There’s a special kind of magic found only on a trail. It’s the rhythm of your own footsteps, the quiet conversation with the landscape, and the profound sense of connection to the planet that only comes from moving through it slowly, on your own two feet. For those who hear the call of the wild, a great trek is more than a vacation; it’s a pilgrimage. The world is crisscrossed with incredible paths, each offering a unique story and a formidable challenge. We’ve compiled a list that spans continents and climates to bring you a selection of the most breathtaking journeys you can take.
Choosing just a few paths from the countless options across the globe is no small task, as every hiker has their own personal favorite. However, some trails consistently capture the imagination for their raw beauty, cultural significance, and sheer grandeur. This list of the 11 best hiking trails and treks in the world is designed to inspire your next great adventure, whether you’re drawn to the high-altitude drama of the Himalayas or the coastal splendors of Europe.
What Makes a Trail One of the Best?
It’s not just about distance or difficulty. A truly great trail often combines several elements: stunning and varied scenery, a well-defined and maintained path, a sense of accomplishment, and a unique cultural or historical component. It should challenge you, but also reward you with moments of pure, unadulterated joy and vistas that will stay with you for a lifetime. The best trails make you feel small in a vast, beautiful world.
The Ultimate List: 11 Best Hiking Trails and Treks in the World
From multi-week expeditions to shorter, more accessible classics, here are some of the planet’s most extraordinary trails that belong on every hiker’s list.
Inca Trail, Peru
This is more than a hike; it’s a journey through history. The four-day trek to Machu Picchu winds through cloud forests, past ancient Incan ruins, and over high mountain passes. The culmination—walking through the Sun Gate for your first view of the lost city—is an unforgettable moment that makes every step worthwhile.
Tour du Mont Blanc, France, Italy, & Switzerland
Circling the Mont Blanc massif, this classic European trek takes you through three countries in about 10-11 days. You’ll experience charming alpine villages, glacial valleys, and some of the most spectacular mountain scenery the Alps have to offer, all while enjoying the comfort of refugios (mountain huts) along the way.
Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal
The ultimate pilgrimage for mountain lovers, this two-week trek brings you into the heart of the Himalayas. Following in the footsteps of legendary climbers, you’ll walk through Sherpa villages, visit ancient monasteries, and stand in awe beneath the world’s highest peak. The altitude is a serious challenge, but the cultural and visual rewards are immense.
Pacific Crest Trail, USA
Made famous by books and films, the PCT is a long-distance hiker’s dream. Stretching over 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada, it traverses the dramatic landscapes of California, Oregon, and Washington. While few have the time to complete the entire thru-hike, its iconic sections, like the John Muir Trail, offer a taste of its magic.
Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Standing on the “Roof of Africa” is a powerful achievement. This trek isn’t a technical climb, but a sustained high-altitude walk through five distinct ecological zones, from rainforest to arctic summit. Reaching Uhuru Peak at sunrise is a profoundly moving experience that draws thousands of trekkers each year.
Torres del Paine W Trek, Chile
Patagonia is a land of mythic proportions, and the W Trek is its star attraction. Over four to five days, you’ll witness the park’s most iconic features: the soaring granite pillars of the Torres themselves, the immense Grey Glacier, and the fierce windswept beauty of the French Valley.
Milford Track, New Zealand
Often called “the finest walk in the world,” this 33-mile journey on New Zealand’s South Island is a masterpiece of nature. You’ll walk through pristine rainforests, past powerful waterfalls, and over the Mackinnon Pass for a breathtaking descent into the majestic Sutherland Sound.
West Highland Way, Scotland
As Scotland’s first official long-distance trail, this 96-mile route from Milngavie to Fort William is a wonderful introduction to the Scottish Highlands. It offers a beautiful mix of lowland lochs, rolling hills, and rugged moorland, with a rich history and cozy pubs never too far away.
Laugavegur Trail, Iceland
This otherworldly trek feels like walking across another planet. Over four days, the landscape transforms from colorful rhyolite mountains and geothermal hot springs to vast black sand deserts and powerful glacial rivers. It’s a stark, raw, and incredibly beautiful adventure.
Jordan Trail, Jordan
For a trek steeped in ancient history, the Jordan Trail is unparalleled. While the full trail crosses the entire country, its most famous section is the walk through Petra’s hidden back entrance and the several days spent in the vast, silent expanse of Wadi Rum, sleeping under a blanket of stars.
The Haute Route, France to Switzerland
Connecting Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn, this high-level trek is a step up in difficulty from the Tour du Mont Blanc. It involves more glacier travel and higher passes, offering seasoned hikers unparalleled, close-up views of some of Europe’s most famous peaks.
Preparing for Your Big Adventure
Embarking on one of these epic journeys requires more than just a good pair of boots. Physical preparation is key; start training months in advance with weighted pack walks and cardio. Research your chosen trail thoroughly, understanding the permits required, the best season to go, and the level of accommodation available. Always pack for variable weather, and remember that on long treks, your mindset is just as important as your fitness.
Whether you’re drawn to the historical paths of Peru, the icy realms of Nepal, or the volcanic landscapes of Iceland, the world’s best hiking trails and treks offer a chance to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with something much larger. They remind us of the raw beauty of our planet and the simple, profound joy of putting one foot in front of the other. Your next great adventure is out there, waiting on a trail.