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13 Challenging Long-Distance Hikes Through the World’s Most Beautiful, Wild Terrain
These hikes may take weeks or months, but are well worth the effort.
If you’ve already spent a few seasons day hiking, completed your local backpacking trails, and are comfortable spending days on end staying active outdoors, it may be time to step it up to the wonderful world of long-distance hiking.
The best thru-hikes in the world offer intrepid hikers a chance to immerse themselves in nature, challenge their physical limits, and enjoy what can be a transformative journey. The 13 epic routes below span up to thousands of miles, traversing landscapes from mountain ranges to coastal paths, frozen expanses to lush forests. Many of the best thru-hikes in the world are in locations away from roads, where the only way to see the landscape is on foot. They offer a chance to find a sense of seclusion and a connection to nature that can be near-impossible to find on a quick weekend hike.
This list skips iconic long-distance hikes like the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Patagonia’s “W” Trek. Instead, the focus here is on a range of thru-hikes that show the diversity of what’s available around the world. Most of these trails can be done on your own or with some basic guidance, though that doesn’t mean you can’t do them in luxury.
And if you’re wondering how old is too old to do some of these hikes, that’s up to you. For inspiration, consider that the oldest person to complete the Appalachian Trail was M.J. “Nimblewill Nomad” Eberhart, at 83.
What is thru-hiking?
Photo: DAWID DOBOSZ/Shutterstock
Thru-hiking, also called distance hiking or long-distance hiking, is an end-to-end backpacking trip on an established trail. It typically involves hiking from start to finish in one direction, and can take anywhere from a week to several months to complete.
The wide range of thru-hiking trails around the world cater to different preferences and skill levels. The most traditional method to complete a thru-hike is by backpacking — carrying everything you need and camping along the way. This offers the most flexibility, allowing you to camp anywhere you want and set your own pace each day. But it also requires a higher level of self-sufficiency, and is usually the most physically demanding.
Some thru-hikes can be done as hut-to-hut trips, where you cover set distances each day and sleep in permanent shelters along the way. The term “hut” can refer to anything from a basic wooden cabin with no facilities to multi-room chalets with staff, bedrooms, and prepared food and drink. These trips tend to be pricier (and are often harder to plan, as hut reservations fill up quickly) but reduce the need to carry gear like a tent and heavy sleeping bag. Some thru-hikes offer a twist on the hut-to-hut experience by offering stays in homestays, local villages, or even temples.
Certain thru-hikes also have the option (or requirement) to do a guided or pre-planned trip. The details vary based on hike, operator, and cost, but at its most basic level, the guide company will handle logistics like lodging reservations, transportation between trail segments, and may include rental gear. High-end guided trips might include not only a guide, but also porters to carry your gear, staff to set up luxury camps along the way, or even a professional chef.
For each listing below, we’ve recommended a nearby place to stay for a few days of relaxing after you finish your hike. Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.
Sunshine Coast Trail, Canada | John Muir Trail, US | Colorado Trail, US | Resurrection Pass Trail, US | Tour de Mont Blanc, Europe | Nordkalottleden, Europe | Waitukubuli National Trail, Dominica | Laugavegur Trek, Iceland | Overland Trek, Tasmania | Kumano Kodo, Japan | Rim of Africa Trail, South Africa | Great Himalaya Trail, Nepal | Dientes de Navarino, Chile
Sunshine Coast Trail: Canada
- Distance: 112 miles
- Elevation gain: About 25,000 feet
- Highlights: Coastal forest, mountain peaks, rugged beaches, and few people
- Permits required: None
- Official trail info
The Sunshine Coast Trail in western British Columbia, Canada, is the country’s longest hut-to-hut hiking trail, spanning approximately 112 miles with 14 huts. Hikers typically complete the trail in nine to 12 days, though durations can vary. The well-marked trail is generally easy to navigate, requires no lodging reservations (huts are first-come, first-served), and doesn’t require a permit. That makes it arguably one of the most accessible thru-hikes in Canada. It’s just icing on the cake that the Sunshine Coast Trail passes through some of western BC’s most beautiful landscapes, including coastal shorelines, old-growth forests, scenic lakes, waterfalls, and panoramic mountaintops (this is, after all, the land of the Sea to Sky Highway and the Powder Highway). It’s equally as beautiful as the West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island, but with a fraction of the people (which isn’t very many people at all).
Since the trail doesn’t take reservations, hikers should be prepared to share huts. The huts provide basic shelter but lack amenities, so you’ll need to carry items such as cooking supplies, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads. Carrying a tent is strongly recommend as you may need to sleep outside if the huts are full. The driest conditions are from May through September. Spring and fall offer fewer crowds, and summer is the busiest season.
Starting and ending: Most hikers traverse the trail from north to south starting at Sarah Point, which is accessible via water taxi from Lund, near Powell River. You’ll need to arrange a ferry service to the starting point from a company like Savary Island Ferry or Sunshine Coast Shuttle. The trail ends in Saltery Bay, where you’ll either need to arrange transportation back to Powell River, or take the BC Ferries ferry to Earl’s Cove, if you left a car there. Usually, the easiest way to do it is to park at Saltery Bay (which requires two ferry rides if you’re starting near Vancouver), then take a private ferry water taxi service to Sarah Point.
The John Muir Trail: United States
- Distance: 211 miles
- Elevation gain: About 47,000 feet
- Highlights: Traverses Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia national parks, plus Mount Whitney and the PCT
- Permits required: From Yosemite National Park (SOBO) or Inyo National Forest (NOBO)
- Official trail info
The John Muir Trail (JMT) traverses some of the most stunning and remote wilderness areas in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. Approximately 160 miles of the JMT coincide with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), and the JMT can be completed in about three weeks, compared to the several months typically required for the entire PCT. The JMT starts in gorgeous Yosemite National Park, then continues through Ansel Adams Wilderness and John Muir Wilderness. Along the way, hikers enjoy panoramic views of the High Sierra peaks and natural wonders like Half Dome, Devils Postpile National Monument, and backcountry lakes like Thousand Island Lake and Garnet Lake. The trail ends in the town of Lone Pine, passing through Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park and giving hikers the option of a “quick” Mount Whitney summit just before the end. (You don’t need a separate Whitney permit if you have a JMT permit starting from Yosemite.)
Most of the trail is above 8,000 feet elevation and several mountain passes exceeding 10,000 feet. Hikers cross numerous snowmelt-fed streams and rivers, and experience the beauty of iconic national parks and wilderness areas. The trail showcases the grandeur and remoteness of the Sierra Nevada, especially considering there’s 150-mile stretch in the middle that doesn’t cross a single road.
Starting and ending: Most hikers undertake the trail southbound (SOBO), often arranging to leave a vehicle in Lone Pine. From there, you can take Eastern Sierra Transit to Mammoth Lakes, then take the YARTS bus into the Yosemite Valley to reach the trailhead. If you want to relax for a few days following your hike, the best place is in Mammoth Lakes. Booking an Airbnb for a few days will give you access to the town’s food and drink scene, as well as the many festivals and events that happen through summer and fall.
The Colorado Trail: United States
- Distance: 486 miles (567 miles with Collegiate West alternate)
- Elevation gain: About 89,000 feet
- Highlights: Multiple crossings of the Continental Divide and iconic views of the Rocky Mountains
- Permits required: None
- Official trail info
The Colorado Trail starts at the Waterton Canyon Trailhead near Littleton, a suburb south of Denver, and traverses approximately 486 miles across the Rockies to Durango, near the Four Corners. The trail passes through six national forests and eight mountain ranges — including the Front Range, Sawatch Range, and San Juan Mountains — and puts you in view of (or on) six mountains with more than 14,000 feet of elevation (14ers). The trek is intense: expect to spend between four to six weeks on the trail, depending on your pace. Elevations range from 5,500 feet to 13,271 feet, with the highest point at Coney Summit in the San Juan Mountains as you approach Durango. Along the way, you’ll pass military ruins at Camp Hale and cross the Continental Divide multiple times, all while having views of some of the highest summits in the Rockies.
If you’re a gnarly mountain biker, it’s possible to bike the Colorado Trail and knock the trip down to about 20 days, but be prepared for plenty of hike-a-bike stretches and stream crossings.
Most hike the Colorado trail from late June to early September, when the snow has melted from the high mountain passes and the weather is as stable as it gets in high-altitude Colorado. That said, afternoon thunderstorms are prevalent all summer, especially in the high country. July and August offer the best conditions, with wildflowers in full bloom and long daylight hours. Early fall can also be a great time to take on the challenge, with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds (though you’ll need to move quickly as snow can hit the peaks in late September).
Starting and ending: Heading from northeast to southwest is the most common route, starting in Littleton. You’ll need to arrange a drop-off there and a pick-up from the Junction Creek Trailhead near Durango. Fortunately, Durango is an excellent place to spend a few days, and you’ll be in the heart of an incredible mountain town beer scene. Toast your trek with a brew from Ska Brewing or Steamworks Brewing, and shack up for the night at a downtown Airbnb.
The Resurrection Pass Trail: United States
- Distance: 39 miles
- Elevation gain: About 5,100 feet
- Highlights: Remote Alaskan beauty as you trek through the wild Kenai Mountains
- Permits required: None. Reservations required for public-use cabins (book up to six months in advance via Recreation.gov)
- Official trail info
Alaska’s Resurrection Pass Trail, traveling through the Kenai Mountains, has spectacular and diverse views. You can do it in either direction, starting in Hope or Cooper Landing. It’s far and away the most popular thru-hike in this part of Alaska, and has excellent backcountry infrastructure with 19 designated campsites and eight public use cabins. With a length of approximately 39 miles, the trail offers conveniently spaced campgrounds, typically one to two miles apart, except for a five-mile stretch near Resurrection Pass.
You don’t need a permit to hike the trail, but you’ll want to make a reservation if you plan to use any of the cabins. They’re reservable on Recreation.gov, and you’ll need to search for them by name.
Hikers often appreciate that the views become increasingly impressive, starting at about 500 feet above sea level and ascending to 2,600 feet at Resurrection Pass. The trail starts in spruce-birch forest but quickly ascends to offer views of the flowing Resurrection Creek. As you ascend above the treeline, the scenery transitions to mountain peaks, alpine lakes, and waterfalls. There’s even a chance to spot Denali in the distance.
Though hiking in Alaska is not without its challenges (including wildlife like grizzlies and extreme weather), the short distance, well-marked signage, and minimal elevation gain make it one of the best thru-hikes in the world for beginners.
Starting and ending: Resurrection Pass Trail is located about 90 minutes from Anchorage. The easiest way to thru-hike it is to rent two vehicles, leaving one at the trail’s end point to shuttle yourself back. Alternatively, you can book a shuttle to the trailhead through Wildman’s Store in Cooper Landing. After finishing the trail, many hikers choose to extend their Alaskan adventure—whether it’s visiting Kenai Fjords National Park, luxury island resort near Homer, relaxing in a cabin near Denali National Park, or unwinding in an Airbnb in Anchorage while exploring nearby public lands like the stunning Chugach National Forest.
Tour de Mont Blanc: France, Italy, and Switzerland
- Distance: 105 miles
- Elevation gain: About 32,800 feet
- Highlights: Views of Mont Blanc Massif, plus dramatic glacier landscapes
- Permits required: None
- Official trail info
Passing through France, Italy, and Switzerland, the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) covers roughly 105 miles through one of the most breathtaking sections of the Alps. The highest point on the trek is the Col des Fours (8,743 feet above sea level), although some variations of the route tour over the Fenêtre d’Arpette in Switzerland. The trail primarily encircles the Mont Blanc Massif, traversing sections of the Graian Alps.
The views are stunning, passing landmarks like the Mer de Glace glacier and alpine lakes such as Lac Blanc. Along the way, hikers can fuel up on distinct fondue variations in each country: Courmayeur in Italy purveys Fonduta Voldostana; Chamonix specializes in fondue Savoyarde made with Comté, Beaufort, and Emmental cheeses; and Champex-Lac offers some of the best traditional Gruyère and Vacherin cheese fondue in Switzerland.
The best time to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc is from mid-June to mid-September, aligning with favorable summer weather. Be aware that early in the season, some high passes may still retain snow. Some stretches will be busy, but on others, your primary companion will be expansive fields of wildflowers – and of course, views of some of the most iconic peaks in Europe. Conveniently, the Tour du Mont Blanc forms a loop, allowing hikers to start and end at the same location, eliminating the need for return transportation. Huts are available along the route and you’ll need to book them in advance.
Starting and ending: Hikers can begin the TMB at various points along the route. While Les Houches, near Chamonix in France, is the most common starting and ending point, alternatives like Courmayeur in Italy and Champex-Lac in Switzerland are also popular. Chamonix offers ample outdoor supply stores and is the best place on Earth to feel high-class in a mountain town, what with its iconic French dining, cafe culture, and wide range of accommodations.
Nordkalottleden (Arctic Trail): Norway, Sweden, and Finland
- Distance: 500 miles
- Elevation gain: About 54,000 feet
- Highlights: Arctic tundra, pristine glacial valleys, the midnight sun, Sámi culture, and true wilderness solitude
- Permits required: No trail permit, but some huts on popular stretches require advance booking and anyone hunting or fishing needs a permit to do so
- Official trail info
Nordkalottleden, also known as the Arctic Trail, is a challenging, 500-mile trek that passes through the far north of Norway, Sweden, and Finland. The winding route crosses international borders more than 10 times, primarily in remote regions marked by fjords, tundra, birch forests, and wildlife with only a handful of population centers along the way.
Hikers pass through wilderness regions including Abisko National Park, Padjelanta National Park, Øvre Dividal National Park, Reisa National Park, and the remote tundra of Kilpisjärvi and Halti (Finland’s highest point). There’s plenty of up and down. The route features significant elevation changes over mountain passes and through glacial valleys, with approximate gains and losses varying by section. It’s not all an endless challenge, though: certain stretches have boardwalks, though they’re between rocks, scrambles, bogs, and rivers. Needless to say, the Arctic Trail is for experienced trekkers — and not just because of the distance and terrain.
Hikers need to be prepared for self-sufficiency on certain sections, carrying provisions for up to 10 days due to limited resupply points. The few key resupply points include Abisko in Sweden, where there’s a full-service mountain station, and Kilpisjärvi in Finland, which has a small market and some lodging. The lakes and rivers have fish, but permits are required to cast. The path crosses through Indigenous Sámi territory, offering opportunities to respectfully engage with local culture, purchase traditional foods like smoked fish and flatbreads, and observe traditional Sámi dwellings known as lavvu.
Responsible camping is permitted the entire way. Hikers will need warm gear that’s both water- and wind-resistant, as nights can drop below freezing even in the summer, and weather quickly changes this far north. A patchwork of staffed and unstaffed huts follow the route that can be booked ahead through Norway’s tourist association (Den Norske Turistforening, or DNT), and Sweden’s tourism board, Svenska Turisföreningen (or STF), and Finland’s Metsähallitus. Certain huts may have small shops with canned foods, too.
June to early September are the best months to take on the Nordkalottleden. The sun stays in the sky well past midnight in the summer, and valleys fill with wildflowers (and, inevitably, flies, mosquitos, and other bugs). The payoff is worth it for anyone interested in spotting wildlife like reindeer, moose, arctic foxes, and migratory birds. Reindeer in particular are plentiful.
Starting and ending: The full trail runs from Kautokeino in northern Norway to Sulitjelma in Sweden. Another endpoint is Kvikkjokk, Sweden, which connects to Jokkmokk and Luleå. It can be broken down into sections or completed in one go, depending on goals and fitness level. You can reach Kautokeino via public bus from Alta Airport, and depart Sulitjelma by bus to Fauske, then head to Oslo from the Fauske train station. That makes it easy to recuperate for a few days with a cozy Airbnb in the artsy city of Oslo.
The Waitukubuli National Trail: Dominica
- Distance: 115 miles
- Elevation gain: About 16,700 feet
- Highlights: Endemic parrots, Kalinago villages, and lush Caribbean landscapes
- Permits required: A hike passport can be purchased online in advance or in person when you arrive
- Official trail info
The Waitukubuli National Trail is the first and only long-distance thru-hike in the Caribbean, stretching coast to coast on the small island of Dominica. It passes not only gorgeous vistas, but also remote cultural and historical sites. Sure, hikers will encounter rugged mountain terrain, lush forests and valleys, rivers, waterfalls, mountains, and gorges — but they’ll also pass culturally and historically important sites, like traditional Kalinago villages, the ruins of 18th-century French settlements, the renovated Fort Shirley at The Cabrits, and secret Maroon passages used by people who were escaping slavery.
Hikers may see endemic and rare wildlife, such as Sisserou and Jaco parrots, and will have chances to swim in waterfalls, rivers, and hot springs. A short detour will take hikers to Boiling Lake (likely to become much more crowded when a planned cable car project makes the lake accessible by a 20-minute ride, instead of a five-hour hike). Most people hike the trail during the dry season (February to May), completing it in 13 to 15 days. It’s tent camping the whole time, so hikers should come prepared with waterproof, quick-drying gear suited for tropical conditions. Along the way, you’ll go through villages where you can buy food and refill your water, but you’ll still want to be mostly self-sufficient and carry a water filter or water filtration bottle.
Starting and ending: The trail starts in Scott’s Head Village and ends in Portsmouth. To get to Scott’s Head Village, you’ll need to get a taxi from Roseau (about an hour) or take a shared taxi (called a “maxi”) to Soufrière, then walk or hitchhike to Scott’s Head Village. The trail ends in Cabrits National Park in the town of Portsmouth, where you can catch a public bus back to Roseau. Many people combine the hike with a few luxurious days at a beachy Airbnb near Roseau.
Laugavegur Trek: Iceland
- Distance: 34 miles
- Elevation gain: About 5,500 feet
- Highlights: See the vastness of the raw and dramatic beauty of Iceland’s highlands
- Permits required: None
- Official trail info
Iceland’s most famous trek is no busier than a moderately-trafficked trail in more populous parts of the planet. Plan three to four days, or longer if you care to spend extra time lounging in the geothermal hot springs perfect for soothing sore legs along the route. You’ll also pass colorful rhyolite mountains, vast lava fields, black sand deserts, and lush green valleys — really, you’ll see about as much natural diversity as is possible to squeeze into 34 miles. The trail showcases the raw and dramatic beauty of Iceland’s highlands, somehow reminiscent of both Hawai’i’s Haleakalā, and sub-Arctic Scandinavian fjordlands.
The best time to hike the Laugavegur Trail is from late June to early September, when the route is free from snow, the trail’s mountain huts are open, and river crossings are manageable (but still take care to cross). July and August offer the most stable weather, though Iceland’s conditions are notoriously unpredictable, with strong winds, sudden rain, and fluctuating temperatures year-round. Another perk of hiking so far north in summer is that hikers will enjoy long daylight hours, and hikers can knock out 10 or more miles per day without having to hurry to beat nightfall. Book huts in advance no matter when you trek.
The trek starts at Landmannalaugar and gradually ascends through geothermal landscapes. The highest point on the trail is Hrafntinnusker, at 3,445 feet above sea level. After Hrafntinnusker, the trail descends towards Álftavatn, then continues with a series of river crossings before dropping significantly into the lush valley surrounding Þórsmörk. Learn to pronounce all those correctly, and you may have what it takes to earn the respect of locals.
Starting and ending: If you’re starting in Reykjavik, the easiest way to reach the start and finish is by buying a “hiker’s pass” for the bus system. You’ll want to stock up on most everything you need in Reykjavik, as the huts sell basic snacks, but not full meals or drinks. Near Þórsmörk, the scenery transforms into lush green valleys framed by towering glaciers. Many cozy Airbnb rentals are available near the trail’s end, as well as back in town in Reykjavik.
The Overland Trek: Tasmania
- Distance: 40 miles
- Elevation gain: About 7,200 feet
- Highlights: Coastal forest, mountain peaks, rugged beaches, and few people
- Permits required: Yes, included with required guide
- Official trail info
The Overland Track covers 40 miles through Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Here, alpine plateaus roll into temperate rainforest, glacial lakes sit beneath jagged rocky peaks, and wildlife is plentiful. There are plenty of boardwalks, but also some steep scrambles early on — and even more throughout if hikers choose to add on the summit of Mount Ossa (Tasmania’s highest peak), or waterfalls like Fergusson Falls and D’Alton Falls.
As great as the sights are, the rare and endemic animals tend to steal the show. Echidnas (small, egg-laying mammals), quolls (an incredibly cute carnivorous marsupial), pademelons (tiny marsupials resembling miniature kangaroos), wombats, and Tasmanian devils are just a few of the species hikers may encounter. Because these animals and their fragile ecosystems are easily disturbed, the Overland Track’s permit system, fees, and strict management help minimize impact while keeping the route accessible.
Tent camping and huts are available for the six-day-or-so hike. Huts offer basic shelter along with bunks and water tanks on a first-come, first-served system. Hikers are required to carry their own tents, stoves, and food, making the Overland Track fully self-catered. There are no resupply points along the way, so all provisions must be packed in from the start. Before or after the trek, hikers can explore Tasmania’s rich culinary scene — Launceston and Hobart both offer vibrant food markets and specialties like wallaby stew, Tasmanian cheeses, fresh oysters, and cool-climate wines.
Hikers can take on the trail year-round. Summer (October through May) is most popular for the wildflowers and nicer weather compared to the snow and cold of winter this far into the Southern Hemisphere. That said, hikers should expect high winds, rain or snow, and frequent cloud cover — all of which add to the challenge. Preparation for a wide range of weather is key, as conditions can quickly change.
Starting and ending: The trail begins at Ronny Creek, accessible via shuttle from the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, and ends at Cynthia Bay on Lake St Clair, where many hikers opt to take a ferry across the lake to complete the journey. Transport is available from both trailheads to major hubs like Launceston and Hobart, making logistics relatively straightforward. There are direct flights to Hobart from nearly every major airport in Australia, making it easy to combine the Overland Trek with a few days at a beachy Airbnb in Sydney or a trip to the Great Barrier Reef and Queensland to the north.
Kumano Kodo, Nakahechi Route: Japan
- Distance: 43 miles
- Elevation gain: About 9,000 feet
- Highlights: Follow an ancient sacred pilgrimage through misty mountains to stunning shrines
- Permits required: None
- Official trail info
The Kumano Kodo Nakahechi route, often called “The Imperial Route,” is Japan’s most historic pilgrimage trail, winding through the lush mountains of Wakayama Prefecture on the Kii Peninsula. This UNESCO World Heritage site has guided spiritual seekers for over 1,000 years, including Japanese emperors and nobles who have traveled this path since the 10th century. The trail connects the coastal town of Tanabe to the sacred Kumano Sanzan—a trio of grand shrines (Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha) that form the spiritual heart of the region. The trail is unique for its blend of natural beauty and spiritual significance, offering peaceful and stunning scenery as hikers traverse terraced rice paddies, rugged mountains, moss-covered shrines, and pine forests.
The trail is well-marked with brown signposts featuring white lettering in both Japanese and English, and takes most thru-hikers four to six days. It’s one of the best thru-hikes in the world if you don’t fancy carrying lots of weight on your back, as lodging is in traditional minshuku (family-run guesthouses) and ryokan (Japanese inns). You won’t need to carry multiple days’ worth of food or any camping gear, making this a more comfortable trek than many remote routes. However, lodging reservations should be made in advance through the official Kumano Travel site, where you’ll also find info about routes, shuttle services, and more.
Starting and ending: Most hikers take the train to Kii-Tanabe Station (about three hours from Kyoto), then take a 40-minute bus ride to the starting point in Takijiri. The trail ends at the Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine, where you can take a bus to Kii-Katsuura. From there, you can take the train back to Kyoto and snag an Airbnb for a few days to relax, dive in to the city’s food scene, and see historical sites before heading home. You can do the hike entirely on your own, though guides are also readily available.
Rim of Africa Trail: South Africa
- Distance: 400 miles
- Elevation gain: About 6,500 feet
- Highlights: Wild Cape mountain traverses, endemic fynbos flora, rugged wilderness, granite ridgelines
- Permits required: Only accessible through group trips with the Rim of Africa Project
- Official trail info
The Rim of Africa Trail follows the spine of South Africa’s Cape Mountains, stretching from the Cederberg in the north to the Outeniqua Mountains in the south, and is the longest mountain traverse in Southern Africa. Unlike conventional trails, the Rim of Africa is not a continuous, marked footpath. It’s a corridor through wild mountain country navigated through nine “Traverse Sections,” each taking between seven and 10 days. Hikers must be with an official guide, as much of the trek passes through private land.
The route’s dramatic peaks demand attention, as do the ancient San rock art sites scattered throughout. Equally intriguing, perhaps even more so depending on your persuasion, is the shrubland called fynbos, in the Greater Cape Floristic Region and found nowhere else on the planet. This center of biodiversity supports about 20 percent of Africa’s plant life on less than half of one percent of the continent’s landmass. Some 9,000 plant species thrive there, two-thirds of which are endemic.
There are no resupply points during individual Traverse Sections, so hikers need to carry all of their food, gear, and shelter. However, between sections, hikers can refuel with local favorites like lamb, curry, biltong (a jerky-type of dried meat), fresh produce, and South African wine at the stopping points between each section. Camping is entirely wild and unstructured — no huts, no platforms. It’s a trail for seasoned hikers who are comfortable with navigation, remote terrain, and carrying their own gear across sometimes unmarked routes.
The best times to hike the Rim of Africa are spring (September to November), when wildflowers are in bloom, and autumn (March to May), when skies are clear and temperatures are more manageable. Summer (December to February) can bring extreme heat, while winter (June to August) sees rain and snow at higher elevations.
Starting and ending: Each Traverse Section has its own trailhead and endpoint, but the full journey runs from the Cederberg near Clanwilliam, roughly three and a half hours from Cape Town, to the Outeniqua Mountains near George, in the southern part of the Western Cape. Transport logistics are arranged as part of the guided experience. Most people spend a few days in Cape Town on either end of the trip.
The Great Himalaya Trail: Nepal
- Distance: 1,056 miles
- Elevation gain: About 288,000 feet
- Highlights: Glaciers, valleys, a cultural overload, and the tallest mountains in the world
- Permits required: Multiple
- Official trail info
The Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) is arguably the world’s most ambitious and breathtaking long-distance thru-hike, stretching for 2,800 miles across the entire length of the Himalayan range through Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. The section in Nepal, covering about 1,056 miles, is the most developed and most traversed. That section takes about five months to complete, and the High Route is the most popular of the two routes (the other being the South Route). It offers an extraordinary tapestry of cultural experiences as it traverses through diverse ethnic regions across the Himalayas, passing through the traditional homelands of more than 100 ethnic groups.
Lodging ranges from established teahouses and lodges, to homestays in rural villages, to campsites. Regardless of where you stay, the views of passing glaciers, rivers, remote villages, sacred temples, forests, valleys, and three of the highest mountains in the world (including Everest) are indescribable. Guide requirements vary by region and country, with complex regulations across sections. Because of this, it’s best to use a guide — especially as it features some of the most remote and logistically complex terrain of any thru-hike in the world. As of March 2025, the only company that offers a full point-to-point guided hike on the Nepal section of the GHT is World Expeditions Group. If you finish, you’ll have serious bragging rights: the company estimates that fewer than two dozen people have completed the route. It’s not easy, and you’ll need to rely on your guide’s expertise for last-minute changes due to weather conditions, crowds, shifting political situations, and more.
Starting and ending: If you complete the five-month trek, you owe it to yourself to add a week (or month) at the end to indulge, relax, and recover. Your guide company will likely include transportation to and from Kathmandu, so you can either stay in Kathmandu or grab a quick connecting flight and get an Airbnb in a place like Dubai or Tokyo. Given how tough the trek is, you should budget at least a week of doing absolutely nothing when you finish.
Dientes de Navarino: Chile
- Distance: 35 miles
- Elevation gain: About 7,100 feet
- Highlights: Trek through the most remote corner of Patagonia
- Permits required: None
The Dientes de Navarino trek in Chilean Patagonia feels like the edge of the world. It’s the southernmost thru-hike on Earth, taking hikers through a pristine wilderness few people have experienced. Unlike the more popular trails in Patagonia, the Dientes trek remains largely undeveloped and is unmarked in certain parts. The sense of solitude is extreme, and it’s possible that you won’t see any humans outside of your hiking companies the entire time. As you navigate through the jagged peaks of the Dientes de Navarino (which translates to “Teeth of Navarino”), the only sounds will be the roar of wind and crunch of your boots on the rocky terrain. The trek challenges hikers with its demanding terrain and unpredictable weather, but rewards them with breathtaking views of alpine lakes, beaver dams, and the striking silhouette of the mountain range that resembles a set of teeth piercing the sky. Some of the passes are so steep that glissading (sliding down on your butt with an ice axe for control) is the best way to go. You’ll encounter everything from snow to knee-deep mud — probably in the same hour.
While you can do the hike without a guide, you’ll want to have experience in Patagonia’s conditions and know how to use a compass and navigate unmarked terrain. Because of this, most people use a guide company like the locally owned Chile Nativo. Hikers along the route are entirely self-supported, with no infrastructure or huts. You’ll need a sturdy tent able to handle the region’s hurricane-force winds, a warm sleeping bag, completely waterproof clothing, and sufficient food for the duration. The hiking season runs from December to March, but hikers will still encounter extreme and unpredictable weather — including strong winds, snow, extreme sun, and downpours. It’s usually a four-night, five-day trek.
Starting and ending: To reach the trailhead, fly to Puerto Williams from Punta Arenas. The town is extremely small and you can walk to the trailhead from the airport. At the trailhead, there’s a tourist information office with public restrooms, as well as a police office where should report your intentions to hike the trail — and report what color clothing you’re wearing, so rescue authorities can find you if you don’t show up at the end. After finishing, most people return to Punta Arenas for a few leisurely days of whale watching or doing casual hikes in Torres del Paine. 
