Looking for a destination to enjoy your favorite outdoor activity, hiking? Many countries in the world have breathtaking landscapes in the mountains, in desert areas or along the coastline. Hiking, whether in Europe, Asia, America, Africa or Oceania, is always a great opportunity to feel close to nature in its raw state, its fauna and flora. Some places also reveal villages and other heritage wonders. Le Petit Futé has selected for you ten destinations where you can make a memorable trek. Take your shoes, tent, backpack and go!
1- Zion National Park, USA
The southwestern United States is the favorite territory of many hiking enthusiasts. Many of the national parks offer very exciting routes. Utah is home to Zion National Park, where several routes await hikers to enjoy incredible geological formations, touches of vegetation and animals that call the land home. Riverside Walk, Angels Landing and Emerald Pools are the three must-do hikes in the park. You will marvel at the white and ochre rock formations in the shape of a sugar loaf, the Virgin River bed, waterfalls and natural pools. Not to mention the endemic vegetation, squirrels, mule deer, birds and reptiles. So many reasons to draw the camera. Hotels and campsites allow you to sleep on site.
2- Climbing Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Climbing a famous mountain or a mythical volcano is the dream of many hikers, often those who are not afraid to take on big challenges. In Tanzania, the ascent of Kilimanjaro is a must. It takes several days to cover the 40 or 60 km that allow you to sit on top of Africa. Because there are different ways to climb to the top of this fascinating mountain. The Machame route is recommended, in the sense that it takes two different routes to make the ascent and descent. The best way to enjoy various landscapes, with rocky plateau, lunar landscapes, equatorial forest and, of course, the glacial summit of Uhuru Peak.
3- The Larapinta Trail, Australia
The vastness of the Australian territory is a call to unforgettable treks. The Larapinta Trail, ranked among the top twenty treks in the world, offers to follow a 230 km long trail from Alice Springs to Mount Sonder. Following the ridge of the West MacDonnell Ranges, the panoramas offered are of great beauty, with intense red walls, permanent waterholes like those of Ellery Creek Big Hole, no less than 600 species of flora and sacred sites according to the Arrente aboriginal people. The most courageous can attempt the entire trail, but it is actually composed of twelve sections, with several levels of difficulty. Practical for those who would like to do only a part of it. Campsites are open to hikers and about ten kilometers separate each drinking water point.
4- The Zanskar Valley, India
In the extreme north of India is located one of the most isolated territories in the world: Zanskar. Perched at an altitude of 4,000 meters, the Zanskar valley offers a trek during which one passes, after several hours of walking, from high desert plateaus to the breathtaking landscapes of Himalayan India. The trek is also an opportunity to admire isolated monasteries, such as Mulbek, Karsha and Phuktal, and to pass through typical villages. The Zanskari people always offer a warm welcome and reveal their ancestral traditions. The Zanskar valley offers a rich journey on many levels, so it is logical that it takes place in this top dedicated to the ideal destinations for magnificent trekking.
5- The GR20 in Corsica, France
The GR20 is a hiking trail that crosses Corsica from north to south, from Calenzana to Conca. 200 km through the mountains of the island of Beauty, which can be done in sixteen days, with one stage per day. But beware, this is one of the most demanding treks in Europe! It is also one of the most beautiful, so to all those who are used to trekking, do not hesitate to start in spring or autumn to enjoy the magnificent rock faces, the waterfalls, the small streams, the Mediterranean vegetation and the presence of herds. The GR20 has several refuges, where you can pitch a tent to regain your strength and dream of only one thing: getting back on the road the next day!
6- The region of Sapa, Vietnam
Sapa is the name of a town located in the mountains of northern Vietnam. Travelers from all over the world who pass through this town do so mainly because it is the starting point of a sublime hike in altitude, with stops in charming villages inhabited by ethnic minorities, such as the Black H'Mong and Red Dao. The rice fields are the other emblematic landscapes of the Sapa region, with colors that change according to the seasons. During this unforgettable trek in Vietnam, you should of course not miss the cable car ascent of Mount Fansipan, the highest in the country. The place has been developed with Buddha statues, pagodas and restaurants, but the view at 3,142 meters above sea level is really worth it.
7- The Quilotoa Loop, Ecuador
The Quilotoa Loop is an itinerary that allows you to go around the eponymous region in Ecuador and enjoy the great richness of its landscapes. The hike, which can be done with the whole family without any difficulty, passes through green reliefs, with fields of crops on steep slopes. It also passes through a number of Andean villages, where you can meet the locals and buy good fruit, as in the colorful market of Zumbahua. On the way back, it is always a pure happiness to cross the road of llamas. And then, the highlight of the show lies in the view and the walk which is made around the lagoon of Quilotoa, ancient volcano whose crater was transformed into a lagoon with turquoise waters, in the south of the Western mountain range.
8- The Carpathians, Romania
A hike in the Carpathian Mountains in Romania is the promise of indelible memories. The Piatra Craiului massif, now a national park, and the Bucegi mountains, the land of Dracula, reveal some of the most beautiful mountain panoramas in Eastern Europe. The landscape and the vegetation are waiting for you to take great pictures. These regions are also home to many animals, such as the lynx. The Romanian mountains are also rich in typical sheepfolds, perched in the mountain pastures. Without forgetting the medieval fortresses which invite you to go back in time and to be interested in the local legends.
9- The Kungsleden, Sweden
Northern Europe is famous for the beauty of its wide open spaces. In Sweden, the Kungsleden, or "Royal Road", crosses Swedish Lapland between Abisko and Hemavan, a distance of 440 km. In the line of sight, landscapes of mountains, large plateaus and large rocks beaten by the wind. The Kungsleden requires crossing some rivers by boat. There are also boats on the lakes along the way. Concerning the fauna, the trekkers are always delighted to cross elks, reindeers and ptarmigan. Bears are present, but more difficult to observe. Bivouac is allowed everywhere. There are also refuges with grocery stores for refreshments. The best period to follow the Kungsleden is from May to September.
10- The Aït Oucheg Valley, Morocco
Those who are content with a simple day hike can take advantage of a stay in Marrakech to explore the sublime Ait Oucheg valley. Less known than its big sister the Ourika valley, it is nevertheless worth the detour, with its glowing rock walls, its green oases and its small stone hamlets. The route follows streams and stops at the foot of refreshing waterfalls. In the valley, the Berbers on donkeys are happy to follow the road for a few moments with the walkers, or to propose the sharing of a good traditional meal. A must for those who wish to discover the High Atlas Mountains.
