When travel spells outdoors and adventure, trekking is bound to feature in more ways than one. For it is trekking alone that can present a perfect platform to discover a new destination, one step at a time.
Here is a list of some exciting trekking destinations for adventure seekers who want to take their passion for trekking to a new level – literally.
Colombia: Lost City
The perplexing Lost City of the indigenous Tayronas has been described as a pre-historic jewel, one that is hidden among the mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in Colombia. The trek will take you through the thick tropical rainforest and will open up avenues to learn about the customs of the locals and indigenous communities who still live in that area.
Best time to visit – December to March
Nepal: Annapurna Circuit
Said to be one of the most popular and beautiful treks in the world, the Annapurna Circuit takes you through a diverse terrain, providing a taste of pine forests, arid landscapes and the Annapurna mountain range. The total length of the route varies between 100 and145 miles; it could take between 17 and 25 days to complete, depending on your ability. But if you are looking for a shorter trek, you could opt for sections that range anywhere from three days and more. Seasoned trekkers though recommend trekking up to Thorung La summit pass and watching the sunrise over towering peaks at Poon Hill.
Best time to visit – October to early December; February to April
Tanzania: Mt Kilimanjaro
If you have the gumption to climb what can seem like a skyscraper, Tanzania’s Mt Kilimanjaro is your destination. At 19,340ft, it is Africa’s highest peak, presenting multiple routes that include hiking through rainforests and alpine deserts and across glaciers – in other words, every ecosystem on earth. It is, of course, no cakewalk, but trekkers who have been there and done that will tell you that it is doable for healthy and fit travellers, with some training beforehand, of course.
Best time to visit – September to March
New Zealand: The Routeburn Track
This trek is perfect if you are looking for a shorter trip. It is a three-day trek – Day 1, Routeburn Shelter to Routeburn Falls Hut; Day 2, Routeburn Falls Hut to Lake McKenzie Hut; Day 3, Lake McKenzie Hut to The Divide – but has a whole lot of scenic delights to pack in those three days. The 30km or so trek passes through 2 national parks, Fiordland and Mount Aspiring, and will feature wild birds and breathtaking views of mountain peaks, lakes, waterfalls and rivers.
Best time to visit – October to April
Venezuela: Mt. Roirama
Mt. Roraima, which was an inspiration for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s ‘The Lost World’, has a timeless charm about it, thanks to the tabletop (tepuis) summit. It has, over the years, become a popular trekking destination, with the ascent requiring two and a half days from the Pemón village of Paraitepui. Ideally, you should spend at least two nights on top of Roraima to explore its fascinating vistas.
Best time to visit – November to April
Sweden: Kungsleden
At this time of the year, this longest and most famous trail in Sweden may be ideal for skiers; but trekking during the summer months opens the scenic bounties of King’s Trail or Kungsleden. The trek starts in the village of Abisko in the north and goes all the way to Hemavan; it is a scenic journey that passes through the Scandinavian Mountain Range. It is fully equipped with huts and cabins, making it easy and convenient for hikers.
Best time to visit – February to September
Italy: Sentiero Azzurro
The Sentiero Azzurro (The Blue Trail) is an easy to trek trail, even if you are with your family. The Blue Trail connects the 5 villages of Cinque Terre and can be completed in a day – the path is almost flat, making it easy to navigate. It takes about five hours; but if you want to stop by and smell the flowers, so to say, there are plenty of opportunities to give in to your love for all things outdoors.
Best time to visit – April to May; September to October
