|
|
|
| Top Hiking Breaks from HostelBookers |
| |
 |
Depending on where you come from in the world, you may refer to hiking as bushwhacking, tramping, trekking, bush-bashing, backpacking or simply just walking! Whatever you call it, hiking is the most fundamental of all outdoor activities, and there’s always a hike to suit – from a gentle stroll to full on mountain hike.
If you’re going to be hiking over long distances or difficult terrain you’ll require a degree of physical ability and knowledge of the area. However, the rewards can be enormous as you often have access to unspoilt, undeveloped areas of wilderness. In fact in many cases hiking is the only way to see a particular part of a country, in the case of national parks or particularly rugged terrain.
So if you’re thinking of taking a hiking break sometime soon, why not consider one of our top picks?
|
| The Inca Trail, Peru |
The Inca trail is Peru's best known hike - and one of the most famous in the world - combining mountain scenery, lush cloud-forest, rich subtropical jungle and culminating at the ruins of Machu Picchu, the sacred Inca city high in the Andes. The 45km trek is usually covered in 4 days, arriving at Machu Picchu for sunrise on the final day, before returning to Cusco by train in the afternoon.
Book accommodation in Cusco, Peru for The Inca Trail | See guide to Cusco |
| |
| Kokoda Trail, Papua New Guinea |
Linking the southern and northern coast of Papua New Guinea, the Kokoda trail is a serious challenge to be enjoyed by the fit and adventurous hiker. The 96km trail passes through rugged mountainous country of rainforest, orchids, birds, fern jungles and clean mountain streams which fall through steep valleys. Famous as the location of bitter fighting between Australian and Japanese armies during World War II.
Book accommodation in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea for The Kokada Trail |
| |
| Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania |
Permanently snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain, and offers one of the best opportunities to climb a peak at altitude without needing technical climbing ability. Just three degrees south of the Equator and 5,895m high, Mount Kilimanjaro provides vistas across the African plains. The Marangu route follows a well maintained path, covering the 70km trek distance - 3.5 days going up and 1.5 days coming down.
Book accommodation in Moshi, Tanzania for Mount Kilimanjaro | See guide to Moshi
|
| |
| GR 20, Corsica |
The GR 20 walk takes you through the central part of Corsica and finishes on the west coast. A stunningly beautiful area filled with Mediterranean flora covering the surrounding hills. With some are wonderful views over gorges and rock pools, and across the sea, the GR 20 is an unforgettable destination.
Book accommodation in Nice, France for GR 20 | See guide to Nice
|
| |
| West Highland Way, Scotland |
Suitable for all types of hikers, the West Highland Way runs most of the way along a nearby railway line. Parts of it, however, follow Loch Lomond, cross Rannoch Moor and go over the Devil's Staircase. The Devil's Staircase provides the steepest climb of the route - along a zigzaging path climbing 250m over a distance of 1.25km…luckily the descent is gentler!
Book accommodation in Glasgow, Scotland for The West Highland Way | See guide to Glasgow |
| |
| The Troodos Trail, Cyprus |
The Troodos mountain range extends across much of Cyprus’ western side, running through the island’s highest landscape. Jagged and volcanic with a plethora of flora – pines, vines, orchids, and even the Eastern Strawberry Tree! Start your hike from Nicosia and spend a relaxing night in the sleepy village of Troodos.
Book accommodation in Troodos, Cyprus for The Troodos Trail |
| |
| Mustang, Nepal |
For a trek in “The Last Forbidden Kindom” head to Mustang, located in Nepal's northwestern Himalayas. In a land of diverse vistas and flora, and a variety of ethnic groups, the area is truly unique. Caught in the rain shadow of Dhaulagiri Himal to the west and the Annapurna massif to the east, most of Mustang's 750 square miles are trans-Himalayan desert.
Book accommodation in Kathmandu, Nepal for Mustang | See guide to Kathmandu
|
| |
| Pyrenean Haute Route, Andorra |
Stretching the 400km from Atlantic to Mediterranean, the Pyrenean Haute Route takes six weeks to complete. Running through France, Andorra and Spain, this old time hike is not as challenging as it is long. If you have limited time the best section is generally considered to be between Lescun village and Gavarnie.
Book accommodation in Canillo, Andorra for The Pyrenean Haute Route |
| |
|
