For your trekking projects, here is a selection of 7 exceptional treks to complete once in a lifetime as a long-distance walker! They are either highly sporting, set in majestic scenery, or both — but all share that spirit of escape and adventure. The exceptional treks we have chosen, with a degree of subjectivity, span every continent and the most beautiful mountain ranges on the planet. That is the minimum requirement for a place among these 7 exceptional treks — and we invite you to explore them and perhaps start planning!
The Continental Divide Trail follows exactly the watershed between the Atlantic and the Pacific. Of course, the full route can only be completed with considerable time (around 6 months) and serious endurance! The route remains very demanding and many sections are poorly waymarked. It is of course possible to tackle only certain segments — the most popular being those through Colorado or Montana.
Adventure and a true change of scenery are guaranteed!
This trail can no longer be done independently — a guide is now mandatory — and bookings are snapped up quickly (expect around a 6-month wait).
There are, however, variants to this route for less experienced or less adventurous walkers.
This trek requires good physical fitness, even though it does not reach very high altitude (highest points at 2,650 m). Allow around ten days to complete it. The ideal window runs from June to October, but you must be very attentive to weather conditions, which can change rapidly.
The route typically runs from Besisahar to Muktinath over about twelve days. This trek has no insurmountable technical difficulties, but it does demand a high level of fitness — particularly for the crossing of the Thorong La pass at 5,416 m, though most of the ascents are very gradual. One of its great advantages is the abundance of hotels, campsites, restaurants and guesthouses along the entire route, making it easy to organise with a wide choice of accommodation.
Given the altitude, take altitude sickness seriously: acclimatise with gradual ascents, be in good shape and stay cautious!
7 exceptional treks across every continent
The Continental Divide Trail
This truly exceptional route crosses the United States from Mexico to Canada, tracking the Rocky Mountains — the backbone of America — for 5,000 km.
The Continental Divide Trail follows exactly the watershed between the Atlantic and the Pacific. Of course, the full route can only be completed with considerable time (around 6 months) and serious endurance! The route remains very demanding and many sections are poorly waymarked. It is of course possible to tackle only certain segments — the most popular being those through Colorado or Montana.
Adventure and a true change of scenery are guaranteed!
The Inca Trail
The Inca Trail is the most famous and popular hiking route and trek in Peru — and indeed across South America. A word of warning though: it is an extraordinary hike and, in places, a demanding one. It is, however, relatively short, as the full route takes just 3 or 4 days. The beauty of the landscapes will take you by surprise, and the archaeological riches are ever-present, with Inca ruins lining the route throughout. And the grand finale: Machu Picchu!
This trail can no longer be done independently — a guide is now mandatory — and bookings are snapped up quickly (expect around a 6-month wait).
The High Atlas in Morocco
The High Atlas treks in Morocco are particularly well suited to first-time trekkers, thanks to a wide range of flexible and accessible routes. Even though the trails are generally waymarked, hiring a guide is recommended and inexpensive. The High Atlas offers landscapes of remarkable beauty and a real sense of escape not far from France. Among the available treks (generally from May to October), you can explore the Timenkar plateau (2 days), the ascent of Mount Tougroudadane (3,320 m) over 3 days, or the ascent of Mount Toubkal over 8 days via Tachdirt, Imlil and the Tazaghart refuge (for the more seasoned trekker). These treks are also easy to combine with more relaxed stays in Marrakech or along the Moroccan coast.Kilimanjaro
The roof of Africa peaks at 5,892 m with a starting altitude of 1,800 m, making this a trek reserved for experienced athletes. But the effort is well worth it: the sublime panorama from the summit is a true reward and an unforgettable memory for those who have had the privilege of climbing Kilimanjaro. There are five main routes to the summit:- the Marangu route (the easiest and most popular)
- the Machame route (slightly more demanding, but more scenic)
- the Umbwe route (little-frequented and fairly wild)
- the Mweka route
- the Shira Plateau route.
The Tour du Mont Blanc
The Tour du Mont Blanc is arguably the most famous long-distance hiking circuit in Europe. Covering around 190 km with more than 10,000 metres of elevation gain, it circumnavigates the rooftop of Europe. This trek offers spectacular views of the Alps, its summits, glaciers, moraines and pastures. The route passes through three countries (France, Switzerland, Italy) and eight valleys: the Arve valley (or Chamonix valley), the Val Montjoie, the Vallée des Glaciers, the Val Veny, the Italian and Swiss Val Ferret, the Val d'Arpette and the Vallée du Trient in Switzerland.
There are, however, variants to this route for less experienced or less adventurous walkers.
This trek requires good physical fitness, even though it does not reach very high altitude (highest points at 2,650 m). Allow around ten days to complete it. The ideal window runs from June to October, but you must be very attentive to weather conditions, which can change rapidly.
The Annapurna Circuit
The Annapurna massif is located in Nepal and peaks at over 8,000 m. The circuit trek around it is hugely popular and renowned throughout the trekking world. You will be immersed in an extraordinary diversity of landscapes: tropical valleys, desert scenery, waterfalls and mountains — everything that delights the passionate walker!
The route typically runs from Besisahar to Muktinath over about twelve days. This trek has no insurmountable technical difficulties, but it does demand a high level of fitness — particularly for the crossing of the Thorong La pass at 5,416 m, though most of the ascents are very gradual. One of its great advantages is the abundance of hotels, campsites, restaurants and guesthouses along the entire route, making it easy to organise with a wide choice of accommodation.
Given the altitude, take altitude sickness seriously: acclimatise with gradual ascents, be in good shape and stay cautious!
