These ten bucket-list hikes offer standout scenery, clear logistics, and seasons that help you plan with confidence.
Ready for trails that earn the flight? This list spans alpine circuits, Patagonian valleys, Himalayan lodges, and lava-scar landscapes. For each, you’ll see what it’s like, time needed, best months, and any permits. Pick the route that fits your calendar and comfort level.
Quick Trail Snapshot (Distance, Time, Why It’s Worth It)
| Trail | Length & Typical Time | Standout |
|---|---|---|
| Tour du Mont Blanc (France/Italy/Switzerland) | ~170 km; 10–12 days | Alpine loop with huts and three borders |
| Everest Base Camp Trek (Nepal) | ~12–14 days | High-altitude views with teahouses |
| W Trek, Torres del Paine (Chile) | 4–5 days | Granite towers and Grey Glacier |
| Milford Track (New Zealand) | 53.5 km; 4 days | Fiordland waterfalls and swing bridges |
| GR20 (Corsica, France) | ~180 km; 12–16 days | Rugged ridges on a signed traverse |
| Laugavegur (Iceland) | 55 km; 3–4 days | Rhyolite hills, steam vents, black sands |
| Kilimanjaro (Tanzania) | 5–9 days | Walk-up summit of Africa’s highest point |
| John Muir Trail (USA) | 211 miles / 340 km; 2–4 weeks | String of high Sierra passes and lakes |
| Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (Peru) | ~43 km; 4 days | Stone path to the Sun Gate |
| West Highland Way (Scotland) | 154 km; 6–8 days | Lochs, moor, and a finish under Ben Nevis |
Best Hikes Around The World: How To Choose
Match days to distance, then set dates around weather. Pick hut or lodge trails if you want light packs and simple logistics. For quieter paths, travel in shoulder months and keep one buffer day for storms or flight hiccups.
Tour Du Mont Blanc: Big Views, Three Borders
Circle Western Europe’s highest massif on balcony trails, cowbells in the valleys, and glacier outlooks on the passes. Ten to twelve days suits most hikers, with variants for extra challenge or snow work-arounds. Reserve refuges early.
Best window: late June–mid-September. Good for: fit trekkers after full-service huts and classic Alpine scenery.
Everest Base Camp: Big Altitude, Bigger Payoff
From Lukla, climb through pine, cross the Dudh Kosi on swinging bridges, and top out on Kala Patthar for sunrise over Everest. Teahouses keep nights simple; acclimatization days are non-negotiable.
Best window: Mar–May or Oct–Nov. Permits: Sagarmatha National Park entry plus a Khumbu Pasang Lhamu permit. Good for: hikers comfortable at 4,000–5,500 m.
W Trek, Torres Del Paine: Patagonia’s Greatest Hits
The “W” links the Towers viewpoint, the Francés valley, and ice-blue Grey. Expect wind, boardwalks, and serviced camps or refugios if booked ahead.
Best window: Dec–Mar. Bookings: pay park entry online; reserve camps with the two concessionaires. Good for: hikers craving drama without technical gear.
Milford Track: Fiordland Waterfall Alley
Four steady days cross Mackinnon Pass and finish near Milford Sound’s misty walls. Bridges and graded paths help first-timers; huts are staffed and cozy—full details live on the Milford Track Great Walk page.
Best window: Great Walk season (late Oct–late Apr). Rules: hut bookings only; no independent camping.
GR20 Corsica: Granite And Grit
Sixteen waymarked stages traverse Corsica’s spine. The north runs steep and scrambly; the south eases a notch. Refuges and bivouac areas sit at each stage end.
Best window: Jun–Sep. Good for: experienced trekkers with sure footing and a head for exposure.
Laugavegur, Iceland: Steam, Snow, And Sand
From Landmannalaugar’s hot-spring valley to Þórsmörk’s birch, the colours shift each hour. Add Fimmvörðuháls to Skógar for waterfalls and glacier tongues.
Best window: late Jun–early Sep. Huts: basic bunks; book early.
Mount Kilimanjaro: A Walk-Up To 5,895 M
Pick a longer itinerary for better acclimatization. Machame and Lemosho balance scenery and success rates; Marangu offers hut nights.
Best window: Jan–Mar, Jun–Oct. Permits: arranged through licensed operators via Tanzania National Parks systems.
John Muir Trail: Weeks In The High Sierra
Pass to pass, lake to lake, granite to granite. Long carries and afternoon buildups are the norm, but the rhythm is addictive.
Best window: late Jul–Sep (snow-dependent). Permits: required for overnight travel; Whitney quotas are strict.
Classic Stone Steps To A Lost City
Cloud-forest paving leads to the Sun Gate and a first peek at the citadel at dawn. Itineraries are fixed; crews handle camps and cooking.
Best window: May–Sep. Permits: daily slots sell out early and the route closes every February for maintenance.
West Highland Way: Lochs, Moor, And Passes
From a Glasgow-area start to Fort William, the waymarked path rolls by lochs and over the Devil’s Staircase. Lodging and baggage services keep packs light.
Best window: May–Sep. Logistics: plan stays near stage ends; book summer rooms early.
Permits, Bookings And Season At A Glance
| Trail | Permit/Booking | Best Season |
|---|---|---|
| Tour du Mont Blanc | Refuge beds book early | Late Jun–Sep |
| Everest Base Camp | Sagarmatha NP + Khumbu permit | Mar–May, Oct–Nov |
| W Trek | Park entry + camp/refugio reservations | Dec–Mar |
| Milford Track | Great Walk hut bookings only | Late Oct–Apr |
| GR20 | Refuge/bivouac reservations recommended | Jun–Sep |
| Laugavegur | Hut bookings; buses link trailheads | Late Jun–early Sep |
| Kilimanjaro | Operator arranges TANAPA permits | Jan–Mar, Jun–Oct |
| John Muir Trail | Wilderness permit + Whitney quota | Late Jul–Sep |
| Inca Trail | Operator permits; closed in Feb | May–Sep |
| West Highland Way | No permit; book lodging | May–Sep |
Lean Gear And Prep
Pack To The Route
Huts or lodges: 30–40 L, light bag liner, compact puffy, rain shell, trail runners with grip. Full backpacking: 55–65 L, true three-season bag, reliable shelter if camping is allowed, a warm midlayer, and a stout pair of poles.
Train For The Climb
Two weekly stair or hill sessions with a load, one long weekend walk, and ankle/hip strength work. On high passes, steady beats speedy.
Be Altitude-Smart
Above 3,000 m, go slow, hydrate, and add a rest day if sleep or appetite dips. If symptoms spike, descend and reassess.
Fast Tweaks By Trail
- TMB: Counter-clockwise softens early climbs; variants add spice when snow melts.
- EBC: Build in two acclimatization days; add Gokyo for a quieter ridge.
- W Trek: Sunrise at the Towers needs a pre-dawn start from Chileno or Central.
- Milford: Keep boat legs flexible; heavy rain can shift times.
- GR20: Plan water; ridge days run long in the north.
- Laugavegur: Add Fimmvörðuháls for a two-day waterfall finale.
- Kili: Seven or eight days lift success odds.
- JMT: Resupply at Muir Trail Ranch or via a Bishop Pass detour.
- Inca: February closure is routine; lock dates well ahead.
- WHW: Book summer rooms early; midges love still, warm evenings.
Simple Safety Notes
Check current trail notices, fire or wind warnings, and booking status before you go. Carry a paper map as a back-up to your phone, plus a headlamp, spare battery, and basic first aid. On river crossings, unclip your hip belt and face upstream; on exposed ridges, pack layers and keep hands free. Share a day-by-day plan with someone at home and set clear turn-around times. Good decisions make the best photos.