Ask ten experienced hikers to nominate the best treks in the world, and you’ll get ten different answers.

Some treks are remarkable for their stunning scenery. Others are legendary due to the immense levels of effort and endurance required to reach the endpoint. For some trekkers, it’s all about the destination, while for others, it’s the journey and the camaraderie along the trail.

However, the world’s top treks all share one common feature: a sense of mission that transforms the simple act of walking into a life-affirming expedition. With this in mind, we’ve compiled our list of the world’s top treks, ranging from jungle trails to breathtaking paths through the mountains of Nepal. All require strong lungs and fit legs, but the experience of trekking is its own reward; decades later, you’ll still be talking about these hikes!

1. GR20, Corsica, France

Distance: 168km (104 miles) round trip
Duration: 15 days
Level: Difficult

This character-building trek through Corsica is legendary for its diverse landscapes and the grit it demands from those who brave its rugged trails. Along the way, you’ll traverse forests, granite moonscapes, windswept craters, glacial lakes, torrents, peat bogs, maquis, snow-capped peaks, plains, and névés (stretches of ice formed from snow). The challenging terrain weeds out all but the most dedicated hikers.

Established in 1972, the GR20 links Calenzana in the Balagne with Conca, north of Porto Vecchio. The path is rocky, uneven, and frequently steep, featuring crossings over rickety bridges and exposed scrambles over slippery rock faces and loose, skittering scree. You’ll draw water from springs and sleep in rustic mountain refuges, but two weeks later, you’ll be able to tell the world you conquered Europe’s toughest trail.

2. Inca Trail, Peru

Distance: 33km (20 miles) round trip
Duration: 4–5 days
Level: Moderate

The 33km (20-mile) trail to the 15th-century Inca citadel of Machu Picchu was used for centuries before gaining global attention when explorer Hiram Bingham “discovered” the route in 1911. Today, the secret is definitely out, but rules and restrictions are in place to control visitor numbers. You must book at least six months in advance to secure one of the 500 permits available each day, which includes support staff such as porters and guides, leaving around 200 permits for tourists.

The trek to Peru’s most famous ruin offers stunning views of high cloud forests and the iconic Machu Picchu as a rewarding destination. The trail climbs to 2430m (7972ft) from the Sacred Valley, winding its way up, down, and around mountains, and crossing three high passes en route.

For day visitors to the “lost city,” authorities have introduced three new circuits, each with sub-routes around the site.

3. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Distance: 37–90km (23–56 miles)
Duration: 5–9 days
Level: Moderate

Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, remains an epic undertaking despite its popularity among fundraisers and tourists in East Africa. From the moment you first see its misty prominence rising above the dusty plains, you’ll know Kilimanjaro simply has to be climbed. Lions and elephants may roam its base, but the summit is snow-capped and desolate, with a lofty height of 5895m (19,340ft) that brings a risk of altitude sickness.

There are seven recognized routes to the top, with trekkers completing the ascent in 5 to 9 days; longer treks are recommended to reduce the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). The final stage typically starts before dawn, reaching the summit as the first light of morning spreads across the vast African savanna. Nearly two-thirds of trekkers opt for the Marangu (6 days) or Machame (7 days) routes on the mountain’s south side.

4. Kalalau trail, Hawaii

Distance: 18km (11 miles) each way
Duration: 2 days
Level: Moderate

When considering the best treks in the US, many might think of the Grand Canyon or the crowded trails leading to the summits of El Capitan and Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. However, we prefer a more off-the-beaten-path option. The Kalalau Trail on the north shore of Kauaʻi links Keʻe Beach and the Kalalau Valley, following a towering cliff wall adorned with tropical foliage to a remote Hawaiian beach.

This hike along the Nā Pali Coast begins easily but becomes increasingly challenging with steep dirt paths. The rewards are spectacular: elemental views of primordial valleys, thundering waterfalls, secluded beaches, and the churning waters of the Pacific Ocean. The trail has a distinct Lost World feel, and hikers need to exercise caution, as the path can be treacherous with risks of falling or sudden flash floods.

5. Markha Valley trek, Ladakh, India

Distance: 80km (50 miles)
Duration: 6–7 days
Level: Moderate

Fewer people trek on the Indian side of the world’s mightiest mountain range, but those who do are rewarded with views to rival anything in Nepal, Tibet, or Pakistan. The Indian Himalaya offers spectacular treks, from the breathless Goecha La trek in Sikkim to pilgrimage treks to remote mountain temples in Uttarakhand and Kashmir. However, for our rupee, the best trekking country is in lofty Ladakh, where high-altitude deserts lie in the rain-shadow of the high Himalaya.

The Markha Valley trek offers a week-long adventure across a wonderfully desolate moonscape. It circles south from Leh through jagged ridges flanking the south bank of the Indus River before emerging near the famous Buddhist gompa (monastery) at Hemis. Best of all, no complex planning is required; you can reach the trailhead by bus from Leh, cross the river in a dangling basket, and stop at whitewashed teahouses in timeless Buddhist villages along the trail.

6. Routeburn Track, New Zealand

Distance: 32km (20 miles)
Duration: 3–4 days
Level: Moderate

New Zealand’s South Island offers alpine beauty akin to the Alps, and the 3-day Routeburn Track is an ideal way to experience this pristine natural wonderland. This trail is perfect for those who love expansive vistas and open skies, as it winds through glacier-carved fjords, truncated valleys, and rugged ridges in the breathtaking landscapes of Fiordland and Mt Aspiring national parks.

The preferred route starts at the Routeburn Shelter (north of Queenstown) and ends at Milford Road, with overnight stops at spectacularly located campgrounds. Highlights include the views from Harris Saddle and Conical Hill, and refreshing dips in spring-fed mountain tarns. The main challenge for this popular hike is securing a spot among the limited number of trekkers allowed at any one time, so be sure to book well in advance through the NZ Department of Conservation’s Great Walks booking site.

7. Gunung Rinjani, Indonesia

Distance: 24km (15 miles)
Duration: 2 days
Level: Moderate

A Southeast Asian volcano hike is a must, and Indonesia’s Gunung Rinjani is our top pick. While Lombok’s serene beaches lie at sea level, the island rises dramatically to the 3726m (12,224ft) summit of this massive, lake-capped volcano, which still shows occasional signs of activity, most recently in 2016.

Trekking to the summit of Gunung Rinjani rivals the Himalayas as one of Asia’s most beloved adventures. For the best views, the final ascent begins in the dark, reaching the crater rim at first light. As dawn breaks, it unveils the breathtaking crater lake and its ominous cinder cones, reminiscent of a lost valley from the age of dinosaurs.

8. The Walkers’ Haute Route, France–Switzerland

Distance: 200km (125 miles)
Duration: 14 days
Level: Difficult

The Walkers’ Haute Route trek spans two weeks, starting in Chamonix, France, and winding through the southern Valais to Zermatt, Switzerland. This challenging trek takes you through some of the highest and most breathtaking scenery in the Alps, following a different path than the famous winter Haute Route for ski-tourers. Each stage tests your endurance, with “pass hopping” sections that require a high level of fitness.

Why endure such a demanding journey? For the unparalleled mountain views, of course! Some days will lead you through idyllic alpine meadows, while others will have you navigating glacier-carved outcrops guarded by towering peaks. The excellent infrastructure along the way, typical of northern Europe, includes hotels, gites d’etape (rest shelters), auberges (inns), and mountain refuges, ensuring you have a warm bed and a hot meal as you conquer over 14,000m (46,000ft) of elevation gain.

9. Everest Base Camp, Nepal

Distance: 130km (80 miles) round trip
Duration: 2 weeks
Level: Moderate

The two-week trek to Everest Base Camp, reaching an altitude of 5545m (18,193ft) at its highest point, is Nepal’s most beloved trek. With the towering Sagarmatha (Mt Everest) at 8849m (29,032ft) looming ahead, this journey takes you through winding river valleys and the massive Khumbu glacier. Along the way, you’ll visit mountain monasteries, breathtaking lookouts, and Sherpa villages perched precariously on the mountainside. The grueling days of altitude gain will push your muscles and endurance to their limits.

However, it’s not all hard work. The trekking infrastructure is superb: permits are easily obtainable, porters and guides await your arrival at Lukla’s small mountain airstrip, and cozy teahouses offer warm beds and hearty plates of dal bhat (lentils and rice) along the route. Side trails provide opportunities for summit ascents and high pass crossings, offering a taste of real mountaineering. While the trails can be crowded during peak seasons, the sense of camaraderie among trekkers is unparalleled.

The golden rule is to respect the altitude. Acute Mountain Sickness is a risk if you rush, so take it slow, steady, and allow for the recommended rest days to help your body adjust to the elevation.

10. The Torres del Paine Circuit, Patagonia, Chile

Distance: 136km (85 miles)
Duration: 9 days
Level: Difficult

While many visitors to Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park opt for the shorter “W Trek,” we recommend taking on the full 9-day “O Trek” circuit to fully experience the park’s diverse landscapes. The trail, starting from Las Torres, showcases some of the world’s most stunning vistas, including crystal-clear rivers, sculpted mountains, open grasslands, ancient forests, tranquil lakes, and the dramatic Grey Glacier.

This trek offers a remarkable array of scenery, but it’s essential to plan ahead. Campsites and refugios are in high demand, so make your reservations with the lodge and camping operators several months in advance to secure a spot during the busy trekking season from November to March.