16 Best Hikes in the World
The world offers endless beauty and adventure, and hiking is one of the best ways to experience it all.
The best hikes in the world have much to offer, from snowy mountain peaks to remote desert trails and fiery volcanoes.
Whether you’re after an easy but rewarding hike or want the challenge of summiting one of the world’s highest peaks, there are many hikes in the world you’ve got to experience.
While the world offers endless fantastic hiking opportunities, here are our top picks for some of the best hikes in the world.
1. Mount Toubkal
Country: Morocco
Length of Hike: 2-3 days (37 km / 23 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Mount Toubkal is the highest peak in North Africa, located in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco.
Reaching the top is one of the world’s best hikes if you’re after dramatic scenery and a seriously rewarding climb.
The hike to the summit offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including the Sahara Desert in the distance. Few mountain summits in the world offer such impressive desert views.
The route begins in Imlil and passes through Berber villages, terraced fields, and rugged mountain terrain.
The final ascent is challenging due to steep and rocky paths, but, as we’ve said, the panoramic views from the summit are well worth the effort.
The hike is best done in the summer or early autumn, although a snowy winter ascent is also a great experience. You’ll also want a guide to help you navigate the tricky desert climate.
Consider this guided Mount Toubkal hike for the best way to reach the top.
2. Kilimanjaro Summit
Country: Tanzania
Length of Hike: 6-9 days (60-100 km / 37-62 miles)
Difficulty: Challenging
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and one of the Seven Summits. Thanks to its relatively accessible route (no technical mountaineering skills required) and beautiful landscapes, it’s also one of the world’s best hikes.
There are several routes up to the summit, with the Machame and Marangu routes being the most popular.
You can choose your specific route based on your fitness level, experience, and desired type of hike.
Your tour operator will also have a big say in which route they think is best.
Whichever route you take, the hike passes through various ecosystems, from tropical rainforest to alpine desert, before reaching the icy summit.
The final ascent to Uhuru Peak is the most challenging, requiring an early morning start and a steep climb.
The views from the top are spectacular, with a panoramic view of the African savannah. Reaching this summit is an unforgettable moment on every hiker’s bucket list.
Acclimatisation is critical to avoiding altitude sickness, so the hike takes around a week to complete.
Check out our various guided options for climbing Kilimanjaro to help you plan your hike.
3. Mount Triglav
Country: Slovenia
Length of Hike: 20 km / 12 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Many people don’t know about Mount Triglav in Slovenia, but that doesn’t mean it’s not one of the best hikes in the world.
Mount Triglav is Slovenia’s highest peak and a national symbol. It’s also on our list of the best hikes in Europe.
The hike typically starts from Bohinj or Bled and passes through the Julian Alps.
The trail offers stunning views of alpine meadows, dense forests, and rugged peaks. The ascent to the summit involves some scrambling, especially on the final section known as the Triglav Ladder.
This ascent is the ultimate via ferrata experience, and it’s an excellent way for beginners to get a feel for the more technical side of mountaineering.
Once at the top, you’re greeted with expansive views of Slovenia and neighbouring countries.
Many hikers complete this trek over two days, spending a night at a mountain hut, although it’s possible to do this as a day hike.
Consider joining our guided Mt. Triglav summit tour for an unforgettable experience up to this summit.
4. The Matterhorn Circuit
Country: Switzerland
Length of Hike: 8-10 days (144 km / 89 miles)
Difficulty: Challenging
The Matterhorn Circuit, also known as the Tour of the Matterhorn, is a multi-day hike that circles the iconic Matterhorn mountain.
It’s one of the best long hikes in the world for those who want to experience the famous Matterhorn without trying to reach its difficult summit.
This trail passes through Switzerland and Italy, offering views of the dramatic peak from all angles. The hike crosses several high mountain passes, with panoramic views of glaciers, alpine meadows, and pristine lakes.
The trail is well-marked and offers accommodation in mountain huts and small villages. The circuit is best tackled in the summer when the weather is more stable.
If this trail sounds exciting, consider joining our 4-day Matterhorn highlights adventure. This hike covers a shorter section of this trail, letting you experience the best of it over a less intense hike.
5. Everest Base Camp Hike
Country: Nepal
Length of Hike: 12-14 days (130 km / 81 miles)
Difficulty: Challenging
The Everest Base Camp Hike is one of the most famous long-distance trails in the world. It takes you to the foot of Mount Everest.
From Lukla, the trail winds through the Khumbu Valley, passing Sherpa villages, monasteries, and rugged mountain terrain.
The altitude makes this trek challenging, but the rewards are unparalleled views of some of the highest peaks on Earth, including Everest itself.
The hike ends at Everest Base Camp, where climbers prepare for their summit attempts. Reaching this iconic destination after a major adventure is what makes it one of the top hikes in the world.
The best time to hike is during the pre-monsoon (March to May) or post-monsoon (September to November) seasons. This is one of the best treks in Nepal, and the trail is well marked and easy to follow.
Sound exciting? Look at our 16-day Everest base camp hike for the ultimate hiking adventure in the Himalayas.
6. Mont Blanc Summit
Country: France, Italy
Length of Hike: 2-3 days (25 km / 16 miles)
Difficulty: Very Difficult
Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps, offers a challenging and technical climb to its summit. It’s not an easy climb, but it’s undoubtedly one of the world’s best hikes thanks to the amazing views and sense of accomplishment you’ll feel on the snowy peak.
The route is typically attempted over two or three days, with a night spent in a mountain hut.
The hike involves crossing glaciers, navigating crevasses, and climbing steep snow and ice slopes. You’ll need a guide to safely navigate all of this.
The views from the summit are breathtaking, with a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding Alps. However, if you want to attempt this hike, you must have some decent mountaineering experience.
Check out our guided Mont Blanc climb if you’d like to reach the summit safely with expert guides.
7. The Jordan Trail
Country: Jordan
Length of Hike: 40 days (675 km / 420 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
The Jordan Trail is a long-distance hiking route that stretches across Jordan from Umm Qais in the north to Aqaba in the south.
Ask anyone who’s done this trail, and they’ll tell you it’s one of the best hiking treks in the world.
This trail offers a diverse experience, from the lush northern hills to the arid desert landscapes of Wadi Rum.
Highlights include the ancient city of Petra, the Dana Biosphere Reserve, and the spectacular sandstone formations of Wadi Rum.
Few long-distance hikes include such dramatic desert scenery.
While the entire trail takes over a month to complete, many hikers choose to trek sections, particularly the popular route from Dana to Petra, which can be done in about five days.
Check out our fun guided Jordan Trail hike that covers the best section of this trail over 9 days.
Get the genuine experience
8. Aconcagua Summit
Country: Argentina
Length of Hike: 18-20 days (114 km / 71 miles)
Difficulty: Very Difficult
Aconcagua is the highest mountain in the Americas and one of the Seven Summits. It’s a truly epic peak that offers an incredible hike for the brave.
The climb to the summit is a non-technical hike, but the extreme altitude and harsh weather conditions make it very challenging.
Any hiker can accomplish this impressive hike if you have good fitness levels, a reliable guide, and the right mindset.
The trek typically starts from the town of Mendoza and proceeds gradually through arid valleys and rugged terrain. The final push to the summit is gruelling due to the lack of oxygen and cold temperatures.
However, when you reach the top, the views from the summit are spectacular, and there is a vast panorama of the Andes Mountains.
Proper acclimatisation is needed for a successful summit, which is why the hike takes so long to complete.
If this hike sounds like something you’d like to do, consider joining our guided Aconcagua climb for a truly bucket list-worthy hiking experience.
9. Mount Kenya
Country: Kenya
Length of Hike: 5-7 days (45-65 km / 28-40 miles)
Difficulty: Challenging
Mount Kenya is Africa’s second-highest mountain and offers a less crowded alternative to Kilimanjaro.
Although the hike isn’t as well known as its Tanzanian counterpart, it’s still among the world’s best hikes.
The trek passes through various landscapes, from lush forests to alpine moorland, before reaching the jagged peaks of Point Lenana. You won’t get bored along this trail.
There are various routes to the summit, with the Sirimon and Chogoria routes being the most popular. The final ascent to Point Lenana is steep and involves some scrambling, so be prepared.
The views from the top are stunning. On a clear day, you can see Kilimanjaro in the distance.
Inspired? Join our Mount Kenya hike for an unforgettable adventure.
10. Peaks of the Balkans Hike
Country: Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro
Length of Hike: 10-13 days (192 km / 119 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
The Peaks of the Balkans Hike is a circular trek through the rugged mountain ranges of Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro.
This area is one of the most beautiful mountain regions in the world, and hiking here is truly spectacular.
This trail offers a remote and off-the-beaten-path experience, passing through traditional mountain villages, alpine meadows, and dramatic peaks. The route is well-marked and provides accommodation in guesthouses and mountain huts.
Highlights include the Valbona Valley, the Theth National Park, and the stunning views of the Accursed Mountains.
While this long-distance hiking trail is epic, you can shorten it and still enjoy one of the best hikes in the world. Check out our 8-day version of the peaks of the Balkans hike for one of the best hiking experiences of your life.
11. The Inca Trail
Country: Peru
Length of Hike: 4-5 days (43 km / 27 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
The Inca Trail is one of the most famous hikes in the world, mainly because it leads to the ancient city of Machu Picchu.
Along the way, the trail passes through lush cloud forests, ancient Incan ruins, and high mountain passes, including the infamous Dead Woman’s Pass.
The final day of the hike brings you to the Sun Gate, where you get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu.
The high altitude and steep sections add a bit of challenge to this hike, but the scenery and historical significance make it well worth the effort. The trail is regulated, and permits are required, so booking in advance is essential.
Consider joining our classic Inca Trail hike for an experience of a lifetime.
12. Torres Del Paine O Circuit
Country: Chile
Length of Hike: 8-10 days (130 km / 81 miles)
Difficulty: Challenging
Another one of the best hikes in the world, the Torres del Paine O Circuit, is based in South America and is a stunning trek through the Patagonian wilderness.
The trail takes you around the entire Torres del Paine massif, offering views of glaciers, turquoise lakes, and dramatic granite peaks.
The hike includes the famous “W” section, which visits the iconic towers, but the O Circuit goes beyond - offering a more remote and less crowded experience.
The terrain is varied, with steep climbs, river crossings, and sometimes unpredictable weather.
The best time to hike is from November to March when the weather is milder. However, this is Patagonia, so you need to be prepared for all kinds of weather conditions.
The hike can be done self-guided, but if you’re new to the Patagonia region, we recommend doing it with an experienced guide. For more details, take a look at our guided O Circuit.
13. High Tatras Hiking
Country: Slovakia, Poland
Length of Hike: Varies (1-7 days, multiple trails)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
The High Tatras mountain range offers some of the best hiking in Central Europe, with trails that suit different fitness levels and experiences.
The trails take you through alpine meadows, past glacial lakes, and up to rugged peaks.
Some of the most popular routes include the trek to Rysy, the highest peak in Poland, and the trail to Teryho Chata, a mountain hut nestled high in the mountains.
The trails here are well-marked, with plenty of mountain huts for overnight stays.
Consider our 4-day High Tatras and Slovak paradise hiking adventure to experience some of the best trails in this region.
14. Tour du Mont Blanc
Country: France, Italy, Switzerland
Length of Hike: 10-12 days (170 km / 105 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the best multi-day hikes in Europe, circling the Mont Blanc massif. It’s also one of the best hikes worldwide if you’re after beautiful mountain scenery and a bit of cultural immersion.
The trail passes through France, Italy, and Switzerland, offering stunning views of glaciers, alpine meadows, and snow-capped peaks. It is well-marked and offers a mix of accommodations, from mountain huts to hotels in charming alpine villages.
Although the trail is long, it’s mostly pretty flat and easy to manage, so any hiker can attempt this route.
The hike involves several high mountain passes, climbs and descents, but the scenery is breathtaking.
Of course, you can break this hike down into shorter sections if you can’t commit to the entire circuit. Check out our Tour du Mont Blanc highlights tour that can be done over 4 days.
15. Mount Olympus
Country: Greece
Length of Hike: 20 km / 12 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece and the legendary home of the Greek gods. If you’re after the best mountain hikes in the world, this should be on the list.
The hike to the summit, known as Mytikas, is a popular adventure that begins in the village of Litochoro. The trail passes through lush forests, alpine meadows, and rocky terrain before reaching the summit.
The final ascent to Mytikas is steep and involves some scrambling, but the views from the top are spectacular. They offer a panoramic view of the Aegean Sea and the surrounding mountains.
Consider joining our epic Mount Olympus hike for the best way to reach this summit.
16. Acatenango Volcano
Country: Guatemala
Length of Hike: 15 km / 9 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Have you ever hiked up a volcano? It’s an awesome experience, and Guatemala is the best place to do it!
Acatenango Volcano offers a thrilling hike, and the reward is witnessing one of the most active volcanoes in Central America, Volcán de Fuego, erupting in the distance.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, this has got to be one of the best hikes in Central America.
The hike begins in the village of La Soledad and passes through farmland, cloud forests, and a volcanic landscape. The hike is steep, with a significant elevation gain, but the views from the summit are well worth the effort.
Most hikers camp overnight near the summit to watch the fiery eruptions of Volcán de Fuego at night.
Join our 8-day Guatemala adventure to experience this hike, amongst many other exciting activities in Guatemala.
Summary
We chose these trails as the best hikes in the world due to their wide range of landscapes and the experiences on offer. There are trails for every kind of hiker, and completing any of these hikes will leave you with a new appreciation for the pure natural beauty of planet Earth.
