7 Incredible Treks To Challenge Yourself On

Patagonia or the Himalaya? Mont Blanc or the Drakensberg Mountains? If you are looking for a trekking holiday to challenge yourself on, find here 7 top treks in 1000m increments for some inspiration!

At 1,000m - Great Patagonian Traverse

Capture the atmosphere of Bruce Chatwin’s travel classic ‘In Patagonia’ as you cross from Chile to Argentina through this little-known pass between Laguna del Desierto and Lago O’ Higgins. Mostly on foot and at times by boat, you will encounter some of the most captivating and untouched national parks in the region and be among the first to discover this seldom used visitors pass between the shores of the two lakes, offering a unique insight into a side of Patagonia rarely seen by other trekkers.

Great Patagonian Traverse (15 days) departs December-February 

At 2,000m - Drakensberg & Kruger Walking Safari

Named ‘uKhahlamba’ (barrier of spears) in the local Zulu language, the Drakensberg Mountains are the highest range in southern Africa, with many distinctive basalt buttresses gracing the skyline. Explore them during a series of day hikes, and make sure you've come well-prepared for the ascent of the Amphitheatre. Of course, you'll also head to Kruger Park for game viewing, one of Africa’s most sought after experiences. Venturing out to see big game in their natural surroundings is always awe-inspiring but viewing wildlife on foot is the ultimate safari experience.

South Africa Walking Adventure (14 days) departs daily year round

 

At 3,000m - Mont Blanc Guided Walk

Few walks in the world offer the incredible high alpine views and picture-postcard scenery found at Mont Blanc: high mountain passes, lush valleys and highway sized glaciers! Commencing from the Chamonix Valley in France, the route takes you through Italy and Switzerland on a horseshoe circuit around the Mont Blanc massif. With a mule carrying your luggage, you can enjoy each day’s walk having only a day pack and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of this sublime mountain.

Mont Blanc Guided Walk  (7 days) departs June-September - with UTracks

 

At 4,000m - Classic Inca Trail

South America is one of the most captivating continents on the planet, geographically diverse and ecologically rich, with a fascinating history and of course one of the most mesmerising icons in the world, Machu Picchu. The historic Inca Trail is a superb introduction to trekking in the Andes – ascending jungle trails and cloud forests, it takes in the panorama of surrounding peaks before reaching the exhilarating yet enigmatic ruins of Machu Picchu.

Classic Inca Trail (11 days) departs twice weekly, March - December

 

At 5,000m - Everest Base Camp Trek in Comfort

This trek is designed to fulfil the dream of many adrenaline-seekers: to experience the historic route to the base of the world’s highest mountain. After a slow ascent through picturesque Sherpa villages, visiting traditional monasteries and enjoying the spectacular scenery, the trip culminates with a fine opportunity to trek to both Everest Base Camp and the nearby peak of Kala Pattar for spectacular views of the mighty Mount Everest.

Everest Base Camp Trek in Comfort (18 days) departs September-May

At 6,000m - Summits of Bolivia

A spectacular alpine region, the towering white peaks of the Cordillera Real provide a majestic backdrop above the vast Bolivian altiplano. To ensure sound acclimatisation you will spend time in La Paz and the ‘Island of the Sun’ on Lake Titicaca, before heading to the snow capped Cordillera Real, where you will undertake two days of training with experienced guides to prepare for the ascents.

Summits of Bolivia (19 days) departs in July

At 7,000m - Peak Lenin Expedition

Situated on the Tajikistan–Kyrgyzstan border, Peak Lenin stands at an altitude of 7,134m and is the second highest mountain in the Pamir mountain range. This is an advanced mountaineering expedition, however it is a popular and straightforward ascent, suitable for those who wish to climb for the first time over 7,000 metres and have a high level of fitness, basic mountaineering skills and prior experience at high altitude.

Peak Lenin Expedition (30+ days) departs each year in July

So what are you waiting for? Challenge yourself this year and embark on one of these incredible treks. Now the hard part is choosing!