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How many of these epic trails have you done?

Huayhuash, Peru | Ken Harris
Huayhuash, Peru | Ken Harris

Few things in life are more satisfying than exploring the world with your own two feet. Walking offers a perfect excuse to reconnect with nature, challenge yourself and enter landscapes that inspire and nurture us in a way our urban environment rarely does. Make the first step of your next trekking adventure even easier with this selection of the world's most epic trails. 

Transcaucasian Trail

Length: Once completed, it will extend more than 3,000km. There are options to trek selected sections, starting from 8 days.

13th century Ananuri Castle on the shores of the Aragvi River.

What makes it special? Orthodox Christian monasteries, dense forests and stunning mountain lakes are currently connected by sections of the Transcaucasian Trail. Think places like Lake Sevan, an ancient cave town, and the mountains and glaciers of Svaneti. It's already anticipated to be trekking's next big thing. Be amongst the firsts on this new trail in Georgia or Armenia, or combine both treks for an 18-day adventure.

Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail

Length: There are multiple routes; our hikes range from 44km (27 miles) to 110km (69 miles).

What makes it special? The Kumano Mountains is UNESCO World Heritage listed and deemed a spiritual region inhabited by the gods. Its sacred sites and mountain trails were influential in developing and exchanging Japanese culture and religion. Trekking through dense forest with its many streams, rivers and waterfalls and following old pilgrimage routes past ancient shrines, this 1000-year-old pilgrimage hike offers a spectacular back-to-nature experience to the three Grand Shrines of Kumano.

You can also become a 'Dual Pilgrim' and walk both the Kumano Kodo and Camino de Santiago.

Mossy stairs hiking the beautiful Kumano Kodo Trail |  <i>Jake Hutchins</i>

Alternative option: Mount Kailash pilgrimage in Tibet.

The Great Himalayan Trail

Length: 1,700km (1057 miles) over 150 days.

What makes it special? This is the uber trek of treks and traverses the entire length of Nepal, from east to west, via the high route. You'll see all of Nepal's 8000-metre peaks, trek through villages where the culture has remained intact for centuries and have the opportunity to spot unique wildlife, such as the red panda.

 

Alternative option: If you don't have five months to spare, you can trek sections of the trail which range from 18 to 34 days.

Everest Base Camp Trek

Length: 65km (41 miles) from Lukla to Everest Base Camp.

What makes it special? Being the highest mountain on earth, the base of Mount Everest is a true magnet for trekkers in Nepal. But there is more that makes our EBC trek special: unsurpassed views from Kala Pattar (5545m), private eco camps, safe acclimatisation, freshly prepared meals and guaranteed departures on all dates.

 

Alternative option: Go beyond Everest Base Camp on the Everest Circuit and the Cho La trek, or challenge yourself on our Everest High Passes trek that takes you to the best vantage points of the Everest region over three high passes. 

If you've already explored the Everest region, why not head to the Annapurnas on our Annapurna Circuit adventure? It's equally mesmerizing with a dramatic change as you trek north of the Great Himalayan Divide and cross the Thorong La.

John Muir Trail

Length: 340km (211 miles)

What makes it special? Carrying your full pack, trek one of North America's finest hikes. The trail takes you over 4000m passes to wander beneath high alpine peaks, traversing beautiful meadows and forested river valleys of the spectacular Sierra Nevada. You'll also summit Mount Whitney and hike in picturesque Yosemite National Park.

Ultimate camp scenery, just over Donohue Pass, California |  <i>Ken Harris</i>

The Larapinta Trail

Length: 223km (139 miles)

What makes it special? The Larapinta Trail is one of the greatest desert treks on earth. As you walk the trail from end to end, passing over remote ridges and canyons, climb Mt Sonder for sunrise and camp outback style, you can't help but marvel at the timelessness of the landscape. Or, trek in comfort and stay at our eco campsites on the Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort - officially one of the Great Walks of Australia.


Alternative option:
Kakadu Walking Adventure to experience the geographical highlights of Australia's largest national park. Venture to remote gorges and sparkling waterfalls and stay at our exclusive, comfortable campsites.

Peru's Huayhuash Circuit

Length: 165km (103 miles)

What makes it special? This challenging trek around the Cordillera Huayhuash in Northern Peru offers some of the best trekking in South America. Along the way, discover indigenous communities and breathtaking remote landscapes while you stay overnight in comfortable campsites.

 

Jordan Trail

Length: The Jordan Trail is a continuous 650km (400 miles) and 40-day trekking route crossing the entire country.

What makes it special? Cross through diverse landscapes and terrain – from rugged cliffs, enchanting 'wadis' and breathtaking scenery to archaeological monuments which showcase the country's illustrious past. 

Martian Dome Tent external view

Our Jordan Trail Highlights trip allows travellers short on time to experience some of the best parts of the Jordan Trail. The trip includes climbing Jabal Um Ad Dami - the highest peak in Jordan, where you will be rewarded with majestic views of Wadi Rum's dramatic desert landscapes across to Saudi Arabia. Over ten days, you'll traverse from the forested Ajlun Reserve in the North to the crystal waters of the Red Sea in the South to sample some of the best and lesser-known parts of the Jordan Trail.

England's Coast to Coast

Length: 315 km (195 miles)

What makes it special? The Coast to Coast is one of England's most iconic long-distance walks. Starting at St Bees on the Irish Sea coast of Cumbria, you cross three National Parks before reaching the North Sea at the pretty fishing village of Robin Hood's Bay. Guided and self-guided options are available.

Walkers on the Coast to Coast trail, England

Australia's Great Tasmanian Traverse

Length: ~300km over 39 days

What makes it special? Traverse from the island's top down to its remote southern tip, walking four of Tasmania's greatest multi-day treks. This includes summitting the iconic Cradle Mountain and Tasmania's highest peak, Mt Ossa, and rafting the mighty Franklin River.

The view from the top of Tasmania, Mt Ossa 1617m |  <i>Mark Whitelock -</i>

Walking through World Heritage Listed wilderness, the traverse promises encounters with beautiful wildlife and amazing endemic wildflowers (it has the world's tallest flowering trees!), making each day an exceptional back to nature experience.

Alternative option: Embark on each section separately: Penguin to Cradle and the Overland Track, Frenchman's Cap Trek, Franklin River Rafting or the South Coast Track.

Tour du Mont Blanc

Length: 170km (110 miles)

What makes it special? This is probably the most popular long-distance walk in Europe, and for a reason! Stay in comfortable accommodation, indulge in plenty of hearty mountain cheer and be surrounded by uninterrupted views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, lakes and passes – every step of the way.

Walking on the Tour du Mont Blanc |  <i>Michele Eckersley</i>

Alternative option: The Tour de Monte Rosa walk in Italy and Switzerland.

If you have any questions on the routes, availability or grading, get in touch with our dedicated team.

Which of these trails have you ticked off, and which are still on your must-do?

trekking, walking, hiking trails, challenging hikes

Comments (2)

Steve Handley

How would I sign up for these trips such as Everest base camp?

last year
angelap

Hi Steve, you can book with us directly online. There are hyperlinks to the trips in the article or you can find a list of our Everest treks here: https://worldexpeditions.com/Nepal-Regions/Everest

You can use the advanced search filter to find specific trips or filter out dates, grading and type of activity.

Let us know if you need further assistance or would like more information.

Thanks,
Angela - World Expeditions Team

last year
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