Top 12 Hiking Trails Around the World (2024)

What better way to explore stunning natural beauty than on a thrilling nature hike? From South Africa's south coast to the Mediterranean coast, from Peru's Inca ruins to Greece's canyons, from mountain summits to ocean shores, you'll discover natural wonders and cultural encounters on these top 12 hiking trails.

Atlas Mountains (Toubkal), Morocco

The Atlas Mountains are located in northwest Africa, running diagonally through Morocco, separating the southwestern Mediterranean coast from the Sahara Desert. You can start this 2 to 4-day hike in the Berber town of Imlil to climb the highest peak, Mount Toubkal.

Try to reach the top at sunrise, you'll see the rock face stained red, and the surrounding Atlas Mountains shrouded in clouds. On a clear day, you can even see the undulating dunes of the Sahara Desert. The Aourwiz Waterfall, cascading down two rock faces, offers an incongruous but special sight.

April, May, September, and October are the best times to explore the stunning Atlas Mountains when the weather is just right, offering smooth hiking and clearer skies for breathtaking views!

Are you scared by the high altitude? Don't worry! Toubkal, the highest peak, is accessible to most hikers with decent fitness - no technical climbing skills are needed! Bring your binoculars, as you have a good chance of seeing Atlas deer, Barbary leopards, wild cats, jackals, red foxes, and stoats.

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Camino de Santiago, Spain

The Camino de Santiago is a pilgrimage route from various parts of France to the northern Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. It takes about a month to hike the French Way (about 800 kilometers), passing through the Pyrenees Mountains, stunning cherry groves, and coastal forests. Galicia is the final stage, where you can taste the famous grape wine "Orujo", and finally reach the Catedral de Santiago de Compostela.

Good facilities and relatively easy trail conditions make this route suitable for hikers of all ages. Some hotels on this trail are open year-round, and utilizing backpack delivery services can be a convenient option for you.

The cool spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are often ideal hiking times. Wildflowers and green plants bring solace to the soul, and the lively Easter allows you to integrate into the local cultural atmosphere.

The unique fragrance of the eucalyptus forest also shows a different scenery in September. Of course, the refreshing sea breeze in summer (such as the Portuguese Way along the coast) and the tranquility in winter (such as Via de la Plata inland) also offer unique charms. Furthermore, it's essential to pack appropriate clothing and rain gear to handle unpredictable weather conditions.

The Great Wall, China

Many of the renowned Great Wall passes lie within Beijing. Badaling, Juyongguan, and Mutianyu are popular among tourists for their well-preserved and magnificent scenery. These sections offer a moderate level of hiking challenge, suitable for most travelers. You will see magnificent mountain scenery and ancient towers and temples.

Compared with the three popular sections above, Simatai and Jinshanling are primitive and suitable for experienced hikers because they are steep. After experiencing the wild beauty of the Great Wall, the surrounding Gubei Water Town will immerse you in gentleness.

Spring in Beijing (March-May) is warm and pleasant, with flowers and trees full of life. Autumn (September-November) is cool and pleasant, with comfortable weather and colorful scenery. It's better for you to choose a sunny day during the hot summer and cold winter. Not only will you benefit from pleasant weather conditions, but you'll also be treated to breathtaking natural beauty. As the stairs may not be very regular, be mindful of the steps while walking on the Great Wall.

The Great Wall

Tour du Mont Blanc, Italy

The Tour du Mont Blanc covers a total distance of more than 170 kilometers. It usually starts from Chamonix or the nearby town of Les Houches, hiking through France, Italy, and Switzerland with an altitude of more than 2,000 meters.

Good infrastructure and good food suit hikers of all ages. Accommodation and mountain huts are generally open from mid-June to mid-September each year, and you will pass through cattle-filled pastures, valleys, and charming villages, sleep in a mountain hut away from the sound, and enjoy delicious Alpine cuisine.

The long hike offers panoramic views of the picturesque lake town of Champex-lac, the glacial valleys of Lee Blanche, and the Mont Blanc. There will be a shelter every distance you walk, where you can rest, taste delicious food, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Make sure you bring enough cash (both Euros and Francs) as most shelters prefer it.

Inca Trail (Mollepata), Peru

Mollepata is one of the three hiking trails on the Inca Trail, located in the Andes mountains range, and passing through cloud forest, alpine tundra, and Inca terraces before ending at the Sun Gate on Machu Picchu.

Steep ascents and descents, high altitudes, and limited infrastructure place high demands on the physical fitness of hikers. In Peru's dry season (May-September), immerse yourself in vibrant festivals like Qoyllur Rit'i, Feast of Corpus Christi, and Inti Raymi, to experience the unique cultural atmosphere.

Machu Picchu

Imagine crossing the steep Inca Chiriaska pass (4950m) to the Inca ruins Ollantaytambo, sitting in the embrace of the green mountains meditating for a moment, and letting your heart feel peaceful. You may encounter various orchids and animals. The diverse ecology makes the dull ancient ruins alive. If visibility is good, you can admire the beauty of the snow-capped mountains in the distance, eventually reaching Machu Picchu's Sun Gate and embracing the vastness of the world.

It's worth noting that the Inca Trail is closed every February. In addition, remember to bring altitude sickness medication, and you need to apply for a permit from the Peruvian Tourism Department in advance.

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Kumano Kodo (Nakahechi), Japan

Nakahechi is the main route of the Kumano Kodo, an ancient pilgrimage trail that starts from Takijiri-oji, winding through the mountains and forests to complete the three major shrines of Kumano Sanzan - Hongu, Nachi, and Hayatama Taisha - which is a perfect match for the gods and Buddhas.

The good infrastructure makes it also easy for beginners to adapt. You can spend a week-long adventure here, passing through the rural scenery with the fresh air, deep in the groves of cedar forests, and encountering the river and waterfall inside the mountains. For some of the challenge sections, there are also buses that you can take advantage of, making it more convenient for a family journey with kids.

The sunny spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are usually the best time to enjoy the Nakahechi hike, also adding vibrancy to the lush forests with the pink spring cherry blossoms as well as the stunning colors of the fall foliage. Though the summer rain and winter snow may make your journey a bit slippery, if you like, the off-season hike with camping, the sound of rain, and the hot spring at the end can also bring you a different experience.

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Samaria Gorge, Greece

Located in southwestern Crete, the hiking route of Samaria Gorge starts from the Omalos Plateau to the Mediterranean coast.

During your hike, you will pass the St. Nicholas Church as well as many historical sites, listen to the rustle of the wind blowing through the woods, quench your thirst with the mountain water flowing from the canyon springs, and pass through the narrow "Portes". You may feel as if someone is watching you: it's the Capra aegagrus cretica known as "kri kri"!

Samaria Gorge is only open to hikers from May to October, with approximately 16km of trail taking about five hours to complete. Many of the trails feature cobblestone paving, making it accessible even to adventurous beginners who are keen on hiking. You can bring your swimsuit and some food as you can swim in the cool and clear waters of Agia Rumelli. After the hike, you can taste local delicacies in the tavern at the end of the canyon while reminiscing about the day's experience.

Great Himalaya Trail, Nepal

The Great Himalaya Trail consists of 10 different sections, from Kachenjunga on Nepal's eastern border to Humla on its western border with Tibet.

Most hikers plan to walk the high route, which takes about 150 days to complete this approximately 1,700-kilometer trail. You will experience ecological and cultural diversity: from subtropical jungles to fragile high-altitude ecosystems; from the shamanism and the Bon culture. You will get a challenging and satisfying journey with stunning scenery of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the Himalayas, Mount Everest, and Langtang National Park. What else? Wild animals, glacial rivers, deep canyons, Mani walls, temples, prayer flags, cliff caves, cave paintings, and so on.

This is an exploratory hike that requires a high level of fitness and endurance, extensive hiking and mountaineering experience, and the flexibility to adapt to changes in routes, weather, and other conditions. There are hostels along the way, so you don't have to carry too much food or go into town often for supplies.

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Lycian Way, Turkey

The Lycian Way is a long-distance hiking route, extending along the Aegean coast to southwestern Turkey, which is often called the Turquoise Coast because of the strange color of the water.

It takes 3-4 weeks to complete the 540-kilometer trail with various accommodations like a village house, apartment, inn, or tent. The best times for hiking are the mild spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November).

In spring, the ground is covered with flowers and there is still snow on the mountains; in autumn, the refreshing sea breeze comes. Under the gentle sunshine, you will pass through a valley surrounded by butterflies, have a historical dialogue with the ancient cities of Xanthos and Olympos, listen to the sound of waves hitting the rocks at Patara Beach, and overlook the blue lake and the white crescent beach.

Carrying a collapsible walking stick can help you a lot. On the Lycian Road, you may encounter rocks and canyons, so good physical fitness and endurance are essential.

Overland Track (Tasmania), Australia

The Overland Track is an approximately 80-kilometer Australian trail that runs from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair in central Tasmania.

The trail is equipped with huts, toilets, and signposts, mostly elevated boardwalks and occasional swamps, allowing you to walk safely while still feeling truly adventurous. This route is usually completed in five or six days and is popular with both experienced hikers and novice hikers.

Tasmania's summers (December-February) are cool, and the blooming flowers add vibrant color to the plains. Autumn begins to show brilliant colors, from rusty red in March to brilliant gold in April and May. The colorful fagus, Australia's only deciduous tree in autumn, puts on a vivid display. The white winter and green spring are also beautiful, and the crunching sound of walking adds to the atmosphere. It is recommended to bring a tent for an immersive outdoor adventure, where you can listen to the sound of rain, falling leaves, and animals moving around.

Hiking at Cradle Mountain

Otter Trail, South Africa

Located in Tsitsikamma National Park on the south coast of South Africa, the Otter Trail is a five-day hiking route that starts at Storms River Mouth Rest Camp and ends in Nature's Valley, following the rough sea coastline, through dense native forests, and rocky beaches.

In spring and summer (October-April), the weather is warm, wildflowers are in bloom, and you have the opportunity to swim in the waterfalls, tidal pools, rivers, and beaches, stand on the edge of the rugged cliffs, and feel the wildness and freedom of the sea. You may encounter a variety of birds, dolphins, and wildflowers. Don't forget to pay attention to otters, if you are lucky, you may even say hello to one! There are four stops, providing good infrastructure, and you will fall asleep to the sound of the waves.

It's worth noting that good hiking skills and good physical fitness are essential as crossing the Bloukrans River (remember to check the low tide time) requires swimming and climbing steep terrain with the help of ropes. Prior to entry, you are kindly asked to complete the Otter Trail Medical Questionnaire.

Druk Path Trek, Bhutan

Druk path trek is a five-day trek in Bhutan, connecting the valleys of Paro and Thimphu. This trail passes through spectacular forests, yak pastures and beautiful lakes. This five-day trek is relatively leisurely and can be enjoyed by beginners.

The starting point, Tiger's Nest Monastery, is worth the wait, as it's located on a cliffside in the upper Paro Valley. You'll then pass through rhododendron forests and glacial lakes, with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and precipitous valleys. Along the way, you'll learn more about Bhutan's history through unspoiled villages and ancient lhakhangs.

The cool autumn (September-November) is filled with festivals, ethnic minority cultures and traditions, and the mountains and valleys are visible. The spring is sunny, with rhododendrons in bloom and life flourishing, while the winter and summer are rainy and offer short sightseeing trips to nearby religious landmarks.

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Plan Your Hiking Trip With Odynovo

Hiking on different trails offers precious experiences and unforgettable memories. If you are interested in it but don't know how to choose hiking trails, please feel free to contact us, tell us your interests and needs, and you will get in touch with nature and go on an unknown adventure.