Top Ten Trekking Holidays
Trekking holidays are highly rewarding and great fun, but picking a location can be difficult when there are so many stunning options to choose from around the globe!
Fortunately we’ve compiled our ten favourite destinations for you to muse over for your next trekking holiday. Check out our picks from the difficult and challenging Silk Road to the more relaxed Japanese and Thai terrains.
1. Nepal
Nepal offers some of the world’s most spectacular scenery but you need at least three weeks for the popular base of Everest or Annapurna trek.
The best times for trekking are October and November when the air’s clear and warm – bear in mind that you also need to prepare for the high altitude. You can trek independently but there are plenty of good tour operators offering guided walks too.
2. Peru
The historic, four-day Inca Trail to the ancient Lost City of Macchu Picchu is one of the world’s greatest hikes.
Expect steep, high altitude sections, camping en route and varied terrain before being rewarded with sunrise views of the ancient ruins. A reasonable level of fitness is required. Limits on the number of hikers per year means you should book your guided walk well in advance.
3. Morocco
Morocco offers some great trekking country. Head for the High Atlas mountains close to Marrakesh where you can encounter Berbers on a two day ascent of 4,165m high Jebel Toubkal.
Trekking in the High Atlas is best done in the spring, but it can still get really chilly at night so take warm clothes. Summer is also good, though it can become incredibly hot in the valleys.
4. Tanzania
Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, presents a challenge to even the most regular trekkers. It takes about a week to reach the summit but, even if you choose not to go right to the top, the views en route are stunning.
Other great Tanzanian treks are Mount Meru or the Crater Highlands overlooking the Serengeti plains. Most famous of these is the Ngorongoro Crater which teems with wildlife.
5. Thailand
Most of Thailand’s treks leave from Chiang Mai, although other departure points include Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son and Tha Ton.
Rainforests, mountains and the chance to meet and stay with hill tribes make this a popular region to visit. Elephant back ride and white water rafting add to the adventure.
6. Greece
The Vikos Gorge in northern Greece boasts wild, unspoilt scenery. Its 1,000 m high walls make it the deepest gorge in Europe – with great views and plenty of wildlife.
It’s a reasonably strenuous trek, taking about eight hours. From the village of Monodendri, there is an amazing view into the gorge from the medieval monastery of Moni Agias Paraskevis.
7. The Silk Road, Central Asia
This ancient trade route crossing central Asia links east and west – China, Russia, India, Persia, Syria and Turkey. The region is remote and rugged and offers challenging trekking.
Trekking in Central Asia isn’t straightforward so it’s best to book with a reliable travel company. June to September offers the best weather for walking.
8. Pyrenees, France
The Pyrenees which divide France and Spain offer spectacular sightseeing. There are high peaks, coastal walks, sub-tropical valleys, vineyards, lakes and waterfalls, medieval villages as well as rare wildlife including golden eagles.
You can choose easier or more challenging routes varying from three to seven hours a day, for example, if you’re tackling the 2,600m peak of Costabona.
9. Japan
Japan boasts many hiking trails in its national parks. In between Tokyo and Kyoto, check out the Japanese Alps. There are short hikes in the river valley or more adventurous stuff higher up.
There are still echoes of feudal Japan among the thickly wooded hills where villages have traditional inns lit by stone lanterns. It gets busy here in summer so avoid visiting in late July or August.
10. Majorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
Majorca’s north west coast has moderate to fairly challenging trekking in the Serra de Tramuntana range of mountains. There are various routes, many offering great coastal views.
A pleasant and relatively easy trek following part of an old pilgrim route takes you from Soller up the narrow valley of Barranc de Biniaraix to the plateau of l’Ofre and on to the Embassement de Cuber reservoir. Allow about four hours.
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