10 Ultimate Bucket List Hikes for Every Adventurer
AtSkyhook, we're passionate about pushing boundaries and redefining what it means to have a bucket list adventure.
So, we've handpicked some of the world's most breathtaking and challenging bucket list hikes.
From scaling iconic peaks to travelling in remote wilderness, these experiences will reshape how you see the world.
Ready to turn your hiking dreams into reality? Let's dive into our ultimate bucket list hikes!
Gorgeous views on the Tour du Mont Blanc highlights trip.
1. Tour du Mont Blanc
Location: France, Italy, and Switzerland
Duration: 7-11 days
Difficulty: Challenging
TheTour du Mont Blanc (TMB) circles the Mont Blanc massif and takes you through three countries. This 170 km trek perfectly blends challenging hiking and cultural experiences.
As you cross alpine meadows and high mountain passes, you'll be treated to ever-changing views of glaciers, jagged peaks, and idyllic mountain villages.
You can rest in comfortableTour du Mont Blanc refuges or small hotels each night, sample delicious local cuisine, and mingle with fellow hikers worldwide.
We also offer seasoned hikers theVues du Mont Blanc (Tour Des Muverans), a challenging four-day trek near Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva that provides a unique perspective on this stunning region.
Mountaineers at the summit of Mount Toubkal.
2. Mount Toubkal
Location: Morocco
Duration: 2-3 days
Difficulty: Challenging
Standing at 4,167 metres, Mount Toubkal inMorocco is the highest peak in North Africa.
This non-technical yet challenging summit is perfect for adventurers looking to push their limits and experience the raw beauty of the Atlas Mountains.
The journey begins in the vibrant city of Marrakech before a short drive to the mountain village of Imlil.
You'll trek through traditional Berber villages, rocky paths, and snow-capped peaks from there.
The final ascent to the summit is challenging but rewarding, offering panoramic views of the Sahara Desert and the Atlantic coast on a clear day.
OurHike Mount Toubkal is designed for those seeking an accessible yet exhilarating high-altitude adventure.
TheEverest Base Camp Trek is a leading bucket list hike for many. This iconic expedition takes you through the heart of the Khumbu region, offering unparalleled views of the world's highest peaks.
Starting with a thrilling flight to Lukla, you'll trek through rhododendron forests, cross suspension bridges over roaring rivers, and pass through charming Sherpa villages.
As you ascend, the landscape transforms into a rugged, high-altitude wilderness.
The trek culminates at Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and Kala Patthar (5,545m), where you'll stand in awe of the Khumbu Icefall and the mighty Everest itself.
Climbing Kilimanjaro presents the best views and memories.
4. Kilimanjaro
Location: Tanzania
Duration: 5-9 days
Difficulty: Challenging
For good reason,Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak at 5,895 metres, is a favourite on the bucket list.
This dormant volcano offers a challenging yet achievable trek for adventurers of various fitness levels, making it an excellent choice for your first high-altitude expedition.
The journey to the "Roof of Africa" takes you through five different climate zones before reaching the snow-capped summit. We offer several routes up Kilimanjaro:
Kilimanjaro Machame (6-Day Trek): Known as the "Whiskey Route," this scenic path offers a higher success rate due to its excellent acclimatisation profile.
Hiking the Norwegian Fjords, you'll enjoy some of the world's most dramatic and awe-inspiring landscapes - from towering escarpments and beautiful waterfalls to serene lakes and lush valleys.
While there are numerous trails to choose from, some iconic hikes include:
Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock): A challenging day hike with breathtaking views over Lysefjorden
Kjeragbolten: Famous for the boulder wedged between two cliffs, this hike offers thrilling photo opportunities
Trolltunga: A long day hike or overnight trek to the "Troll's Tongue," a rock formation jutting out over Lake Ringedalsvatne
Whichever route you choose, you'll be treated to stunning mountain scenery, fascinating Incan history, and the unforgettable moment of seeing Machu Picchu for the first time through the Sun Gate.
7. Patagonia: Torres del Paine National Park
Location: Chile
Duration: 5-8 days
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Patagonia's Torres del Paine National Park offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth. The park is famous for its diverse trails that wind through glaciers, lakes, and towering granite peaks.
Some of the park's primary hiking circuits include:
W Trek Patagonia: This is an 80 km route shaped like a 'W', featuring highlights such as the Grey Glacier, French Valley, and the Base of the Towers.
O Trek Patagonia: Thismore challenging route circles the entire Paine massif, including the W Trek and the park's wilder northern section.
We offer several ways to experience Torres del Paine:
Torres del Paine O CircuitSelf-Guided: A more comprehensive trek around the Paine massif, including breathtaking views at Dickson, Valle Los Perros, and the John Garner Pass.
Guided Torres del Paine O Circuit: This whole Paine massif experience with expert guides is ideal for those seeking a more supported adventure.
Crossing a big suspension bridge on the EBC trail.
The Annapurna Circuit is often called one of the most diverse treks in the world.
This 160-230 km journey takes you around the Annapurna massif through subtropical forests, arid high-mountain landscapes, and everything in between.
Highlights of the trek include:
Crossing the challenging Thorong La Pass (5,416m)
Visiting the holy site of Muktinath
Witnessing sunrise over the Annapurnas from Poon Hill
Experiencing the rich cultural diversity of Nepal's mountain communities
As Australia's highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko is great for beginner climbers and hikers.
9. Overland Track
Location: Tasmania, Australia
Duration: 5-6 days
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
The Overland Track is Australia's premier alpine walk, stretching 65 km through the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
This trek takes you from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair, Australia's deepest lake, through rugged mountains, temperate rainforests, and glacial valleys.
You will love:
The option to summit Cradle Mountain
Stunning views of Barn Bluff and Mount Ossa (Tasmania's highest peak)
Ancient rainforests and button grass moorlands
Abundant wildlife, including wombats, platypus, and Tasmanian devils
While lower and shorter than other treks on this list, the Overland Track offers a unique opportunity to experience one of the world's last significant wilderness areas.
Hikers on Mt Kenya
10. Mt Kenya
Location: Kenya
Duration: 5-7days
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
This mountain is the second highest in Africa.
It presents various routes suitable for both trekkers aiming to reach Point Lenana, the third highest peak, and more experienced climbers targeting the higher summits of Nelion and Batian.
You can book ourMt Kenya trip, where we take you to Lenana Peak using the scenic Chogoria route.
Starting in Nairobi, you'll travel to Sagana for a briefing, then to Chogoria to begin your hike through diverse terrains, from dense forests at 1,600m to moorland at 3,400m near Lake Ellis.
On day four, experience the beauty of Gorges Valley and ascend to the summit for sunrise. Enjoy spectacular views before descending via the Sirimon route.
The adventure concludes with a walk to the park gate and a drive back to Nairobi.
Happy hikers taking on Kili, as the mountain is commonly called.
Conclusion
Alright, the gauntlet has been thrown! From the icy peaks of Kilimanjaro to the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu, these are the epic hikes you want to finish at least once.
Think you can handle the thin air of Everest Base Camp? Ready to test your legs on the Tour du Mont Blanc? Or are you brave enough to tackle the wild beauty of Patagonia?
Lace up those boots, pack your sense of adventure, and let's hit the trails. Your next great story is out there waiting to be hiked!
