Bucket-List hikes for every experience level
- Pat Boxall
- Feb 9
- 8 min read
Updated: Feb 11
Whether you’re lacing up your boots for the first time or already planning your next summit, there’s a hike out there with your name on it. From Patagonian peaks to ancient Machu Picchu, the world’s best trails promise challenge, connection and unforgettable views.
We’ve rounded up a few of our favourite bucket-list hikes for every experience level, ranging from gentle multi-day treks to remote mountain adventures. And rest assured we not only know who the reputable trekking companies are, but also how to bring a touch of luxury to even the most challenging physical endeavours.
Best trails for beginner hikers
Take your first steps into the world of multi-day trekking with these iconic, beginner-friendly hikes.
Camino de Santiago (French Way), Spain
Though the Camino could have you walking for more than a month, it’s less a hike than it is a cultural – and spiritual – journey. The full route is over 800 kilometres, but pilgrims need only walk 100 kilometres to qualify for the Compostela, a document certifying they’ve completed the pilgrimage. This iconic pilgrimage provides an opportunity to slow down, connect with fellow pilgrims and experience rural Spain at your own pace. The French Way, which is the most famous route, begins in the Pyrenees and crosses rocky vineyards, sleepy villages and captivating cities like Leon and Burgos on its way to Santiago de Compostela.
Distance: 100–800 kilometres
Time required: 7+ days
Best time to visit: Shoulder seasons see pleasant temperatures and more manageable pilgrim numbers. The summer months see numbers and temperatures swell, while winter offers more solitude (though snow may block the Pyrenees and some accommodation will be closed).
How to do it: Whether you’re looking to spend a week or two months on the Camino de Santiago, FBI Travel can help arrange transport, accommodation, luggage transfers and unique dining experiences. You can also choose to cycle the route, and if you’re looking for a shared experience, we can book you onto a tour or with a private group with tour companies such as Wandering the World, Intrepid Travel and Exodus Travels. Backroads offer a family option and a women's only walk. Think of it as The Way, your way.
The Inca Trail, Peru
Is there a better way to end a hike than with your first glimpse of Machu Picchu? Beginning in Peru’s Sacred Valley, the Inca Trail will have you following ancient stone paths and crossing the high passes of the Andes en route to the Lost City of the Inca. And after four days of trekking through cloud forests, your arrival will feel sacred no matter how many photos you’ve seen.
Distance: 33 kilometres
Time required: 4 days
Best time to visit: Peru is a year-round destination, but the dry/winter season – between May and September – tends to be the most popular time for trekking. Keep in mind that permits for the Inca Trail can book out six months in advance, and the trail is usually closed through February for maintenance.
How to do it: Peruvian regulations require all hikers to have a permit and be accompanied by a licensed guide, which can only be obtained through a licensed tour operator like World Expeditions, Intrepid Travel and G Adventures. A crew of local cooks and porters will handle food and gear for your journey, meaning you’ll only need to carry a small daypack while hiking. Blue Parallel offers an ultraluxe experience.
If you miss out on a Inca Trail permit, consider walking a different route like the Lares or Salkantay.
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Best trails for intermediate hikers
Had some experience on the trails and ready to take things up a level? Push yourself further on these overnight hikes.
Annapurna Circuit, Nepal
Once a rugged expedition route, Nepal’s Annapurna Circuit has evolved into one of the world’s most iconic – and accessible – treks. From terraced fields and tea houses to alpine passes and Buddhist monasteries, this is an incredibly rewarding, and unexpectedly varied, journey to the roof of the world. Snow-capped Annapurna will be your constant companion, while other highlights include Kali Gandaki – the world’s deepest gorge – and Thorong La Pass, which sits 5415 metres above sea level.
Distance: 160–230 kilometres
Time required: 12–22 days
Best time to visit: Spring (February–May) and autumn (September–November)
How to do it: Group tour companies such as World Expeditions, Intrepid Travel, G Adventures, Explore! and Remote Lands offer a variety of itineraries or our team can put together a private itinerary for you. Contact us for more information or to book.
Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Kilimanjaro is not only Africa’s highest peak, but also one of the few great summits accessible to non-technical climbers. There are seven established routes to the summit, with each offering a unique experience and perspective of the Roof of Africa. A Kilimanjaro trek will be challenging, thanks to the high altitude and a long summit day, but should be achievable for most fit travellers who acclimatise slowly.
The Rongai Route will see you climbing Mt Kilimanjaro from the drier, northern side before descending via the Marangu Route. This route's gentle approach has a high success rate due to the slow ascent. You'll camp beside the only lake on the mountain and enjoy spectacular views over Kenya's Amboseli plains. The Marangu Route – sometimes known as the ‘Coca-Cola Route’, thanks to its popularity – covers forests, moorlands and a high-altitude desert en route to the summit. The Machame Route is a tougher option offering what some consider the best scenery of the bunch.
Distance: 37–69 kilometres, depending on the route
Time required: 5–9 days, depending on route
Best time to visit: December–March and June–October
How to do it: For an organised group tour, Abercrombie & Kent, World Expeditions, Intrepid Travel and G Adventures offer various routes or our team can put together a private itinerary for you. Contact us for more information or to book.
Alta Via 1, Italy
Listen – if anyone knows how to hike in style, it’s the Italians. The Alta Via 1 is the premier trail through the Dolomites, balancing alpine adventure with European elegance; think wildflower meadows and dramatic limestone peaks, followed by rustic rifugios serving Prosecco and fresh pasta. The trail, which can be tackled in nine stages, begins in Lago di Braies and finishes in La Pissa. And trust us: once you’ve wrapped a long day’s walk with an Aperol spritz at 2,000 metres, you’ll wonder why you ever hiked elsewhere.
Distance: 120 kilometres
Time required: 9 days
Best time to visit: July–September
How to do it: Want to experience the Dolomites without hiking the full Alta Via? A tour through the Dolomites, ending at Lake Garda, could be the perfect alternative. Whatever your preference, get in touch with one of our expert Travel Advisors and we'll organise everything for you.
Patagonia W Trek, Chile
An unforgettable introduction to multi-day hiking, Patagonia’s iconic W Trek winds through the granite spires and turquoise lakes of Torres del Paine National Park. Days are spent tracing the W-shaped trail past Torres del Paine’s iconic sights, while evenings are often surprisingly indulgent: picture eco-domes with plush beds, gourmet meals and Chilean wine by the fire (because wilderness doesn’t have to mean roughing it).
FBI Travel Advisor Belinda is an experienced hiker and has completed this trek. She said: "My favourite day was the long hike up to the Mirador Las Torres (the towers). It was super challenging, yet once I reached the awe-inspiring view of those granite towers over the glacial lake, well, it was definitely worth every step."
Looking to up the challenge? The O Trek is a nine-day adventure incorporating the W Trek.
Distance: 80 kilometres
Time required: 4–5 days
Best time to visit: Trekking season runs November–March
How to do it: We can put together a private adventure for you or Intrepid Travel and G Adventures each offer a 6-day small group itinerary. Contact us for more information or to book.
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Best trails for advanced hikers
Well and truly caught the hiking bug? These trails will test you, but for every challenging step, you’ll be rewarded with a lifetime of memories.
GR20, Corsica
The GR20 slices diagonally across the mountainous French island of Corsica and lays claim to being Europe’s toughest long-distance trail. It’s a test of endurance featuring steep ascents, sharp ridgelines and sometimes even chains, but the rewards for experienced hikers are immense: sweeping sea views, alpine lakes and the raw beauty of an untamed island. You can now combine sections of the GR20 with boutique stays in Corsican villages, making it possible to balance the challenge with a well-deserved touch of luxury.
Distance: 180km
Time required: 15 days
Best time to visit: late June – early September
How to do it: Exodus Travels and UTracks both offer sections of the GR20 or reach out to one of our expert travel advisors to arrange your hike.
The Karakoram, Pakistan
For those who’ve ticked off the Annapurnas or Everest Base Camp and are craving something wilder, a hike through the Karakoram range is sure to deliver. This sparsely populated corner of northern Pakistan is home to some of the world’s highest peaks, including K2 and Gasherbrum, and is fast becoming a fixture on the bucket lists of experienced hikers globally. The Thalay La Trail, which links the ancient kingdoms of Khaplu and Shigar, will deliver you to a high pass of over 4500 metres, where you’ll likely share the space with nobody but local shepherds and your fellow trekkers.
Distance: 40–50km, depending on the tour
Time required: Approximately a week, depending on the tour
Best time to visit: mid June – mid September
How to do it: with World Expeditions, you can take in K2 Basecamp or you can travel with G Adventures or Intrepid Travel.
These are journeys to challenge and restore, with every trail offering its own brand of magic. Whether your idea of adventure is a glass of wine at the end of a day’s hike or a multi-week trip through the Himalaya, the FBI Travel team can help plan your next – or first – hike. Contact us to discover the possibilities.
Hiking FAQs
How much training do I need to do?
The amount of training you do will depend on the hike you’re attempting. For beginner bucket-list hikes like the Camino de Santiago or W Trek, you should be comfortable walking 4–5 hours per day with a light pack. More advanced hikes, like Kilimanjaro or the GR18, require higher levels of endurance and conditioning.
For the more challenging treks, many hiking operators will send through a training program to help you prepare or talk to your gym about a suitable program. It's best to look into this before you make a booking to ensure you have adequate time to prepare.
How should I train for a multiday hike?
It should come as no surprise to learn that the best way to train for a hike is to, well, hike. Get outside with a backpack and walk on a mix of road and trails. Training on uneven terrain will help strengthen the small muscles that are so important for hiking. Regular strength work in the gym will be beneficial too.
What kind of travel insurance do I need for hiking?
Your travel insurance may or may not cover certain hiking activities. Once you’ve confirmed your itinerary, you should choose travel insurance that is sure to provide cover. Some insurers won’t allow high-altitude trekking, or may offer it as an extra. Don’t begin your hike until you’re sure you’re happy with your insurance. Talk to your FBI Travel Advisor for the best option for you.
What should I pack for a multi-day trek?
Quality hiking boots, moisture-wicking layers, a daypack and sun protection are essential for any multi-day hike. Trekking poles might be handy, too. You will receive a packing list from your hiking operator.
