laugaveguer Trek Hut Based
Why It’s Inspiring The Landmannalaugar Trek is a great option for hikers of all levels. Easily accessible, one of the major highlights of the Laugavegur Trail is the People’s Pool—a natural, geothermal hot spring that stays at 97 to 104°F (36 to 40°C ) year-round. It’s the perfect place to rest and refresh!
Trek 4 - W Trek, Patagonia (Chile)
For an endurance challenge, the W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia is a must-do for keen trekkers with intermediate levels of fitness. Ranked as one of the most sought-after trails, it offers a visual spectacle of diverse ecosystems, including lush valleys, granite peaks, and icy glaciers.
Distance: 50 miles (80 km)
Highest Elevation: 2,952 feet (900 mt)
Duration: 4-5 days
Best Months: November to March
Book Your Trek: W Trek Self-Guided
Why It’s Inspiring Patagonia boasts of nature’s best. With its stunning landscape, hikers can opt to stay at campsites or in refugios (mountain lodges) that offer more comfort. During high season, accommodations are hard to come by if you don’t book well in advance. Alternatively, opt for a guided W Trek in Patagonia with all the logistics taken care of.
Trek 5 - Inca Trail, Peru
As a beginner hiker, you may wonder if you can do the world-renowned Inca Trail. The answer is yes! Embark on a guided Inca Trail hike from Sacred Valley that will take you through tropical forests and lush mountains before culminating at the magnificent Machu Picchu, the lost cities of the Incas.
Distance: 26 miles (42 km)
Highest Elevation: 13,776 feet (4,200 mt)
Duration: 4-5 days
Best Months: May to September
Book Your Trek: 9 day Inca Trail and Rainbow Mountain
Why It’s Inspiring Testimony to the artistry and precision of the craftsmanship of the Incas, Machu Picchu was built in the 15th century and is said to have served as a retreat for Incan royalty. Offering iconic views from the mountain at almost 8,000 feet (2,438 mt), the ruins of Machu Picchu are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Trek 6 - Mount Toubkal, Morocco
Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa, is a relatively short but challenging trek owing to the altitude gain. The trek combines aerobic exercise and strength training with steep uphill walking and climbing. As you pass villages and hamlets while hiking, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the Atlas Mountains.
Distance: 37 miles (60 km)
Highest Elevation: 13,671 feet (4,167 mt)
Duration: 3-4 days
Best Months: April to October
Book Your Trek: Mount Toubkal Trek
Why It’s Inspiring Connect with nature on the Mount Toubkal hike, which offers unmatched views of rugged, snow-capped peaks and lush valleys. Moreover, immerse yourself in local traditions and culture as you pass through Berber villages en route.
Trek 7 - Salkantay Trek, Peru
Set in the Peruvian Andes range, the Salkantay Trek is an alternative to the Inca Trail to reach Machu Picchu. Recommended for those with an advanced level of fitness, it is higher in elevation with steeper and rougher terrain. The Salkantay Trek is also longer in distance than the Inca Trail, but both trails have stunning views of snowy peaks and lush forests.
Distance: 46 miles (74 km)
Highest Elevation: 15,213 feet (4,638 meters)
Duration: 5-7 days
Best Months: April to October
Book Your Trek: Salkantay Trek
Why It’s Inspiring The Salkantay Trek challenges hikers physically and mentally. However, the reward lies in reaching Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient archeological gems like the Inca Bridge and Sun Gate and via a very scenic route including breathtaking sights like the Humantay lake. Pro tip: you don’t need a permit for the Salkantay Trek, but you do need a permit to visit Machu Picchu.
Trek 8 - Tour du Mont Blanc, France, Italy, Switzerland
Tour du Mont Blanc is a bucket-list experience for hikers of all skill levels. The hike spans three countries—France, Switzerland, and Italy. It takes you through alpine meadows, rugged mountain passes, and charming villages. Adding to the stunning landscape is the majestic Mont Blanc massif itself—the highest peak in the Alps.
Distance: 110 miles (177 km)
Highest Elevation: 8,743 feet (2,665 mt)
Duration: 10-12 days
Best Months: June to September
Book Your Trek: Tour du Mont Blanc Refuge based Trek
Why It’s Inspiring As you hike the Tour du Mont Blanc trail, you’ll pass through the villages of Chamonix, Courmayeur, Les Contamines, and Champex Lac, each offering its own uniqueness from customs to cuisine. Along with taking in the scenery, don’t miss out on taking in the culture of the region
Trek 9 - Torres del Paine O Circuit, Patagonia (Chile)
O Circuit is a challenging trek in the remote region of Chilean Patagonia. It takes you around the Cordillera del Paine mountain range in Torres del Paine National Park. Recommended for experienced adventurers, the trek involves drastic elevation gain and limited facilities on the route. However, it brings you close to Perros and Grey glaciers with their massive ice sheets—a one-of-a-kind experience!
Distance: 80 miles (129 km)
Highest Elevation: 3,280 feet (1,000 mt)
Duration: 7-9 days
Best Months: November to March
Book Your Trek: O Trek Patagonia
Why It’s Inspiring Like the W Trek, the O Trek in Patagonia offers stunning views of lush valleys, granite peaks, and icy glaciers. Spanning over 5,000 square miles (13,000 sq km), one of the most iconic visual treats on the trek is the scenic panorama of the Southern Patagonia Ice Field from the John Gardner Pass.
Trek 10 - Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal
Follow in the footsteps of great mountaineers like Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay as you set your fitness goal to complete the Everest Base Camp Trek (EBC). An iconic trek in the Himalayas, it covers the southern side of Mount Everest, taking you through the Khumbu region where you’ll get a chance to soak in the local culture.
Distance: 80 miles (130 km)
Highest Elevation: 17,598 feet (5,364 mt)
Duration: 12-14 days
Best Months: March to May, September to November
Book Your Trek: Everest Base Camp Trek
Why It’s Inspiring What could be more inspiring than trekking to the base camp of the world’s tallest mountain? Contrary to what many aspiring trekkers may think, EBC doesn’t require expert mountaineering skills, but rather endurance and stamina since it’s a multi-day trekking adventure. We recommend taking a guided EBC tour to handle the logistics for you including getting trekking permits and picking the right tea houses to stay in along the trekking route.
Trek 11 - Annapurna Circuit, Nepal
Calling trekkers with optimal fitness levels! The Annapurna Circuit is not for the uninitiated. To get around the expansive Annapurna massif, this long-distance, circular trek requires physical strength and mental grit. Cross through paddy fields and forests, and if the charm of the region doesn’t awe you, views of Himalayan peaks like Macchapucchre, Dhaulagiri, and Tilicho Peak surely will!
Distance: 128 miles (206 km)
Highest Elevation: 17,769 feet (5,416 mt) at Thorong La Pass
Duration: 15-20 days
Best Months: March to May and October to November
Book Your Trek: Annapurna Circuit
Why It’s Inspiring The 10th highest mountain in the world, Annapurna comprises four main summits. Despite being challenging, the Annapurna Circuit has been described by many as life-changing. Accommodation on this trek is in tea houses where local families play host. A comfortable bed and hot meals while trekking are a welcome bonus!
Trek 12 - Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Often referred to as the ‘common man’s Everest,’ despite its soaring height, Mount Kilimanjaro is easier to climb than many other summits in the world. However, it still requires an advanced level of fitness. The hike takes you through five different climate zones spanning lush rainforests, Alpine deserts, and stark glaciers.
Distance: 35- 62 miles (56-100 km) depending on the route
Highest Elevation: 19,341 feet (5,895 mt)
Duration: 6-9 days
Best Months: January to March, June to October
Book Your Trek: Kilimanjaro Climb via Machame Route
Why It’s Inspiring With its diverse landscapes, at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro are lush rainforests filled with exotic flora and fauna. As you ascend, you'll enter the moorland with its rolling hills and open grasslands. Further up, you'll encounter an alpine desert—a barren landscape of rocks and boulders. Finally, as you reach the summit, you’ll see icy glaciers. Most notable are the stunning sunrise views from Uhuru Peak, the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Benefits of Adventure Travel for Fitness
There are many benefits of adventure travel. It’s easily one of the best ways to stay physically fit and at the top of your health game. It tests your stamina, endurance, agility, and strength. It also does wonders for your mental health. Renowned research shows that spending just 20 minutes outdoors daily relieves stress, improves mood, and boosts confidence. So, imagine what a day-long or multiple-day hike amidst nature could do for your overall well-being. Challenge yourself in the best way possible and embrace adventure travel. We guarantee that you’ll love it!
Tips for Preparing for an Adventure Trip
Shape Up: To prepare for an adventure trip, start with regular walking a few times a week. Work towards building your stamina and strength. Set the treadmill to an incline, and don’t forget to weight train. Activities like Pilates are a great way to strengthen your core.
Mental Focus: A positive attitude is the only attitude that will help you on your adventure trip! Remember your reasons for hiking and trekking. Get used to being out of your comfort zone and prepare yourself for unexpected snags, like altitude sickness and inclement weather that possibly may happen. Just stay focused and persevere, reminding yourself of your end goal. Gear Up: Most hikes don’t require technical equipment. Invest in the basics. Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots should be on the top of your list, along with clothing for all weather conditions, a sleeping bag, a backpack, a water bottle, and extras like sunscreen, a first-aid kit, and other personal essentials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Is it necessary to book a guided tour to go trekking? Answer: While it’s not necessary to book a guided trekking tour, if it is your first time hiking or you end up picking up a destination which involves complex logistics like securing permits and booking accommodation in remote locations, we recommend opting for a guided package that covers accommodation, transportation, and all the logistics needed for a safe and successful trek. At AdventureTripr, we give you the flexibility to customize your itinerary according to your fitness level, for treks with multiple routes and options or our team of experts will be happy to recommend the right trek for you.
Question: What should I pack for a trek? Answer: Here’s a list of some essentials you should carry when going hiking:
Thermal clothing
Moisture-wicking layers
Waterproof hiking boots
Sleeping bag
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
Headlamp
Insulated water bottle
Energy snacks
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. The gear list varies by trip and season. For the treks booked on AdventureTripr you will be provided with a detailed gear list and a training plan.
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