Hiking, in all its forms, is of the utmost importance — above all for your health. It opens the door to discovering new landscapes and stepping away from the daily routine. It is also an opportunity to gain a wealth of knowledge. The ideal approach is to combine all these benefits and turn each outing into an unforgettable hiking experience. Many countries are brimming with riches just waiting to be explored.
CROATIA AND TURKEY
Among the top destinations for hikers is Croatia, home to the Plitvice Lakes National Park. This site was notably the scene of a battle during the Croatian War of Independence. The forest spans several hectares and features a fairytale setting with waterfalls and 16 magnificent lakes. It is worth noting that the site is listed on UNESCO's World Heritage List. The park itself is criss-crossed with paths ideal for walking, along wooden boardwalks and over bubbling waters. You will find a canyon carved from limestone, sheltering several caves. The Veliki Slap waterfall, located in the Lower Lakes area, is also a great draw for visitors. The second destination is Turkey — specifically Cappadocia. Its dreamlike landscape looks like something straight out of a painting. The houses are tiny, making exploration of the White Valley essential before reaching Uçhisar and the Pigeons' Valley. The Göreme Open-Air Museum, the Rose and Red Valley, and the colours of the rock formations are equally spectacular. Walking the Fairy Chimneys trail and discovering the listed village are not to be missed on a hiking trip.
CHILE, CHINA AND THE USA
In Chile, Torres del Paine also offers a magical setting. The pink granite walls rise to around 10,000 feet. The area is also home to a National Park spanning thousands of hectares. The glaciers and various lakes are well worth exploring. Further afield, the Great Wall of China stretches for thousands of kilometres. Along the way, you will spot various shops in addition to the seemingly endless steps. You will also wind your way over peaks, sometimes encountering mist and gaps in the trail. The panoramic views are the highlight — looking out over hills and valleys. Meanwhile, in the United States, the Appalachian trail runs along the east of the country through entirely wild terrain stretching for thousands of kilometres. The path cuts through woodland, taking the hiker completely away from civilisation.
TANZANIA AND NEPAL
Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, stretching across approximately 5,000 km, is also a must-visit destination. As the highest peak in Africa, it offers a breathtaking, sweeping landscape. The hiking is intense and long, winding through tropical forest and across the plateau. Finally, last but certainly not least, the Annapurna in Nepal. The route follows a horseshoe shape through rice paddies, forests, torrents, canyons and countless other stunning backdrops waiting to be discovered. You will also most likely encounter the local people, easy to recognise by their look and legendary sense of hospitality — you will feel as though you have stepped into another dimension entirely. In short, these destinations are just a few examples, but you can find many more through specialist agencies.
