Treks for Beginners 

If you’ve you been flirting with the idea of a walking holiday for a while now but do not want it to be too strenuous, we have a number of worldwide itineraries for you that can be enjoyed by everyone. Even by beginners.

Although a reasonable good level of physical fitness is required, a trekking holiday does not have to be demanding or only for seasoned, fitter hikers.

From walking safaris in Africa to exploring the American West and from following pilgrimage trails in Japan to stepping back in time in Cuba, here is a selection of our introductory level trekking trips:

HIMALAYA >> Trek Annapurna and Everest >> 15 days

Ideal for the first time trekker in the Himalayas, this short introduction to Nepal’s highest and finest mountain ranges (Annapurna and Everest) combines over two weeks two of Nepal’s most famous trails. Showcasing their contrasts with stunning vistas along the way, you will enjoy the beauty of the Himalaya at a close range throughout the trip, from Annapurna’s glorious foothills and all the way to the famous Namche Bazaar. There are lots of departures in spring, autumn and winter.

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USA >> Deserts and Canyons of the Southwest >> 14 days

This year sees the centennial celebrations of the US National Park Service and this new trip really brings together the very best of the American West: from Death Valley and Bryce Canyon to Monument Valley and Grand Canyon, in two weeks you can combine classic landscapes with a number of iconic National Parks (Zion, Arches, Capitol Reef and Canyonlands) and explore them on your own pace.

Image credit: Cam Cope

MONGOLIA >> Gobi Traverse >> 15 days

The Great Gobi Desert is one of the last few wildernesses on earth that draws in the most avid travellers. They come to witness its unique and untouched features such as windswept sand dunes, ancient dinosaur relics, and solid ice formations of the Valley of Yol, even in the heat of the Mongolian summer! This unique trekking and camping itinerary was developed with locals – people intimate with every corner of the places you will visit. In true nomadic style you will ride through the desert on camel back and of course spend a few nights at an original ‘ger’ camp!

JAPAN >> Kii Hanto Pilgrim Hike >> 5 days

The Kii Peninsula, the largest peninsula on the island of Honshū, is one of the most sacred places in Japan. Over 1,200 years, emperors and pilgrims alike have walked an arduous journey across these mountains, deemed inhabited by the gods. This new trip is specially designed to take in the sacred sites and mountain trails that were influential in the development and exchange of Japanese culture and religion. While walking you will experience the deep connection between the environment, history, traditions and faith.

CUBA >> Cuba on Foot >> 15 days

From Vinales in the west to Sierra Maestra in the east, Cuba is a natural paradise for walkers. In Vinales Valley you can see the ‘mogotes’ limestone karst scenery, dating back 160 million years. After spotting hummingbirds, you will amble through Topes de Collantes with its exuberant flora, caves, waterfalls, grottos and cool off in crystal clear natural pools. In the Sierra Maestra National Park visit Castro’s revolutionary base, La Comandancia, and climb Cuba’s highest peak, with the colonial towns of Cienfuegos, Trinidad and Santiago breaking up the daily walks

CANADA >> Rockies Adventure >> 7 days

Spectacular mountain landscapes, comprising peaks, glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, canyons, limestone caves and fossils: there is a good reason why most of the Canadian Rockies is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area surrounding Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise contains a lifetime of walking and hiking opportunities. We visit eight National and Provincial Mountain Parks and you also get to experience the celebrated ‘Icefields Parkway’, one of the most scenic drives in the world.

Got enthusiastic about taking an adventure walking holiday and inspired by all these wonderful destinations? The next thing to do is download the trip notes or get in touch with our friendly team of travel experts for more information.