Incredible Hikes Around The World To Put On Your Bucket List

When it comes to choosing a travel destination, 63% of global travellers said that they are likely to take the offering of outdoor activities into consideration. If you love a bit of an adventure, a challenge and the great outdoors, why not make your next trip a hiking holiday to remember. 

Booking.com*, the global leader in connecting travellers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay around the world, has selected some of the most breath-taking, once in a lifetime treks for you to conquer for your next getaway.

From the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, to setting your sights on the highest mountain in the world from Everest Base Camp, here are some incredible hikes around the world to put on your bucket list.

1. Kilimanjaro – Arusha, Tanzania

This famous trek to the highest mountain in Africa is a once in a lifetime experience, taking roughly five to seven days and covering 35 miles. Hikers can choose from a number of trails to take on this incredible challenge which all boast amazing views and wildlife.

Arusha is a gateway to many safari destinations including the Serengeti National Park as well as Africa’s highest peak Mount Kilimanjaro, and has been endorsed by Booking.com travellers for safaris, friendly people and wildlife. The top nationalities that visited over the past year were German, American and British and the top accommodation types booked over the past year were hotels, lodges and hostels. 

Where to stay: Arusha Coffee Lodge is a great place to stay before or after you take on the incredible Mount Kilimanjaro. This stunning lodge offers an outdoor pool and restaurant while rooms offer lovely garden views.

2. The Inca Trail – Machu Picchu, Peru

The Inca Trail is one of the most incredible and popular hikes in the world with its 26 miles of ruins, jungle and beautiful scenery into the Andes before you get to Machu Picchu where adventurers will be wowed by the beauty of the snow-capped peaks and cloud forest.

The top endorsements from Booking.com travellers include Inca Ruins, scenery and history and the top nationalities that visited over the past year were Brazilian, American and Chilean. The top accommodation types booked over the past year were hotels, guesthouses and bed and breakfasts.

Where to stay: Panorama B&B is in the perfect spot, just 200 yards from the town market and walking distance to the train station, so super easy to get to Machu Picchu. Guests will receive a complimentary buffet breakfast and rooms have spectacular panoramic mountain and river views.

3. Everest Base Camp – Kathmandu, Nepal

One of the world’s most iconic hikes, taking hikers across 70 miles over 16 days where they can experience the culture and people of the Himalayas before becoming face to face with the highest mountain on earth. You’ll need to be fit to take on this challenge, hiking three to six hours a day, so take some down time in Kathmandu to relax once you’ve finished. 

Booking.com travellers endorsed Kathmandu for its temples, culture and friendly people and the top nationalities that visited over the past year were Chinese, British and Indian. The top accommodation types booked over the past year were guesthouses, bed and breakfasts and hostels.

Where to stay: The Life Story Guest House is a great place to stay for meeting fellow travellers and offers comfy rooms in an ideal location with friendly hosts. You are just a few minutes’ walk from the temples here or if you prefer you can hire bikes to explore.

4. Bay of Fires – St Helens, Australia

The Bay of Fires in Tasmania Australia covers 16 miles and takes about four days. This hike has to be done with a guide but is worth it as it takes travellers to beautiful beaches with incredible sea views.

Most hikers will start from St Helen’s on the north east coast, known for its game fishing and endorsed by Booking.com travellers for the beaches, scenery and relaxation. The top nationalises that visited over the past year were Chinese, British and German.

Where to stay: Bed in the Treetops B&B is a truly unique Bed & Breakfast hideaway nestled high on a 37 acre property at the Bay of Fires, situated on Tasmania’s North East Coast.  Perched 160 metres above sea level this stunning accommodation enjoys expansive birds eye views of Binalong Bay, Moulting Bay, Georges Bay, St Helens Island and the Southern Ocean. Guests also get a complimentary afternoon tea on arrival and wholesome cooked breakfast each morning.

5. Tour du Mont Blanc – Les Houches, France

Another of the world’s greatest walks, the Tour du Mont Blanc ensures trekkers are in for a challenge, covering 170km and 10,000m of ascent and hiking through France, Italy and Switzerland. The views are stunning and hikers can expect to see wildlife such as deer and eagles and take in views of glacial valleys and alpine meadows.

Travellers will start in Les Houches, Chamonix which is worth spending some time in – Booking.com travellers endorsed it for mountains, scenery and nature and the top nationalities that visited over the past year were British, Swiss and Italian.

Where to stay: RockyPop Hotel is located in Les Houches in the Rhône-Alps Region tucked away from the busy centre, a few miles from the Chamonix Ski station. Guests can relax on the sun terraces and sample French cuisine at the food court and take on some skiing, if they’ve any energy left after the hike!

6. Rangitoto Island Loop – Auckland, New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the best places for endless, beautiful scenery and incredible diverse hikes and the Rangitoto Island Loop is no exception. This is about 12km long so you can do it in a day from Auckland and once you reach the summit you will have amazing views of the city.

Make sure you spend some time in the city which is endorsed for its food, sightseeing and harbour by Booking.com travellers, and the top nationalities that visited over past year were Australian, Chinese and British. The top accommodation types booked over the past year were aparthotels, motels and hostels.  

Where to stay: Lakeside Paradise is located on the ground floor of the owners’ home, who live upstairs, and is just three minutes’ walk from the beach and has access to a beautiful park on Lake Pupuke, which offers a range of activities including swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding, or guests can simply relax and take in the stunning view.

7. Appalachian Trail – Ellijay, USA

This trek is one of the longest hiking only footpaths in the world, taking you through 14 states from Georgia to Maine, over a timeframe of five to seven months! The trek is over 2,000 miles long with the majority of the trail going through the wilderness – definitely one for a big adventurer!

Hikers will pass through Ellijay in Georgia, which is endorsed for its mountains, scenery and autumn leaves. The top nationalities that visited last year were British, Australian and Israeli and the top accommodation type booked over the past year were motels.

Where to stay: Bearadise Retreat Cabin makes you feel warm and welcome with its cosy cabin feel. You’ll find a roaring fire in the wood burning fireplace. The perfect place to take a much deserved break before you continue on with this gruelling trek!

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