You don’t have to be a mountain climber to enjoy the beauty of a great hike. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a peaceful walk in nature or someone ready to tackle a challenging trail, there’s a hike out there for everyone. The best part? Every step brings you closer to stunning views, fresh air, and a clear mind.
Hiking is one of the easiest ways to connect with nature and stay active—no gym required. From gentle forest paths to dramatic mountain routes, we’ve rounded up breathtaking hikes for every fitness level. So lace up your shoes, grab your water bottle, and get ready to explore the outdoors at your own pace.
From gentle walks through lush valleys to challenging climbs with panoramic views, this list features 10 unforgettable hikes suited for every fitness level:
1. Everest Base Camp, Nepal
Trekking to Everest Base Camp is a legendary journey that brings you face to face with the world’s highest mountain. Starting from the mountain town of Lukla, the trail winds through Sherpa villages, Buddhist monasteries, and dramatic alpine landscapes.
Along the way, trekkers pass through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, and other iconic stops before finally reaching the base camp at 5,364 meters. This trek is challenging but achievable for anyone with good fitness and determination.
The reward is unparalleled: panoramic views of towering Himalayan peaks, including Lhotse, Nuptse, and, of course, Everest itself. Whether it’s your first major trek or a bucket-list expedition, Everest Base Camp is a rite of passage for serious hikers.
2. Tour du Mont Blanc, France
The Tour du Mont Blanc loops around the Mont Blanc massif, crossing through France, Italy, and Switzerland. It’s one of Europe’s most celebrated long-distance hikes and for good reason.
Over roughly 170 kilometers, trekkers are treated to sweeping alpine meadows, glacial valleys, quaint villages, and some of the most iconic mountain views in the Alps. With well-marked trails and plenty of mountain huts (refuges), it’s accessible to both experienced trekkers and adventurous first-timers.
One of the highlights of the Tour is the cultural diversity across the three countries. Each segment introduces a different cuisine, language, and local tradition. Despite its popularity, the trail offers plenty of quiet corners and peaceful moments in nature, especially if you trek slightly off-season.
3. Mount Kilimanjaro (Machame Route), Tanzania
Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, is an accessible yet challenging climb, and the Machame Route is often considered the most scenic way to summit. Known as the “Whiskey Route” for its tougher nature compared to the easier Marangu path, Machame is preferred by trekkers seeking a more immersive experience.
The trail passes through five distinct ecological zones, from rainforest and moorland to alpine desert and arctic summit. Despite the altitude, Uhuru Peak stands at 5,895 meters—Kilimanjaro doesn’t require technical climbing skills.
This presents a unique opportunity for fit trekkers to summit a major peak. Each day on the trail reveals new landscapes and changing weather patterns, offering a raw connection to nature.
4. The Laugavegur Trek, Iceland
The Laugavegur Trek is Iceland’s most popular multi-day trail, known for its surreal and ever-changing landscapes. Spanning about 55 kilometers from Landmannalaugar to Thórsmörk, the route takes you through rhyolite mountains, black sand deserts, steaming hot springs, and glacial valleys.
What sets this trail apart is the intensity of the environment. One moment you’re walking across snowfields, the next through moss-covered lava fields. The weather is famously unpredictable, and part of the challenge is staying prepared for anything that may come.
But the reward is worth it; few treks on Earth offer such a concentrated variety of natural beauty in such a compact distance.
5. The Jordan Trail, Jordan
The Jordan Trail stretches more than 650 kilometers across the country, but one of its most captivating sections runs from Dana to Petra. This 5- to 7-day trek winds through rugged desert canyons, Bedouin villages, and ancient ruins before arriving at the rose-red city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Walking in the footsteps of traders, pilgrims, and kings, you gain a sense of the region’s deep cultural roots. Nights under the desert stars and the warmth of Bedouin hospitality make the trek as emotionally rewarding as it is physically demanding.
6. The Salkantay Route to Machu Picchu, Peru
The Salkantay Trek is a quieter, more rugged alternative to the Inca Trail, leading adventurous hikers to Machu Picchu without the need for permits or crowds. The trail winds through towering mountain passes, lush cloud forests, and subtropical jungle before descending into the Sacred Valley.
At its highest point, Salkantay Pass, at 4,650 meters, you’re surrounded by snow-capped peaks and raw Andean wilderness. This route is ideal for those who want a more flexible and remote experience.
The final stretch leads to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu, followed by an early morning climb to the citadel itself. Reaching the ancient Incan site on foot, after days of demanding trekking, makes the experience feel all the more earned and unforgettable.
7. The Drakensberg Grand Traverse, South Africa
The Drakensberg Grand Traverse is an epic trek through South Africa’s highest mountain range, covering over 200 kilometers of remote wilderness. It’s a tough and unmarked path that needs good fitness levels and skills, but it’s worth it for the high basalt cliffs, rocky edges, and amazing wildlife in one of the most stunning places on the continent.
This trail isn’t for the faint of heart. There are no clear signs or shelters, so trekkers must be self-sufficient and well-prepared. The landscape is spectacular and untouched, and the isolation adds a sense of solitude that’s increasingly rare in today’s trekking world.
8. The Walker’s Haute Route, France & Switzerland
Connecting Chamonix in France to Zermatt in Switzerland, the Walker’s Haute Route is one of the Alps’ most stunning multi-day hikes. Over roughly two weeks and 180 kilometers, you’ll climb high passes, descend into flower-filled valleys, and see some of the most famous peaks in Europe, including the Matterhorn.
Along the way, you’ll cross cultural boundaries, sampling fondue in Switzerland one day and enjoying French pastries the next. The diversity of terrain and culture makes this one of the most fulfilling treks in Europe.
9. The Transcaucasian Trail, Georgia, Azerbaijan & Armenia
The Transcaucasian Trail is a developing network of long-distance trails that traverse the rugged and culturally rich Caucasus Mountains. Though still in progress, many sections are open for trekking, particularly in Georgia and Armenia.
These routes offer alpine meadows, ancient monasteries, deep gorges, and remote mountain villages largely untouched by tourism. What makes the Transcaucasian Trail special is its unique blend of natural beauty and authentic cultural experiences.
It’s a trek for those looking to combine adventure with meaningful human connection, set against a stunning and often underrated landscape.
10. The Kumano Kodo (Nakahechi Section), Japan
The Kumano Kodo is one of only two UNESCO-designated pilgrimage routes in the world, the other being Spain’s Camino de Santiago. The Nakahechi Route is the most popular, winding through the lush Kii Mountains to the sacred Kumano Sanzan shrines.
It’s a serene and reflective trek steeped in Japanese spirituality and tradition. Stone paths, ancient torii gates, and misty forests define the journey, offering a peaceful contrast to more rugged mountain hikes.
The Kumano Kodo isn’t just a physical trail; it’s a soulful journey rooted in centuries of pilgrimage and quiet contemplation.
Final Thoughts
No matter your fitness level, there’s a trail that can inspire, challenge, or simply refresh you. Hiking isn’t about speed or distance; it’s about the joy of being outdoors.
These 10 hikes prove that you don’t need to be a pro to enjoy breathtaking scenery. Just lace up your shoes, pick your path, and start walking.