10 of the Top Rated Off-the-Beaten-Track Hikes

Would you love to break free from your life and journey to a place where you can be by yourself? Separate yourself from the every day and get back to the marvel of the outdoors on some of the most isolated trails. Visit Africa’s 3rd highest peak, the Australian deserts, or walk the world’s most southern peak in Patagonia, all are breathtaking. These places may be out of the way, but don’t be discouraged - there is a trail for every adventurer.

Gokyo Lakes & Renjo La in Nepal

Duration: Approximately 17 days (13 days trekking)

Level of Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging (6)

Ideal for: Active travelers who want to try a different trail to the popular Everest Base Camp trek

When to go: February to mid-May, End of September to December

How would you like to stay clear of the busier trails in Everest? This hike runs through Sherpa villages to the striking turquoise Gokya Lakes then spans across the Renjo La (5400m) on a path less traveled. The route to the Everest region is believed to be one the grandest walking trails and gives one a view of the Himalaya’s 8000-meter crests. On the ascend to Gokyo Ri, you can get the most picturesque views of Everest and connecting mountains, Cho Oyu in Tibet.

Larapinta Trail End to End in Australia

Duration: Approx. 14 days

Grading: Moderate to challenging (6)

Ideal for: Wilderness lovers and seasoned walkers after a challenge

When to go: Mid-April to August

An renowned walk in Australia, the complete traverse of the Larapinta follows the West MacDonnell range, over 223 kilometers in Central Australia. Hike through the semi-arid region on isolated ridges and canyons, slumber under the stars in the Outback; walk Mount Sonder, the highest pinnacle in the Northern Territory and take in the stunning sunrise.

Dientes Circuit on Navarino Island in Chile

Duration: Approx. 6 days (4 days trekking)

Grading: Challenging (7)

Ideal for: Experienced trekkers who want to get off the beaten track in Patagonia

When to go: December to March

Hike one of the globes most southern trails stretching across Dientes de Navarino Massif where you will feel like you are walking on the edge of the world. There will not be many other travelers during this 42-kilometer area at the fringe of South America. This walkabout has been labeled by Lonely Planet as an area in Patagonia with the highest quality walking trails and is one of the few remaining distant places left on earth.

K2 Base camp, Concordia & Gondogora La in Pakistan

Duration: Approx. 24 days (16 days trekking)

Grading: Entry level mountaineering/ exploratory trekking (8)

Ideal for: Those who are looking to get into mountaineering, or who are looking to take on a challenging trek

When to go: June to August

Viewed to be one of the greatest picturesque treks, it stretches from the well-known Baltoro Glacier, to the “Throne Room of the Mountain Gods” and to the end of the globe’s second tallest peak. The celebrated journey in Pakistan has fascinated many explorers and hikers for a long time, with the 360-degree click here for info about wandering for fun scene of 7,000 meter and 8,000-meter summits, as well as the grand K2.

The Southern Alps in New Zealand

Duration: Approx. 6 days

Grading: Moderate (5)

Ideal for: Anyone looking to head for heights

When to go: November to April

One of the best hiking (or “tramping” as it is known locally) adventures on Earth can be had in New Zealand’s Southern Alps, with its rolling hills, impressive glaciers, and aquamarine lakes. hiking in out of the way mountain lakes with remarkable vistas, this journey has been used as precursor for a walk in the Himalayas.

Mountains of the Moon in Uganda

Duration: Approx. 13 days (10 days trekking)

Grading: Entry level mountaineering/ exploratory trekking (8)

Ideal for: Those who have ticked off Mt Kilimanjaro from their bucket list and are looking for their next summit challenge

When to go: December to February, June to September

Barely visited and quite isolated, the Rwenzori Mountains (or Mountains of the Moon) are Africa’s hidden treasure. If you are looking for a challenging adventure - hike Margherita Peak (5,109m), Africa’s third tallest summit.

West Coast Trail in Canada

Duration: Approx. 8 days (7-day full-pack trek)

Grading: Moderate to challenging (6)

Ideal for: Active walkers who love coastal walks and want to combine it with an exhilarating forest trek and wildlife spotting

When to go: August

Take a ferry and cross the Strait of Georgia filled with Orcas, head to Vancouver Island’s northern trailhead where your walk gets started, and even spot a sea lion, eagle, or bear on the shore. On the list of top 10 hikes, you can appreciate long coast walks on the shelf, if planned correctly.

Snowman Trek in Bhutan

Duration: Approx. 27 days (23 days trekking)

Grading: Exploratory trekking (8)

Ideal for: Anyone looking for a very challenging trek that ventures far off the beaten track

When to go: September to November

journey the ultimate traverse of Bhutan extending through 11 splendid passes over 4,500 meters through the isolated Lunana terrain. This once-in-a-lifetime venture reaches the stunning Paro Valley where you’ll see a region with tiny Buddhist monasteries and remote villages that are concealed away most of the year.

Pamir Fann Mountains in Tajikstan

Duration: Approx.14 days (5 days trekking)

Grading: Moderate (5)

Ideal for: Those wanting to take their bush walking adventures up a notch while incorporating historical and architectural sightseeing

When to go: June to September

Popular for its unique mountain landscapes and its strikingly beautiful alpine lakes this untouched area of Pamir enters deep valleys with clear lakes and flowering meadows. One even might glimpse the summer camps of the Tijiki shepherds.

Tavan Bogd in Mongolia

Duration: Approx. 11 days (4 days trekking)

Grading: Moderate (5)

Ideal for: Anyone seeking to explore untracked wilderness and authentic nomadic culture

When to go: June to August

Geographically, this is the most remote section of Mongolia, and is rich with breathtaking nature, wildlife and fascinating cultural heritage. You will also discover local herders, bactrian camels, Kazakh eagle hunters and throat-singing Tuvan natives, and examine the wandering peoples which are indigenous to this land.