It is one of the most beautiful feelings to traverse along a scenic path, cross one obstacle after the other and finally look up at your destination with tired eyes, only to be refreshed by the breathtaking view. Hiking doesn't only bring you closer to nature but also to yourself. It is an activity that helps you cross your limits of mental and physical strength, it shows how strong you really are. So if you love walking aimlessly, hiking or trekking, here are the best hiking trails that you must tread upon before you die!
Located in Norway, Trolltunga, often referred to as the Troll's Tongue is one of the country's best hiking destinations. The Trolltunga is a tongue-shaped cliff that juts out at a height of 700m over the Lake Ringedalsvatnet. The view from the cliff is absolutely breathtaking, with magnificent sights of the calm lake and snow-clad mountains as far as one can see.
Terrain:
This hike will involve climbing up rock-faces, mountains and a few marshy spots.
Town of Reference, Distance and Duration:
Odda, near Oslo is the closest town of reference for the Trolltunga hike, from where you can reach the trailhead, Skjeggedal by bus. The entire trek is about 27km both ways, and usually takes about 8-11 hours to complete.
Difficulty Level:
The first 2km of the hike are fairly difficult, after which the hike gets easier.
Best Time to Hike:
June-September, the summer months are ideal for the hike as it tends to get uncomfortably cold during other seasons. The hike is well marked and can be done without guides.
If you're visiting Europe, I say ditch sight-seeing and opt for this hike, as it will bring you as close to Europe's beauty as one can get. Taking you through the most scenic European countries, France, Italy and Switzerland, this is sure to become the hike of your life. The hike circumscribes the Mont Blanc, the 'Monarch of the Alps' and is done in an anticlockwise direction. The route passes through seven picturesque valleys with the most enchanting views of mountains, lakes, and snow peaks, all in one go! This classic hike is perfect for a solo/back-packing trip.
Terrain:
The hike will take you through several villages across the mountain. The terrain is hilly, however, for majority of the hike, the paths are winding and fairly plain.
Town of Reference, Distance and Duration:
There are several starting points to the trek, depending upon which country you want to begin the hike from. Usual start points are Les Houches in the Chamonix valley or Les Contamines in the Montjoie valley in France, Courmayeur from the Italian side, and either Champex or Martigny in Switzerland. The entire hike will cover about 170km, and will take you approximately 11-12 days to complete.
Difficulty Level:
When done at leisure, the hike is moderately easy. You can divide your trek timings according to your convenience each day. The terrain of the hike is not an unachievable challenge, what may be difficult is its duration.
Best Time to Hike:
Bright, sunny and long summer days from June-mid September are ideal. Monsoon and Winter makes the terrain and weather too unpredictable, and hence, unsafe.
Closer home, our beautiful neighbour Nepal, is home to the Mt. Everest Base Camp hike which you must do! On one hand where attempting to climb the Everest is an option open only to the pros, the base camp trek is a prelim that all hikers and trekkers can complete. Located at a height of 5364m, the base camp from Nepal is known as the South Base Camp, the northern one being in Tibet. This hike is sure to mesmerise you with the awe-inspiring views of the tallest peak of the world, Mt. Everest along with the entire Himalayan range.
Terrain:
The hike will take you through rough, steep and rocky terrain. At some places, the path may not be paved and the ground may be unsettled. The real challenge of the trek is its altitude.
Town of Reference, Distance and Duration:
The closest town that you can start your trek from is Lulka, to which you can even fly to save energy. The total distance of the trek is about 63km, and will take you about 11-14 days to complete.
Difficulty Level:
Yes, the trek is challenging, however, it's not impossible. You do not need to be an expert trekker for this trek, you just need to be reasonably fit.
Best Time to Trek:
October-December is the best season to opt for this trek. The skies are crystal clear, the views magical and the weather just perfect for a trek.
This trail in Peru, South America leads you to a wonder of the world, Machu Picchu, the "Lost city of Incas". This hike is one of the highest rated hikes in the world, with views of unmatched beauty and serenity. Located in the Andes mountain range, the trail takes you through beautiful terrains of the lush green mountains, tunnels, ruins and forests, finally ending at the mysterious and stunning Machu Picchu.
Terrain:
The hike will take you through rocky terrain, barren lands, and jungles.
Town of Reference, Distance and Duration:
The trail head is 82km, which can be reached by road or by train from a town called Cusco. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is of about 45km and takes around 3-4 days to complete. The hike can be divided with stops at Wyllabamba, Pacamayo, and Winay Winaya before you reach Machu Picchu.
Difficulty Level:
The hike is towards high difficulty, however, one need not be a professional to complete it.
Best Time to Hike:
April-August is the best time to trek as the weather is comfortable and is not rainy or damp. However, the trail is open all through the year expect February-March, so you can take your pick if you fancy harsh winter and unending rains.
Located in the enchanting Northern Ireland, Causeway Coast Way is low lying coastal walking route and is also a World Heritage Site. This hike is a pleasure for the eyes at every step of the way with unbelievable views of wide bays, beaches, shores and cliffs. The trail links the two towns, Ballycastle and Portstewart which are home to the best tourist spots of the country.
Terrain:
The hike will take you through varied terrains, you'll be crossing cliffs, rocky paths, beaches, and also a few road links.
Town of Reference, Distance and Duration:
The trailhead for this hike is the Antrim County, whereas the closest town is Portstewart. The hike is 53km long and takes about 2-3 days to complete.
Level of Diffculty:
The hike is an easy one, with most of the route being pretty straightforward. So, if you're someone who hasn't trekked before, there's nothing to worry about. The highest point of the hike is only 140m above the sea level, and thus, it doesn't come with any challenging turfs. Enjoy your promenade on beaches and the enchanting views of Northern Ireland.
Best Time to Hike:
May-November is an ideal period within which you can opt for this hike. Spring and summer bring with them beautiful scenes and temperatures that are comfortable and allow you to enjoy the scenic views.
A visit to the United States of America is incomplete without a trip to Grand Canyon. So, if you're visiting Grand Canyon sometime soon, there Mooney Falls hike is one that you must experience. This hike is more of a climb down a cliff and two tunnels, and needless to say, very scary until you actually get to completing it. On this hike, you will be climbing down steep wooden steps, and walking down with the help of exposed chains and bolts. This descent will take you to the bottom of the Mooney Falls, and offer a majestic view of the falls which is twice as tall as the famous Havasu Falls in the Canyon. Once there, you can picnic along the pools of the waterfalls, swim, and enjoy on a rope swing!
Terrain:
The terrain down this hike includes step rock-faces and tunnel crossings. The mist from the falls makes the stairs and ropes a little slippery, which is a challenge.
Point of Reference, Distance and Duration:
The Mooney Falls is about a mile away from the Havasupai campground and takes only about 20-30 minutes to complete.
Level of Difficulty:
This is a hike of moderate difficulty. However, in case you have a fear of heights, the climb down may appear much scarier to you. So keep in mind the height, and descend with caution.
Best Time To Hike:
March-May and September- November are the best time to hike around the Grand Canyon and visit the Mooney Falls as the daytime temperatures are cool and comfortable to explore.
The King's Trail in Sweden is yet another European hike that will take you through amazing views of different types of landscapes—forests, valleys, lakes and mountains. The hike also takes you to Mount Kebnekaise, which is the highest peak of Sweden. For good reason, King's Trail is often refereed to as the King of all hiking trails. The hike is extremely picturesque with unseen beauty at every turn. So, get ready to lose yourself to the beauty of nature and immerse in an experience of a lifetime.
Terrain:
This hike is fairly linear and will take you through mountain trails, open fields and jungles. You will be walking amidst wilderness and some of the best sceneries of Sweden.
Point of Reference, Distance and Duration:
The trail starts from Abisko and goes on till Hemavan which is a total of a whopping 425km. However, one can choose sections between the hike in order to make it more do-able. The most frequented part of the trail is Abisko-Singi and further on towards Nikkaluokta passing by Kebnekaise Mountain Station on to the foothills of Mount Kebnekaise. This is a total of about 72km and takes about 8-9 days to complete.
Level of Difficulty:
This is a fairly easy hike.
Best Time to Hike:
An ideal time for this hike is from mid-July to August when the summer season is in peak. This is also the time when the hike gets most crowded, so it's a good time to go if you like being surrounded by people in unknown territory.
These beautiful hikes are sure to make you feel disgusted about the mediocre life you're living in a concrete jungle. So, get up, take action and visit one of these hikes that will change your life forever.
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