Top 5 trekking spots around the world for holidays

Part of the joys of trekking holidays is that, with so many places on earth rewarding those who explore on foot the best views and vistas, there’s plenty to choose from for all different ages and abilities. Furthermore, many destinations offer a great number of different trails, meaning that large groups can book such a holiday without concern that anyone will be left behind or pushed too hard.

So be prepared for a whistle-stop tour around some of the world’s 5 greatest trekking spots.

One-day trail: South West Coast Path

For those looking at a one-day trek, there are plenty of options within the British Isles that fit the bill, meaning there’s no need to be booking flights halfway across the globe for a one-day event.

Of the many breathtaking treks our small island has to offer, the South West Coastal Path remains one of the most enduringly popular. The 630-mile path has a great many routes along its length, although that of King Arthur and the Slate Coast offers some of the best local scenery for which North Cornwall is famous.

Starting at Tintagel, the walk takes in castles, cliffs, coves and coasts – thus distilling much of what attracts people to the Cornish seaside into an accessible five mile trek.

Not only that, in true British fashion, there are also a number of dog-friendly pubs along the route to ensure that all members of the trekking party are suitably fed and watered.

Week out: Otter Trail

Those looking to challenge themselves with trekking spots that a little longer may wish to set their sights somewhat further afield. This opens up, quite literally, a world of opportunity that combines the chance to indulge a trekking hobby with that of visiting somewhere new.

This is especially true of the Otter Trail, a five-day jaunt along the majestic South African coast. Starting at Storms River Mouth, the path winds through the Tsitskamma National Park to Nature’s Valley, a route that runs for 26km as the crow flies, or 41km for walkers.

Whilst it may not seem like the longest of journeys for a five day period, the route’s steep climbs from beaches to clifftops can really take it out of even the most ardent walker. Those who succeed in traversing the Otter Trail, however, are rewarded with panoramas of the South African coast, dense gallery forests, rocky foreshores and thriving tidal pools.

Now for something completely different: The Narrows, USA

As far as treks go, The Narrows in Utah, USA, is entirely unique. It wends through the canyons of the Zion National Park, offering all the typical scenery for which American canyon trails have become famous. Its one key differentiator, however, is that around 60 per cent of the route actually goes through the Virgin River. Thus, walkers travelling the 16 miles have to do so wading, walking and sometimes even swimming.

This assault on the senses makes for a unique but hugely challenging route. The 2,000 feet high walls may command attention, but walking through water on a rocky river bed requires significantly more concentration. Not only that, the current is swift, the water cold and even the dry parts are slippery under wet trainers, so travel insurance is a must (try Columbus Direct).

The route isn’t unchanging as it follows the path of the river and flash floods have been known to take hold in an instant. Rather unsurprising, then, that a permit is needed for those hiking top-down (although not for the reverse journey).

Difficult, certainly, but a trek unlike any other on earth.

The ‘Bucket List’ trek: Everest

Whilst reaching the peak of Mount Everest isn’t something that is typically achievable for amateur trekkers, many will still have the mountain on their “bucket list”, even if the trekking spots in question don’t reach where Edmund Hillary dared to tread.

That being said, the Everest base camp trek is not to be sniffed at, seeing as it takes roughly three weeks to undertake and requires guidance from local Sherpas. The route offers a great many opportunities to see the majestic mountain and really take stock of the effort it takes to climb.

Those who do well in the earlier treks and who have acclimatised well can often then take the chance to climb Kala Patar, which reaches 5,545 metres above sea level. From here, trekkers can look down toward Everest Base Camp, as well as the many other staggering Nepalese mountains.

A steppe in the right direction: Patagonia Ice Field

Trekking needn’t be along coasts or mountains, however, as the Patagonia Ice Field attests. The Los Glaciares National Park, which takes in the Patagonian ice field, is the largest ice mantle outside of Antarctica. Within it lie 47 full glaciers and a further 200 smaller ones. This means that trekkers aren’t just offered the spectacular crystalline sights typically associated with inhospitable wilds of the earth’s poles, but can also see the effects of glacial movement with their own eyes.

Those taking on the ice field can experience the kind of treks that would greet Arctic explorers, which will include trailing food and equipment behind on small sleds. Certainly not easy work, but one that ensures trekkers reach some of the most remote locations on earth. For city dwellers who yearn for nothing more than to get away from civilisation, this is among the best options available within the stratosphere.

These are the top 5 trekking spots around the world. What these routes should attest is that no two trekking holidays are exactly the same. Whether it’s a one-day event in locations close to home, a challenging ascent to Everest base camp or a scenic jaunt along South Africa’s coastline, the holidays may all come under the banner of “trekking”, but the reality is that they couldn’t be any more varied. – Travel Feeder

About The Author

Cecil Lee

The author is an avid traveler and photography hobbyist who loves to share with others his travel and photo-taking experience in many popular tourist destinations around Europe, Asia and Australasia. Read the exciting stories with many photos captured on his journeys.