From Machu Picchu to New Zealand’s boiling mug pools,
some of the world’s most amazing sights are best seen on foot…
Fancy stepping off the beaten track? If
you’re up for a real adventure, there’s a whole host of fantastic trekking
opportunities all over the world. All you need is your passport and some
careful preparation. ‘Allow yourself plenty of time at the start to acclimatize,
as many treks around the world will take you to a much higher altitude than
you’ll be used to,’ says Tom Hall, editor at www.lonelyplanet.com. ‘Three days of
adjusting can be the difference between a successful trek and walking with a
pounding headache.’ Start your prep by choosing your ideal path.
Natural wonders: The Tongariro Crossing
Half way across the world, the Tongariro
Alpine crossing on New Zealand’s North Island offers dramatic vistas. The
climbs offer dramatic vistas. The climbs can be steep and the weather
unpredictable, but the eye candy is worth it. Most people opt for the one-day
crossing, but there’s a 35 km, three-day trek on the northern circuit which
offers even more impressive sights, with natural phenomena from boiling mud
pools to craters and volcanic vents.
Dream climb: Everest Base Camp
This is one for the bucket list. Climbing
to Everest’s base camp is no mean feat – you need to be physically and mentally
prepared for a trek like this – but the feeling of achievement you’ll be
rewarded with is priceless. This three-week hike takes in some amazing scenery
and reaches heights of 18,193 feet at Kala Patthar. Acclimatizing to the
altitude can be hard work and isn’t for the faint-hearted. Book it well in
advance and olan a training regime that will have you fit and ready for
anything by the time you jet off.
Coastal path: The Lycian Way, Turkey
Winding along the coastal area between
Antalya and Cape Gelidonya, the Lycian Way is a 509 km marked path boasting
impressive views. As you trek the path, you’ll be treated to views of the
gorgeous coastline, native flora and fauna and historical landmarks. With plenty
of ascents and descents involved, it’s considered a medium to hard walk and is
best attempted in the spring or autumn months.
Ancient adventure: The Inca Trail
This action-packed adventured leaves no
stone unturned in its exploration of the ancient Inca Empire. The trip takes in
Cuzco, The Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu and the Inti Raymi festival.
Don’t forget your camera: you’ll be rewarded for a hard day’s climb with
incredible views.
Alpine chic: Tour de Mont Blanc
Pop across the channel to conquer Europe’s
highest peak. This 170km hike follows well-marked and maintained trails through
France, Italy and Switzerland, and takes in some spectacular views of Mont
Blanc as well as stunning blue alpine lakes and impressive glaciers. You can
stay in small, basic huts along the route – which means no heavy tents to carry
– and although it is sort of cheating, there are also cable cars and
chair lifts along the route if you fancy a bit of a break from pounding the
trail!
The big one! Mount Kilimanjaro
This is the big one. The Mount Kilimanjaro
trek is a once-in-a-lifetime which takes you to 19.340 feet, the highest point
on the African continent. Although it’s a trek rather than climb, a good level
of fitness is required as it’s classed as a ‘difficult’ trek. There are several
routes to the top of this famous giant, but many cite the 55km around-trip
Machame trail, which takes six to seven days, as the standout. It’ll take you
through some of the mountain’s best features, including the cloud forest and the
dry Shira Plateau, and boasts a high success rate.
