Unforgettable Long-Distance Hiking Spots: Journeying from Popular Summits to Uncharted Paths
Venturing into the thrill of nature and clearing the mind amidst the pristine wilderness is a sensational feeling. While multi-day hiking can replenish our souls, it also offers a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the cultures of new lands and countries. From snow-capped peaks to dense rainforests, these lesser-known trails worldwide provide more than just an introspective journey - they present trekkers with the chance to understand a country's culture and character through its landscapes, wildlife, and local communities.
- The Lycian Way, Turkey: Turkey's coastal multi-day trail is a blend of turquoise-lapped beaches, ancient archaeological sites, Mediterranean scrub, and excellent cuisine. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, the Lycian Way offers a humbling hike that'll make you fall in love with this beautiful country.
- Danlan Old Trails, Taiwan: Taiwan, with its numerous mountains, is an adventure paradise. For those seeking a more laid-back introduction, the Danlan Old Trails are a collection of tracks leading to villages, mountains, and green Yilan County, complete with hot springs and tea fields.
- The Lares Trek, Peru's Sacred Valley: While the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is Peru's most extraordinary claim to fame, the Lares Trek is a more modest, yet equally captivating, alternative. Explore ancient ruins, dazzling lakes, and a magnificent valley descent with camping under the stars in the Andes.
- Fisherman's Trail (Rota Vicentina), Portugal: Portugal's Fisherman's Trail showcases the country's rugged west coast, windswept beaches, and pristine landscapes. Start near Lagos and end in São Torpes, passing through the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, a protected area filled with sands, waves, and remote villages.
- The Pouakai Circuit, New Zealand: Circle Mount Taranaki, a near-perfect conical shape, in Egmont National Park, New Zealand. With stunning views of the Andes and remote villages, the 25-kilometer circuit offers a slice of heaven in this adventure paradise.
- Annapurna Circuit, Nepal: Combine soaring scenery and cultural experiences on Nepal’s high-altitude, advanced linear trek spanning between 160-230 kilometres. From snow-clad peaks to valley descents and sacred sites like the Muktinath Temple, the Annapurna Circuit offers a fascinating insight into Nepalese traditions.
- The Circle of Toubkal, Morocco: For a moderate, high-altitude exploration of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, The Circle of Toubkal is a fantastic choice. This 60-kilometer circular route takes trekkers through Jebel Toubkal's stunning landscapes, with the option to summit the mountain for even more incredible views.
- The Baltic Coastal Trail, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia: This 1420-kilometer trail along the Baltic Sea coastline offers a diverse hiking experience, passing through lush valleys, protected dunes, and colorful pebbled beaches. In the summer, trek the trail to see wildflowers adorning the tracks.
- The Fann Mountains Lake Loop, Tajikistan: With its scattered villages, glistening lakes, and awe-inspiring mountain vistas, the Fann Mountains Lake Loop is a beautiful and remote destination to explore in Tajikistan.
- Via Dinarica, Bosnia & Herzegovina: This 1260-kilometer trail anchored to the limestone karst range of the Dinaric Alps offers a range of hiking options, with accommodations in mountain huts. Along the way, you’ll encounter breathtaking landscapes and secluded villages, like Lukomir, a tiny village in the Bjelasnica Mountain that preserves centuries-old traditions.
- Waitukubuli National Trail, Dominica: Covering around 185 kilometres, this Caribbean trail links 14 tropical ecosystems and passes through the Kalinago People's territory, offering a unique blend of nature and culture in Dominica.
- Shikoku Pilgrimage, Japan: Japan's Shikoku Pilgrimage links 88 temples across the island, providing trekkers with a spiritual journey through dense forests, remote villages, and majestic peaks. Don’t forget to indulge in Japanese wellness practices like massages, onsens visits, or deep sea water therapy along the way.
- Jurassic Coast (South West Coast Path), England: This 185-kilometre linear stretch from Starcross to Poole follows the Jurassic Coast, allowing trekkers to explore dinosaur fossils hidden in the rocks and on beaches. Break down the trail into day sections for a fascinating beach holiday experience.
- Pekoe Trail, Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka's first long-distance multi-day hiking trail opened in 2021, spanning 300 kilometres through lush forests, tea plantations, and stunning landscapes. With trek options ranging from a single day to 22 days, the Pekoe Trail provides a slice of adventure in this exotic island nation.
Wander towards the heart of these lesser-known regions, take in their rich landscapes, discover hidden gems, and immerse yourself in local cultures for an unforgettable, soul-soothing experience.
- The Goto Island Trail in Japan offers a refreshing blend of adventure-travel and lifestyle exploration, featuring picturesque landscapes, traditional onsen hot springs, and a glimpse into Japan's rural culture.
- The Torres del Paine Circuit in Chile presents a breathtaking adventure-travel experience, allowing hikers to journey through Patagonian wilderness, trek past turquoise glacial lakes, and delve into the culture of the local Patagonian communities.
