Top hiking trails in the world that are worth walking at least once in your life

Hiking reveals the world without filters or rush — step by step, through mountains, coastlines, and ancient trails. This article brings together the most iconic routes on the planet, where every kilometre becomes part of your personal history and a real test of character. Find out which hiking trails around the world are worth walking at least once in your life and why they are considered a traveller's dream

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Hiking trails are not just a way to see beautiful places. For many, they become a personal challenge, a test of endurance, and an opportunity to experience the world differently — slowly, deeply, and honestly. Lonely Planet experts have compiled a list of trails that are considered iconic for global trekking and have long been the dream of travellers.

When choosing less popular destinations and traveling off the beaten track, it is important to take care of your own safety in advance. Ukrainians traveling abroad will need medical insurance that covers treatment, hospitalization, and emergency care. You can purchase a policy online at Visit Ukraine — quickly and taking into account the requirements of different countries, which is especially important when traveling to lesser-known regions.

Markha Valley, Ladakh, India

80 km | 6–7 days

High-altitude Ladakh is one of the most underrated destinations in the Himalayas. The route through the Markha Valley passes through dry desert plateaus, rocky passes and isolated settlements. Over the course of several days, the landscape changes from harsh ‘lunar’ landscapes to green valleys, with the Buddhist monastery of Hemis as the final destination.

Walkers' Haute Route, France — Switzerland

200 km | about 14 days

One of the most spectacular routes in the Alps connects Chamonix and Zermatt. The trail passes through high mountain passes, glacial valleys and alpine meadows. The Haute Route is valued not only for its scenery but also for its comfort: there are shelters and small hotels along the way, making the route accessible even to less extreme tourists.

Torres del Paine O Trek, Chile

136 km | 9 days

A complete circular route through Torres del Paine National Park allows you to see Patagonia in all its diversity. Here, glaciers neighbour lakes, mountain peaks are reflected in the water, and open plains give way to dense forests. Unlike the popular short W Trek route, the O Trek reveals the park in much greater depth.

Kalalau Trail, Hawaii, USA

18 km one way | 2 days

This route along the coast of Kauai Island follows a narrow path above the ocean. At first, the path seems easy, but then there are steep climbs and narrow sections. The reward is views of waterfalls, pristine valleys and secluded beaches where you can spend the night far from civilisation.

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Inca Trail, Peru

33 km | 4–5 days

The legendary route to Machu Picchu is one of the most famous in the world. The trail runs through cloud forests and ancient stone roads, climbing to an altitude of over 2,400 metres. Due to its high popularity, the number of permits is strictly limited, so the hike requires advance planning.

Routeburn Track, New Zealand

32 km | 3–4 days

New Zealand's South Island is often referred to as one of the most beautiful parts of the planet, and the Routeburn Track is a vivid confirmation of this. The route passes through Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks, offering views of mountain ranges, fjords and crystal clear lakes.

Gunung Rinjani, Indonesia

24 km | 2 days

Climbing to the summit of the active volcano Rinjani is a combination of trekking and real adventure. The final ascent begins before dawn so that the first rays of the sun find travellers at the edge of the crater overlooking the lake and the island of Lombok.

Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

37–90 km | 5–9 days

Climbing Kilimanjaro does not require special mountaineering equipment, but it remains a serious challenge. Over several days, the route passes through different climatic zones — from savannahs to a snow-covered peak 5,895 metres high.

GR20, Corsica, France

168 km | about 15 days

The GR20 is considered one of the most difficult hiking trails in Europe. Rocky paths, steep climbs and open rocky areas require excellent physical fitness. But the route allows you to see Corsica from its wildest and most untouched side.

Everest Base Camp, Nepal

130 km round trip | about 2 weeks

The route to Everest Base Camp passes through the Khumbu region, with its suspension bridges, Sherpa villages and Buddhist monasteries. This is not a technical climb, but a long and physically demanding trek that gives you the opportunity to get close to the highest mountain in the world.

Reminder! Madeira is changing the rules for accessing hiking trails, increasing fees and introducing restrictions for visitors. Find out how much it costs to access the trails, who is affected by the new rules and what tourists can be fined for.

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