Where to go hiking: the world’s best hiking trips

Walking is a wonderful way to discover a destination. By traveling through a country on foot you can see views otherwise unnoticed, get to areas otherwise untraveled and simply enjoy a true sense of well-being. Lots of our local partners offer hiking tours, whether that’s in the Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa, along the Inca Trail of Peru, through the rice terraces and volcanoes of the Philippines or within the soaring Georgian Svaneti highlands. We’ve picked out some of our other favorite places to go hiking, from Namibia to Japan, and hope that they get you reaching for your walking boots.

Hike the unique trails of China

China is often associated with cities of soaring skyscrapers and frenetic streets, or fascinating historic sites such as the Great Wall or the famous terracotta army, therefore it generally doesn’t leap to mind as a hiking destination. There are, however, some fantastic trails to be  trodden through its many magical landscapes – from dramatic gorges to misty karst peaks and remote, high-altitude meadows.

• For a challenge, head to Tiger Leaping Gorge in the Yunnan Province where 30 km of steep rugged trails criss-cross the side of a spectacular mountain valley, rewarding hikers with jaw-dropping views of the Jinsha River below. Tiger Leaping Gorge lies between the Haba Snow Mountain to the west and the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to the east, creating one of the deepest and most dramatic gorges in the world.
• If you are after breathtaking views of Asia’s iconic rice paddies, then the well signposted trails of the Dragon’s Backbone will take you to panoramic viewpoints over the Longji Rice Terraces, where centuries-old farming traditions continue today. Located in Longsheng County, about 2-3 hours north of Guilin, these terraces stretch across steep mountain slopes. Generations of local Zhuang and Yao ethnic communities work here tirelessly, while the rice fields shift in color throughout the harvesting seasons.
• Finally, hikes through the forests and lake-filled valleys of the Siguniangshan National Park will show you a whole other side to China’s landscapes. Nestled in the Sichuan Province, this national park is home to the stunning Siguniang Mountains, often referred to as the ‘Four Girls Mountain’ due to its four peaks. The park is bursting with diverse scenery, from lush alpine meadows to dense forests, crystal-clear rivers and pristine, turquoise lakes.

Scale Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania

The iconic snow-capped cone of Mount Kilimanjaro stands majestically over the plains of Kenya and Tanzania. As the tallest mountain in Africa, it represents one of the top bucket-list activities for travelers all over the world, and for good reason. Climbing Kilimanjaro takes determination and careful preparation, but with the right expertise on tap there is no reason why any fit and healthy traveler can’t manage it.

What’s more, one of the founders of our local partner company in Tanzania was born and raised in the mountain’s foothills, so you can’t be in better hands when it comes to planning your ascent. There are several different routes to take, but our experts recommend either the popular Machame Route or the lesser known and slightly longer Lemosho Route:

• The Machame Route is one of the most popular routes on Mount Kilimanjaro, known for its  memorable vistas, stunning views of the mountain’s surroundings and intriguing wildlife sightings. The terrain is challenging, and the hike typically takes six to seven days, with a higher success rate due to its altitude acclimatization schedule.
• The Lemosho Route is a slightly longer, less crowded option, usually taking seven to eight days. It starts on the western side of the mountain and you can expect similarly spectacular views, diverse ecosystems and a more gradual ascent, making it a great choice for acclimatization and absorbing the mountain at a slower pace.

Along each, you can expect to admire fantastic scenery, waking up each morning and opening your tent to views that change and improve day after day. Tackling Kilimanjaro is a life-affirming experience and something to be truly proud of.

Read more: A nature-lover’s paradise: wildlife in Tanzania

Off-grid trekking in Kyrgyzstan

This Central Asian gem of a country is a paradise for hikers. Start off in the Chon Kemin Valley, were glacial streams are fringed by verdant forest and the summer meadows are blanketed in flowers. To get off the beaten track our local experts can take you to the Jyrgalan Valley, home of the Boz Uchuk Trail. This lesser-known trek takes you 58km over three days through stunning rural scenery where views of snow-capped mountains, turquoise  lakes and verdant green valleys are worthy of a Sound of Music remake.

Along the way, you’ll pass by traditional yurts, meet local shepherds, and experience the authentic nomadic lifestyle that still thrives in this region after thousands of years. The solitude and untouched beauty of Kyrgyzstan make it one not to forget.

Desert hiking in Namibia

Namibia is a land of otherworldly beauty – where red sand dunes soar into azure skies, fossilized trees are blackened silhouettes against baked salt pans, and mysterious circles decorate the earth. One of the best ways to explore this beautiful country is on foot and there are ample hiking trails allowing you to do this. Our local experts have put together a ten-day itinerary that takes you through desert dunes and across vast and beautiful plains…

Start off on the picturesque Olive Trail which takes you from a plateau with a view into a secretive winding gorge. Hike the Waterkluft Trail for a bit of a different experience – set off following a spring with water pure enough to drink and trek towards a ridge offering stunning views of the Naukluft Mountains, then stop off for a swim or two in one of the beautiful pools on your way back.

Finally, the Tok Tokkie Trail is a three-day trek through the NamibRand Nature Reserve. By day, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of towering sand dunes, vast plains and rocky outcrops, all home to a variety of desert-adapted wildlife such as oryx, springbok and the elusive aardvark. The contrast between the vivid ochre sands and the deep blue sky is something to behold.

That ‘look up’ quality is similarly impressive as night falls – NamibRand is a recognized Dark Sky destination, meaning the night skies you see here are amongst the most spectacular in the world and stars seem endless in their clarity.

Read more: The best places to go stargazing

Discover Japan’s Nakasendo Trail

Traditionally linking together the Japanese cities of Kyoto and Tokyo (known as Edo when the route was revitalized in the 17th century), the Nakasendo Trail is a staggering 322 miles (530km) long. Lined with inns and medieval villages, it makes for a brilliant way to get off the beaten track in Japan and truly immerse yourself in the peace of the rural areas.

The hike takes you through serene forests, terraced rice fields and along river valleys, and truly feels like going back in time. You’ll pass through historic post towns, where you can experience traditional Japanese hospitality and seek out ancient shrines. The trail is relaxed, so you can witness the changing landscapes of Japan’s countryside and experience the unique charm of each village you pass through.

It’s undeniably a long route, but you don’t have to walk the entire length in order to visit both cities and get a feel for the beauty of the trail. Make the most of Japan’s fantastic railways to cover the ground in leaps and bounds, stopping to walk the most picturesque and historically fascinating stretches of the trail.

Hiking in the Ethiopian mountains

Ethiopia is a far cry from the dusty deserts that spring to mind for many – it’s actually one of Africa’s most fertile countries and a hiker’s paradise due to its undulating hills and the sheer majesty of its wilderness. The Bale Mountains National Park is truly spectacular, containing the volcanically formed 4,000m-high Sanetti Plateau and scattered with hot springs and soaring peaks.

With such unique biodiversity at this height, the park is also home to an array of endemic species, including the rare and elusive Ethiopian wolf – and birdwatchers will be thrilled to encounter species like the Ethiopian Bush-crow, which is found nowhere else on Earth.

Our local experts can take you on a well-planned hike through the national park, leading you through the very best scenery and stop offs and ending the trip on the Sanetti Plateau.

Read more: Top 5 hiking trails around the world

Make it happen

Take a closer look at what our local experts can offer by way of hiking, by exploring our destination pages. Each tour can be tailor-made to your needs and requirements.