7 best hiking trails in the world

The world’s best hiking routes combine natural beauty with cultural and historical experiences. Some trails pass through ancient pilgrimage paths and remote villages, while others cross glaciers, mountain peaks, forests, and coastlines. Several hikes can be completed within a day, but many require multi-day trekking and careful preparation. Travel experts recommend checking permits, weather conditions, and fitness levels before planning long-distance adventures, especially on high-altitude or remote trails.

The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of Europe’s best-known long-distance hikes. The route circles Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps, while passing through France, Italy, and Switzerland. The trek usually takes seven to 10 days and offers alpine villages, mountain passes, glaciers, and panoramic valley views. Hikers also experience different regional cuisines and cultures across the three countries, making it both a scenic and cultural journey.

The Kumano Kodo is one of only two UNESCO-recognised pilgrimage routes in the world. Located on Japan’s Kii Peninsula, the trail network passes through forests, mountains, shrines, and historic temples. The routes were traditionally used by pilgrims travelling to sacred religious sites centuries ago. Travellers often combine hiking with cultural stays at local inns and traditional Japanese baths, making the experience different from standard mountain trekking.

The Mount Kilimanjaro trek takes hikers to the summit of Africa’s highest peak. Depending on the route chosen, the climb can take between five and nine days. The journey crosses multiple climate zones, including rainforest, alpine desert, and icy summit terrain. While no technical climbing is required, altitude and weather conditions make the trek physically demanding. Reaching Uhuru Peak is considered one of the biggest achievements for many adventure travellers.

The Inca Trail is one of South America’s most famous trekking routes. The four-day journey through the Andes Mountains leads travellers to the ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu. Along the route, hikers pass stone pathways, cloud forests, tunnels, and archaeological ruins built by the Inca civilisation. Visitor numbers are controlled through permits, and guided tours are required on most sections of the trail.

Iceland’s Laugavegur Trail is known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes and colourful rhyolite mountains. The route passes black sand deserts, lava fields, glaciers, hot springs, and rivers across Iceland’s southern highlands. The trail covers around 34 miles and is usually completed in four to five days. Many hikers visit during summer months when daylight hours are longer and mountain huts remain operational.

Located on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, the Kalalau Trail follows the rugged Na Pali Coast and leads to Kalalau Beach. The 22-mile trail crosses valleys, cliffs, streams, and narrow pathways overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Authorities require permits because of difficult terrain and changing weather conditions. The route is considered one of Hawaii’s most challenging hikes, but it is also known for its coastal scenery and remote beaches.

The Milford Track in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park is often called one of the world’s finest walks. Stretching around 33 miles, the route takes hikers through rainforests, valleys, suspension bridges, waterfalls, and mountain passes. The trail also offers views of Sutherland Falls, one of New Zealand’s tallest waterfalls. Strict visitor limits and well-maintained huts help preserve the natural environment while improving the trekking experience for travellers.