Blissful air, inspiring flora, and fauna, jaw-dropping picture-perfect moments, hiking is an excellent way to challenge your explorer's instinct and recharge you mentally. While hiking isn't everyone's cup of tea, it is an undeniably thrilling experience. The enthusiasm of climbing some of the world's magnificent destinations is indescribable.
The best backpacking and hiking trips in the world are a combination of strenuous challenges and bucket list-worthy locations. It may not be easy trekking your way to the hilltop, but it is no less than an epic experience. Here are seven backpacking hikes to fulfill your spirit of adventure.
Everest Base Camp, Nepal
Hiking Duration: 16 days
Distance: 80 miles
Best time to visit: Mid-May to Late-September
Trekking the Everest Base Camp may make you feel on top of the world. The Everest camp, at the foot of the Khumbu Glacier, stands at 5545 meters above sea level. While hiking the magnificent Everest, you will pass through the Buddhist monasteries, tiny Sherpa villages, Sagarmatha National Park. The trek brings you close to the highest point on Earth, the culture, and the people. The Ama Dablam climb itinerary is one of the classic Himalayan climbs and tests mountaineer's skills.
Inca Trail, Peru
Hiking Duration: 4-5 days
Distance: 26 miles
Best time to visit: May to September
The Inca hiking trail is unique in its demanding inclines and declines. Historical ruins, beautiful mountains, and the 15th century built and abandoned Machu Picchu citadel for hikers' exploration. The Inca ruins help you explore the mysterious cloud forest through the ancient trails and the Sacred Valley. Indeed, it is high on many people's bucket lists for a rendezvous of culture and history.
Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Hiking Duration: 5-8 days
Distance: 35 miles
Best time to visit: December to February
The 19,341-foot Mt. Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest summit. It is not a straightforward task climbing up the Kilimanjaro altitude. That is why it is the world's most challenging and stunning experience for the ambitious hiker. You may not see much wildlife here. But the beautiful landscapes, pristine nature, volcanic cones, and glaciers make Kilimanjaro a popular destination. Aside from summit views, you may explore the Kilimanjaro National Park.
Grand Canyon Rim-To-Rim Hike, Arizona
Hiking Duration: 3-6 days
Distance: 44 miles
Best time to visit: May to October
Hiking Grand Canyon Rim-To-Rim is a bucket-list adventure. It is one of the world's greatest wonders and gets you to absorb the physical vastness of the colossal scenery. The views are mesmerizing and challenge your limits as you descend to the bottom of the canyon. The Grand Canyon Rim-To-Rim attracts over a million visitors annually and takes you through eleven layers of ancient rocks. After hours of knee-pounding hiking, you will reach the Colorado River sandy banks. The rock formations surrounding the Grand Canyon National Park will give you a sensory overload.
Yosemite Grand Traverse, California
Hiking Duration: 6-7 days
Distance: 50 miles
Best time to visit: May to September
The Yosemite Grand Traverse fanciful trail takes you through green mountaintops, waterfalls, meadows, and giant sequoia trees. And, of course, the Yosemite National Park. The Yosemite Grand Traverse is well-recognized as one of the "25 Classic Hikes in North America". The hiking trip gets you to explore the high points of Yosemite, Ansel Adams Wilderness, the majestic Cathedral Lakes, the Tuolumne Meadows. The Half Dome Hike, famous for its steep granite domes and unique shape, is the longest hike to Yosemite. Many roads and trails are closed in Yosemite for most of the year due to snow. Hire mules to haul your gear.
Chilkoot Trail, Canada/Alaska
Hiking Duration: 3-5 days
Distance: 33 miles
Best time to visit: June to October
The Chilkoot Trail from Alaska to British Colombia takes you through a plethora of natural and historical sites. It has a valuable history dating back to the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 1800s. The trail makes you experience three different climate sections–coastal rainforest, boreal, and high alpine forest. Want to explore the wild and vastness of the trail? The Golden Stairs, the Scales, and the Stone Crib routes will entice you. This area is an active avalanche zone, so come prepared with a beacon, shovel, and probe.
Bay Of Fires, Tasmania
Hiking Duration: 4 days
Distance: 16 miles
Best time to visit: October to May
This hiking expedition is popular worldwide for its white-sand beaches, orange-toned granite boulders, and turquoise water. Go on a guided trip or by yourself to breathe fresh, pristine air. The scenery boasts of ecology, rocky cliffs, and wildlife. Your eyes will love feasting on the crystal-clear waters and orange hue in the rocks of the Bay of Fires. The northern section of the Bay of Fires is within Mount William National Park and requires a pass to visit. Bay of Fires is pooch-friendly as there are camping spots for dogs.
Final Thoughts
When deciding on your hiking destination, hire a tour operator to help you handle every aspect of the climb. Hire a mule service for your gear transportation. Include a variety of clothing and essentials for fluctuating temperatures. Focus on wearing a sturdy pair of sneakers or hiking boots. Carry accessories like sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, water bottles, a first-aid kit, and snacking options with a mix of salt, carbs, and proteins.
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