| Adventurer or not, this list of the world's 10 greatest treks will leave you in awe and inspire you to get out and experience the amazing nature our planet has to offer. And the best part is, all you need are your two feet! |
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1. GR20, France |
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| This 104 mile trek over the island of Corsica, the famous vacation spot of the Roman Emperors, is laden with beautiful rocky peaks and green plateaus. The trail extends through forests, craters, glacial lakes and snow-capped peaks, and is surrounded by colorful granite rock walls. |
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| 2. Indian Himalayas, India |
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| The Himalayan mountain range is home to some of the world's tallest peak. The Indian trek along the renowned mountain range is less traveled today, but the trail extends along parts of the ancient Silk Road trade route. The terrain is wintry and steep, which moved Rudyard Kipling to admit, "Surely the gods live here; this is no place for men". |
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3. Pays Dogon, Mali |
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| The modern Republic of Mali is located in the horn of Western Africa, and although the country is little known today, it was once the home to one of the strongest trading empires on the continent. This trek through The Land of the Dogon People can take about two to 10 days to complete, traverses over old cliff dwellings amid patches of green and into the rich cultural heritage of this ancient civilization. |
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4. The Narrows, USA |
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| This 16 mile trek through the canyons of Zion National Park in Utah will leave you in awe of the power of nature. The canyons were created over centuries by the Virgin River, making this one of America's most stunning water hikes. The hike can be completed in a day (if you are determined) and passes through stunning hanging gardens and natural springs. |
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| 5. The Haute Route, France-Switzerland |
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For the skiers among you, this is the ultimate trek. The trail begins in Chamonix, France and ends in Zermatt, Switzerland over snowy peaks and through lush forests. The trek can be completed on ski in the winter or on foot in the summer and takes about two weeks to complete.
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| 6. Everest Base Camp, Nepal |
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| During this three-week trek over the Kala Pattar, it's possible to reach a stunning altitude of 18,193 feet. The Sherpa people of Solu Khumbu in Tibet live along the trail and are known for their native experience in mountaineering and their humbling Buddhist monasteries. This trek through the highest peaks and into a rich nomadic culture will leave you feeling accomplished and enlightened. |
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| 7. Overland Track, Australia |
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| This 50 mile trek through the Tasmanian wilderness transports you through an awesome prehistoric landscape. Hiking between Cradle Mountain and Lake St. Clair, the deepest natural freshwater lake in Australia, the diverse landscape of snowy caps, green plateaus and waterfalls will inspire you. |
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| 8. Baltoro Glacier & K2, Pakistan |
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| Zip up your jacket and put on some gloves because this is one frigid trek. Through icy peaks and rivers, to glaciers and the granite mountains, this trek ends at the second highest peak in the world, K2. One of the only remaining locations with Asian glaciers, this is definitely a must-see before global warming sets in. |
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| 9. Routeburn Track, New Zealand |
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| Trekking over the South Island of New Zealand, this 20 mile trail extends over lush green valleys, through quiet brooks and past breath-taking waterfalls. The trek begins at the base of New Zealand's Southern Alps and passes through both the Fiordland and Mt. Aspiring national parks. However, it is important to plan ahead for this trek because only a limited number of hikers are allowed into the parks each year. |
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| 10. Inca Trail, Peru |
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| A trail of adventure and history, the Inca Trail traverses through the lands of one of South America's most ancient civilizations. The trail extends 20 miles and passes through famous sites like the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and through the surrounding mountains. The snow-capped peaks and elevated forests that surround the stunning archaeological remains will give you the feeling of discovering it all for the first time. |
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