Hiking is the most democratic form of adventure travel. You do not need specialized equipment, years of training, or deep pockets — you need a pair of decent shoes and the desire to put one foot in front of the other. The world's best hikes range from gentle coastal walks that anyone can enjoy to multi-week expeditions that demand serious physical preparation.

This guide ranks 15 hiking destinations from easiest to most challenging, with the practical details you need to plan: how many days, how far per day, where you sleep, what permits you need, and when to go.

Easy: Accessible to Most Healthy Adults

These hikes require no special fitness preparation. If you can walk for 3-5 hours at a moderate pace, you can do these comfortably.

1. Cinque Terre, Italy

Five candy-colored fishing villages perched on the Italian Riviera, connected by coastal paths with sweeping Mediterranean views. The most famous section, the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail), links all five villages and can be walked in a single day.

Duration: 1-2 days for the main trail; 3-4 days to explore thoroughly
Daily distance: 5-12 km depending on your pace
Elevation gain: Moderate — some steep sections between Corniglia and Vernazza, but nothing sustained
Accommodation: Guesthouses and small hotels in each village. Book well in advance for June-September.
Permits: Cinque Terre Trekking Card required (7.50 EUR for one day, 14.50 EUR for two days). Includes trail access and unlimited train rides between villages.
Best season: April-May and September-October. Summer is crowded and hot. Winter sections may be closed.
Fitness required: Moderate. The trail has steps and uneven surfaces, but the pace is self-directed with village stops for espresso and focaccia.

What makes it special: The combination of dramatic coastline, charming villages, and Italian food and wine culture. You can hike for an hour, eat freshly caught anchovies on a terrace overlooking the sea, then continue walking.

2. Lake District, England

The Lake District is where English Romantic poets walked, and you will understand why. Rolling green hills, mirror-still lakes, stone-walled farms, and atmospheric pubs serving real ale create a hiking experience that is as much about atmosphere as altitude.

Duration: 3-7 days for a comprehensive visit
Daily distance: 8-15 km per walk
Elevation gain: Low to moderate. Helvellyn (950 m) is the most ambitious popular walk; lower routes around the lakes are gentle.
Accommodation: Everything from camping to country house hotels. YHA hostels offer excellent budget options.
Permits: None required. Open access land.
Best season: May-September for the driest weather (though "dry" is relative in England). April and October are beautiful but wetter.
Fitness required: Low to moderate. Choose your route based on your ability — there are options for everyone.

What makes it special: The intimacy of the landscape. Everything is human-scaled — the hills are not overwhelming, the distances are manageable, and a warm pub is never far away.

3. Camino de Santiago (Last 100 km), Spain

The final 100 kilometers of the Camino Frances — from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela — is the minimum distance to earn a Compostela (certificate of completion). It passes through Galician countryside, eucalyptus forests, and medieval villages, ending at the cathedral in Santiago.

Duration: 5-6 days
Daily distance: 18-25 km
Elevation gain: Gentle — rolling terrain with no major climbs
Accommodation: Albergues (pilgrim hostels) cost 6-15 EUR/night. Private rooms available for 30-60 EUR.
Permits: A Pilgrim Credential (credencial del peregrino) is needed and stamped at each stop. Available at the starting point in Sarria.
Best season: May-June and September-October. July-August is hot and crowded. Winter is quiet but cold and wet.
Fitness required: Moderate. The daily distances are significant, but the terrain is forgiving. Most healthy adults can manage with minimal preparation.

What makes it special: The social aspect. The Camino is a walking community — you will share meals, stories, and blisters with people from around the world. Arriving at the cathedral in Santiago after days of walking is genuinely emotional.

Moderate: Requires Some Fitness Preparation

These hikes involve longer days, more elevation gain, and potentially challenging terrain. A few weeks of regular walking or cardio training beforehand will make the experience more enjoyable.

4. Tour du Mont Blanc, France/Italy/Switzerland

A circuit around Western Europe's highest peak, crossing three countries and a stunning variety of alpine terrain — glacial valleys, flower-covered meadows, rocky passes, and charming mountain villages.

Duration: 10-12 days for the full circuit (170 km)
Daily distance: 14-20 km
Elevation gain: 10,000 m total ascent/descent over the full trek. Daily climbs of 800-1,200 m are common.
Accommodation: Mountain refuges (refuges/rifugi) along the route. Half-board (dinner and breakfast) costs 50-80 EUR/night. Booking essential in July-August.
Permits: None required.
Best season: Late June through mid-September. Snow can linger on high passes into July.
Fitness required: Good. The daily elevation gains are significant. Regular hiking or stair training for 4-6 weeks beforehand is recommended.

What makes it special: The cultural variety. You start in France, walk through Italy, and finish in Switzerland — three languages, three cuisines, three alpine cultures, all connected by one mountain.

5. Overland Track, Tasmania, Australia

A 65-km trek through Tasmania's World Heritage wilderness: buttongrass moorlands, ancient rainforest, alpine plateaus, and a landscape that feels like the end of the earth.

Duration: 6 days
Daily distance: 8-16 km
Elevation gain: Moderate — the track is well-graded, but side trips to Cradle Mountain summit and other peaks add challenge.
Accommodation: Basic huts with bunks (included in park permit) or camping.
Permits: Required and limited to 34 walkers starting per day during peak season (October-May). 275 AUD per person in peak season. Book months in advance.
Best season: November through April. January-February is warmest. Weather is notoriously changeable — pack for four seasons.
Fitness required: Moderate to good. Carrying a full pack (food, sleeping bag, warm layers) for six days adds difficulty.

What makes it special: The solitude and ancient landscape. Tasmania's wilderness has a primordial quality — some of the plants here are the same species that grew when dinosaurs walked.

6. Laugavegur Trail, Iceland

A 55-km trek through Iceland's volcanic interior, passing rainbow-colored rhyolite mountains, steaming hot springs, black obsidian deserts, glacial rivers, and a landscape that looks like another planet.

Duration: 4 days (often extended with the Fimmvorduhals trail to 6 days)
Daily distance: 12-16 km
Elevation gain: Moderate — the trail undulates but does not have extreme climbs.
Accommodation: Mountain huts operated by Ferdalag Islands (Iceland Touring Association). 10,000-13,000 ISK/night. Camping also available. Book huts well in advance.
Permits: Booking a hut or campsite secures your spot. No separate permit needed.
Best season: Late June through mid-September. July and August are most reliable. River crossings can be challenging early in the season.
Fitness required: Moderate. River crossings require confidence and waterproof footwear. The terrain is uneven but not technical.

What makes it special: The otherworldly scenery. The rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar — striped in red, yellow, green, and blue — are among the most surreal landscapes on earth.

Challenging: Requires Serious Preparation

These treks involve multiple days in remote terrain, significant altitude or technical difficulty, and the need for real physical fitness. Start training at least 2-3 months in advance.

7. Torres del Paine W Trek, Chile

The W Trek traces a route past the three iconic granite towers (the Torres), Grey Glacier, and the French Valley in Patagonia's wildest national park. The scenery is superlative, and the wind is legendary.

Duration: 4-5 days for the W; 8-10 days for the full Circuit
Daily distance: 15-25 km
Elevation gain: Moderate to significant. The hike to the base of the Torres is the hardest day — 800 m gain over loose rock.
Accommodation: Refugios (mountain lodges) with meals cost 80-150 USD/night. Campsites cost 15-40 USD. Both must be booked months in advance — this is not optional.
Permits: Park entry 21,000 CLP for foreigners. Reservations for all campsites and refugios are required.
Best season: November through March (Southern Hemisphere summer). December-February is warmest but windiest. October and April are quieter but colder.
Fitness required: Good to very good. Long days on uneven terrain with a pack. The wind in Patagonia is no joke — it can reach 100+ km/h and makes easy terrain difficult.

What makes it special: The raw, untamed drama of Patagonia. Glaciers calving into lakes, granite spires piercing the clouds, and a sense of wildness that few places on earth can match.

8. Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru

The classic four-day trek follows ancient Inca pathways through cloud forest and over high mountain passes to arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate at dawn — one of the most iconic moments in hiking.

Duration: 4 days / 3 nights (classic Inca Trail)
Daily distance: 8-16 km
Elevation gain: Significant. Dead Woman's Pass reaches 4,215 m. The second day is brutal — 1,200 m of climbing.
Accommodation: Camping only (porters carry equipment if you book with an agency, which is mandatory).
Permits: Required and strictly limited to 500 people per day (including guides and porters). Book 3-6 months in advance through a licensed operator. Permit cost included in tour price (600-1,200 USD for four days all-inclusive).
Best season: May through September (dry season). June-August is peak. April and October are shoulder months with fewer crowds.
Fitness required: Very good. Altitude is the main challenge — spending 2-3 days acclimatizing in Cusco beforehand is essential.

What makes it special: The crescendo. Days of hiking through increasingly dramatic scenery culminate in the moment you walk through the Sun Gate and see Machu Picchu laid out below — a payoff that rivals any in travel.

9. Annapurna Circuit, Nepal

A 160-230 km trek (depending on route) that circumnavigates the Annapurna massif, crossing the Thorong La pass at 5,416 m — one of the highest trekking passes in the world.

Duration: 12-18 days
Daily distance: 12-20 km
Elevation gain: Extreme. From 800 m to 5,416 m and back down. Proper acclimatization (no more than 500 m altitude gain per night above 3,000 m) is critical.
Accommodation: Teahouses along the route provide basic rooms (500-1,000 NPR/night) and meals. No camping necessary.
Permits: ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) 3,000 NPR and TIMS card 2,000 NPR. Both obtainable in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Best season: October-November (post-monsoon, clearest skies) and March-April (pre-monsoon, rhododendron season). Winter is possible but cold; monsoon (June-September) makes trails muddy and passes dangerous.
Fitness required: Very good. The altitude is the real challenge, not the technical difficulty. Cardiovascular fitness and experience hiking at altitude are important.

What makes it special: The cultural journey. You walk through Hindu lowlands, Buddhist highlands, and across a Tibetan-influenced landscape, passing through villages where traditional life continues largely unaffected by modernity.

10. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Africa's highest peak (5,895 m) is technically a walk rather than a climb — no ropes or technical skills needed. But the altitude makes it a serious undertaking, with success rates around 65-85% depending on the route and duration.

Duration: 5-9 days depending on route. Longer routes (7-8 days) have higher success rates due to better acclimatization.
Daily distance: 5-15 km
Elevation gain: 4,000+ m from gate to summit. Summit night alone involves 1,200 m of gain in extreme cold.
Accommodation: Camping (porters carry equipment) or basic huts on the Marangu route.
Permits: Mandatory licensed guide and support team required. All-inclusive costs 2,000-6,000 USD depending on route, duration, and operator quality. Park fees alone are approximately 900 USD.
Best season: January-March and June-October (dry seasons). January-February is quieter; July-August is busiest.
Fitness required: Very good. Summit night is a grueling 6-8 hour slog through darkness in thin air. Altitude sickness is the primary concern.

What makes it special: Standing on the roof of Africa, looking out over the glaciers and clouds below. The sense of achievement is profound — this is a real expedition, not a day hike.

Extreme: For Experienced Trekkers Only

These hikes demand a high level of fitness, experience with multi-day treks, and comfort in serious mountain environments.

11. Everest Base Camp, Nepal

The trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) is not a mountaineering expedition — it is a high-altitude walk through the most dramatic mountain scenery on earth. But the altitude demands respect.

Duration: 12-14 days round trip from Lukla
Daily distance: 8-14 km
Elevation gain: From 2,840 m (Lukla) to 5,364 m. Proper acclimatization days built in at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche.
Accommodation: Teahouses. Basic but functional. Rooms 500-1,500 NPR/night; meals 500-1,000 NPR each.
Permits: Sagarmatha National Park permit 3,000 NPR plus TIMS card 2,000 NPR. Guide mandatory since 2024 regulations.
Best season: October-November (post-monsoon, best visibility) and March-May (pre-monsoon, spring flowers). Winter is possible but very cold with limited teahouse availability.
Fitness required: Excellent. You need strong cardiovascular fitness and experience hiking at altitude. The biggest risk is altitude sickness — know the symptoms and descend immediately if they worsen.

What makes it special: Standing at the foot of the world's highest mountain, surrounded by Himalayan giants. Kala Patthar viewpoint (5,644 m) offers the classic panoramic view of Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse.

12. GR20, Corsica, France

Widely considered the most challenging long-distance hiking trail in Europe. The GR20 traverses the spine of Corsica through rocky, exposed mountain terrain with significant scrambling sections.

Duration: 16 days for the full route (180 km); 7-8 days for the northern (harder) half
Daily distance: 10-15 km
Elevation gain: 12,000+ m total ascent. Daily gains of 600-1,200 m over technical terrain.
Accommodation: Mountain refuges with dormitories and basic meals. 15-18 EUR/night. Camping adjacent to refuges is also possible.
Permits: None required.
Best season: June through September. July and August are warmest but most crowded. June and September are cooler with fewer people.
Fitness required: Excellent. The GR20 requires scrambling ability, a head for heights, and the stamina for long, physically demanding days. This is not a walk — it is a mountain trek.

What makes it special: The raw Mediterranean mountain environment. Granite peaks, swimming holes in mountain streams, views over the Corsican coast, and the satisfaction of completing one of Europe's great challenges.

13. Huayhuash Circuit, Peru

Often called the most beautiful trek in the world, the Huayhuash Circuit encircles the Cordillera Huayhuash — a compact range of massive glaciated peaks including Yerupaja (6,634 m, Peru's second-highest mountain).

Duration: 10-14 days
Daily distance: 10-18 km
Elevation gain: Multiple passes above 4,500 m, with the highest (Cuyoc Pass) at 5,000 m. Total ascent exceeds 8,000 m.
Accommodation: Camping only. Full camping equipment and food needed. Most trekkers hire an arriero (mule driver) and cook through agencies in Huaraz. All-inclusive guided treks run 800-1,500 USD.
Permits: Community fees paid at several checkpoints along the route (20-30 PEN each).
Best season: May through September (dry season). June-August is optimal.
Fitness required: Excellent. High altitude, remote terrain, and long days with heavy packs. Prior experience at altitude is essential.

What makes it special: The scale and drama. Each day brings a new pass with views of massive ice-covered peaks reflected in turquoise glacial lakes. The scenery is relentless.

14. John Muir Trail, California, USA

A 340-km traverse through the Sierra Nevada, passing through Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks to summit Mount Whitney (4,421 m), the highest peak in the contiguous United States.

Duration: 18-25 days
Daily distance: 15-20 km
Elevation gain: 14,000+ m total. Multiple passes above 3,500 m.
Accommodation: Camping only. You carry everything. Resupply via bear canisters (required) at several points along the trail.
Permits: Wilderness permits are required and highly competitive. Enter the lottery 168 days before your start date via recreation.gov. Walk-up permits available but unreliable.
Best season: July through September. Snow can linger on passes into July; September brings cooler nights but stunning light.
Fitness required: Excellent. Three weeks of continuous backpacking with a heavy pack at altitude. You need to be comfortable carrying 15-20 kg.

What makes it special: The sustained quality. Most long trails have filler sections — the JMT has almost none. It is the greatest hits of Sierra scenery, back to back, for three weeks.

15. Snowman Trek, Bhutan

Considered one of the most difficult treks in the world, the Snowman Trek crosses 11 passes above 4,500 m through Bhutan's most remote Himalayan territory. Completion rates hover around 50% due to weather, altitude, and the sheer difficulty.

Duration: 24-30 days
Daily distance: 10-18 km
Elevation gain: Massive cumulative gain. Eleven passes, the highest at 5,320 m.
Accommodation: Camping only. Full expedition-style support required.
Permits: Bhutan requires all tourists to book through a licensed operator. The daily tourist fee (100 USD/day for regional tourists, 200 USD/day for others) covers accommodation, food, guide, and transport. Trek-specific costs are additional. Total all-in cost: 8,000-15,000 USD.
Best season: September through November (very narrow window). Snow closes the passes outside this period.
Fitness required: Exceptional. Prior high-altitude trekking experience is mandatory. You need to be comfortable with weeks in the mountains, unpredictable weather, and the possibility of having to turn back.

What makes it special: The remoteness. You walk through territory where the only inhabitants are yak herders. Some of the passes have no trail — you follow cairns and your guide's experience. Completing the Snowman Trek places you in an exclusive club of a few hundred people per year.

Planning Your Hike

A few principles that apply to all levels:

Train for the hike, not just at the gym: Hiking fitness is specific. Walk hills with a weighted pack.
Break in your boots: New boots on a multi-day trek guarantee blisters. Wear them for at least 50 km before your trip.
Respect altitude: Above 3,000 m, ascend no more than 500 m per night. Drink water. Recognize symptoms of altitude sickness.
Book early: Popular treks (Inca Trail, Overland Track, JMT) have permit systems that fill months in advance.
Pack light: Every gram counts on a multi-day trek. Bring what you need and nothing more.

TripGenie can help you build a hiking trip that matches your fitness level and timeline. Our AI factors in permit availability, seasonal conditions, acclimatization schedules, and the logistics of getting to and from trailheads — so you can focus on putting one foot in front of the other.

15 Best Hiking Destinations in the World for Every Fitness Level