October 29, 2025 | 05:56 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - With Earth’s landscapes as diverse as they are stunning, it’s only natural for adventurers to dream of setting foot on its most stunning landscapes. To capture the vivid essence of such an idea, few experiences hardly rival the best hiking trails in the world.
While the journey may be tough, the reward of witnessing breathtaking landscapes and a sense of accomplishment makes every step worthwhile. Fittingly, sources like Travel + Leisure and TimeOut highlighted the Lycian Way and Kalalau Trail among the world's best hiking trails.
Read on to find your next outdoor adventure destination.
List of the Best Hiking Trails in the World
1. Lycian Way, Türkiye
Where distinct mountain views meet the shimmering Mediterranean coastline, the Turkish Lycian Way is rightfully named the best hiking trail in the world. While it’s unsurprisingly breathtaking, the 540-kilometer route goes beyond the unexpected by weaving through the stories of the past.
As hikers embark on this long-distance journey, they’ll pass through 25 historical landmarks, including ancient temples and age-old towns. But if the hike isn’t rewarding enough, the final dip into the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon in Oludeniz is nothing but the perfect conclusion.
2. Kalalau Trail, USA
With the iconic Jurassic Park filmed exactly here, perhaps no further introduction is needed to capture Kalalau Trail’s untamed beauty. As hikers find themselves surrounded by towering cliffs and lush emerald valleys, the 22-mile round-trip rewards hikers with a majestic finale of secret waterfalls and the golden sands of Kalalau Beach. However, the fact that the memory lingers endlessly is also a testament to the Kalalau Trail's rare magic. It is one of the few hikes in the world where you can watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
3. Tour du Mont Blanc, France, Italy, and Switzerland
The Tour du Mont Blanc rightfully earns a spot among the best hiking trails in the world for so many good reasons. Passing through three European countries, this 100-mile route treats hikers to postcard-worthy views along the way.
Yet its charm goes far beyond the uninterrupted mountain vistas, but also lies in the way the trail is divided into 11 stages. This layout offers hikers the flexibility to enjoy some or all of it at once, with multiple route options and starting points to choose from.
4. Inca Trail, Peru
Despite its challenging terrain that calls for strong physical endurance, the Inca Trail remains at the top of many adventurers’ wishlists. Winding through the misty Andes Mountains, it enchants hikers with the small yet striking details along the way, the lush green valleys of the Sacred Valley, to name a few. As expected, reaching the Sun Gate rewards you with the first breathtaking glimpse of Machu Picchu, one of the top historical places in the world to visit.
5. The O Circuit, Patagonia
Best suited for experienced hikers, the O Circuit in Patagonia is one of the park’s ever-favorite treks. Spanning seven to ten days, the journey keeps you in awe with its remote, lesser-visited gems like the John Gardner Pass, where sweeping views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field unfold beautifully. Perhaps the best part of this adventure is experiencing it all in rare tranquility, with nature’s silence as your constant companion.
6. Simien Mountains Trek, Ethiopia
The moderately challenging trek through the Simien Mountains leads you straight into the heart of the UNESCO-listed Simien Mountains National Park. A journey that unveils nature’s raw splendor, hiking here lets you soak in the park’s own masterpiece, painted in beautiful hues of gold, green, and brown. In addition to being a feast for the eyes, the experience is also rich in wildlife encounters, offering rare opportunities to witness unique species like the gelada baboon and the Ethiopian wolf.
From the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu to the culturally significant Lycian Way, the world's best hiking trails reveal the planet's most authentic angles. Wherever you choose to embark on your journey, expect the memories to linger long after the final step. For a more otherworldly experience, let’s take a look at the 10 places that don’t look real in the world.
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