What are the best treks in the world? Many of us here at Explore HQ love nothing more than to dig out the walking boots, dust off the trekking backpack and head for the hills. Everyone has their own idea of what makes a perfect trek: how do you weigh up a gentle stroll along Turkey's Turquoise Coast with a gut-busting hike to the summit of Kilimanjaro? What matters most? Is it all about the landscapes, the isolation, the historical sites - or the local poeople you meet along the way?
It hasn’t been easy choosing our favourite treks, but after a few lively debates around the office these are the the ten we rate as our very best. They’re not necessarily the toughest, or the longest, just the ones we love the most
1) The Inca Trail
Perhaps the most famous trek in the world, following ancient Inca pathways to the iconic 15th century Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Where else could you hike for four days through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Andes to finish up at one of the seven new wonders of the world.
Experience the Inca Trail on our Inca Trail Trek, Heights of Machu Picchu, Peru Inca Trail and High Trail of the Incas. For intrepid families we have the Inca Trail Teen Adventure
If you prefer to do it your own way, let our Tailormade team create your own Inca Trail itinerary
2) Torres del Paine Circuit (Chile)
Discover the wild landscapes of Patagonia including the famous pink granite spires of Torres del Paine.
Try it on: Torres del Paine Circuit
3) Tour du Mont Blanc (France, Switzerland, Italy)
A circuit of the majestic Mont Blanc massif, crossing three borders and traversing five major passes.
Try it on: Tour du Mont Blanc
4) The GR20 (Corsica)
One of the toughest long distance routes in Europe, traversing the rugged mountains and forested valleys of Corsica.
Try it on: Corsica: The GR20
5) The Lycian Way (Turkey)
A long distance trail through the foothills of the Taurus Mountains and along the beautiful Lycian coastline.
Try it on: The Lycian Way
6) Jebel Toubkal (Morocco)
Trek through Berber villages and juniper forests to the summit of North Africa’s highest peak, Jebel Toubkal, in the Atlas Mountains.
Try it on: Toubkal Climb, Toubkal Long Weekend, Winter Toubkal, High Atlas Trek,
For families we have: Toubkal Teen Trek
7) Simien Mountain Trek (Ethiopia)
Explore the rocky plateaux, spires, mesas and deep gorges of Ethiopia’s dramatic Simien Mountains.
Try it on: Simien Mountain Trek
8) Kilimanjaro (Tanzania)
Summit Africa’s highest peak, soaring more than five kilometres above the surrounding plains.
Try it on: Kilimanjaro Lemosho Trek, Tanzanian Volcano Trek
Or let our Tailormade team design your very own ascent of Kilimajaro
9) Annapurna Circuit (Nepal)
The classic circuit trek around the majestic Annapurna range, with breathtaking views from the highpoint at Thorong La Pass.
Try it on: Annapurna Circuit
The renowned expedition route through Sherpa homelands to Basecamp, with awe inspiring views of the highest point on earth.
Try it on: Everest Base Camp, High Passes of Everest, Everest Base Camp and Gokyo
These are just some of the trips we offer, take a look at our full range of Trekking Holidays