Time to Trek: Inspirational Hiking Routes to Add to Your Bucket List

13 December 2025

There’s something magical about being out on the trail, just you, your pack, and the rhythm of your boots crunching gravel underneath. Whether you're chasing mountaintop sunsets or walking through forests that look like storybook pages, hiking has this raw, unfiltered way of connecting you back to what's real. If you’re feeling the itch to lace up those hiking boots and breathe in some fresh adventure, you’ve come to the right place.

We’re talking about heart-pounding climbs, jaw-dropping views, and trails that make you feel like you’ve wandered into the pages of National Geographic. So let's dive straight into it—these are the bucket-list-worthy hiking trails around the world that will have you canceling your weekend plans and searching for your passport.

1. Inca Trail, Peru – Walk Into the Mists of History

Ever wanted to walk in the footsteps of ancient civilizations? The Inca Trail is your golden ticket.

Why It's Special:

This 4-day trek takes you through lush cloud forests, misty mountain passes, and Incan ruins cloaked in fog. And the grand finale? Machu Picchu—rearing up like a lost world that time forgot.

Vibe Check:

Mornings are crisp with birdsong, afternoons are mystical with fog, and nights are filled with stories around campsite meals. It’s not just a hike; it’s an epic chapter from a history book that you get to live in.

Quick Tips:

- Book early—permits sell out fast.
- Altitude ain't your friend; spend a few days acclimating in Cusco.
- Light pack, heavy memories.

2. The Milford Track, New Zealand – The Finest Walk in the World

When a trail gets dubbed “the finest walk in the world,” you perk up and pay attention.

Why It's Special:

This 53.5km (33-mile) journey winds through Fiordland National Park. Think: emerald valleys, thunderous waterfalls, and ice-capped peaks that mirror into glassy lakes.

The Unexpected:

You won’t just walk through beauty—you’ll feel swallowed by it. Milford Track is pure Tolkien fantasy with a touch of Jurassic vibes.

Quick Tips:

- Best done from late October to April.
- Bring rain gear. Fiordland doesn’t mess around with showers.
- Be camera-ready—every corner is postcard material.

3. Tour du Mont Blanc, Europe – A Trio of Countries, One Epic Loop

What if you could hike through France, Italy, and Switzerland, all in one go? Sounds like a backpacker’s dream, right?

Why It's Special:

Stretching over 170km (106 miles), this loop around the Mont Blanc massif serves up alpine meadows, glacier views, and charming villages where cheese and wine taste like heaven.

Best Part:

You’ll cross borders without even realizing it… until you’re sipping espresso in Italy one morning and having a buttery croissant in France the next.

Quick Tips:

- Best hiked between June and September.
- Don’t rush it—savvy trekkers take 10–12 days.
- Treat yourself to a gîte or mountain hut. Nothing beats a warm bed after a long day.

4. Everest Base Camp, Nepal – Touch the Roof of the World

No, you’re probably not summiting Everest (unless you're into extreme type-2 fun), but trekking to the base camp? That’s an achievable and wildly fulfilling journey.

Why It's Special:

At 5,364m (17,598 ft), Everest Base Camp is not about conquering—it's about discovering. The trail takes you past prayer-flag-draped suspension bridges, ancient monasteries, and jaw-dropping Himalayan vistas.

The Feels:

Every step you take is a testament to resilience. The altitude humbles you, but the scenery lifts you higher.

Quick Tips:

- Acclimatization is everything—take it slow!
- October-November or March-May are ideal months.
- Stay hydrated, and keep that positive energy flowing!

5. Kalalau Trail, Hawaii – The Jungle Beckons

Who says you need to fly to the Himalayas for a memorable hike? Sometimes paradise is just an island away.

Why It's Special:

Nestled along Kauai’s famous Na Pali Coast, this 11-mile trail is a lush stunner of rainforests, sea cliffs, and hidden beaches that truly look untouched.

Wild Factor:

You’ll feel like Indiana Jones—without the fedora—navigating across streams and cliff edges, all with the Pacific Ocean crashing below.

Quick Tips:

- Permits are a must—even for day hikes past Hanakapi’ai.
- Be cautious after rains. Mud here is no joke.
- Carry a swimsuit. Kalalau Beach is the ultimate reward.

6. Laugavegur Trail, Iceland – Where Fire Meets Ice

Can't decide between glaciers and volcanoes? Iceland says, “why not both?”

Why It's Special:

This 55km (34-mile) trail stretches from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk through vast lava fields, geothermal valleys, and rainbow-colored mountains.

Sci-Fi Vibes:

Honestly, hiking here feels like walking on another planet. One moment you’re in a moss-covered canyon, the next you’re stepping over neon-green rhyolite hills.

Quick Tips:

- Best in July and August.
- Be prepped for all four seasons… in a single day.
- Campsites are well-maintained, but book early.

7. The Appalachian Trail, USA – The Long Walk Home

If you're looking for a soul-searching, life-realigning kind of trek, the Appalachian Trail is waiting.

Why It's Special:

Stretching 2,190 miles through 14 U.S. states, this trail is less about the views (though there are plenty!) and more about the journey.

The Real Talk:

Hiking the AT is kind of like life—it’s messy, unpredictable, and beautiful in the most unforced ways. Whether you do a section or go full-on thru-hiker, it’ll leave a mark on your heart.

Quick Tips:

- Georgia to Maine is the traditional route.
- Plan for 5–7 months if going all-in.
- Trail angels are real, and they’re awesome.

8. The Overland Track, Australia – Tassie’s Wilderness Wonderland

If you’ve never considered Australia for hiking, let Tasmania change your mind.

Why It's Special:

Spanning 65 km through Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, the Overland Track gifts you alpine plateaus, button-grass moorlands, and eucalyptus forests echoing with birdcalls.

Wild and Solitary:

This is wilderness at its finest—uncrowded, unspoiled, and wildly underrated.

Quick Tips:

- Must book between October and May.
- Weather is unpredictable, so pack smart.
- Look out for wombats—they're the trail’s unofficial mascots.

9. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania – Africa’s Crown Jewel

Kilimanjaro is not a technical climb, but don’t let that fool you—this beast demands respect.

Why It's Special:

It’s the highest freestanding mountain in the world. From dense rainforest to alpine desert and snow-capped summit, Kili is a vertical journey through ecosystems.

The Journey Up:

You’ll feel like you’ve hiked through multiple countries in just a few days. And the sunrise summit? Pure magic.

Quick Tips:

- Choose your route wisely (Machame is a favorite).
- Pole pole (“slowly, slowly” in Swahili) is key to acclimatizing.
- Go with a reputable guide—it’s required.

10. The Drakensberg Grand Traverse, South Africa/Lesotho – For the Hardcore Adventurer

If you've done the usual bucket list hikes, here’s one that'll push your limits.

Why It's Special:

This unmarked route stretches over 230km (143 miles) across rugged escarpments, caves with San rock art, and peaks that pierce the clouds.

Not for the Faint-hearted:

Navigation skills are crucial. There are no trail markers, and weather flips faster than a coin toss. But the reward? Isolation, freedom, and a sky so full of stars, it’ll make your heart ache.

Quick Tips:

- Not an easy trail—come prepared.
- A GPS and good maps are essential.
- Hike with experienced partners.

Final Thoughts: Which Trail Calls to You?

There’s no “best” trail out there—only the one your heart keeps drifting back to. Whether it’s the ancient whispers of the Andes, the frosted breath of the Himalayas, or the rainforest hum of Hawaii, these hikes speak to something primal in all of us. They’re not just treks; they’re transformations.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to trek.