The backpack is heavy, the boots are chafing, the walk is boring, it’s raining… All these little things are more than offset by the dizzying views you encounter on every hike! We tell you where to “look for the beautiful,” and what you need to know when hiking the world’s most beautiful hiking trails – site.
List according by G.Yagupov
Annapurna Ring, Nepal
Duration and length: from 100 km to 220 km (depends on the chosen trek) and from 10 days to 24 days.
The contrasting transition from the hot jungle to the cold highlands and the white caps of the mountains, the stunning views of eight thousand meters and the original culture of Nepal – this route is considered one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the world for a reason.
The classic version of the Ring starts at the southeastern foothills of Annapurna, in the village of Besisakhar. The trail skirts the mountain massif in a semicircle and ends at its southwestern part. The highest point is Torong La Pass (5,416 m), which divides the route into two parts: the eastern part, with ascent along the Marsyandi River valley, and the western part, with descent along the Kali Gandaki River valley. The ascent to the pass is technically easy, the main danger is mountain sickness.
The trek is accessible to pass all year round:
- Summer and winter. The rainy season with heavy rainfall and a minimum of hikers. Because of poor visibility and rainfall at this time, the Ring is rarely traversed. In winter, because of snowfalls, some sections are difficult to pass, at this time of year the route is suitable only for prepared tourists.
- In Autumn and Spring. The most popular time of the passage – the rainy season ends, the visibility is good. At this time, frosts may occur in the mountains. In spring, the probability of rain increases, but there are stunning landscapes, such as blooming forests of rhododendrons in the vicinity of the village of Gorepani.
Löygavegür and the Fimmvurduhuls Pass, Iceland
Duration and length: 54 km, walking time: 3-4 days.
The most famous hiking route in Iceland, attracting tourists with relatively developed infrastructure and a variety of landscapes: from green valleys to glaciers. The start of the trek is from the thermal springs of the Icelandic Plateau, near the camp Landmanaløygar, the end is the Toursmörk glacial valley. Along the route there are tourist lodges for overnight stays. However, tourist shelters are often overcrowded, so you still have to carry a “camping house” with you. The main thing is to choose the right tent, so you don’t have to carry extra weight during the whole trip.
The trek can be extended for 1-2 days by crossing the Toorsmørk glacier valley and finishing in Skougar village. This part of the trail will pass through the Fimmvördühals pass, from where you can look at the site of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano eruption.
The best time to pass is from mid-June to early September. From October to May almost the entire route is highly variable, cold, windy weather with snow and rain. Even in early July at an altitude of 1,000 meters, there are frosts, so many people prefer to pass Leygavegyur in August.
Besides Löygavegüre, Iceland has a lot to see: whales, glaciers, mountains – you can’t list all the beauties.
King’s Kungsleden Trail, Sweden
Duration and length: The total length of the trail is about 450 km. Kungsleden is divided into 4 sections of about 100 km each, designed to be covered in 7-8 days.
The trail begins in Abisku National Park and ends at the Hemawan ski resort. The trail passes through the mountain ranges of Lapland and three national parks: Abisku, Stura-Sjöfallet and Piellekaise. For the safety of hikers, the trail is marked all along the way, and bridges and tracks in marshy areas are also available. Some of the trail is equipped with lodges and cabins for overnight accommodations; there are “wild” sections where you have to carry all your hiking equipment with you.
“The hiking season lasts from late June to early September, and in winter the trail is traversed on skis. In some sections, roads are marked for snowmobiles.
Lycian Trail, Turkey
Duration and length: The total length is about 540 km, the passage time depends on the selected section.
The Lycian Trail connects the two Turkish cities of Antalya and Fethiye. It runs along the coast and is full of historical and natural attractions.
The entire route is marked with white and red markers, and there are signs in some places. There are quite a few fresh water springs along the trail, but some may dry up in the summer.
The Lycian trail can be divided into three parts:
- West section. It starts from the village of Owadzik, and there is a detailed map at the start of the trail. From here you can climb to Babadag and admire the panoramas that open up. In the western part there are many secluded beaches, the remains of the ancient Roman polis of Letoon and the ruins of the Lycian city of Xanthus.
- The central part. Goes through most of the mountain trails. Here are the ruins of ancient Myra, the city-fortress of Simena, and other settlements. If you wish you can deviate from the main route and walk through the cedar forests of the Karlioz-Tepe Plateau.
- Eastern section. Because of transport accessibility, this section is the most popular among tourists from Russia. The start is in Antalya, which is easily accessible by plane. The route includes the famous Tahtali peak, the ancient city of Olympos, the mysterious burning Chimera, and the luxurious beaches of Cirali.
Jordan Trail, Jordan
Duration and length: 650 km, full route for 40+ days.
It is a kind of journey through the history of Jordan. The route begins in Umm Qaisa and ends in Aqaba. The most interesting section is from Dana to Petra, which is 73 km long.
The trail passes through the picturesque hills and rocks of Petra, goes along the Red Sea coast and crosses the cliffs on the Jordan Rift. On the way you will meet the ruins of Roman cities and hot springs.
Trekking is fun and interesting. Especially if you pack properly and lighten your hiking backpack. Mountains, valleys, rivers, sunsets and sunrises – in hiking every day is a little life!
