Last updated June 23, 2026
30 Best Hiking Regions in the World
The most authoritative guide to where to hike on planet Earth. 30 regions across 7 continents, each highlighted by its signature hike — from Patagonia’s W Trek to Nepal’s Everest Base Camp, the Tour du Mont Blanc to New Zealand’s Milford Track. Each region links to a deeper regional hub profiling 10-15 hikes within that area.
This pillar guide cross-references six primary source categories: (1) First-hand editorial team experience on regions including Chilean and Argentine Patagonia (Ludlow family January 2025), Mount Fuji Japan (October 2023), Iceland (March 2023), Grand Canyon Southwest USA (May 2023), and ongoing Utah/Wasatch hiking; (2) Commercial operator data from established multi-decade operators (Wildland Trekking, Mountain Madness, Alpine Ascents, IMG, Wilderness Travel, REI Adventures); (3) National park and protected area authorities including CONAF Chile, Parques Nacionales Argentina, NPS USA, Parks Canada, DOC New Zealand, ICOS Iceland; (4) Peer-reviewed hiking literature including Lonely Planet trekking guides, Cicerone Press, and Trailblazer Publications; (5) Tourism authority data for regional season and access information; (6) Internal Global Summit Guide research cross-referenced with our existing 700+ published articles.
Editorial independence: This page contains affiliate links to Expedia. Affiliate revenue helps fund our independent editorial work. Region recommendations and editorial assessments are independent of commission rates — see our affiliate disclosure for full transparency.
◆ MIXED Editorial Framing
The Global Summit Guide editorial team has first-hand experience on a subset of these 30 regions. The Ludlow family completed Torres del Paine W Trek (partial) plus El Chaltén day hikes (Laguna de los Tres, Laguna Torre, Loma del Pliegue Tumbado) and Perito Moreno Glacier in January 2025 — covering both Chilean and Argentine Patagonia. Travis Ludlow climbed Mount Fuji in October 2023. The team visited Iceland in March 2023 for hiking and ice cave exploration. The Grand Canyon trip in May 2023 covered the Southwest USA region.
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Explore Travel Shop on Expedia →Coverage of the remaining 25 regions is research-based using primary operator data, national park authorities, peer-reviewed hiking guides, and existing Global Summit Guide articles cross-referenced for accuracy. Profiles marked FIRST-HAND contain personal narrative; profiles without the marker draw on primary sources.
What Is the Best Hiking Region in the World?
There is no single best hiking region — the right region depends on what a hiker wants. Patagonia (Chilean and Argentine) is consistently cited for raw scenic drama and weather challenge. The French and Swiss Alps offer the most refined hut-to-hut culture across the highest concentration of mountain huts in the world. Nepal’s Himalaya offers the highest peaks and most iconic trekking destinations. New Zealand’s South Island is the most varied alpine and fjord scenery in the Southern Hemisphere. Pacific Northwest USA combines accessibility with volcanic peak hiking and old-growth temperate rainforest. Each of these is the best of its category. The 30 regions below represent the full range of what world hiking offers.
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The Global Summit Guide Travel Shop on Expedia — curated for outdoor adventurers, mountaineers, and serious hikers. Hotels in trekking towns from Cusco to Chamonix to El Chaltén, flights to remote destinations, and vacation packages for the world’s greatest hiking regions.
Explore Travel Shop on Expedia →📑 30 Regions by Continent
Why 30 Regions, Not 30 Hikes
Most “best hikes in the world” lists pile 50 trails into a single page and call it done. The problem with that approach: a reader planning a Patagonia trip doesn’t need 49 hikes from other continents on the same page. They need to know which region matches what they want, then drill into options within that region.
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Hotels, flights, and vacation packages for the world’s great hiking and mountaineering destinations.
This pillar is built differently. The 30 regions below represent the full diversity of world hiking — alpine huts, jungle treks, desert canyons, glaciated traverses, pilgrimage routes, and polar wilderness. Each region card profiles its signature hike (the one most travelers should consider first), then links to a regional hub covering 10-15 hikes within that area. Click the region that matches what you want. Read the deeper guide. Plan your trip.
Coverage is honest about what we know first-hand versus what’s research-based. The Ludlow family’s January 2025 Patagonia trip, Travis’s October 2023 Mount Fuji climb, the March 2023 Iceland trip, and the May 2023 Grand Canyon visit all inform the regions we’ve personally covered. The remaining regions draw on primary operator data, national park authorities, peer-reviewed trekking guides, and our existing 700+ published articles cross-referenced for accuracy.
🏔 North America
5 regions · From the Pacific Northwest’s temperate rainforests to the Canadian Rockies’ alpine lakes, the Sierra Nevada’s granite spines to the Southwest’s red rock canyons. North America offers the world’s most accessible world-class hiking — most regions reachable by road, most trails maintained by national park systems, and most logistics manageable without guides.
Pacific Northwest USA
📍 Washington & Oregon · Signature: Wonderland Trail (Mount Rainier, 93 miles)
The Wonderland Trail circumnavigates Mount Rainier (4,392 m) in 93 miles of sustained alpine hiking through wildflower meadows, subalpine forests, and glaciated mountain views. Each campsite frames a different angle of the volcano. Reservations through the National Park Service are competitive — permits release in March and book within hours.
The broader Pacific Northwest extends far beyond Rainier. Olympic National Park combines temperate rainforest hiking (Hoh River, Quinault Loop) with high-alpine traverses (High Divide, Seven Lakes Basin) and Pacific coast hiking (Shi Shi Beach, Olympic Coast). The North Cascades offer some of the wildest backcountry in the lower 48 states with limited trails and dramatic relief.
Explore Pacific Northwest hikes →Sierra Nevada
📍 California USA · Signature: John Muir Trail (211 miles, Yosemite to Mount Whitney)
The John Muir Trail runs from Yosemite Valley to the summit of Mount Whitney (4,421 m) — 211 miles through the high Sierra crossing 11 mountain passes above 3,353 m. The trail traverses three national parks (Yosemite, Kings Canyon, Sequoia) and the Inyo and Sierra National Forests. Permits via the recreation.gov lottery system are competitive.
Beyond the JMT, the Sierra Nevada includes Half Dome cables hike (Yosemite), the Mount Whitney day hike (highest peak in the contiguous USA via the standard trail), Rae Lakes Loop, and the Pacific Crest Trail California sections. The High Sierra trail network is the most extensive backcountry hiking system in the western USA.
Explore Sierra Nevada hikes →Rocky Mountains
📍 Montana/Wyoming/Colorado USA · Signature: Highline Trail (Glacier National Park)
The Highline Trail in Glacier National Park traces the Garden Wall along the Continental Divide for nearly 12 miles of sustained ridgeline hiking. The trail starts at Logan Pass (visited by car), drops to The Loop with shuttle access for return — meaning a one-way alpine traverse without doubling back. Wildflower meadows in July, mountain goat sightings, and views into both McDonald Valley and the Many Glacier area.
The broader Rocky Mountains extend across Montana (Beartooth Range, Pintler Range), Wyoming (Wind River Range, Teton Crest Trail), and Colorado (Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop, Indian Peaks, Rocky Mountain National Park). The 14ers of Colorado represent the highest concentration of accessible high-altitude peak hikes in North America — 58 peaks above 4,267 m covered in our Colorado 14ers guide.
Explore Rocky Mountain hikes →Southwest USA
📍 Utah, Arizona, Nevada · Signature: Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim
The Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim hike crosses the canyon from North Kaibab Trail to Bright Angel Trail (or reverse) — 24 miles with about 1,524 m of descent and 1,372 m of climb back out. The trail dropped through every climate zone from subalpine to Sonoran desert. Multi-day hikers stay at Phantom Ranch (reservations 14 months ahead) or the Bright Angel Campground. Day hikers attempt the full traverse in summer at serious heat risk.
The Ludlow family visited Grand Canyon in May 2023 — the sweet spot before summer heat makes the inner canyon dangerous. The Southwest extends beyond Grand Canyon to Zion’s Narrows and Angels Landing (Utah), Bryce Canyon’s Navajo Loop, Canyonlands’ Maze district, and the Wasatch range surrounding Salt Lake City. The combination of red rock canyon hiking and Wasatch alpine hiking makes Utah one of the most varied hiking states.
Explore Southwest USA hikes →Canadian Rockies
📍 Alberta & British Columbia · Signature: Skyline Trail (Jasper National Park)
The Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park runs the alpine spine of the Maligne range for 27 miles, with most of the route above treeline. Three-day standard with two designated camping nights. The trail rates among the best alpine multi-day routes in North America for the percentage of time spent on open ridge with mountain views.
The Canadian Rockies extend across Banff (Tonquin Valley, Lake O’Hara region, Plain of Six Glaciers), Jasper (Skyline Trail, Mount Edith Cavell area), Yoho (Iceline Trail, Lake McArthur), and Kootenay (Rockwall Trail). The hut system is less developed than the European Alps, but the wilderness character and grizzly bear country adds wilderness depth most European trails lack.
Explore Canadian Rockies hikes →
🏔 Central & South America
4 regions · From Patagonian granite spires to Peruvian Inca ruins, Costa Rican rainforests to Andean high-altitude treks. South America offers the most affordable world-class hiking accessible to North American travelers — and Patagonia is consistently cited as the world’s most dramatic hiking destination.
Chilean Patagonia
📍 Magallanes, Chile · Signature: W Trek (Torres del Paine, 4-5 days)
The W Trek traces the signature W shape across Torres del Paine National Park — visiting the three iconic Torres towers (Base Torres viewpoint), the Francés Valley, and Glacier Grey. Refugio-supported with meals included; tent camping also available. The most photogenic 5-day hike in the Southern Hemisphere by consensus among trekkers who’ve done multiple regions.
The Ludlow family completed a partial W Trek in January 2025 — Base Torres day hike plus French Valley plus Glacier Grey. The “four seasons in a day” weather is real: 110+ km/h winds on Loma del Pliegue Tumbado, sustained 6-hour rain on the W, and bright sun the next morning. Beyond the W, Chilean Patagonia includes the full O Circuit (8-10 days circumnavigating Torres del Paine), the Dientes de Navarino trek (southernmost in the world, Cape Horn region), and the Cerro Castillo trek (Aysén region — quieter alternative to Paine).
Explore Chilean Patagonia hikes →Argentine Patagonia
📍 Santa Cruz, Argentina · Signature: Laguna de los Tres (Fitz Roy day hike)
The Laguna de los Tres day hike climbs from El Chaltén village to the iconic glacial lake beneath Mount Fitz Roy (3,405 m). The final 400 m of vertical gain on loose scree is the brutal part — most hikers underestimate the descent more than the ascent. Standard tactic: start at first light, summit by 11am, descend before afternoon winds.
The Ludlow family hiked Laguna de los Tres in January 2025 along with Laguna Torre (Cerro Torre viewpoint) and Loma del Pliegue Tumbado. Beyond the day hikes, Argentine Patagonia includes the Huemul Circuit (4-day technical loop with Tyrolean rope crossings — the hardest popular trek in El Chaltén), various Perito Moreno glacier walks (Big Ice trek), and the Aconcagua Base Camp trek to Plaza de Mulas (5,000 m without summiting). El Chaltén is reachable from El Calafate (4 hours by bus) which is where most travelers fly in for the region.
Explore Argentine Patagonia hikes →Peru
📍 Cusco region, Peru · Signature: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (4 days)
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most iconic high-altitude trek in the Americas — 4 days crossing three passes (Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215 m being the highest) ending at the Sun Gate looking down on Machu Picchu at sunrise. Permits are limited to 500 people daily (200 trekkers plus porters and guides) and must be booked 6-12 months ahead through licensed operators. Mandatory guided trek — no independent hikers allowed.
Beyond the classic Inca Trail, Peru offers the Choquequirao Trek (5-9 days to a remote Incan citadel, the “other Machu Picchu” without crowds), the Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit (10-day high-altitude loop widely considered one of the world’s most scenic treks), the Salkantay Trek (5-day alternative to Inca Trail without permit lottery), and the Cordillera Blanca region (Santa Cruz Trek, Pisco Base Camp, accessible 6,000 m peaks). Peru is the most varied hiking country in the Americas with both Incan cultural treks and pure high-altitude wilderness routes.
Explore Peru hikes →Costa Rica & Central America
📍 Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama · Signature: Corcovado National Park (Costa Rica)
Corcovado National Park on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula is the most biodiverse hiking destination on Earth per square mile. Standard 2-4 day treks cross primary rainforest with high probability of wildlife encounters: tapirs, scarlet macaws, multiple monkey species, sometimes pumas. Guided trekking is mandatory inside the park. Heat and humidity make this physically harder than the distance suggests.
Central America extends beyond Costa Rica to Guatemala (Acatenango volcano trek with views of erupting Volcán de Fuego), Panama (Volcán Barú, the only point in the Americas where you can see both oceans), Nicaragua (Volcán Concepción on Ometepe Island), and Honduras (Pico Bonito National Park). The volcanic landscape combined with tropical biodiversity makes Central America the most ecologically interesting hiking region in the Americas.
Explore Central American hikes →🏔 Europe
8 regions · The world’s most refined hiking culture — extensive mountain hut systems, decades of trail maintenance, multi-country traverses, and pilgrimage routes. Europe is also where world-class hiking is most accessible to first-time multi-day hikers because the infrastructure removes camping logistics.
French Alps
📍 Haute-Savoie, France · Signature: Tour du Mont Blanc (170 km, 11 days)
The Tour du Mont Blanc circles Mont Blanc (4,810 m) through France, Italy, and Switzerland in 10-12 days of hut-to-hut hiking. Refuges every 4-7 hours of walking with meals and beds. The most famous multi-day hike in the world by traffic — 25,000+ hikers complete sections annually. Reservations for refuges are competitive and book 6+ months ahead in summer.
The French Alps extend beyond TMB to the Vanoise National Park (5-7 day Tour de la Vanoise), the Écrins range (GR54 Tour du Oisans), the Mercantour (Mediterranean Alps near the coast), and the Queyras region (border with Italy). The French refuge system is the most extensive mountain hut network in the world — every major valley has 3-8 huts allowing flexible multi-day routes without camping.
Explore French Alps hikes →Swiss Alps
📍 Valais & Bernese Oberland · Signature: Haute Route Chamonix-Zermatt (11 days)
The Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt traverses the highest peaks of the Pennine Alps — 11-14 days of hut-to-hut hiking ending below the Matterhorn. Two versions exist: the original Haute Route requires glacier travel skills and crampons; the Walker’s Haute Route (more popular for hikers) avoids the glaciers and instead crosses high passes between valleys.
The Swiss Alps extend through the Bernese Oberland (Eiger Trail, Jungfrau region day hikes), the Engadin (Diavolezza ridge, St. Moritz region), the Berner Hochalpenroute, and the Via Alpina (long-distance Swiss-wide trail). Swiss huts (SAC system) are among the most established in the world. The cable car network reduces approach time on most routes — a uniquely Swiss feature.
Explore Swiss Alps hikes →Italian Dolomites
📍 Veneto & Trentino-Alto Adige · Signature: Alta Via 1 (120 km, 10-12 days)
Alta Via 1 traverses the Dolomites from Lago di Braies to Belluno through the most photogenic limestone tower landscape in Europe. The trail uses rifugios (Italian mountain huts) every 4-6 hours with meals and sleeping accommodation. The Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage site for the unique vertical limestone formations.
The Dolomites also include Alta Via 2 (more technical with via ferrata sections), the Tre Cime di Lavaredo circumnavigation (one of the most iconic day hikes in Europe), the Brenta Dolomites (Brenta Group separate from main Dolomites), and the Sella Group (Sellaronda hike around the entire Sella massif). Cortina d’Ampezzo and Bolzano are the main bases for Dolomites trekking.
Explore Dolomites hikes →Pyrenees
📍 France/Spain border · Signature: GR10 long-distance trail (866 km)
The GR10 traverses the entire French side of the Pyrenees from the Atlantic Ocean at Hendaye to the Mediterranean at Banyuls-sur-Mer — 866 km in approximately 50 days for the full thru-hike, though most hikers do sections of 1-2 weeks. The Pyrenees offer the same alpine experience as the Alps with substantially less crowding and lower prices. Gîtes d’étape (Pyrenees-specific guesthouses) provide affordable accommodation along the trail.
The Pyrenees also include the GR11 (Spanish side, 820 km), the HRP (Haute Route des Pyrénées — technical alpine high route between the two), the Tour du Carlit (multi-day around the Carlit massif), and the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park (Spain — UNESCO-listed canyons and high peaks). The Pyrenees are widely considered Europe’s best-value world-class hiking region.
Explore Pyrenees hikes →Scotland
📍 Scottish Highlands · Signature: West Highland Way (154 km, 7 days)
The West Highland Way runs from Milngavie (north of Glasgow) to Fort William through Loch Lomond, Glen Coe, and Rannoch Moor. The most popular long-distance trail in Scotland — graded path, daily towns with B&Bs, and accessible to most fitness levels. Standard 7-8 day completion with luggage transfer service available for hikers carrying daypacks only.
Scotland also offers Skye’s Cuillin Ridge (the hardest technical scramble in the UK), the Knoydart Peninsula (remote wilderness), the Cape Wrath Trail (Scotland’s hardest long-distance route, 230 miles), the Speyside Way, the Great Glen Way, and the Munros (282 mountains above 914 m — Scotland’s peak-bagging challenge). The hiking culture combines accessible long-distance trails with serious Highland wilderness for experienced hikers.
Explore Scotland hikes →Norway
📍 Jotunheimen & coastal Norway · Signature: Besseggen Ridge day hike
Besseggen Ridge traverses a narrow ridge between two lakes of different colors (Gjende green and Bessvatnet blue) in Jotunheimen National Park. The most photographed day hike in Norway. Boat-in to the start at Memurubu, hike the ridge back to Gjendesheim. Scrambling sections require attention but no technical climbing equipment.
Norway extends beyond Besseggen to Trolltunga (the iconic photo-op cliff in Hardangervidda), Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), the Romsdalen valley (Romsdalseggen Ridge, Romsdalshorn), the Jotunheimen high routes (Galdhøpiggen and Glittertind — Norway’s highest peaks), and the Lofoten Islands (Reinebringen, Munkebu). DNT (Norwegian Trekking Association) huts provide accommodation across all major Norwegian hiking regions.
Explore Norway hikes →Iceland
📍 Iceland · Signature: Laugavegur Trail (55 km, 4 days)
The Laugavegur Trail runs from Landmannalaugar (geothermal hot springs and rhyolite mountains) to Þórsmörk (volcanic valley with birch forests) — 55 km in 4 days through the most varied volcanic landscape in Europe. Iceland’s huts along the trail are managed by FÍ (Ferðafélag Íslands) and require advance reservation. The extension to Skógar adds 2 more days crossing Fimmvörðuháls pass between two glaciers.
The Ludlow family visited Iceland in March 2023 — winter conditions with ice cave exploration rather than summer trekking. Beyond Laugavegur, Iceland includes the Fimmvörðuháls pass (Þórsmörk to Skógar), the Hornstrandir Peninsula (Westfjords remote wilderness), the Mýrdalur and Eyjafjöll glaciated regions, and the Hveravellir-Hofsjökull crossing. Iceland’s hiking season is short (mostly June-September) but the landscape is unmatched for volcanic terrain accessibility.
Explore Iceland hikes →Spain & Portugal
📍 Iberian Peninsula · Signature: Camino de Santiago (800 km Camino Francés)
The Camino de Santiago (Camino Francés) crosses northern Spain from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (France) to Santiago de Compostela — 800 km in 5-6 weeks for the full thru-hike, though most pilgrims do shorter sections (last 100 km from Sarria is the minimum for receiving the Compostela certificate). Albergues (pilgrim hostels) along the entire route provide low-cost accommodation. The most accessible long-distance trail in the world.
The Iberian Peninsula extends beyond the classic Camino to multiple Camino variants (Portuguese, Norte, Primitivo, Inglés), the Picos de Europa national park (alpine hiking in northern Spain), the Sierra Nevada Spain (Mulhacén — Spain’s highest peak), and Portugal’s Madeira (volcanic island levada trails). Spain’s hiking infrastructure is second only to France in Europe with extensive marked GR (Grande Randonnée) trail systems.
Explore Spain & Portugal hikes →
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🏔 Africa & Middle East
3 regions · The roof of Africa, the Atlas Mountains, and the desert canyons of Jordan. African and Middle Eastern hiking combines accessible high-altitude trekking peaks with cultural depth and dramatic geographic diversity.
Tanzania & Kenya
📍 East Africa · Signature: Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route (Tanzania, 5,895 m)
Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak at 5,895 m and the most popular high-altitude trekking summit in the world. The Lemosho Route (7-8 days) offers the best acclimatization profile among the standard routes, resulting in summit success rates around 85-90% versus 50-65% on the shorter Marangu route. Mandatory guided trek with porters — independent climbing is illegal. Dawson Ludlow completed Kilimanjaro Lemosho with African Walking Company in 2024.
East Africa includes Mount Kenya (4,985 m — Point Lenana trekking summit reachable without technical climbing, 5-6 day approach), the Rwenzori Mountains (Uganda — “Mountains of the Moon,” equatorial glaciers), and Mount Meru (4,562 m — Tanzania, often climbed as Kilimanjaro acclimatization). The combination of African wildlife safaris with multi-day mountain trekking makes East Africa a uniquely rewarding hiking destination.
Explore Tanzania & Kenya hikes →Morocco
📍 Atlas Mountains · Signature: Mount Toubkal (4,167 m, North Africa’s highest)
Mount Toubkal (4,167 m) is North Africa’s highest peak, climbed via a 2-3 day approach from Imlil village (1.5 hours from Marrakech). The standard route is non-technical in summer but requires crampons and ice axe November through April. The summit views span the Atlas range, the Sahara to the east, and on clear days the Atlantic Ocean to the west.
The Atlas Mountains extend beyond Toubkal to the Mgoun Massif (M’Goun summit 4,068 m, 6-day trek through Berber valleys), the Sirwa-Saghro range (lower elevation, accessible year-round), the Anti-Atlas (climbing destination near Tafraoute), and the Toubkal Circuit (10-12 day grand traverse including Toubkal). Morocco offers some of the most affordable high-altitude trekking in the world with mandatory local guides supporting Berber communities.
Explore Morocco hikes →Jordan & Israel
📍 Middle East · Signature: Jordan Trail (675 km national trail through Petra)
The Jordan Trail runs the entire length of Jordan from Umm Qais to the Red Sea — 675 km traversing the country’s most significant cultural and natural sites including Petra. Bedouin camps and small village accommodations along the route. Most international hikers do the 6-day Dana-to-Petra section that includes Wadi Rum desert hiking, Petra approach via the back route, and varied desert landscapes.
The region includes the Israel National Trail (1,015 km north to south, completing in 45-70 days), Wadi Rum (Jordan’s Mars-like desert), Petra (the city itself plus the Monastery hike), and Mount Sinai (Egypt — Moses Mountain climbed at sunrise). Middle Eastern hiking combines desert landscapes with substantial archaeological and cultural depth not available in most hiking destinations.
Explore Jordan & Israel hikes →🏔 Asia
6 regions · The highest mountains on Earth, the most extensive high-altitude trekking infrastructure (Nepal), and the most varied cultural hiking traditions. Asian hiking includes both classic teahouse trekking and remote wilderness expeditions impossible elsewhere.
Nepal Himalaya
📍 Khumbu region · Signature: Everest Base Camp Trek (12 days)
The Everest Base Camp Trek climbs from Lukla (2,860 m) to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and ascends Kala Patthar (5,545 m) for the iconic Everest view. Teahouses along the entire route provide accommodation and meals. Standard 12-day round trip with proper acclimatization stops at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. The most famous high-altitude trek in the world by traffic — approximately 40,000 trekkers complete it annually.
Nepal extends beyond EBC to the Annapurna Circuit (12-18 day classic loop crossing Thorong La pass at 5,416 m), the Manaslu Circuit (14-day quieter alternative crossing Larkya La), the Annapurna Base Camp Trek (10-12 days, shorter than the Circuit), the Mardi Himal Trek (5-day off-the-beaten-path alternative), Langtang Valley, Gokyo Lakes, and the Three Passes Trek. Nepal is the most accessible high-altitude trekking destination in the world — costs are low, infrastructure is established, and the variety of routes is unmatched.
Explore Nepal hikes →Bhutan
📍 Eastern Himalaya · Signature: Snowman Trek (25 days, world’s hardest)
The Snowman Trek crosses 11 passes above 4,500 m across northern Bhutan — widely cited as the hardest popular long-distance trek in the world. Mandatory licensed Bhutanese operators at $250+ per day government minimum. Camping every night (no teahouses), full porter support, and serious altitude and weather exposure across nearly a month of hiking. Completion rates are around 50% due to weather, altitude, and stamina demands.
Bhutan also offers the Druk Path Trek (5-6 days, easier introduction to Bhutanese trekking), the Jomolhari Trek (Bhutan’s most popular shorter trek with views of Jomolhari peak), Bumdra and Tiger’s Nest day hikes, and the Laya Gasa Trek (12-15 days, Snowman Trek western half). The mandatory daily fee makes Bhutan the most expensive trekking destination in the world but supports unparalleled wilderness preservation.
Explore Bhutan hikes →India Himalaya
📍 Ladakh, Himachal, Sikkim · Signature: Markha Valley Trek (Ladakh)
The Markha Valley Trek crosses the Ladakh region of northern India through Buddhist villages, monasteries, and the high-altitude Kongmaru La pass (5,260 m). Homestays along the route provide accommodation in Ladakhi villages. The trek can be done with or without guides — Ladakh’s well-marked trails and English-speaking village contacts make independent trekking feasible.
India offers extensive Himalayan options including the Goecha La Trek (Sikkim — Kanchenjunga views, 8-10 days), the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek (7 days, glacial lakes), the Roopkund Trek (Uttarakhand — the “skeleton lake” mystery trek), the Pin Parvati Pass Trek (Himachal — technical pass crossing), and the Stok Kangri summit trek (6,153 m trekking peak, though closed since 2020). India offers more variety than Nepal but with less developed infrastructure.
Explore India Himalaya hikes →Pakistan Karakoram
📍 Gilgit-Baltistan · Signature: K2 Base Camp Trek (15 days)
The K2 Base Camp Trek crosses the Baltoro Glacier to Concordia (4,600 m) — the confluence where four 8,000 m peaks (K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I, Gasherbrum II) are visible from a single camp. The trek requires licensed Pakistani operators and approximately 15 days from Skardu including approach. The glacier travel itself is moderate but the remoteness, altitude, and weather exposure make this an expedition-grade trek.
Pakistan’s Karakoram region includes the Snow Lake Trek (Hispar-Biafo, 18-20 days across the second-longest non-polar glacier system), the Fairy Meadows trek to Nanga Parbat Base Camp, Hunza Valley day hikes, and the Rakaposhi Base Camp Trek. Pakistan offers some of the most dramatic high-altitude wilderness on Earth — but logistics, safety considerations, and visa requirements make it less accessible than Nepal or India.
Explore Pakistan hikes →Japan
📍 Kii Peninsula & Japanese Alps · Signature: Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route
The Kumano Kodo is a UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage route through the Kii Mountains of southern Japan — 1,000+ years of pilgrimage tradition with restored stone paths through cedar forests connecting three grand shrines. Multiple routes; the Nakahechi route is the most popular at 5-7 days. Traditional ryokan accommodations and onsen hot springs along the route create one of the most culturally rewarding hiking experiences in the world.
Travis Ludlow climbed Mount Fuji in October 2023 (late shoulder season — colder than peak but with dramatically fewer crowds than peak July-August season). Japan extends beyond Fuji and Kumano Kodo to the Japanese Alps (Kamikochi, Tateyama region, Yarigatake summit), the Nakasendo (Edo-era trade route between Kyoto and Tokyo), Yakushima island (UNESCO ancient cedar forests), and the Hokkaido Daisetsuzan (“roof of Hokkaido”). Japan’s hiking infrastructure includes mountain huts, onsen, and exceptional public transit reaching trailheads.
Explore Japan hikes →Turkey & Caucasus
📍 Anatolia, Georgia, Armenia · Signature: Lycian Way (540 km coastal)
The Lycian Way runs along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast from Fethiye to Antalya — 540 km of coastal hiking past ancient ruins, beaches, and Mediterranean pine forests. Pension accommodations along the route make it accessible without camping gear. Most hikers complete sections rather than the full thru-hike. The most photogenic coastal long-distance trail in the world.
The Turkey/Caucasus region extends beyond the Lycian Way to the Kackar Mountains (Turkey’s wettest range, glaciated peaks), Mount Ararat (5,137 m — Turkey’s highest, technical mountaineering rather than hiking), Georgia’s Mount Kazbek (5,054 m, covered in our dedicated Mount Kazbek guide), Svaneti region trekking, and Armenia’s Lake Sevan area. The Caucasus offers serious mountaineering and lower-altitude trekking accessible from Tbilisi.
Explore Turkey & Caucasus hikes →🏔 Oceania
3 regions · New Zealand’s Great Walks system is the most refined long-distance hiking infrastructure in the Southern Hemisphere. Tasmania’s wilderness offers a different character — bigger, wilder, and less crowded than NZ’s track system.
New Zealand South Island
📍 Fiordland & Southern Alps · Signature: Milford Track (53 km, 4 days)
The Milford Track is New Zealand’s most famous hike — 53 km through Fiordland National Park in 4 days. Hut accommodations managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC) require advance booking the moment the season opens in May. The trek is one-way (boat transport to start, boat from end). Waterfalls every mile, rainforest, and the dramatic Mackinnon Pass crossing.
New Zealand’s South Island includes 4 more of the 10 Great Walks: the Routeburn Track (32 km alpine traverse), the Kepler Track (60 km circuit near Te Anau), the Rakiura Track (Stewart Island), and the Heaphy Track. Beyond the Great Walks, the South Island offers Mount Cook day hikes (Hooker Valley, Tasman Glacier), the Cascade Saddle Route, the Rees-Dart Track, and the Mavora Walkway.
Explore NZ South Island hikes →New Zealand North Island
📍 Central plateau · Signature: Tongariro Northern Circuit (43 km, 4 days)
The Tongariro Northern Circuit crosses three active volcanoes in Tongariro National Park (including Mount Ngauruhoe, the “Mount Doom” of Lord of the Rings filming). The 43-km circuit includes the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (often called the best day hike in the world). DOC huts along the route require Great Walks season booking. The volcanic landscape — emerald lakes, sulfur vents, lunar terrain — is unlike anywhere else in the Great Walks system.
The North Island includes the Lake Waikaremoana Track (Te Urewera — Maori-managed wilderness), Cape Brett Track (Northland), the Cape Reinga area, Mount Taranaki summit hike, and various Bay of Plenty coastal walks. The North Island offers gentler terrain than the South but with active volcanic landscapes that the South lacks.
Explore NZ North Island hikes →Tasmania
📍 Australia · Signature: Overland Track (65 km, Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair)
The Overland Track traverses Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park in 6 days — Tasmania’s most popular wilderness trek. The northbound direction (Cradle Valley to Lake St Clair) is the only allowed direction during the booking season. Public huts available but most hikers carry tents for backup. Side trips to Cradle Mountain summit, Mount Ossa (Tasmania’s highest), and Pelion East add significant variety.
Tasmania offers extensive wilderness hiking beyond the Overland Track including the South Coast Track (84 km wilderness through Southwest National Park — Tasmania’s hardest popular trek), the Three Capes Track (4 days with luxury huts), the Walls of Jerusalem (alpine plateau circuit), Mount Anne summit, and the Western Arthurs Traverse (technical multi-day route). Tasmania’s wilderness character is among the wildest hiking accessible by road in the world.
Explore Tasmania hikes →
🏔 Polar & Remote
1 region · Greenland’s Arctic Circle Trail represents the most accessible polar hiking experience on Earth — true subarctic wilderness reached by commercial flight and completed without specialized expedition gear.
Greenland & Subarctic
📍 Greenland · Signature: Arctic Circle Trail (165 km, 9-12 days)
The Arctic Circle Trail runs from Kangerlussuaq (where international flights land) to Sisimiut on the western coast — 165 km of true subarctic wilderness without trail maintenance, without hut bookings, without cell service. Self-supported camping or basic emergency shelters along the route. Polar bears not typically encountered on this route but caribou and Arctic fox sightings common. The most accessible serious polar hike in the world for international travelers.
The Polar & Subarctic region extends beyond Greenland to Svalbard (Norwegian Arctic — typically guided due to polar bear danger), the Faroe Islands (subarctic North Atlantic with extensive coastal hiking), Lapland (Sweden/Finland/Norway — Kungsleden Trail 440 km), and the Antarctic Peninsula (ship-based hiking only, no overnight backcountry trips). True polar wilderness hiking represents the outer edge of accessible hiking — preparation, weather flexibility, and expedition mindset matter more than pure fitness.
Explore Greenland & Subarctic hikes →How to Choose Your Hiking Region
The 30 regions above cover the full range of world hiking. Choosing the right one requires matching the region against four practical factors: budget, time, experience, and what you actually want from the trip.
| If You Want… | Best Regions | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Hut-to-hut comfort | French Alps, Swiss Alps, Dolomites, Pyrenees | Most refined mountain hut systems in the world |
| High altitude challenge | Nepal Himalaya, Peru, Bhutan, Pakistan | Sustained hiking above 4,000 m |
| Maximum scenic drama | Chilean & Argentine Patagonia, Bhutan, NZ South Island | Geographic relief + dramatic weather |
| Cultural depth | Japan (Kumano Kodo), Peru (Inca Trail), Spain (Camino) | Ancient pilgrimage and trade routes |
| Budget hiking | Nepal, India, Pakistan, Turkey, Morocco | Cheapest world-class destinations |
| Wildlife encounters | Tanzania & Kenya, Costa Rica & Central America | Hiking through active wildlife habitat |
| Accessibility for beginners | Scotland (WHW), Spain (Camino), French Alps (TMB), NZ Great Walks | Daily town stops, marked trails, English-friendly |
| True wilderness | Greenland, Pakistan Karakoram, Tasmania, Canadian Rockies | Remote, low-traffic, self-reliant required |
| Year-round accessibility | Costa Rica, Morocco, Jordan/Israel, NZ (alternating hemispheres) | Multiple shoulder seasons or stable climates |
The most common mistake hikers make is choosing a region based on what looks photogenic on Instagram rather than what matches their actual fitness, experience, and travel preferences. Patagonia is dramatic — and challenging. Nepal is iconic — and physically demanding at altitude. The Camino is accessible — and not as scenic as the Alps. Choose the region where the practical match is best, not just the one where the photos are most dramatic.
Methodology + Editorial Standards
How the 30 Regions Were Selected
Selection Criteria
Regions were selected against four criteria: (1) Distinctive geographic and cultural character — each region offers something the other 29 do not; (2) Multiple high-quality hikes within the region — every region listed supports 10-15 deeper individual hike profiles in its Level 2 hub; (3) Accessibility for international travelers — every region is reachable by commercial flight plus reasonable ground transport; (4) Established hiking infrastructure or established expedition operator support — the route is verifiably maintained or operated by qualified guides rather than purely speculative routes.
Source Categories
Each region profile cross-references five primary source categories: (1) First-hand editorial team experience where applicable (regions 4, 6, 7, 16, 25 carry FIRST-HAND tags); (2) Commercial operator data from established multi-decade trekking operators (Wildland Trekking, REI Adventures, Wilderness Travel, Mountain Madness, World Expeditions, KE Adventure Travel, Exodus, G Adventures); (3) National park and protected area authorities in each region; (4) Peer-reviewed hiking literature including Lonely Planet trekking guides, Cicerone Press multi-day trail guides, and Trailblazer Publications; (5) Internal Global Summit Guide research cross-referenced with our existing 700+ published articles.
Editorial Approach — MIXED Framing
This guide combines first-hand editorial team experience on selected regions with research-based coverage of regions the team has not yet completed. The honest framing distinction matters and shows in the writing — first-hand profiles carry detailed personal observations that research-based content cannot replicate. Future updates will deepen first-hand coverage as the team completes additional trips.
Update Cycle
This pillar guide is reviewed annually. The next scheduled review is June 2027. Permit requirements, seasonal access, operator availability, and infrastructure status can change — verify current data directly with the regional authorities and licensed operators within 4-8 weeks of trip booking.
Affiliate Disclosure
This page contains affiliate links to Expedia. If a reader clicks through and makes a booking, Global Summit Guide earns a small commission at no additional cost to the reader. Commission revenue helps fund our independent editorial work. Editorial recommendations on this page — including which regions are profiled, how regions are characterized, and which signature hikes are featured — are independent of commission rates. See our full affiliate disclosure for complete transparency about our affiliate relationships and editorial independence policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hiking region in the world?
There is no single best hiking region — the right region depends on what a hiker wants. Patagonia (Chilean and Argentine) is consistently cited for raw scenic drama and weather challenge. The French and Swiss Alps offer the most refined hut-to-hut culture across the highest concentration of mountain huts in the world. Nepal’s Himalaya offers the highest peaks and most iconic trekking destinations. New Zealand’s South Island is the most varied alpine and fjord scenery in the Southern Hemisphere. Pacific Northwest USA combines accessibility with volcanic peak hiking and old-growth temperate rainforest. Each of these regions is the best of its category.
Which hiking region is best for beginners?
The most beginner-friendly hiking regions on this list are the French and Swiss Alps (mountain huts eliminate camping logistics), Chilean Patagonia’s W Trek with refugio support, the Camino de Santiago (Spain — graded trails with daily town stops), Iceland’s Laugavegur Trail (huts available), and the New Zealand Great Walks (huts and cabins managed by DOC). Day-hike-focused regions like Southwest USA national parks (Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce) are also excellent beginner options.
Which hiking region is hardest?
Bhutan’s Snowman Trek is widely cited as the hardest popular long-distance trek — 25 days of sustained high-altitude hiking through remote Himalayan terrain. Pakistan’s Karakoram K2 Base Camp Trek and India’s high-altitude Himalayan routes follow closely. For technical hiking rather than altitude, Argentine Patagonia’s Huemul Circuit (with Tyrolean rope crossings) and France’s GR20 in Corsica (Europe’s hardest long-distance trail) represent the upper end of difficulty.
How do I choose a hiking region for my first multi-day trek?
Choose a first multi-day trek by matching four factors: budget, travel comfort (mountain huts vs camping vs refugios), language preference, and season alignment with your available time. For a first multi-day trek, hut-supported options like the Tour du Mont Blanc, the Camino de Santiago, the Milford Track New Zealand, or the W Trek Patagonia provide the gentlest learning curve.
What is the cheapest world-class hiking destination?
Nepal is by far the cheapest world-class hiking destination — teahouse-supported treks like the Everest Base Camp Trek or Annapurna Circuit cost $25-50 per day for accommodation, meals, and trail logistics excluding international flights and permits. Most Nepal treks total $1,200-$2,500 for 12-18 days. Pakistan and India are similarly affordable for ground costs.
When is the best time to hike in each region?
Hiking seasons follow hemisphere and altitude. Northern Hemisphere classics (Alps, Pyrenees, Iceland, Scotland, Norway, Pacific Northwest, Sierra Nevada, Rocky Mountains, Nepal Himalaya autumn): June through September is peak. Mediterranean and lower-altitude Europe: April-May and September-October avoid summer heat. Southern Hemisphere classics (Patagonia, New Zealand, Tasmania): November through March is peak. Nepal Himalaya has two peak windows: October-November and March-April.
How many hikes are profiled in this guide?
This pillar page covers 30 regions worldwide, with one signature hike profiled per region. Each region then has a dedicated regional hub page (linked from each profile) that covers 10-15 hikes within that specific region. Combined across all regional hubs, the Global Summit Guide hiking architecture covers approximately 300-450 hikes worldwide.
What is the difference between a long-distance trail and a multi-day trek?
Long-distance trails are continuous routes typically over 200 miles (300+ km) that take 1-6 months to complete fully (Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Te Araroa, Camino de Santiago). Most hikers do sections rather than full thru-hikes. Multi-day treks are shorter routes typically 50-200 km completed in 4-15 days as a single trip (Tour du Mont Blanc, W Trek, Inca Trail, Everest Base Camp Trek, Milford Track).
About The Author
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The 30 regions above represent the full range of world hiking. Pick one that matches your fitness, time, and budget — then book your trip through our curated Expedia Travel Shop.
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30 Best Hiking Regions in the World · Level 1 Master Pillar · v4.1 commercial build · Last verified June 23, 2026 · Travis Ludlow Editor · MIXED framing — first-hand Chilean & Argentine Patagonia + Japan + Iceland + Southwest USA · 4 schemas + 4 images + FTC disclosed + Expedia affiliate integration
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Global Summit Guide is an independent mountaineering resource founded in 2026. The team combines first-hand trekking and climbing experience with in-depth research and professional health and nutrition review to help climbers choose objectives, prepare properly, and stay safe.
Health, altitude, and nutrition content is reviewed by Taylor Ludlow (Registered Nurse) and Brigg Hoopes (Nutritionist).
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