Conquering the Heights: A Guide to the Best Mountain Hikes Around the World

By Christopher

Mar 02, 2025

In Adventure Travel

For many, the allure of the mountains is irresistible. The challenge, the breathtaking views, the sense of accomplishment – these are just some of the reasons why millions of people lace up their hiking boots each year and head for the hills. But with so many incredible mountain ranges across the globe, choosing the right hike can be overwhelming. This guide will help you navigate the world's most stunning mountain trails, offering options for all skill levels, from leisurely strolls to challenging climbs.

Beginner-Friendly Mountain Hikes

If you're new to mountain hiking, it's crucial to start with a less challenging trail. These hikes offer incredible scenery without the extreme difficulty of more advanced routes.

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (Peru): While the Inca Trail itself requires some level of fitness, there are alternative, easier trails that still provide access to the breathtaking Machu Picchu. These options are often less crowded and allow for a more relaxed pace.
Mount Pilatus (Switzerland): Accessible by cable car, this hike allows you to enjoy stunning views of the Swiss Alps without the strenuous climb. Several well-maintained paths offer options for different levels of difficulty.
The Skyline Trail in Glacier National Park (USA): This relatively flat trail offers incredible views of mountains and lakes, making it ideal for beginners. The well-maintained path and numerous viewpoints allow for plenty of rest stops.

Intermediate Mountain Hikes

Once you've gained some experience, you can tackle more challenging hikes with steeper inclines and longer distances. These hikes require a good level of fitness and preparation.

Tour du Mont Blanc (France, Italy, Switzerland): This iconic multi-day trek circumnavigates Mont Blanc, offering stunning alpine scenery. While challenging, it's well-marked and provides numerous opportunities for rest and relaxation in charming mountain villages.
The John Muir Trail (USA): A classic backpacking route through California's High Sierra, this trail requires multiple days of hiking and offers breathtaking views of granite peaks, alpine meadows, and pristine lakes. Preparation and proper gear are essential.
Huayhuash Circuit (Peru): This challenging trek takes you through the stunning Cordillera Huayhuash, offering incredible views of snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and diverse flora and fauna. This hike requires a higher level of fitness and planning.

Advanced Mountain Hikes

These hikes are not for the faint of heart. They require extensive experience, excellent physical fitness, specialized equipment, and a thorough understanding of mountain safety procedures.

Kilimanjaro (Tanzania): Scaling Africa's highest peak is a life-changing experience, but it's crucial to prepare adequately. Acclimatization is key, and hiring experienced guides is essential.
Mount Everest Base Camp Trek (Nepal): While not a summit attempt, this trek to Everest Base Camp is an incredibly challenging and rewarding journey through the Himalayas. Altitude sickness is a significant concern, requiring careful planning and acclimatization.
Annapurna Circuit (Nepal): This classic trek takes you through diverse landscapes, from lush valleys to rugged mountain passes. It requires a high level of fitness and careful preparation due to the altitude and challenging terrain.

Planning Your Mountain Hike

Regardless of your chosen hike, careful planning is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience. This includes:

Researching the trail: Understand the difficulty, distance, elevation gain, and required permits.
Checking the weather forecast: Mountain weather can change rapidly, so be prepared for all conditions.
Packing appropriate gear: This includes sturdy hiking boots, layers of clothing, rain gear, sunscreen, a first-aid kit, plenty of water, and high-energy snacks.
Informing someone of your plans: Let someone know your itinerary, expected return time, and emergency contact information.

Mountain hiking offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature and challenge yourself physically and mentally. With careful planning and preparation, you can enjoy an unforgettable adventure in the mountains.