Lonely Planet Epic Hikes of the World: Explore the Planet's Most Thrilling Treks and Trails

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Of all the trails threading through the wilds, this demanding full-day hike from Lavin to Zernez has the edge, weaving up to the glacial cirque of Macun, necklaced with almost two dozen lakes of sapphire, azure and turquoise blue. De Hoop Reserve is a World Heritage Site and part of the Cape Floral Region , recognized as one of the world’s 35 biodiversity hotspots where 20 percent of the continent’s flora naturally occurs. Here you’re in for a treat, with 360-degree views reaching across a sea of mountains to the Black Forest in Germany and Vosges in France on clear days. As you climb, you'll have views of glaciers and mountains, including the north face of Gran Paradiso peak (4061m). The alluring desert landscape, Biblical history, ancient ruins and Bedouin camps extol a sense of timeless antiquity that captivated T.

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The Kungsleden (King's Trail), Sweden Camping in the valley surrounded by mountains on the Kungsleden.

Vikos Aoos National Park, in northwest Greece, is a natural playground of deep gorges, green valleys, verdant forests and fast-flowing rivers. The sights: Like a Noah’s Ark for endangered Australian wildlife, the island is teeming with rare Forester kangaroos and Bennett’s wallabies, as well as other austral oddities like pademelons (think miniature kangaroos), wombats and fairy penguins. The Annapurna Circuit in Nepal is a classic high-alpine trek that follows ancient trade routes and passes through quaint mountain villages, with fluttering Buddhist prayer flags, stupa, prayer wheels and sturdy stone homes dotting the path.

Epic Hikes of the World (Paperback) - Lonely Planet Epic Hikes of the World (Paperback) - Lonely Planet

Add to that the stellar views and natural beauty of Snowdonia and you’re in for a strenuous but memorable weekend. From the Imlil valley, you’ll make a clockwise loop via walnut groves and cherry orchards, high passes and boulder fields, mud-brick houses and neat green terraces, wandering shepherds and wind-wizened juniper trees.

From here, it wiggles east and south, via salt marshes, crystal-clear springs, lakes, prairies, old-growth forests and historic urban areas. The world-class Abel Tasman Coast Track is another spectacular hike taking in the region’s turquoise bays and golden coves.

25 Best Hikes in the World to Put on Your Bucket List (2023)

Europe is made up of over 40 countries and each boasts its own unique culture, as well as a distinct and diverse landscape. Even though it has made its name for being one of the best winter hikes on skis, the 200km long summer version of this trek is certainly no less interesting or challenging.Traverse pastel meadows of wildflowers and hear the whispers of different languages inhabiting the Italian Alps. At the northern edge of the planet, Greenland’s Arctic Circle Trail reaches across a landscape devoid of towns and cars: this is the domain of reindeer, musk oxen and Arctic foxes.