7 of the world’s best trekking destinations

Posted by Nellie Huang on 1 September 2011

To journey beyond travel, add a tinge of adventure and the voyage becomes an incredible one. We’re no experts at trekking but from our past experiences journeying through Australia and South America, we found ourselves delving deep into the back country and thoroughly enjoying it. Whether you are ice-climbing the glaciers of Patagonia or trekking through the Sahara Desert, trekking amplifies your view of a country, seeing it from a wider point of view.

1. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Climbing Africa’s highest mountain can be quite a challenge, so make sure you’re prepared for the cold conditions and altitude before setting off on the Kilimanjaro trek. There are several routes – with Machame and Marangu routes being the most popular. The best trekking season is from January to March, but temperatures are colder then. The Kilimanjaro trek would make an excellent highlight in your Tanzania holiday.

2. Inca Trail, Peru

To get to Macchu Picchu – the world famous archaeological site in Peru – many people opt for the 3 or 4-day trek that brings them through the sacred ancient sites and rocky paths. This classic route was said to be the same trail that the royal Incas used to take. The trek usually starts from Cuzco and costs around US$350, including all meals, porters and camping facilities.

3.Patagonia, Argentina

The southern-most tip of the world is definitely a popular trekking destination for plenteous terrain for hiking. Popular treks take you around Calafate and El Chaltén in Los Glaciares National Park, as well as Tierra del Fuego National Park in Ushuaia. Patagonia’s star celebrity, Perrito Moreno Glacier Park can be visited on a light trekking trip from the Fitz Roy Mountain Range.

4. Annapurna Base Camp, Nepal

Home to the highest peak in the world, Nepal is the playground for climbers and trekkers. There are numerous trekking routes to explore the Himalayas – the most popular being the Annapurna Base Camp Trail. This classic trek is suitable for amateurs and beginners, although risk is still involved, especially depending on snow conditions. Expect stunning scenery and picturesque mountainous villages.

5. Torres del Paine, Chile

This national park standing side by side with Argentina’s Patagonia is equally beautiful and offers the same amount of challenge. Torres del Paine is located between the Andes Mountain Range and the Patagonian steppes. The 3day-2night trek will bring you through the Ascencio, Frances Valleys and Grey Glacier giving you a close look of the flora and fauna.

6. Routeburn Track, New Zealand

From NZ’s adventure hub, Queenstown, outdoor lovers can hop over to the Southern Alps for a scenic trek. The Routeburn Track traverses wild and scenic mountain country between the Hollyford and Dart Valleys at the base of the Southern Alps. Passing through two national parks – Fiordland and Mount Aspiring- the trail leads you through a variety of landscapes: from mountainous peaks to pristine lakes and cascading waterfalls. The Routeburn Track Guided Walk is a 3day/2night from Queenstown.

7. John Muir Trail, California

This trail – named after the famous naturalist John Muir – runs 340km in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California, between the northern end of Yosemite Valley and the southern summit of Mount Whitney. Passing through Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park, expect to immerse yourself amidst deep valleys, meadows, massive sequoias and wildlife. A permit is required to hike the trail, which can be obtained from the national park where the hiker begins the hike.

This article first appeared on WildJunket.com.

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