2014-05-10

Have you made plans for the upcoming summer? If not yet, then you need not bother for here lies an avalanche of choices and if you have already, it is worth reconsidering your plans. Do you remember seeing and recognizing earth from a diagram of colorful planets which differentiate it with a serene appearance of intermingling blue and green? This representation is not trite without reason for there are places so serene and calm, places so magnificent that take you away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

You may be a professional climber or just a passionate hiker and you might love to get challenged by paving ways to some of the best hikes in the world. The breathtaking challenges and serene nature is what the mother earth will share with you in the way. So, here we list the top 10 best hiking trails around the world which are the charms of the planet that lure you to pack your bags and march ahead.

10. Kalalu Trail, Hawaii

Kalalu trail in Hawaii is an eleven mile trail that winds along the rugged terrain is considered one of the best coastlines in the world. The trail demands an experience in hiking as it traverses along the towering sea cliffs and narrow paths. This adventurous trail is the only land entrance to the beautiful Kalalu Valley. Owing to its strenuous nature, the trail is permitted for limited number of hikers. The magnificent scenery from Kalalu Valley is worth the dangers you pass along the way.

9. The Grand Randonne (GR) 20, France

The Grand Randonne is one of the beautiful and challenging long distance hikes that cover 200 kms in the interior of Corsica. This demanding hiking trail takes through the lush forests of pine and breech to view the glistening snowcapped mountains. The terrain is diverse for one passes through the rugged narrow trails to plateaus and coastlines. This trail passes through the mountainous communities untouched by modernization thus providing the privilege of observing the charming cultures. The ascents and descents guide to spectacular and breathtaking alpine lakes and valleys along the way. A strong determination, positive psyche and sturdy strides are indispensable if one plans to lace the boots for the magnificent granite mountains.

8. Appalachian Trail, Georgia

Appalachian is one of the most famous hiking trails that run from Katahdin in Maine to Springer Mountain in Georgia, a distance of about 2160 miles. Hikers take months to follow the demanding trail that passes along the mountains ridges and luxuriant forests. If you are longing to get lost in exclusive wilderness of nature then it is one of best places to consider. Hikers get a close look wide varieties of flora and fauna in the luxuriant forests along with the delights of having a trek.

7. Petra through Back door, Jordan

Petra is one of the largest historical and archaeological sites situated between Dead Sea and Red Sea which was a major trading centre of Romans during prehistoric times. The Petra through Back Door extends from Dana Reserve to Petra where hikers pass by juniper-filled valleys, rugged landscapes and vast deserts. The 50 miles trail traverses through rough terrain to narrow canyons and stairs in red and white sandstones finally reaching the exquisite Al Deir, a grand monastery in Petra. The rediscovered city of Petra makes the six-seven days long itinerary really satisfying and memorable.

See,

Top 10 Ancient megastructures

6. Torres del Paine, Chile

Also known as the Chilian Panatgonia, Torres Del Paine is one of the most beautiful places on earth. The hike takes two forms: W circuit that takes four-five days or ten days long hike along Torres del Paine National Park. The spellbound beauty of these trails enraptures hikers no matter which plan they follow. The picturesque hills and the magnetic mountain ranges with hanging glaciers add an extra tinge of keenness to strides. If you ever craved for something very impeccable, then it’s time to think about this life-rewarding pursuit.

5. The Narrows, USA

This awe-aspiring 16 miles hiking takes its route along the narrowed and stretched walls of the canyon craved by the Virgin River. The crimson sandstones in these soaring walls are embellished with the sprouting natural springs and tangled hanging gardens. Narrows is not entirely a trail; one hikes through more than half of the route along the river. The water level varies from waist-high in some places to low stream-like in other, also demanding swimming skills in some parts.

4. Tongarriro Northern Circuit, New Zealand

The Tongarriro Northern circuit circumnavigates Mount Ngauruhoe, one of the most active volcanoes in Tongariro National Park, North Island. The route takes about 3-4 days and commences and ends in Whakapapa Village. Whakapapa Village offers sight to quaint stream beds, volcanic views and ancient lava flows. Next is a steep ascent to Oturere Hut that encompasses the Blue and Emerald Lakes with their impeccable colors owing to thermal rocks.  The trail from Oturere Hut to Waihohonu Hut and finally to Whakapapa village takes 2 days of the total 4 days of the trek. The 43.1 km circuit is the place of extremes for one can locate blue glacier to volcanic craters, deserted valleys to lush forest. It’s unique and stunning landscapes with not so demanding trail is a great attraction ranking it among one of the best trails around the world. Did the trail remind you of something? Yes, “Lord of the Rings” saga was filmed around the summits of circuit.

3. Tour du Mount Blanc, France, Switzerland and Italy

Tour du Mount Blanc is one of the most popular long distance hiking trails that encircles the valleys, passes  and hamlets around Mount Blanc, the highest mountain of Europe. The magnificent scenery and beautiful terrain stretches out along the pristine meadows and charming cultures of the alpine villages. The 10 day long multicultural hike is not without challenges but the picturesque valleys, snowcapped Alps that appear so near and majestic instill a new zeal in every quest. One can experience a veer of weather ranging from sunny to rainy, snowy to stormy with constantly altering trail that ascents and descents along the seven valleys of three countries.

2. Inca Trail, Peru

The 27 miles Inca trail located in Peru is believed to be a holy pilgrimage laid by the Incas five centuries ago to the mythical lost city of Machu Picchu. The hiking trail route encompasses the stunning view of snow clad Andes Mountain, stretching cloud forests and beautiful cross valleys. Retracing the steps of Incas through craved stones and ruins of Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca one can feel linked to the ancient South American civilization. The trail rises up and down the chiseled mountains reaching as high as 13,700 feet at Dead Woman’s Pass .The four-five days trek comes to an end with transformational white stone city of Machu Picchu.

1.  Annapurna Circuit, Nepal

Annapurna Circuit, Nepal, which covers a distance of 230 km is one of the best long distance treks in the world. The trek traverses through terraced farms and paddy fields covering the diverse ethnic communities and cultures. The green pastures and spring blossoms along with the amazing waterfalls along the way make the trail a special quest. Every stride along the trail brings near the soaring Annapurna, Himchuli and Nilgiri ranges. The Thorong La pass at 5416 meters is the highest and challenging pass of the trek. The pass offers a surreal view of majestic snowcapped mountain ranges. The route encompasses the breathtaking view of upper hilly regions, Tilicho Lake, the highest altitude lake in the world and the Kaligandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. Who wouldn’t aspire to feel the chilling breeze of mountains along the apple orchards and the wheat fields and experience the warm hospitality of communities with a breathtaking mighty mountains standing just in front of you?

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Top 10 Best Trekking routes in Nepal

Conclusion

These splendid places are gems of the world that represent unperturbed nature Trekking offers heavenly experience that one fails to experience in the occupied daily life. The delight of passing through hundred feet cliff, standing in front of the magnificent snowcapped mountains, feeling water in dehydrated throat and finding good meal after hours of strides are some of the unexplainable pleasures only trekkers can feel. Trekkers get the privilege to view nature in its various forms; in sound of gushing rivers, swift waterfalls, serene lakes, lush forests, rugged coastlines, soaring canyons and amazing craters. However trekking is not without challenges, one needs to be precautious while passing through wet areas and narrow paths. It is essential to know the weather forecast and make plans accordingly if the trail involves rivers and seacoasts. Springs and autumn season are favorable for most of the trekking sites rather than winter or the rainy season. However, it is always best to refer to the place of interest, go through the facts and risks associated with the site to have life-time experience in the glorious places in the world

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