world trek get the gist

授業がスムーズに進む見開き構成。スモール・ステップ方式で要点を着実に捉えていきます。レッスンの最後には本文のRetellingや多彩な発表活動を行うコーナーを用意しており、４技能のバランスのとれた学習が行えます。

• WORLD TREKⅠ
• WORLD TREKⅡ

※全コンテンツが表示されない場合は左右にドラッグして御覧ください。

英文本文や設問などを掲載した、板書代わりに使えるパワーポイントファイルです。本文の音声を流せるほか、写真とキーワードを使った効果的なIntroductionや、Retelling用のスライドも用意しています。

教師用指導資料セット ： 定価17,600円＋税（本体16,000円＋消費税）

• 指導書本冊 ＞＞ B5判
• TEACHER’S BOOK （朱書本）
• 協同学習のすすめ B5判

評価問題（2種）／小テスト問題／音読プリント／単語・イディオムリスト／フラッシュカード／ディクテーション・シート／コンセプト・マップ／Lesson Supporter／ワークシート／資料集／関連英文／Q&A集／T/F問題集／評価規準／CAN-DOリスト ほか

指導用デジタル教科書 Windows用/iPad用 ： 定価 各33,000円（本体30,000円＋消費税） TEACHER’S BOOK （朱書本） ： 定価2,200円（本体2,000円＋消費税） 指導用CD（6枚組）： 定価15,400円（本体14,000円＋消費税）

Story Outline／Get Ready／Part Summary／新語／本文／フレーズ・リーディング／Get the Gist／Grammar／Practice／Story Review／Grammar Review／Communication Task ほか

学習ノート ： B5判　80ページ ： 定価715円（本体650円＋消費税） Workbook ： B5判　80ページ ： 定価715円（本体650円＋消費税） 学習用CD （2枚組） ： 定価1,100円（本体1,000円＋消費税）

本文／新語（フレーズリーディングはダウンロード）

学習者用デジタル教科書 ： 定価3,190円（本体2,900円＋消費税） English Central ： 年額定価1,100円（本体1,000円＋消費税） 　　 ※各教科書に対応した『4技能学習Naviブック』をご購入いただきました学校様へ、後日購入者数分の生徒用IDと管理者用IDを発行いたします。 ・『World Trek English CommunicationⅠ New Edition 4技能学習Naviブック』 （桐原書店編集部 編） 　(ISBN:978-4-342-04196-9　定価：1,100円（本体1,000円＋消費税））

教師用指導資料セット ： 定価19,800円（本体18,000円＋消費税）, 指導用デジタル教科書 windows用/ipad用 ： 定価 各33,000円（本体30,000円＋消費税） teacher’s book （朱書本） ： 定価2,200円（本体2,000円＋消費税） 指導用cd（8枚組）： 定価15,400円（本体14,000円＋消費税）, 学習ノート ： b5判　96ページ ： 定価715円（本体650円＋消費税） workbook ： b5判　80ページ ： 定価715円（本体650円＋消費税） 学習用cd （2枚組） ： 定価1,100円（本体1,000円＋消費税）, 学習者用デジタル教科書 ： 定価3,190円（本体2,900円＋消費税） english central ： 年額定価1,100円（本体1,000円＋消費税） ※各教科書に対応した『4技能学習naviブック』をご購入いただきました学校様へ、後日購入者数分の生徒用idと管理者用idを発行いたします。 ・ 『world trek english communication ⅱ new edition 4技能学習naviブック』（桐原書店編集部 編）.

　(ISBN:978-4-342-04252-2　定価：1,100円（本体1,000円＋消費税））

桐原書店とEnglishCentral社とのコラボレーションによって生まれた、次世代型英語学習教材。教科書の英文を読み、 音を聞き、自分で発音し、空欄補充をするなど、4技能すべての自主学習が可能です。スマートフォンに完全対応。

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Fill in the form below and receive news in your email box, get the gist: definition, meaning and origin.

"Get the gist" is a widely used idiom that means to grasp the main point or essential meaning of something, often quickly or without needing to understand all the details.

"Get the gist" means to understand the main idea or core concept of something.

What Does "Get the Gist" Mean?

The idiom "get the gist" refers to the act of quickly understanding the basic or central point of a piece of information, a story, or a conversation, without needing to comprehend every detail. People often use this phrase when they don't have time to dive into every aspect or when details are less important than the overall concept.

• Used to express understanding of the main point
• Indicates a focus on the core idea rather than details

Where Does "Get the Gist" Come From?

The phrase "get the gist" originates from the Middle English word 'gist,' which means "the main point or essence of something." The word 'gist' is derived from the Old French word ' gisir ,' meaning "to lie" or "to be situated," which in turn comes from the Latin verb ' iacere ,' meaning "to lie" or "to rest." The earliest known use of "gist" dates back to 1632, but it was in the context of the basis for legal action.

Historical Examples

"A client comes to the office to prepare a contract; your employer calls you in and you get the gist of it in order to properly draw up such a contract." - The Law Student's Helper, Vol 1, 1901

"They know how to get the gist of the paragraph into the headline." -The Spatula, Vol 21, 1914

10 Examples of "Get the Gist" in Sentences

Here are ten examples of how the phrase can be used in sentences:

• I didn't read the entire report, but I got the gist of it.
• After getting the gist of the meeting, I conveyed my kindest regards to the team.
• Even though he speaks broken English, I got the gist of his story.
• You're most welcome ; I hope you get the gist of the new project proposal that I sent over.
• After skimming the article, I got the gist of the main points.
• On a side note, let me quickly summarize the main points so you'll get the gist of what I'm saying.
• Though the instructions were unclear, I got the gist and completed the task.
• Rest assured , I fully understand and get the gist of your instructions.
• He didn't explain it well, but I got the gist of his idea.
• To effectively integrate this into your project, review it and get the gist of its key concepts and themes.

Examples of "Get the Gist" in Pop Culture

The idiom has been featured in various forms of pop culture, including movies, literature, and music.

Some notable examples are:

• "You sorta get the gist of it, anyway." —A Little Romance (1979)
• "She is only going to get the gist of what you're saying." —Family Guy (1999)
• "It may be that you dived straight in with close reading and that it would be better to zoom out and get the gist of the text first before going back to the detail." —an excerpt from the 2018 book How to Use Your Reading in Your Essays

Other/Different Ways to Say "Get the Gist"

Synonyms for the idiom "get the gist" include:

• Understand the essence
• Grasp the core meaning
• Comprehend the significance
• Discern the main point
• Capture the key idea
• See the big picture
• Get the point
• Understand the crux
• Perceive the substance

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Get the Gist"

• Is "get the gist" a formal expression?

"Get the gist" is a neutral expression that can be used in both casual and formal settings.

• Can "get the gist" be used to express partial understanding?

Yes, "get the gist" can be used to express that you understand the main idea, even if you don't grasp all the details.

• Can the phrase be used in professional settings?

Yes, "get the gist" can be used in professional settings to indicate a general understanding of a topic or concept.

• Can people use the phrase in written communication?

People can use "get the gist" in emails, text messages, or other written communication to convey that they understand the main point of a topic or discussion.

• Does the phrase suggest the input was too lengthy or complicated?

Not necessarily. "Getting the gist" simply implies focusing on the essential meaning rather than every detail. Lengthy or complex input could contribute to that, but the idiom itself does not imply the input was too lengthy or complicated to understand fully.

• Is it okay to use the phrase when you don't understand something?

If you don't understand something, it is better to ask for clarification rather than using "get the gist," as the latter implies that you have some understanding of the main idea.

• Can "get the gist" be used to describe understanding non-verbal communication?

Yes, "get the gist" can be used to describe understanding the main point of non-verbal communication, such as body language or facial expressions.

• What are some synonyms for "get the gist"?

Some synonyms for "get the gist" include: grasp the main point, get the idea, understand the essence, and comprehend the basics.

• Can the phrase be used when referring to understanding a person's feelings or emotions?

Yes, "get the gist" can be used to express that you understand the main point or core emotion someone is trying to convey, even if you don't fully grasp every detail.

• Can people use "get the gist" in a negative way?

"Get the gist" is typically used in a neutral or positive manner to convey basic understanding. However, it could potentially be used negatively to suggest an overly simplistic grasp of a complex issue.

Final Thoughts About "Get the Gist"

The idiom "get the gist" is a valuable expression that highlights the importance of understanding the core concept or main idea of a piece of information, story, or conversation.  Understanding the gist allows us to navigate complicated ideas, long speeches, academic works, or even casual conversations.

Key aspects of the phrase "get the gist":

• Refers to understanding the main point or essence of something
• Conveys the notion of quickly grasping the central idea
• Often used when details don't matter and the main idea is more important

By acknowledging the meaning and use of the term "get the gist," we can better appreciate the importance of effective communication and comprehension.

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Initial Thoughts

Perspectives & resources, what are some reasons to teach reading comprehension strategies in content-area classes.

• Page 1: The Significance of Reading Comprehension
• Page 2: Improving Reading Comprehension

What can teachers do to improve their students’ reading comprehension?

• Page 3: Introduction to CSR
• Page 4: Overview of the CSR Reading Strategies
• Page 5: Preview Strategy
• Page 6: Click and Clunk Strategy

Page 7: Get the Gist Strategy

• Page 8: Wrap Up Strategy

How can reading comprehension strategies be implemented in content-area classes?

• Page 9: Cooperative Learning
• Page 10: Preparing the Class
• Page 11: Materials for CSR
• Page 12: Implementing CSR
• Page 13: References & Additional Resources
• Page 14: Credits

Get the Gist Strategy

Activities: identify main idea, restate main idea in ten words or fewer

The teacher explains how to restate the most important point of a section of text in one’s own words. The teacher assigns a passage for the student to read.

Students identify the most important idea in a section of text by using the following steps:

• Identify whether the paragraph is primarily about a person, place, or thing.
• Identify which person, place, or thing is being discussed.
• Identify what is being said about the person, place, or thing that the paragraph is principally about (i.e., identify the basic argument, angle, spin, or perspective that the section adopts regarding its topic).
• Restate the essence of the paragraph in a sentence containing ten words or fewer.

Click here to see the passage the students are reading.

Ecosystems: Making Connections

An ecosystem is part of the environment. In an ecosystem, big and small animals live in harmony with the rest of their natural world. A shoreline is one kind of ecosystem. Other kinds include deserts and rain forests. The parts of an ecosystem rely on each other for the health of the environment. That means that if one part is damaged, the balance of the whole can be upset. If this damage is big enough, the ecosystem might even collapse.

To help you understand ecosystems, you might imagine a spider-web. All of its threads are connected. If one part breaks or is torn, the rest of the web is weakened until it can be repaired.

As with the Click and Clunk strategy, the teacher needs to determine how much text students should read before they stop to Get the Gist.

Click on the movie to watch some students implementing the Get the Gist strategy (time: 0:15).

“Copyright © by the Texas Education Agency and University of Texas at Austin. All rights reserved” on all Licensed Materials.

View Transcript

Transcript: Get the Gist

Narrator : This group practices another reading strategy, Get the Gist. They work together to identify main ideas, develop a gist statement, and record it in their learning logs.

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“I think I get the gist.”

You've just started at a new job at a restaurant. A coworker has been training you in how to enter customers' orders into the computer system. She asks if you understood. You say that you mostly understood.

I think I get the gist.

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I think (clause)

In spoken English, you can say "I think ___" before the idea that you're thinking.

I think I'm finished.

I think she's coming.

In formal writing or when you're speaking carefully, you should use "I think that ___" instead:

I think that we need to do a lot more testing before we release it to the public.

get the gist (of something)

To "get the gist" of something means to understand it a little bit, or to understand the general idea of something. Use it like this:

A: Do you understand? B: Yeah, I get the gist.

You can "get the gist" of things like:

• the idea of a T.V. show
• how to play a game
• how to do a task at work

It doesn't make sense to say that someone "gets the gist" of a large subject like mathematics or psychology.

If you want to name the topic that a person understands, use "of ___":

He got the gist of how to do it with just a couple of minutes of explanation.

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Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Recap: Lower Decks ’ Boimler and Mariner Drop by in Bonkers Crossover — Grade It!

Keisha hatchett, staff editor.

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Star Trek: Strange New Worlds ’ second season has been an ambitious, wildly entertaining ride so far, and this week’s crossover with the animated series Lower Decks proved it’s one of the best shows out there right now.

Cue Strange New Worlds ’ fully animated opening credits! Related Stories The Old Man Season 2 Premiere Recap: Will Chase Survive This Rescue Mission? (Plus, Grade It!) Criminal Minds : Aimee Garcia Books Season 18 Arc — as [Spoiler]’s Shrink…?

Although Boimler was adorkably excited to meet the Enterprise crew, he was surprisingly skittish around Una and thrown off by Spock, who acted way more human than he remembered from history. Still, the Cerritos ensign couldn’t help himself and geeked out over the different gadgets that were considered ancient in his time.

When Pike’s crew spotted an Orion vessel and assumed they were pirates, Boimler — remembering what Tendi (voiced by Noël Wells) told him about Orion scientists discovering the portal — tried to convince the captain that it was a science vessel. Pike listened and hailed the Orion ship, only for them to sneak away with the stolen portal.

The crew, with Boimler’s help, eventually caught up with the Orions and worked out a trade: the portal for the loads of grain Enterprise had in its cargo. And just as Boimler moved to go through the portal, Mariner came flying out of it.  So now the Enterprise was stuck with double the trouble and no solutions since the portal ran out of juice.

Mariner teamed up with Uhura to decipher the ancient text on the portal, while Boimler worked with Spock to develop a synthetic alternative to potentially power it. Spoiler alert: attempts to manufacture a new power source failed. Meanwhile, Uhura hit a wall trying to translate the unknown text, and Mariner convinced her to take a much-needed break. Getting drunk off Orion Hurricanes worked out because Uhura quickly pinned down what language was inscribed on the portal.

But Pike simply leveled with them, and asked Boimler to stop encouraging his crew to throw him a surprise birthday party. His birthday this year officially made him older than his father when he died, and he planned to drink alone in a remote cabin. Boimler convinced him to rethink that, pointing out the Enterprise crew would one day miss him like he missed his father.  

Their conversation also sparked a clever workaround for their time-travel situation. Boimler remembered that NX-class ships from back in the day used the alloy needed to power the portal in their hulls. Tradition stated that construction on new ships starts with a piece of the last ship to bare its name, and the Enterprise had a piece of an NX-class ship on board. In short, Mariner and Boimler had the means to get home!

But first, Mariner cleared up an awkward situation with Una, who thought Boimler might have kept her poster like a pinup model. But as it turned out, Una was the face of Starfleet recruitment in the future, and she inspired him to join. He kept running away from her because she meant so much to him.

At the portal, the Orions weren’t particularly happy about being called back by mistake. Pike then came clean about their time traveler friends, and Boimler revealed that Tendi’s grandmother was on their ship.

The episode wrapped with the two-dimensional Enterprise crew drinking Orion Hurricanes and wondering why they felt funny.

What did you think of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ crossover with Lower Decks ? Which moment was your favorite? Grade the episode below, and then share your thoughts in the comments.

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34 comments.

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Just watched it. Its EPIC!!!

This is such a good show and to combine it with Lower Decks which is also amazing there was a very high bar to get over. They jumped it with ease!!

Loved it. But it’s very much a Lower Decks episode in every way, not a Strange New Worlds episode. I hope this isn’t the only time we get to see Mariner and Boimler in live action!

Isn’t the crossover next week? I’m sure this weeks episode was the quantum organisms in the deuterium messing with Uhuras brain

The crossover episode dropped on Paramount+ tonight (Saturday 7/22).

It was. They released the crossover episode early on Saturday 7/22. They moved all of the other episodes up. So, there will still be a new episode this Thursday.

Preseason NFL starts next week on Thursday (first week of August), I wonder if that has anything to do with the schedule change?

This episode was okay, but I really didn’t need two characters crossing over. One character was more than enough, the two together were obnoxious.

It was a ComicCon bonus. They showed it there, and then dropped it online.

It was, but as a bonus for Comic-Con week, they moved it up five days, so we got two episodes this week. . Also, bonus for Lower Decks fan: On the Ready Room for this episode, it was revealed that Tawny Newsome, who plays Mariner, was hired by Alex Kurtzman to the writing staff for the Starfleet Academy series. (There’s going to be a Starfleet Academy series?!) Since this Ready Room was almost certainly filmed before at least the SAG strike, if not also the WGA strike, I hope that the show and Newsome’s gig on it are still going to happen.

It probably will, just not *soon*. Star Trek Universe has been doing VERY well for Paramount+. I think SNW was just in the Top 10 streamed series this past week.

I am not sure Comic-Con has much to do with it. Once preseason football starts in early August, I seriously doubt the streaming numbers will be anywhere near as high.

The preseason game between the Browns and Jets is going to draw an incredible amount of coverage, regardless of how much Rodgers plays.

CBS should have moved up Big Brother as well, and started it well before preseason NFL. One day earlier isn’t enough.

No, they straight up said it was because they debuted it at San Diego. They wanted to avoid spoilers so it got dropped early.

Fantastic! That is how you do a genre combining crossover!! I was watching it with childlike excitement, which I can’t remember the last time an episode of anything evoked that! Brilliantly executed and directed!

I loved it. I love the time-travel jokes, the Orion Hurricanes, and just the meet-cute with the Orions in general. They handled heavy things with humor and the shout-out to Enterprise NX-01 and her crew was great! This is the show that both respects and breaks the rules. We needed it.

Would have been better if the two cartoon characters were not there. All I kept thinking was How hard up for people is the future Starfleet that they would hire those two?

If that is the caliber of childish people they are going to hire, I don’t think Star Fleet would have existed at that point. That speaks volumes for the judgement of their bosses.

These are 2 of the lowest ranked people on one of the least important ships in the fleet. This is the future. There’s room for everyone. They’re not hard up, just accepting of people with flaws.

Fantastically done episode, I laughed out loud when I saw the animated opening with the bear(?) thrown in.

Funny when Ramson sees the recruitment poster of Una Chin-Riley and calls her the hottest woman in Starfleet. Let´s hope there is a future episode where this real life couple appear on screen together.

Oh THANK YOU for reminding me about that connection! I’d completely forgotten that they’re married, haha. That makes the line 100% more awesome.

You are welcome!

I admittedly have only seen a few Lower Decks, enough to get the gist, but still found the episode to be delightful!

This was quite the crossover episode: Strange New Worlds melding with Lower Decks, referencing Enterprise and the original Star Trek, slipping in a sly Picard reference and directed by TNG’s Jonathan Frakes! It was a lot of fun…

Also a DS9 reference with the Bell Riots. I didn’t catch anything for Voyager, though.

Very fun episode, although I was really hoping for Boimler to make a reference about Chapel & Una being originally played by the same person. “Huh, you two don’t look as much like each other as I thought…” kinda thing.

Oh, that would have been GREAT!

It was terrific! And how about that animated Strange New Worlds opening? Huh? Oh, you didn’t see it? Did you “skip” the intro again? In this case, it’s worth watching just to see the opening (with a little Lower Decks “baggage”) beautifully animated. And for that comment about probably being better w/o the two Lower Deck “cartoon characters” well, you have to watch Lower Decks to get the gist of those Mariner and Boimler. Despite the fact it is an animated series, it really is a very good Star Trek “cannon” show and if you haven’t watched it, you are the one missing out.

Good episode, and I like it that SNW is keeping things fresh. . Not so good, I think, when Boimler talked with Christine about Spock. The implication was that a happy Spock is an ineffective Spock, and it’s absolutely necessary for the sake of the universe that Spock be effective. That’s trite and melodramatic. It’s also terrible reasoning. Why would that be true? And what exactly is Boimler’s evidence for it? Even if his received picture of Spock was accurate, and such popular images are usually highly distorted, that’s just post hoc, propter hoc. The Spock that Boimler is thinking of was inexpressive, but that doesn’t mean that his inexpressiveness was responsible for his success. He might have done even better without it. . What it looks like is that SNW is setting it up for Spock and Chapel to break up, I think just because it wouldn’t be canon for them to stay together. Having heard what Boimler said, she would do the noble thing and dump him to save the world. If so, and that’s the only reason for it, that touches on a larger issue. Should SNW be stuck with TOS’s baggage this way? It seems almost fetishistic. . It’s certainly not necessary for SNW to arrive at precisely the same points as TOS. Changing time lines have been a major theme in the show, and there’s even a time war going on. This isn’t exactly the time line of the original series, anyway. The Eugenics War, was originally said to have taken place in what, the 1990s? The movies, of course, have made a big deal out of not being on the TOS time lines, so there is precedent. . So I hope that SNW will have the guts to follow its own instincts. If Spock and Chapel break up for emotionally logical reasons, okay, though I wouldn’t enjoy it much. But to doom her to fall into the embarrassing role she takes on in TOS, and to make loyal, subtly emotional T’Pring into the “flawlessly logical” psychopath she becomes later on? Just to stay consistent with scripts that were hastily written nearly 60 years ago? Please don’t. It’s like carrying a bag of dirty laundry around.

I thought about that, too, but then realized this was Boimler mistakenly thinking it’s what he HAD to do, so I was glad when Spock shut him down a bit during their lab scene later on. Spock’s right. Whatever happens with Christine has to happen in order for him to end up the Spock we know. Logical. Meanwhile, I hope to see them have a blast together for as long as it lasts.

Absolutely the best Star Trek episode I have ever seen! And Jack Quaid should win an Emmy for his guest-starring performance. I haven’t seen that kind of physical talent since Roger Rabbit.

It’s a shame I can’t vote higher than “A”.

On stars on mars , tell me how the girls change their hair all the time. This is so fake!

Fantastic episode!

I love Star Trek but this was PAINFUL to watch. I can’t believe how horrible it was.

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Hiking The W Trek In Patagonia: A Self-Guided Itinerary [2024-25]

09 jul 2024 11 nov 2023 | danielle.

You can choose your own adventure when it comes to trekking in Chile, but if you like to plan ahead, here’s our tried-and-tested 5 day/4 night, east-to-west, self-guided itinerary for hiking the W Trek Patagonia .

Last updated on 9 July 2024 by Dan

Torres del Paine National Park is a place so epic and otherworldly, its name is often spoken with a kind of hushed reverence. This vast and dramatic stretch of Chilean Patagonia is home to some of the most mind-blowingly beautiful scenery on Earth, and hiking the W trek is one of the greatest ways to immerse in it.

This is Patagonian hiking at its very best, but  how you trek the W trail is entirely up to you .

You can go with a guide, or do the W trek self guided (in the warmer months anyway). You can stay in lodges and enjoy a cooked meal and a warm bed. You can carry your own gear and pitch your tent in one of the designated campsites along the way, or carry no gear and book a tent at each site. You can carry all your food, or add a half or full board meal package to your booking, or do a bit of both.

We opted to camp but rather than carry all the gear, we arranged for a pitched tent to be waiting for us each day. We packed food for most of the trek and booked a full board meal package (dinner, breakfast and packed lunch) at one of our overnight camping stays.

The direction you hike and the time you take to do the trek is also your call. As occasional hikers with temperamental knees, we opted for the typical self guided W trek itinerary of  5 days and 4 nights .

Many argue that hiking west to east, and saving the striking granite peaks of Las Torres for the last day is a fitting finale to this incredible hike. We took the opposite view though, starting with the awe-inspiring torres and  hiking the W trek east to west  so that we could tackle the toughest legs of the trail in the first couple of days, while we still had plenty of energy.

At the end of the day, no matter how you take on the W hike, you’re still trekking one of the most spectacular trails on the planet. And you’ll still get to enjoy the jaw-dropping vista of Las Torres. Twice even, if you’re keen.

Hiking the W Trek Snapshot Location:  Torres del Paine National Park, Chile Nearest town:  Puerto Natales, Chile Getting to and from the park: Torres del Paine is easily accessible by bus from Puerto Natales. Park entry: Park entry tickets and overnight stays in the park (campsites and lodges) must be arranged before visiting the park. Start and finish:  The W Trek traverses a roughly w-shaped route through Torres del Paine National Park between Refugio Las Torres in the east and Refugio Paine Grande in the west. For this itinerary, we start in the east and hike west. Distance:  appx. 74 kilometres (46 miles) one-way Time:  This itinerary is 5 days and 4 nights Difficulty:  Moderately difficult, with some challenging stretches and steep climbs, plus highly changeable weather. We’re occasional hikers but with some preparation and a reasonable level of fitness, we found the W Trek very do-able (even if all our muscles were screaming for days afterwards!).

What’s in this post?

Preparing for hiking the W Trek Patagonia What time of year is best for hiking the W? Where to stay before and after the trek Entry to Torres del Paine National Park Booking Camping and Accommodation on the W Trail Bus tickets to and from Torres del Paine Packing for the W Trek Our Self-guided itinerary for hiking the W Trail Day 1 – Puerto Natales to Chileno via Las Torres Day 2 – Chileno to Francés Day 3 – Francés to Paine Grande via Francés Valley Day 4 – Paine Grande to Grey Day 5 – Grey to Paine Grande (and return to Puerto Natales)

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Preparing for hiking the W Trek Patagonia

We aim to fully check and refresh this post for each trekking high season (October to April). Things can change without notice though, so we recommend also visiting the links below for information while you’re planning and before you go: 

• For the latest updates on requirements for travel to Chile, visit the official  Chile tourism website .
• The W Trek is in Torres del Paine National Park, which is managed by the park agency CONAF. Visit the official national park website for park reports, park entry information and more.
• When you arrive at Torres del Pine National Park and register for your trek, you’ll receive an information guide with a map showing the park’s trails, services and accommodations. The current brochure can be found here .

What time of year is best for hiking the W?

Patagonian weather will keep you on your toes no matter when you visit Torres del Paine National Park. Be ready for everything. However, there are two distinct periods to be aware of when planning your trip.

High Season – October to April

These are the warmer months in the southern hemisphere, and December to March is the busiest time of year to trek in the park, with visitation peaking over January and February. During this period, you can choose to do a self-guided hike or go with a guide .

If you’re travelling in high season, and particularly if you’re planning to visit during the peak months, be sure to reserve your place in the lodges or campgrounds as far in advance as possible . Torres del Paine is now one of the most popular places to trek in Chile and overnight places book up very quickly.

We hiked the W trail towards the end of March, and while sections were busy, like the path to Las Torres, there were stretches where we wouldn’t see more than a handful of people in hours.

That said, despite making our campsite reservations months prior to our visit, we initially struggled to find availability and had to change our trekking dates to suit what we were able to book.

Low Season – May to September

Many people say winter is even more magical in Torres del Paine.

The park entry fee drops during the low season and you’ll find far fewer people in the park. But temps will also be lower, daylight hours are shorter, rain is frequent and there can be snow and ice. Many of the mountain trails are closed, as are a number of the mountain lodges and services. Trails that are open can close suddenly due to weather (though that can happen at any time of the year). Transport services pause over this period as well.

Most importantly, to do the W Trek or hike to the base of Las Torres during the winter season, you must have a qualified guide . This is for visitor safety and the period typically runs from May until August/September. The O circuit remains closed until October. Check the official Torres del Paine website for more information if you’re planning to visit over this time.

The bottom line: No matter what time of year you visit Torres del Paine, given the changeability of the weather there, you should check in with park agency CONAF for latest updates and closures.

Where to stay before and after the trek

The nearest major population centre, and the main jump-off point for a Torres del Paine trek is Puerto Natales , a low-key Patagonian town hugging the shores of the picturesque Última Esperanza Sound.

The drawcard of Torres del Paine’s trails has seen Puerto Natales develop a buzzing trekker scene.

We suggest giving yourself a couple of days in Puerto Natales before your trek to get organised, shop, hire any gear you need, and sort out transport to and from Torres del Paine if you haven’t already (see our section on sorting out bus tickets further on).

Just about everyone staying in Puerto Natales is out and about doing the same thing, so having extra time in town means you can stress less if you don’t find what you’re looking for in the first place you visit. 

Spending a couple of days here after your trek is also worthwhile – you can rest your weary bones and enjoy this charming little town.

Accommodation in Puerto Natales

Puerto Natales isn’t a big place, but you’ll find everything from budget hostels through to five-star luxury in and around the town.  

We stayed at the charming, centrally-located Hotel Aquaterra both before and after our trek. This is a great mid-range option and we really enjoyed our time here. They also stored our luggage for us while we were on the trail. 

For more accommodation options like this in Puerto Natales, take a look at Booking.com . Or, if you’re after something more in the budget range, you’ll find various hostel options here .

For a lovely upmarket stay right in the centre of town before or after your trek, check out this place .

We’ve also got our eye on this unique domed apartment for a future trip. It’s about eight kilometres (five miles) out of town, but with the views it serves up, we wouldn’t be moving from the window seats anyway. Perfect for a post-trek, legs-up retreat!

Entry to Torres del Paine National Park

Entry to Torres del Paine National Park is ticketed and there are capacity limits in the mountain lodges and campgrounds. This is for the long-term care and protection of this wild and remote place, and for the safety of visitors to the park. So whether you’re planning to hike the W, trek the O circuit or visit for the day, you will need a ticket to get into the park.

You must buy your entrance ticket for Torres del Paine National Park in advance of your visit to the park. Visit the CONAF website to buy your park entry ticket . 

Entry fees vary depending on whether you are Chilean or international, as well as your age, and whether you intend to stay in the park up to, or more than, three days. At last check, international adults 18 and over will pay CLP$31,200 (CLP is Chilean pesos) for up to three days in the park, and CLP$44,500 for more than three days.

Download your ticket to your phone before you head to the park (there’s very limited internet access once you’re there) and carry a printed copy just in case. Bring ID as well to present along with your ticket when you check in at the park.

Booking Camping and Accommodation on the W Trail

There are various ways to stay overnight on the W trek in Torres del Paine National Park, but whether you’re planning a lodge stay, hiring camping equipment, or camping with all your own gear, you’ll need advance reservations to do so.

Overnight reservations are mandatory for Torres del Paine and, like park entry tickets, need to be made in advance . You cannot book camping or accommodation once you’re at the park, or camp outside the designated bookable camping zones.

You’ll also need to carry evidence of your overnight reservations as you may be asked to show proof at any time by a park ranger or when passing through checkpoints. We printed our reservation confirmations and carried these with us.  

With Torres del Paine trekking becoming ever more popular, limited accommodation spots and advance booking necessary, sorting out campsites or lodge accommodation is – in our experience – probably the trickiest part of planning a self guided W trek itinerary. 

For this reason, we recommend booking your overnight stays as far in advance as possible , preferably as soon as bookings open for the season.  

It also pays to be flexible about where you stay, as you may find you need to rework your trekking dates and approach based on what’s available. 

Our final W trail hiking itinerary was the direct result of where and when we could get an overnight booking.

How to book your overnight stays in the park

There are a number of mountain lodges (refuges) and campsites in Torres del Paine, and you can only stay overnight in these designated zones.  

Broadly speaking, the zones in the east are managed by  Las Torres Patagonia  (formerly Fantástico Sur) and those in the west are managed by  Vertice Travel . 

There also used to be a couple of free campgrounds in the park managed by the Chilean park agency, CONAF. However, these campgrounds have been closed for several years now. Visit the CONAF website  for updates. 

You can book campsites and refugio beds direct via the Las Torres Patagonia and Vertice Travel websites, however we know from experience that trying to align availability and book spots for a workable W circuit itinerary across different websites can be complicated and time-consuming. Another reason to plan well ahead.

We’re also aware of a website called Booking Patagonia, which offers an integrated booking system for travel, tickets and accommodation for Torres del Paine.

If you’re keen to go self-guided on the W, but you’d like to have someone else sort out the logistics of your trek, including transport, accommodation, meals and camping gear, check out these two options offered by Flashpacker Connect: 5-day W Trek self-guided camping trip and this 5-day W Trek self-guided refugios (lodges) trip .

Bus tickets to and from Torres del Paine National Park

We based ourselves in Puerto Natales, the nearest town to Torres del Paine, before and after our trek and most travellers do the same. From Puerto Natales, it’s an easy bus trip to and from the park.

If you’re travelling by bus, we recommend organising your bus tickets to and from Torres del Paine well in advance . Don’t leave this until the day you head to the park or you may find the buses already full. 

If you plan to buy your tickets when you arrive in Puerto Natales, aim to do so as soon as you arrive in town. You can buy bus tickets at the main bus station (Terminal Rodoviario), or through your hotel or hostel. We travelled to Puerto Natales by bus so we bought our tickets to Torres del Paine at the bus station the day we arrived. You can also search bus services and buy tickets online here .

It’s important to note that your bus drop-off/pick-up points at the park may vary depending on your final W trail itinerary, so keep this in mind when booking your bus ticket.

If you follow this itinerary and trek from east to west, you’ll start with the bus from Puerto Natales to Laguna Armaga . After your trek, you will board the bus at Pudeto for the return journey to Puerto Natales (this follows a catamaran ride across Lake Pehoe to Pudeto from Paine Grande). Vice versa if you’re hiking the W from west to east.  

To ensure you’re on the trail in good time (and in line with this itinerary), we recommend booking one of the earliest buses out of Puerto Natales on Day 1. 

Packing for the W Trek

Any hike, but especially a multi-day hike, can quickly lose its appeal if you’re carrying too much weight in your pack; something we can personally attest to. So we strongly recommend packing light and only carrying the clothes, gear and food you need for the trek.

If you’re travelling longer term and have more stuff with you – which was our situation – leave it in storage at your hotel. Your back will thank you for it.

You can find most of what you need to buy or rent in Puerto Natales for hiking into the surrounding landscapes, from sleeping bags, camping stoves and hiking poles to dried fruit and nuts for your trail mix.

That said, this is a small and relatively remote town and the local prices reflect it. We’re told there’s more choice and better prices at the supermarkets and shops in Punta Arenas, so if you’re coming from or via Punta Arenas, you might consider doing your trek shopping while in that town.

We’ve also read reports that it hasn’t been so easy to find dehydrated meals in Puerto Natales. If you’re planning your menu around these, you might think about sourcing them elsewhere.

It’s important to know that Chile has stringent rules around what foods you can and can’t bring into the country (fresh foods, fruits, honey, etc are a no-no). Be sure to declare any foodstuffs you do bring in and plan on buying most of what you need for trek meals and snacks once you’re in the country.

We had a tight meal plan for our spin on the W, but with hindsight, we would swap out some of the bulkier food stuffs we packed for lighter, more compact foods. Next visit, we’ll be looking to pack some dehydrated camping meals and light-weight but filling carbs like cous cous and oats.

The night before the trek, organise any food you’re carrying into daily packages of brekkie, lunch and dinner. Pre-bundling your meals saves scrabbling around in your pack for particular items on the trail). Then pack all the gear you’ll be taking with you in waterproof bags inside your backpack.

Cash, pesos or credit card? One question we get asked is whether to carry US dollars or Chilean pesos into the park, and whether the refuges accept credit cards. We carried all three. We paid for some things in pesos, like snacks and the shuttle to the trail head, and other things in USD, like the catamaran from Paine Grande to Pudeto. We also used our credit card at one of the refuges to buy drinks. It’s our understanding that all of the refuges accept credit cards.

Our self-guided itinerary for hiking the W Trail

Day 1 – puerto natales to chileno via las torres, total distance: appx. 13.8 km (8.5 miles) total time: appx. 8 hours overnight: camping chileno.

Let’s get trekking! Hopefully you’ve secured your seat on one of the earliest buses out of Puerto Natales this morning (see above regarding buying your bus tickets in advance).

Buses making the run to Torres del Paine National Park generally depart from Terminal Rodoviario in town. Find your bus and load your pack, then kick back until it’s time to go. It’s around two hours to Laguna Amarga, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park, so settle in, this is a perfect excuse to grab some extra sleep before starting the hike. 

When you arrive at the Laguna Amarga Ranger Station, have your pre-purchased park entry ticket ready on your mobile phone or bring a printout. Here, you’ll check in and receive information about visiting the park, and its rules and regulations. 

Don’t forget to buy your entrance ticket for Torres del Paine before you head to the park . Head to the CONAF website for more information .

At Laguna Amarga, hikers split into two groups: those starting their journey here at the eastern end of the park, and those heading to the western starting point at Paine Grande, which involves a further bus trip to Pudeto and a catamaran ride across Lake Pehoé (even if you’re hiking west to east, you’ll get off the bus here to check in before reboarding the bus for Pudeto).

If, like us, you’re  hiking the W from east to west , your next step after check in is to jump aboard the Hotel Las Torres public shuttle bus from Laguna Amarga to the Welcome Centre and the eastern starting point of the trek. This costs around US$5 per person and is paid in cash as you board (we paid this in pesos). 

Alternatively, you can start your hike here from Laguna Amarga. The shuttle will just spare you a dusty seven kilometre walk along the gravel road. 

There’s a toilet at Laguna Amarga, and another at the Welcome Centre. This is a good chance to go before setting off into the mountains.

Trekking tip: We booked our first night’s accommodation at Camping Chileno, which is en route to today’s main destination – the towering granite peaks of Las Torres. We’ll be checking in at Chileno on the way and dropping off our packs ahead of the steep and challenging climb to the Las Torres mirador.  If, however, you’ve booked your first night at Hotel Las Torres or Central Refuge and Camping, then we’d suggest dropping off your packs there first, and setting out on today’s hike to Las Torres with a lighter load.

1st Leg: Hotel Las Torres to Chileno ( appx.  5 km / 3.1 miles, around 2 hours)

We’re officially underway on the W trail around 10.30am and from the word go, the views are eye-popping. After a flat kilometre or so, the path starts to climb: get used to it, it’s pretty much uphill from here.

The hike is moderately steep in some spots, until about a kilometre (0.6 miles) or so from Camping Chileno, where the trail flattens out a little before descending into the campground.

Despite feeling like our hearts might explode for much of this first stretch, we cover the distance in around two muscle-busting hours, with frequent stops to take in the views, rehydrate, and give our racing pulses a break.

Drinking water There’s no need to lug extra water with you on the Torres del Paine circuit. You’ll pass pristine mountain streams regularly throughout your journey. Bring a water bottle, fill up at nature’s tap and enjoy some of the purest water you’ll ever drink. Just remember to top up well away from the camps and upstream of the trails. 

We   haul our packs into Chileno around 12.30pm . This campground is operated by Las Torres Patagonia (formerly Fantástico Sur), and is the closest camp you can stay at to the famous Las Torres hike and mirador (the CONAF-managed campground near the base of the Las Torres climb has been closed for some time). 

The riverside setting at Chileno is truly stunning and the sheer peaks of the three granite towers – our ultimate goal today – rise tantalisingly above the forested mountains ahead.

The campground itself is a nice set-up of tiered camping platforms among the trees. There are shared bathrooms with hot showers, and a restaurant and bar with big windows, plus an outdoor terrace for soaking up the epic views.

Our tent is ready for us when we arrive at Chileno, so we check in, drop our bags in our tent, grab a smaller pack with snacks, water bottles and cameras, eat the lunch we prepared last night, and  set out for Las Torres around 1.30pm . Timings here may vary depending on your check-in.

2nd Leg: Chileno to Las Torres (appx. 4.4 km / 2.7 miles, around 2 hours)

This is without doubt today’s toughest leg, so there’s a huge bonus in not having to tote your full pack up the mountain.

From Chileno, you’ll hike for around 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) or so along a meandering path through pretty woodland, across rushing rivers, and through a wonderfully moody stretch of fallen forest that we dub the ‘tree cemetery’. It’s a lovely, moderate walk, and we have no sense of what’s ahead when we reach the sign that tells us ’45 minutes to Mirador Las Torres’.

My notes from this point in our trek simply state: ‘hiking hell starteth here’. A touch dramatic maybe, but as irregular hikers, this was probably the hardest section of the entire W for us. Maybe you’ll breeze through it, just be ready for it.

Shortly after the sign, the climb to Las Torres begins in earnest. It’s a gritty, rocky terrain of steep, gravelly inclines and large boulders. The panoramas as you climb are absolutely breathtaking, but so is the hike itself. There are moments while we’re in the throes of it, looking up and spotting the tiny trekkers far above, that this stretch feels like it will never end.

It does end though, about an hour later, and the scene that awaits as we round a final boulder and face the towering granite pillars of Las Torres makes every single breath-wrenching step worth it.

It’s buzzing at the top: hikers drape the rocks surrounding the glacier lake; a bushy-tailed Patagonian fox weaves its way between the boulders; there’s even a guy getting his hair cut at the water’s edge (one hairdresser’s quirky approach to memorialising his travels while promoting his business).

We spend some time taking pics before settling onto a boulder of our own to simply take in this awe-inspiring scene. Aim to spend around an hour at Las Torres .

3rd Leg: Las Torres to Chileno (appx. 4.4 km /2.7 miles, around 2 hours)

The journey back down from Las Torres is in some respects even more challenging than the climb up. The constant down is tough on knees and the gravel makes the going slippery. We’re beyond grateful for our hiking poles, though we both still manage to pull off some memorable butt slides.

Trekking tip: Hiking poles made all the difference for us when we were trekking in Patagonia. We carried one each, which was ideal as it left us both with a hand free to grab branches and rocks, haul each other up and down, and catch our fall when we slipped. Which was often.

It takes us around two hours to get back to Chileno; we have time to shower, buy a couple of well-earned beers and watch the sunset burn the tips of Las Torres molten gold.

It was cloudy the entire time we were up at the base of the towers, so watching them all beautifully backlit now is a bit of a kicker, but if there’s one thing you’ll learn quickly hiking the W Patagonia, it’s that the weather doesn’t give a rats what you think.

Preparing for Patagonian weather If there’s one constant about the weather in Patagonia, it’s that there’s nothing constant about it. We were particularly lucky on our five days in Torres del Paine, but you should be ready for four seasons in a day. Layer up, have a rain jacket handy, and wear quick-dry clothes. Skip a rain cover for your bag though. While we never experienced the legendary winds that tear through the park from time to time, we heard plenty of stories of pack covers being whipped off suddenly and disappearing into the wilds.  Expect to get rained on, and pack your gear in bag liners or waterproof bags inside your backpack instead.

Cooking stoves are not allowed to be used in the Chileno zone, so we opted for the full board food package here, which includes dinner tonight, breakfast tomorrow and a packed lunch to take with us.

Later in the evening, we join a host of other hikers in the restaurant for a surprisingly tasty and filling three-course meal full of protein and carbs.  

We’re absolutely wrecked by the end of dinner, and we’re tucked up in our sleeping bags by 9.30pm. 

Sunrise at Las Torres When we originally planned our itinerary for hiking the W, we had every intention of doing a second trek to Las Torres for sunrise on Day 2. In late March, this would have entailed getting back on the track up the mountain by 5.30am . As we climbed into our sleeping bags that first night though, we decided to pull the pin: we were just too tired, and we were also a little wary of making the tricky climb in the low dawn light.* It was a tough call at the time, and it didn’t help when we poked our heads out of our tent the next morning to see the stone towers erupting with golden light above the silhouetted foreground. As we watched though, the clouds rolled in and soon enough the peaks were shrouded in mist. There’s no accounting for Patagonian weather, or how your body may feel after a long day of hiking. The best you can do is plan, and be flexible on the day. *PS. For safety reasons, hiking in the dark isn’t actually allowed in Torres del Paine. Trail sections have opening and closing times, check the park brochure for more info.

Day 2 – Chileno to Francés

Total distance: appx. 18 km / 11.2 miles total time: appx. 6 hours 45 minutes overnight: camping francés.

Sunrise is around 8am when we do the W trek in late March, and as we haven’t made the dawn hike to Las Torres, we enjoy a more leisurely start to the morning on Day 2. 

If you do decide to do the dawn hike up to Las Torres for sunrise, factor in around five hours this morning and adjust the following timings for today’s next legs accordingly.

As breakfast is part of our full board package at Camping Chileno, we pack up our gear and head to the dining room at 8.30am for a hearty kickstart to the day.

1st Leg: Chileno to Los Cuernos (appx.  15 km / 9.3 miles, around 4.5 hours)

We’re on the trail by 9.15am , heading back towards Hotel Las Torres. We won’t be going all the way to the hotel though as there’s a shortcut off to the right around half-an-hour after leaving Chileno. The shortcut is signposted and takes you along a mostly downward sloping path surrounded by undulating hills and lake views.

We reach the end of the shortcut and  rejoin the main W route around 11am . At some point after this though, we suddenly find ourselves in what can only be described as the Patagonian Swamps of Mordor and we start to wonder whether we’ve veered off on to a secondary trail by mistake.

We can still glimpse the Nordernskjöld Lake off to left, and we know the official trail travels alongside it. To this day, we’re unsure if we did actually go off piste (though the number of bootprints in the mud suggests not).

Eventually, we seem to be back on track according to the map, just a little muddier for the experience (and even more grateful for our depth guage hiking poles).

The next stretch travels up and down through very pretty lakeside country, with the occasional steep section, before passing down into the valley at Los Cuernos.  We arrive at the Los Cuernos shelter and camping area around 1.45pm .

You could stop at any point along the stretch to Los Cuernos for a lunch break; we stop just past the shelter and find a nice rock with a view. We opted for the full board meal package with Camping Chileno so we’ve been provided with a packed lunch today as part of this. 

We chill for around 45 minutes and then  set off around 2.30pm for Camping Francés , where we’ll be staying tonight.

2nd Leg: Los Cuernos to Francés (appx.   3 km / 1.9 miles, around 1.5 hours)

The trail to the Francés campground is up and down and rubbly, with some steep sections, and a pretty pebbly beach crossing. Today’s walk has been positively sedate compared to yesterday’s heart-starter climbs, but never fear, a leg-burning rise awaits just before the descent into the camp.

We arrive at Camping Francés around 4.00pm . The campground here is run by Las Torres Patagonia   (formerly Fantástico Sur).

The tent platforms are clustered between the trees and there’s a good shower and toilet block a short walk from the campsite. There’s also a small shop with basic amenities. 

By 5.15pm we’re checked in and set up on our platform. We’ve arranged for a tent at Camping Frances but we’re cooking our own food tonight.  

Sunset is close to 8pm in late March, and having made it through our second day on the W trail, we’re zipped up in our sleeping bags soon after.

Day 3: Francés to Paine Grande via Francés Valley

Total distance: appx. 20.3 km / 12.6 miles t otal time: appx. 9 hours overnight: camping paine grande.

Despite our fatigue, neither of us sleeps particularly well on our second night and we’re both groggy when the alarm goes off at 7am.

Our restlessness is partly due to the strange soundtrack that has accompanied us throughout the night: sharp cracking sounds like distant shot gun blasts and deep, thunderous rumbles. It’s not until we set out on the trail through the Francés Valley today though, that the source of the unnerving noises becomes obvious.

On this itinerary, today is the longest day hiking the W, and based on our experience, we recommend getting on the trail by 8am at the latest to maximise your time in the Frances Valley. We departed later when we trekked, so we’ve adjusted the timings below to suit an earlier start.  

1st Leg: Francés to Italiano Ranger Station (appx. 2 km / 1.2 miles, around 30 minutes)

The first leg this morning is a rejuvenating, 30-minute leg-stretcher to Italiano Ranger Station. Aim to pack up and set out from camp by 8am. 

There’s a ranger at the Italiano Ranger Station when we arrive. He points to some racks opposite the office building; this is where we opt to leave our backpacks ahead of the challenging hike into Francés Valley.  

We sort our valuables and lunch into a smaller daypack, lock up the big packs, and get going again. Look to be back on the trail by 8.45am . 

2nd Leg: Italiano Ranger Station to Británico Lookout (appx. 5.4 km / 3.4 miles, around 3 hours)

The first kilometre (0.6 miles) out of Italiano is a flat trail through pleasant forest, after which the track starts to climb steeply through a rocky, rubbly stretch.

The scenery is seriously beautiful, serving up views of the ironically named Paine Grande Hill – 3,050 metres above sea level – and the Francés glacier that clings to it. This is the source of the crackshots and grumbles we’ve been hearing as the hanging ice shifts, melts and avalanches down the mountain.

Soon enough, you’ll reach the Francés mirador, a lookout offering spectacular panoramas over the ‘hill’ and its glacier; this is the perfect spot for a short break and a snack, as the next stretch is tough.

From here, the trail to Británico Lookout is a challenging, rubble-strewn boulder dash with lots of climbing.

A flat, rocky clearance scattered with the parched white trunks of dead trees and overshadowed by the jaw-dropping Cuernos massif, marks the final stretch before a steep, 10-minute climb to the mirador itself.

Summitting the boulders of the Británico Lookout around three hours after setting out , we cast our eyes over what will become our favourite panorama of this epic journey: the vast and spectacular Francés Valley. Find a rock to perch on and settle in for lunch with this glorious scene at your feet.

We’ve come a long way, but there’s still a huge day of hiking the W ahead. To our eternal regret, we were only able to linger here for half an hour as we left camp too late on this morning. That’s why we recommend getting on the trail no later than 8am today – trust us, you’ll want as much time at Britanico as possible and by arriving around 11.45am, you’ll have close to an hour here.

We’ve promised ourselves that next time, we’ll spend an extra day or two in this valley so we can take in this view at our leisure. For us, this remains one of the most magnificent vistas we’ve come across in all our world travels.

Trekking tip: Get on the trail by 8am at latest this morning so you can hang out for at least an hour at Britanico, or better yet, stay an extra day in the Francés Valley. 

3rd Leg: Británico Lookout to Italiano Ranger Station (appx. 5.4 km / 3.4 miles, around 2 hours)

Aim to set off back down the trail to Italiano around 12.45pm . We find this a knee-buckling downward journey and our legs are screaming by the time we reach our packs back at the Italiano Ranger Station just over two hours later. 

Once we’ve retrieved our packs (now four-deep in a giant bag pile), re-sorted them, and stopped for a quick breather, we set out for the Paine Grande refuge and camping area, starting with a bridge crossing out of Italiano.  It’s around 3pm by this stage . 

4th Leg: Italiano Ranger Station to Paine Grande (appx. 7.5 km / 4.6 miles, around 2.5 hours)

The final stretch of the W trail today is a journey of around 7.5 kilometres (4.6 miles) and it’s mostly flat with some sloping ups and downs.

Travelling out of the valley and along the raised walkway as you head towards Sköttsberg Lake, remember to turn around and take in the mountain scene back the other way: it is immense.

After some more steady rises, we make our final descent into Paine Grande Refuge and Camping around 5.30pm . By this stage, we’re seriously sore and tired and very ready for a beer from the lodge bar, which is the first thing we do once we’ve checked in and dropped our packs at our tent.

The campground at Paine Grande, which is managed by Vertice Travel, is large and separated into sections for campers carrying their own gear, and those like us who have booked a tent. A wooden walkway links the campgrounds with the lodge, the campers’ kitchen and bathrooms.

As Paine Grande is the western starting point for hiking the W and a transit point for O circuit trekkers, as well as for day trippers and short stay visitors, this is the largest and busiest lodge and campground in the park. 

There’s a good-sized kitchen building, which is heaving with trekkers when we make our way in there to cook dinner around 7pm. 

The camp shower and toilet facilities here are basic. We recommend getting your ablutions out of the way while everyone else is cooking dinner and before the post-meal rush. Paine Grande also has dorms, a restaurant and bar, and a mini-market. 

We’re tucked up in our tent just as a light rain begins to fall around 8.30pm. 

Day 4 – Paine Grande to Grey 

Total distance: appx. 11 km / 6.8 miles total time: appx. 3 hours 45 minutes overnight: camping grey.

Today is our shortest day so far on the W trail, so we decide to set out a little later as we’re definitely starting to feel the past three days’ hiking, and a strange kind of exhilarated fatigue. 

We’re up at 8am with plans to be on the trail by 9am. However the banshee-like screeches of a fox followed by the thrilling appearance of a large, tawny-coloured puma on the hill behind the camp has us – and everyone else – lingering for a while in hushed awe, until the sleek big cat disappears around a bend into the next valley. Which happens to be the same valley we’re about to trek into. 

After checking in at the ranger station for advice on what to do if we see the puma again, we set off through the narrow, pretty dell at around 10am . We’re both relieved (and maybe a touch disappointed) to find no further sign of our feline friend.

The big cats of Patagonia Don’t let the thought of pumas roaming the forests of Torres del Paine put you off trekking there. The fact is, these magnificent creatures are extremely shy and actively avoid humans. Encountering a puma is incredibly rare. Spotting one near camp as we did is apparently almost unheard of. However, it’s important to be across what to do and how to act if you do come across a puma. You’ll find advice on this in the guide that you receive when you check in for your Torres del Paine trek. (If seeing a puma in the Patagonian wilds is on your bucket list though, check out this one-of-a-kind puma tracking day trip out of Puerto Natales.)

The valley walk is flat at first but soon begins to climb, and continues to serve up steady inclines followed by some steep descents into the Grey refuge and camping area.

The scenery on this leg is still epic, but maybe a touch more serene than the high drama mountainscapes of the last couple of days. Grey Lake is flat and still on the day we hike the trail, and dotted with blueish lumps of ice from the vast Grey Glacier at its head.

About halfway along the trail, a rocky lookout reveals the first glimpses of this immense glacier, a sea of ice six kilometres (3.7 miles) wide and 30 metres (98 feet) high in places.

We arrive at the Grey Camping area around 1.45pm , a journey of 3 hours and 45 minutes, with plenty of photo and snack stops along the way.

Grey Refuge and Camping is also operated by Vertice Travel. The lodge has a lovely bar and lounge area in addition to its dorms, and the campground out front is overlooked by the stunning peaks of the Cordon Olguín. By the time we arrive, the clouds have cleared and the mountains burn golden as the sun drops.

If you’ve got the energy, check in (or leave your pack with the office if check-in hasn’t opened yet), and then head back out to hike past the western tip of the W trail and on to the first leg of the O circuit towards Paso Ranger Station. This will bring you much closer to the glacier, but bear in mind, it’s a five hour, one-way hike to Paso itself.

Trekking tip: Leaving Paine Grande at 10am worked well for us, but if you do want to hike a stretch of the trail from Grey towards Paso and back to Grey today, consider starting out from Paine Grande earlier in the morning so you have more time to do this.

We opt to stop and enjoy our lunch with mountain views, then roll out our mats and nap in the sun until check-in opens. 

After getting our tent sorted, we hike to a rocky outcrop on the lake just 15 minutes from camp. The views from here towards the glacier’s terminus are gorgeous and we spend time here just soaking up the scene.

On our return to camp, we head to the lodge for a drink at the bar before making dinner on one of the picnic benches outside the buzzing campers’ cooking area.

In addition to the bar, there’s a restaurant at Grey, and a small shop selling grocery basics. There’s an equally small toilet and shower block for campers (the showers only have certain hours of operation but the water is hot).  

We’re in bed by 9pm and prepped for a very early departure in the morning.

Day 5 – Grey to Paine Grande  (and return to Puerto Natales)

Total distance: appx. 11 km / 6.8 miles total time: 3 hours 15 minutes.

It’s our last day on the W hike! We’re on the trail early so we can get back to Paine Grande in time for the late morning catamaran across Lake Pehoe to Pudeto, where we’ll pick up the bus back to Puerto Natales. 

It shouldn’t take more than four hours to get back to Paine Grande from the Grey campground, but we’re feeling pretty exhausted by this stage and John has nurtured some nasty blisters, so we’re up and on the trail before sunrise . 

It’s freezing when we set out at dawn but as the day lightens, we’re treated to a stunning peach-tinted sky reflecting off the lake, and we stop often to snap pics.

Despite John’s sore feet, we make good time on the return journey and while we’re climbing for much of the first half, it feels easier than the trek up from Paine Grande yesterday. Maybe it’s because we’re on the home run, even though the thought makes us sad.

Our journey back to Paine Grande takes us 3 hours and 15 minutes , 30 minutes less than yesterday’s hike in the opposite direction. 

We haven’t eaten breakfast and we’re starving by the time we arrive. We were planning to grab something to eat at the restaurant at Paine Grande, but we discover it’s closed between breakfast and lunch. 

We make do with our leftover trail mix instead, which is a bigger deal than you might think: we packed way too much of the bitty hiker’s snack and after five days we have a serious love/hate relationship with it. 

Fortunately, there’s now a mini market at Paine Grande, which is apparently open from 7am. But if you’re setting out really early like us, perhaps have something you can eat on the go for this final morning.

Tickets and times for the Lake Pehoe ferry between Paine Grande and Pudeto The catamaran that crosses Lake Pehoe between Paine Grande and Pudeto operates from September to April. Departure times change from month to month so be s ure to check the boat schedule when you’re planning your W trek itinerary, and adjust your final day hiking start time to ensure you arrive back at Paine Grande at least 15 minutes before the boat departs.   You can now book your ticket for the catamaran online ahead of time at the above website. We’re currently checking whether pre-purchase is a requirement or whether it’s still possible to turn up and buy a ticket onboard. The cost for the 2024-2025 season is 26,000 CLP or US$30 (each way) and the journey takes around 30 minutes.  

We board the late morning catamaran  for our return to the eastern side of the park. The boat trip across Lake Pehoé offers spectacular views of the entire mountainscape we’ve spent the last five days traversing. It’s an epic perspective of the W panorama and a mesmerising finale to our W trek itinerary. 

If the weather is nice, we totally recommend taking a seat outside on the catamaran so you can properly admire the breathtaking scenery. 

Disembarking the ferry at Pudeto, we grab a coffee from the lakeside café (open from October throughout the trekking season), take a seat in the sun, and enjoy our last moments in Torres del Paine while we wait for our bus. 

Travel tip: In addition to checking ferry times for the catamaran between Paine Grande and Pudeto when you’re organising your trek, it’s also worth checking the bus connections to and from Pudeto, so you can work out the best approach for your final day on the trail.  

From Pudeto, the bus makes its way back to the Laguna Amarga Ranger Station to collect hikers finishing their trek at the eastern end of the park. From there,  we settle in for the return two hour bus journey to Puerto Natales . 

Tonight, back in Puerto Natales, after a good hot shower and a lamentation on the ridiculous amount of trail mix we’ve got left over, we head out for a celebratory drink.

Our legs might be seizing, our knees protesting and we’re beyond exhausted, but we’re buzzing with the sheer thrill of having completed this epic trek. We’re already talking about when we might come back and hike the W trail again, or better yet, take on the longer O circuit. 

However we do it, trekking in Torres del Paine is one nature experience we’re keeping firmly on our bucket list. 

Got any questions? Have you trekked in Torres del Paine recently? We’d love to hear from you, drop us a message below.

For more exciting experiences and things to do in this incomparable part of the world, head to our Chile page or our South America section.

57 thoughts on “Hiking The W Trek In Patagonia: A Self-Guided Itinerary [2024-25]”

What a exciting blog to read with so many helpful insights! We are currently planning a “half a W-Trek’ focusing on the Western portion for 3 day/2night stay, one in Britanico and one in Refugio Los Cuernos before returning to Pehoe Lake.

Hi Reinier, thanks for your message and kind words! Your trip sounds great, we hope you have a magical time exploring the western half of the W! All the best, Danielle & John

Thank you so much for this rundown – working on booking for this winter now. Would love your opinion about 2 things: 1. On the day we’re hiking into Grey, I was thinking about trying to add the glacier kayak excursion on that afternoon – do you think that would all be doable in 1 day? Were you aware of folks who did it? 2. On the last day, I was thinking we’d hike out, take the catamaran, bus back to Puerto Natales, and catch the 5:00pm bus to Punta Arenas. Based on your experience, do you think that would be doable?

Hey Mark, Thanks for your message – great to hear you’re planning a W trip!

The kayaking sounds awesome. It certainly sounds possible to hike to Grey and do the kayak tour on the same day, assuming there are tours running later in the day? As an indication, it took us around 3 hours 45 mins to hike the 11km from Paine Grande to Grey at an average pace. You may do it quicker or slower depending on your own pace, but if you aim to set out from Paine Grande early morning, you should reach Grey campground/lodge by late morning/early afternoon, which would potentially give you time to check in to the campsite/lodge and then join a late afternoon kayak tour? I’d personally make sure there was a good amount of time between my estimated arrival and the tour departure just in case, that way you can enjoy the hike to Grey without rushing.

We usually err on the side of caution when it comes to transport as well, as while most of our bus travel in Chile/Argentina was issue-free, we did experience occasional bus delays and lastminute cancellations. Bearing in mind the bus from Pudeto to Puerto Natales takes a couple of hours, we’d be looking to put in a decent buffer between that and the Punta Arenas service, just in case you’re held up at any point along the way. Less stressful!

All the best with your planning and have a wonderful time in Torres del Paine! Let us know if you do end up hiking and kayaking on the same day!

I been to Asia a couple times but never to enjoy much of the nature. Your destinations and experiences have me wanting to explore more of the hiking trails abroad. Thanks for sharing!

Cheers Bryan, happy travels!

Thanks for your info, it helps a lot. I’m planning to do W trek in coming January. If I book the camp, can I also use the facilities in the shelter (like shower and toilet)?

Hi Karen, all of the campsites along the W have dedicated facilities for campers, including showers and toilets. Some have cooking areas for campers as well. Happy planning and have a wonderful trek in January! Cheers, Danielle

Great website! We’re hoping to do this February/March 2025, and are wondering how best to spend our time on either side of this hike. Did you travel to El Calafate and El Chalten while you were in the area? Or do you recommend other areas down there? Any advice greatly appreciated!

Hi Lisa, thanks for your message! Fantastic to hear you’re planning a trip to Patagonia! Besides the W Trek, there are various activities you can do in and around Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine, like boat trips on Grey Lake to Grey Glacier or horseback riding.

We most definitely did travel to El Calafate and El Chalten after our trek and absolutely recommend, especially if you’re keen to get out on some further hikes. We bussed from Puerto Natales to El Calafate and the next day did a day trip to the Perito Moreno Glacier, which is an absolute must. From El Calafate, we travelled by bus to El Chalten (the panoramas on the bus ride in are wow – try and get the front seats!) and spent a good couple of days exploring this gorgeous area and just hanging out. There are a range of hikes you can do out of El Chalten – the day hikes to Laguna de Los Tres and Cerro Torre are epic.

If you head south from Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas, you can do day trips to see King penguins, Magellan penguins, whales and dolphins, so that’s another option.

Have a wonderful time and happy trip planning! Cheers, Danielle

Thank you for sharing your Patagonia insights! I found it very thorough and incredibly helpful. I we are planning our trip for October 2024. I have a question. How did you book your meal plan? Thanks! Kim

Hi Kim, thanks for your feedback, we’re glad you’ve found our post helpful! When you go through the booking process for each accommodation (including camping) along the trail, you’ll have the opportunity to add meals as part of those bookings. Links to the accommodation providers are in the post. Good luck with your planning and happy trekking in October! Cheers, Danielle & John

Hi thank you so much for this detailed blog. It appears that one would have to stay at Frances camp if going east to west in order to shave hiking time on day 3. Is there a bus company through which we have to pre-book a bus ticket from Pudeto ferry to Las Amargo? Or is it a shuttle service? Do you have any idea if booking a guided tour via Las Torres means that they carry your heavy rucksacks?? Is the last day at Grey really worth it ? Or would you rather end the trek on day 4? Thank you!

Hi SK, thanks for your message. Until the CONAF Italiano camp reopens, Frances camp is the closest camp to the Frances Valley so yes, it is the best bet timing-wise for getting in and out of the Frances Valley and on to Paine Grande on Day 3 if travelling from east to west. You could also stay at Los Cuernos, but that would add around 1.5 hours to Day 3.

The buses running from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine drop off and pick-up from Laguna Amarga and Pudeto. When you buy your bus ticket to Torres del Paine, you’ll note where you’ll be getting off and on again (it will depend on your itinerary, but for us, travelling from east to west, we got off at Laguna Amarga and boarded at Pudeto on our return. Check out the section in our post on bus tickets to and from the park for more info. There’s a shuttle that runs between the Laguna Amarga ranger station and Hotel Las Torres for a fee.

We would suggest contacting the tour company you’re interested in for advice about whether porter services are available on their guided tours. We left most of our luggage in one of our backpacks at our hotel in Puerto Natales and carried only what we needed for the trek to keep the weight down.

We personally feel that every leg of the W is absolutely worth it – the scenery is superb throughout. Five days gave us just the right amount of time to enjoy the whole trail without pushing too hard. To do the trek in four days, you’d likely need to compromise on either the full hike into Frances Valley or the Grey leg in order to reach camps before dark, and we wouldn’t want to skip either. But that’s us. If four days was all we had to trek, we would possibly leave Grey but we’d have to make sure we did a boat tour out to the glacier instead! 🙂

All the best with your planning! Cheers, Danielle & John

This is seriously one of the best breakdowns I’ve read. Patagonia is one of three “Someday” treks I have on my list to head off on once my son is a little bigger and can carry more of his own gear. We’re building up now with longer and longer trips around Central/Eastern Europe

Love this site!

Thanks for your message Brian, we really appreciate your feedback. So cool that you and your son are already hiking together, and what an awesome bucket list adventure to look forward to with him! Happy trekking and thanks again! Danielle & John

Do you have a map with the accommodations you booked or where you rented out tents/gears? Planning on doing this solo in June!

Hi Erika, thanks for your message! There’s a trail map available at the official Torres del Paine website: https://parquetorresdelpaine.cl/mapa-2023-2024/ – it shows all the accommodations/campsites along the trail. You can also find links in our post to the accommodation providers we booked our campsites and camping gear through.

As you’re considering a June trip, we’d also encourage you to check out the official Torres del Paine website for information about winter hiking regulations – https://parquetorresdelpaine.cl/permisos-especiales/ . Many of the accommodations and trails close over winter and while you can visit the park, we understand it’s mandatory to have a guide for the W Trek and the trek to the base of Las Torres between 1 May and 30 August (though the timeframes can change depending on weather). All the best with your planning! ~ Danielle

Hello Dan, What a great find this was. Thank you so much for writing it. I’m looking to mimic your trek with some modifications. I will very likely have a car rental when I arrive into Punta Arenas. My plan is to drive myself and 2 others into the park and leave the vehicle parked at the welcome center or hotel (unsure if this is allowed). At the end you mention that you ferry to Pudeto- then catch a bus that swings by Laguna Amarga into Puerto Natales. Is there a bus that goes directly back to the welcome center or hotel from Pudeto so we can get back in my rental? It looks like the Laguna Amarga ranger station is about 8.5 km from the welcome center. Or is it best to just shuttle from Puerto Natales for the whole thing and leave the rental somewhere in town?

Hi Bruce, thanks so much for your message and feedback! Very good question re. parking – based on our limited research into this, our understanding is that you can leave your car at Hotel Las Torres while you trek if you’re a guest there, otherwise, cars can be parked at the nearby Welcome Centre. We’ve also seen reference online to a small car parking area at Pudeto, so in theory you could arrange bus tickets from Pudeto to Laguna Amarga, and from there get the hotel shuttle to Hotel Las Torres/the Welcome Centre. I would suggest posting your question on Tripadvisor and hopefully someone has done something similar recently and can provide latest info. It might also be worth contacting Hotel Las Torres and asking their advice; no doubt they get questions like this frequently. All the very best for your trip planning and the trek itself – it’s an unforgettable experience! Cheers, Danielle & John

Thank you so much for the great information. I’m a long term planner and we’re looking to book for our family of four, Christmas 2024. I found this blog really really helpful in hiking cost effectively. Thanks Again!

Hi Melissa, thank you so much for your message, we’re really happy you’ve found our post helpful in your planning. Also very excited for you and your family – what a fantastic Christmas experience! We hope you have a really wonderful time hiking the W, it’s just such an incredible place! All the best and happy hiking! Danielle & John

Thanks for the article, I find it very useful. I have just booked the circuit trail for this April. About that: I looked into using Booking Patagonia for the reservations, and it works really well. Though, there is a downside: they charge an extra $90. You’ll notice this at the very and of the booking process, which I found quite frustrating. For me that was a reason to book directly at Vertice and Las Torres Patagonia, which works fine.

Hi Valentijn, thanks so much for this update, that’s really helpful to know! Thanks also for your feedback on our post, we’re pleased you’ve found it useful. All the best for your upcoming trip in April, have a sensational time and happy hiking! Cheers, Danielle & John

Thanks for the great write up. The details are useful and your descriptions are inspiring. I’m leaving for Chile in a couple days and your post just added to my excitement.

Hey Mike, thanks so much for your feedback, we hope you have a really fantastic trip. Chile is an incredible country, one of our faves!

Cheers, Danielle & John

Thank you for that informativ Blog! I have a question: are there any possibilities to heat up some water in the Refugiés without a stove?

All the best Sophie

Hi Sophie, thanks for your message!

As we had a cooking stove (and booked meals at Chileno where stoves can’t be used), we can’t personally say for sure whether hot water is currently available at all of the stops on the route. That said, we did find a trekker’s report online from late 2023 noting that they were able to access hot water (not boiling) through the coffee/tea dispensers at each of the refugios they stayed at, which they used for their dehydrated meals. Would suggest seeing if there are other trip reports from this season, or posting on a forum for latest updates. Or perhaps hire a stove in Puerto Natales and buy a gas canister just to be on the safe side! We’d love to know what you find out!

Have a magic time trekking the W!

Cheers, Dan & John

Hi guys. Thanks for all the detailed info. Just wondering if you could give an estimate of how much it cost for the W trek. I am being quoted $1180 per person for 4 nights and five days starting 12th February with this included:

•⁠ ⁠camping accommodation with all the equipment •⁠ ⁠all the meals •⁠ ⁠transportation from/to natales-park •⁠ ⁠park entrance •⁠ ⁠catamaran •⁠ ⁠welcome kit

Not sure if this price is really high or if it would work out as that much if I book everything myself separately anyway.

Many thanks

Thanks for your message and feedback – we’re really excited for your trek in Torres del Paine.

We were travelling long-term when we did the W Trek so we went out of our way to keep costs down by booking the campsites directly, carrying some of our own camping gear and bringing most of our own food. Travelling as a pair also helped as the single supplements can add quite a bit. We’d also note that, like everything, prices have hiked post-Covid.

We’ve included some costings in our post but not many as we’re conscious things can change quickly (plus there are so many potential cost combos for accommodation/food, it’s tricky to provide a general estimate). As the bulk of your costs will be in the camping, gear and food components, you might consider checking out the latest price lists for camping and food package options on the Vertice and Las Torres Patagonia websites; that would give you a sense of costs in the context of your quote. Given how quickly accomm/campsites book up for the season and the challenge of trying to coordinate an itinerary across multiple websites, having a third party making the arrangements, while costing more, would take the hassle out of that.

All the best with your planning and we hope you have a sensational time trekking!

Cheers Danielle & John

Your hikes sounded amazing. We are going in Feb and I wasn’t sure what to expect. Sounds like I should do some training! Do you recommend stiff hiking boots to navigate the big rocks or are light hikers enough support?

Thanks for sharing, Karen. Canada

Hi Karen, many thanks for your feedback! To be honest, if you’re a regular walker/hiker, you may find the W Trek a breeze – we met plenty of people who barely cracked a sweat, lol. As irregular hikers, we found some of the steeper sections a little more ‘breath-taking’ but still very do-able. We both wore regular lightweight hiking shoes and they were fine (apart from John developing blisters towards the end), but we also saw people in solid boots. I guess it depends on your preference. We did find having a hiking pole each was useful on some of the more uneven terrain like the rocky climb to Las Torres. We’d love to hear about your trek when you get back – have a fantastic time! Danielle

Going in February, cant wait. Did you know how anyone who did the kayak at Grey and talked about there experience?

Hi Efren, that’s so exciting! We don’t personally know anyone who has kayaked at Grey but we wish we’d had time for it – what an amazing experience! The lake is beautiful and the glacier is epic! If you do kayak, we’d love to hear about it! Have a fantastic time, Cheers, Danielle & John

Awesome Post!

I’m looking at doing this the same direction as you guys did around the same time in 2025.

You mentioned availibilty determined your campgrounds; that being said would you change any of your stays if you could in retrospect? Maybe saw some better campgrounds/lodges along the way that you wish you could have booked had there been availibilty?

Hi Chris, thanks for your message and good question! We were on a long travel stint when we did the W Trek so we opted for camping to keep our costs down, plus the campsites we ended up with proved to be very well located for a five-day itinerary. That said, all of the lodges and refuges looked quite nice so if we were to do it again (and we hope to!), we would consider adding some lodge/refuge stays, following the same itinerary. Location-wise, the Cuernos and French refuges would be good alternatives to camping (though these are beds in dorms, which is less appealing to us). We would definitely consider the Cuernos Cabins (2-3 people per cabin), especially if we were planning a longer stay in the French Valley! We’d also consider staying at the lodge at Grey next time as, of all the campgrounds, this was probably our least favourite (plus we were very ready for a bed by that stage!). Overall, the quality of the campgrounds/refuges throughout the park is very good and we were really happy with our camping experience and itinerary. Best of luck with your planning and we’d love to know how you go! Happy travels!

Wonderful description. We are going in Jan 2024! Looking forward to it.

Hi Kishore Joshi, thank you so much for your feedback, we hope you’ve found it helpful! Wishing you a fantastic W Trek, it really is the most incredible place! Happy travels!

Hi! How much cash would we need, knowing that the bus and entrance are paid for and also full board meal plan at the refugios is booked? So for snacks, water or other costs etc? Do they accept USD or should we have it exchanged? Thanks!

PS, did you also really use ‘poop bags’ for your used toilet paper along the way? 😅

Thanks for your message. We carried both USD and Chilean pesos with us just in case, and we were able to use credit cards at the refuges. We paid for the shuttle from Laguna Amarga and the catamaran from Paine Grande in pesos, though we have read that the catamaran operators may take USD in high season. It’s handy to have pesos for smaller purchases like snacks. We carried a refillable bottle and filled up in streams and at the refugios, so we didn’t purchase water.

We have packed degradable doggy bags for carrying out toilet paper on past hikes! 🙂 On the W Trek though, we carried a loo roll and some trusty Ziploc bags, but we mostly just made strategic use of the campground facilities!

Happy trekking!

Hi John and Dan Thanks for such good info. Is it safe doing it self guided ? Thanks

Hey Iris, thanks so much for your message, we hope you found the post helpful. We found going self-guided very easy – the trails are well trodden and during the peak season, there are plenty of other people hiking too (guides are mandatory in winter). Plus all trekkers have to stay in the designated camping and accomm areas so there are others around and you can stay in dorms if you’re not keen on camping. Conditions can vary dramatically though and it is the great outdoors, so having appropriate gear is essential and hiking with friends is good idea though we hear lots of people do it solo. Everyone we met en route were friendly, encouraging and helpful too. We absolutely loved the hiking the W and hope you get to experience it too! Happy travels! Dan & John

This is really helpful thank you so much. Did you have much hiking experience before you took this on? Would you recommend any training prior to going? What size backpack would you recommend taking?

Thank you so much

Hi Jo, thanks for your kind words, we’re glad you found the post useful! We’re casual hikers and while we’d done a bit of hiking before the W, it was certainly one of the ‘biggest’ hikes we’d done. We definitely tried to up our walking/hiking game before the W in preparation and glad we did as we personally found some of the steeper, sustained-climbing parts of the trek relatively tough – we just took our time and had lots of breaks; necessary anyway to take in the gorgeous views! I carried a 30L daypack and John carried a 50L backpack – between us we carried everything we needed for the five day hike, but I would note that we didn’t have to carry tents, sleeping bags or mats as we hired these. We hope you have the chance to hike the W trek, it remains at the very top of our hiking list! Happy travels!

Thank you all for this awesome breakdown and information! We followed it exactly to book our accommodations and plan to do the trek end of March. Thanks again!

Hi Kristen, thanks so much for your feedback! We’re stoked you found our post helpful and we’re very excited for your upcoming trip. Torres del Paine is sooooo spectacular, wishing you a fantastic trek – let us know how you go! ~ Danielle & John

Thanks Dan for the great details and info.

Hi Kristen. I am doing the trek around of march with a friend. We are travelling from Perth, Australia. Would be great to collaborate in planning.

Thanks Bikash

Hello! This page is fantastic, thank you so much. We are looking at November and can be flexible in terms of dates. Did you book your accommodation first? Are there any other considerations i.e. tickets or entry to the park? Or should we just arrange accommodation and go from there? Do you mind sharing how much you paid approximately for your camping accommodation? No worries if not. Thanks 🙂 Amie

Hi Amie, many thanks! We booked our accommodation first and a couple of months in advance. Site availability ended up driving our approach to the trek – so it’s good that you have flexibility! Would definitely get in as early as possible to book. Tickets for the park itself are arranged at the park entry office, but you will need to have the accomm bookings in place (and evidence of them) when you get to that point. So it’s important to book the accommodation and bus tickets to the park in advance. Bus tix you can buy when you get to Puerto Natales, but try and do that as soon as you arrive rather than on the day you intend to travel to the park. Prices for camping and cabins may have changed since we trekked, but if you head to the accomm links in our post, you’ll be able to find out the current prices as it’s all bookable online. Hope that helps and have a fantastic trek! Cheers, Dan & John

Thank you for the detailed information. We are trekking this exact route this March 2020!

Hi Jackie, thanks for your message, we’re really happy you’ve found it helpful for planning. Hope you have a sensational trek!

Thank you so much for the detailed guide! This is really helpful 🙂

Hi Katherine, thanks for getting in touch! We’re really pleased you found the guide useful – happy hiking!

How did you book the campsite ? I unable to locate the source to book just the campsite

Hey Rajesh, thanks for the message.

The Camping areas are run by three different operators in the park, and you can find links to all three operators in our post.

All three operators’ websites have information about their camp sites, and how to book.

Hope this helps.

John & Dan

Exactly what I’m looking for, thanks! Chileno and Los Torres always been there on my bucket list, now I know where and how to start.

Awesome, thanks Rika, we’re really pleased you’ve found it helpful. It is the most spectacular walk – even if you just did the one leg to Las Torres, you’d have photography opps galore! Happy travels!

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a visual guide:

The 10 best treks in the world

FROM CAPPADOCIA TO NAPA VALLEY:

These 10 classic treks are amongst the best on the planet. all require a decent level of fitness and a good amount of preparation before setting off..

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

Ready? Let's go!

GR20, France

This demanding hike through Corsica doesn't come easy but the reward is a diversity of landscapes from forests to granite moonscapes and glacial lakes to snow-capped peaks.

At 168km (104mi) the path is rocky and sometimes steep, and includes rickety bridges and slippery rock faces – all part of the fun..

Inca Trail, Peru

The trail to citadel of Machu Picchu was laid by the Incas in the 15th-century. Today, millions of hikers trek cliff-hugging ruins to catch a glimpse of the (not so) 'lost city'.

It's an extremely popular trail so to keep the route sustainable, hikers must secure a permit in advance..

Pays Dogon, Mali

‘The land of the Dogon people’ is one of Africa’s most breathtaking regions. It takes in semi-desert plains, soaring cliffs and the abandoned Dogon villages of Bandiagara.

A trek here can last anywhere between two and 10 days..

Everest Base Camp, Nepal

Reaching a height of 5,545m (18,193ft), this trail runs through mountain villages and glacial valleys, and offers hikers the chance to say they've stood at the base of the world's highest mountain.

Be warned: heights reached during this trek are literally dizzying until you acclimatise to the altitude..

Indian Himalayas, India

If crowds aren't your thing, Himachal Pradesh is the 'quiet' side of the Himalayas. If you're a hardcore hiker, follow ancient trade routes through high-desert terrain on the Spiti to Ladakh trail.

Fun fact: spiti's terrain once inspired rudyard kipling to exclaim, ‘surely the gods live here; this is no place for men’..

Routeburn Track, New Zealand

At the base of New Zealand’s Southern Alps, this trail passes through two national parks: Fiordland and Mt Aspiring. Highlights include the views from Harris Saddle and atop Conical Hill.

The main challenge for this popular hike is securing a place among the limited numbers of hikers allowed at any one time..

Overland Track, Australia

Tasmania’s prehistoric-looking wilderness is most accessible on the 80km (50mi) Overland Track.

If you want more, side walks lead to waterfalls and mt ossa – tassie’s highest summit..

The Narrows, USA

Journey through dramatic canyons carved over centuries by the Virgin River in Zion National Park. The route is the river (prepare to get wet) with hanging gardens and natural springs along the way.

The route is the river so prepare to get wet, with some swimming and wading required..

The Haute Route, France-Switzerland

Leading from Chamonix in France through the southern Valais to Zermatt in Switzerland, the Haute Route traverses some of the highest and most scenic country accessible in the Alps.

The summer haute route walk (which takes a different course than the more famous winter skitouring route) takes around two weeks to complete and demands a high level of fitness..

Baltoro Glacier & K2, Pakistan

This incomparable trek in Pakistan traverses some of the most humbling scenery on the planet.

Follow trails of icy rivers into baltoro glacier before climbing mountains including paiju, uli biaho, great trango tower and ultimately..., ... the colossal peak of k2 (8,611m, 28,251ft), the world’s second-highest mountain., get more from the book..

Hit the button below to check out the full list the most epic hikes from Lonely Planet.

The 25 Best Treks in the World

I’m currently on a mission to be the first person to visit every country in the world , North Pole ,  South Pole, and to climb the Seven Summits ( the explorers grand slam ). With my Seven Summits goals, I’ve been doing a lot of trekking and hiking over the last couple of years. With that in mind, I wanted to list the 25 best treks in the world. Don’t worry, they don’t include summiting K2 or Everest, but rather multi-day treks that most people would be able to take on.

I’ve included the difficult rating, and the price, so you can get your head actually getting out there and doing it. I’ve done about half of these, and the other half are on my bucket list, I’d love to know which ones you want to tackle. Anyway, enjoy!

Table of contents

Where is it and how do you get there, best time to do it.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

DIFFICULTY RATING

• DISTANCE:  

DIFFICULTY RATING: 5/10

• WHERE IS IT AND HOW DO YOU GET THERE? 
• HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?  

DIFFICULTY RATING: 3/10

Difficulty rating: 9/10.

• DIFFICULTY RATING:  5/10

DIFFICULTY RATING: 6/10

• BEST TIME TO DO IT? 

DIFFICULTY RATING: 3/5

Difficulty rating: 7/10.

• BEST TIME TO DO IT?  

DIFFICULTY RATING: 8/10

• WHERE IS IT AND HOW DO YOU GET THERE?  
• HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? 

DIFFICULTY RATING: 4/10

Just missed the cut in the top 25 best treks in the world:, a) puncak jaya, b) mount fuji, c) aconcagua, everest base camp, nepal.

Number 1 on the best treks in the world? Certainly one of the most popular, and absolutely one of the best treks I’ve ever been on. Sure, you’ll have to share it with a fair few other trekkers, but that often adds to the fun of it, and the camaraderie in the tea houses is great.

The Everest Base Camp Trek starts with a flight into Lukla, the world’s most dangerous airport!, and from there it’s quite a high altitude throughout, ending up over 5,000m. But this is the Nepal you dream about, pagodas, prayer flags and snow-capped mountains, culminating in seeing Everest itself with your own two eyes. It’s actually a pretty emotional thing. Anyway, this should be on everyone’s bucket list!

Nepal. You fly to Kathmandu, Nepal’s bustling capital, and then take a domestic flight to Lukla airport. 

11 to 14 days to Everest Base Camp and back. Normally 12 days: 8 days to hike from Lukla to Everest Base Camp and 4 days back to Lukla

130km round trip (65km from Lukla to Base Camp)

February, March, April and May (pre-monsoon) and September, October, November and December (post-monsoon). Best months are March, October and November.

To do it without a guide, on a tight budget, is about $700.

I personally recommend doing it with a guide, so you can enjoy everything without the stress of organising and navigating everything. To do it with a guide is about $1500. You can book it HERE . 

Kilimanjaro , Tanzania

Easily one of the best treks in the world. Where else can you pop off for a week and return to claim you have climbed to the Roof of Africa, at nearly 6, 000 metres? There are a variety of treks up the mountain so you can choose one to suit your skills (and budget as the longer you stay on the mountain the more expensive it is).  The Marangu Route is the most popular, although possibly people book this under the false impression that as it is the only route with hut accommodation and may be more comfortable.

However, there is something to be said for avoiding the somewhat overcrowded hut areas and opting for the peace and solitude of a camping route such as the Rongai.  The summit itself is truly spectacular as you stand in awe of the shining icefields and beyond to the Tanzanian plains below which are basking in the heat just as you are currently freezing in sub-zero temperatures.  But remember that pint of local Tusker beer in the sun is only a few day’s trek downhill.

In Tanzania, East Africa. You fly to Dar Es Salaam (don’t stay there, it’s awful!), then connect domestically to either Arusha airport, or Kilimanjaro airport. From there you base yourself in either Arusha, or Moshi. 

5-10 days depending on the route. 3/4 days are possible if you’re a beast.

120-140km round trip

December to March, and June to October. Try to avoid November, April and May.

It’s impossible to do without porters and guides, as a means to support the local economy. Trips start around $2k, YOU CAN BOOK HERE . 

7/10 for an average person. If you’re fit, and regularly exercise etc then it’s not too difficult at all. 4/10 perhaps.

Torres Del Paine ‘W’ Trek, Chile

The ‘What?’ Circuit some might say.  But once you mention Torres del Paine, the legendary national park deep in the heart of the famous wilderness that is Patagonia then all becomes clear.  This is one of those places that can truly only be fully appreciated by getting out and exploring on two feet. 

Leave the sightseers behind on the catamarans gliding the stunning glacial waters of Lake Grey (a misnomer if ever there was one) and trek to the viewpoint overlooking the Grey Glacier where it tips its glistening icy mass into the aquamarine lake.  Continue through the French Valley surrounded by soaring granite peaks and tumbling glaciers and on beneath the magnificent Cuernos (the ‘horns’ to the park’s ‘towers’). 

The final day is spent on a more challenging scramble over giant boulders up to the base of the towers themselves – the climax of any visit to the park. Standing beneath these truly dramatic spires you simply cannot believe that people actually climb their seemingly insurmountable walls.  The entire landscape is inspirational and utterly unique to Patagonia. You feel, indeed, as if you are at the ‘ends of the earth’.

In Chile. Punta Arenas Airport is the closest airport. You can reach there by flight from Santiago, Chile’s capital city. Then take a bus ride from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natale and to Torres del Paine. 

4-6 days. However, plan for at least one week in case of delays or weather issues.

DISTANCE:  

100 km trek. You can opt for a longer ‘O’ version if you have the time and budget.

It is open year-round, but you will need an official guide from May 1 to the start of September. You will be fined if you are caught hiking without one.

A guided 5-day trek will cost you about $1000.

Inca Trail, Peru

One of the best known of the best treks in the world. Well you can take the train with the rest of the day tourists from Cusco arriving en masse at this incredible Incan citadel OR you can take this timeless classic four-day trek through the Andes where the lush scenery and soaring mountain peaks take your mind off the back-breaking struggle to ascend to such high points as ‘Dead Woman’s Pass’, battling the altitude, challenging the knees on long, steep descents and awkward high-rising Inca stone steps. Doesn’t sound appealing? 

Then just think about that final morning, having risen at 4am in no doubt freezing temperatures, for a few hours final up and down slog to arrive at the legendary Sun Gate and watch as the mist slowly clears and there, beneath you, emerges piece by piece, the magical hidden city of Machu Picchu.  And you have it all to yourself.  Never again will you recreate that feeling the explorers of old must have felt on stumbling upon some long lost treasure.  And it is worth every aching muscle I assure you.

WHERE IS IT AND HOW DO YOU GET THERE? 

Cusco, located in Peru, is the trailhead. Fly into Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima, the capital of Peru. From there, get a domestic flight to Cusco.

The good news is that it is only 43km. The bad news is that most of it is up steep.

May to September is the dry season and the ideal time to visit.

The trek typically costs anywhere from $500 to $1,000.

The Camino de Santiago, Spain

Spain’s Camino de Santiago is not only one of best treks in the world, but an important pilgrimage route for the Catholic followers. But, you don’t need to be a devotee to enjoy this trek. The route is open for all travelers and has eight different starting points. You can choose from any one of them based on your preferences. I personally recommend Camino Francés (the French Way) and if you are looking for a less crowded path, then go for Camino Primitivo (the Original Route) or Via de la Plata.

Whatever path you are choosing, this month-long quest is sure to move you physically, psychologically, and spiritually. The trail takes us through the Spanish countryside with a hundred-year-old town, captivating sceneries, and beautiful vineyards. Feeling excited? Then there is more. Though an old pilgrimage route, the infrastructure here is really good. The tracks or pavement are well maintained and this means you don’t need much technical walking.

Unlike a countryside hike, there are various accommodation options for those who are on a budget or looking for a little bit of luxury. When you finish the trek, you will get a ‘Compostela’, a certificate for your efforts from the pilgrim’s office in Santiago de Compostela.

In Spain.  Fly into Biarritz, and catch a bus to nearby Bayonne. You have to travel by rail from there to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.

30-35 days, based on the route you take.

780km, if you are taking the French Way

May-June and September. The weather is more lovely and has fewer chances of downpours.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?  

A 30-day walk would cost around $900- $1800.

The Long Range Traverse, Newfoundland, Canada

If you are an adventurer like me, then you will surely enjoy trekking through this remote Newfoundland backcountry of Gros Morne National Park. With no official trails, only your (or your guide’s) confident map-and-compass experiences and other backcountry skills will be there to navigate you. You will have to make it through the thick fog, ever-changing weather, breath-taking sceneries, and absolute remoteness.

The journey is sure to reward you with its rich sense of wilderness and some of the most captivating landscapes you can ever find. Before you go forging into the thick and unforgiving Northeastern wilds, you have to complete a compulsory preparatory routine that includes a safety video, an interview with a ranger, and a navigation exam. The hike takes you across the stunning, freshwater Western Brook Pond and into the dense, difficult-to-navigate forest, thick with carnivorous pitcher flowers and amber-colored cloudberries.

Don’t worry about the overnight stops, as there are several navigation checkpoints where you can pitch your tent and rest.

Located in Newfoundland near Rocky Harbour, Canada. The closest airport is in Deer Lake. You can get a cab or bus from there to Rocky Harbour.

The route is open from June 15 to September 15. It is best to visit between May and September.

A guided hike will cost about $1400 dollars. If you are an expert in maps and navigation, then you can do it self-guided for less than $100.

John Muir Trail – California, USA

Named after the famous naturalist John Muir, this 340km long trekking route stretches over the famed Sierra Nevada mountain range and visits some of America’s captivating national parks: John Muir, Yosemite, and Ansel Adams Wildernesses, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks.

The trek lets you enjoy the breath-taking views of the endless peaks and lakes. Each of your days will start with a gorgeous sunrise blooming on the horizon and filling the landscape with its golden shades. The trail has some of the best backcountry campsites in the country and at night you can gaze upon the brilliant starry night sky. Before you start the long hike, make sure that you get an official permit. If you are trekking southbound, you will feel the elevation in the landscape as you process.

Along the way, there are some great places where you can take a swim if you want. But, they can be frigidly cold at times. So, it is better to follow your guide’s instructions on this.

Located in the US. Fly into Mammoth airport, California. From there, it is easy to get public transportation through Highway 395.

3 weeks. Some people take upto a month to finish it.

July to September is ideal for casual backpackers.

You will probably spend up to $1200.

DIFFICULTY RATING:  5/10

Mount Roraima –Venezuela

The floating mountain of the Great Savannah! You heard it right. Mount Roraima is a flat table mountain with sheer cliffs that give out the feeling that it is floating among the clouds. This hidden treasure in the lesser-known parts of South America deserves to be at the top of any backpacker’s bucket list. This mountain is the highest among the several table mountains seen scattered over the grasslands of the Gran Sabana region.

Hiking Mount Roraima through the Paraitepui route is the easiest way to climb the mountain. The route involves some river crossings and climbing rugged and slippery trails to reach the summit.  The mystic mountains have inspired many stories and myths for centuries and even today. As you make your way through this enchanting terrain, you will start to understand why. The unique plants, interesting caves, oddly-shaped rocks, and the spectacular waterfalls of the region can make your trek feel like a true adventure.

In Brazil. Get to Boa Vista, the capital of the state of Roraima. Take a bus from the Terminal do Caimbé (Caimbé Terminal) bus station to Pacaraima.

The dry season from December to April.

The trek will cost you $1500. 

Toubkal Trek, Morocco

Hiking the highest peak of the mighty Atlas mountains is nothing short of an adventure. The off the beaten track through the heart of the mountains all the way up to the summit of Mount Toubkal is sure to mesmerize you.

As the hike takes you through the spine of the mountains, you will see scenic mountain villages that are home to the fascinating Berber culture. If the hidden valleys, jaw-dropping panoramas, and breath-taking passes are not enough for you, then the experience of waking up beside the turquoise lake of Ifni will surely get you. As you finally stand on the summit, you will be rewarded with the brilliant panoramic scenery of the entire landscape stretching from the mighty High Atlas to the magnificent Sahara Desert.

Trust me, this classic adventure will never disappoint you.

Located at Marrakech in Morocco. Take flights that can directly fly you into Marrakech Menara Airport. 

The hike is about 18km, climbing 1,200m of elevation.

BEST TIME TO DO IT?  

Between late April and October. 

$500-$600, on a tight budget.

Routeburn Track, New Zealand

In New Zealand, trekking is known as ‘tramping’.  They have a list of a dozen or so ‘Great Tramps’ and having done a handful myself it was hard to pick a favourite.  The Routeburn stands out as it is not as busy as the famous Milford Track and you can also combine it with other tracks to create different circuits and length.  To be honest I could have quite happily linked all the different treks up and spend my entire time in New Zealand ‘tramping’. 

This is a land where every corner brings gasps of astonishment.  Where the scenery is ‘photoshop perfect’, where the (pretty constant) rain actually adds to the drama of the landscape and where you will generally pass few other tourists – but a lot of sheep.  Again this is a place that cannot be appreciated fully from a coach. 

Get that poncho on, forget about trying to keep your hiking boots dry and start wading the streams, sliding over wet roots, scrambling up muddy hillsides, grabbing a free shower in a waterfall, and swatting a few midges away and indulge in views that look out over Fiordland, the South Island’s wilderness area, where miles and miles of forest, valleys, glaciers, mountains and tundra lie before you.  Truly addictive stuff.

In New Zealand. The nearest airport is in Queenstown. You can get a bus from there to Routeburn Shelter (where the track begins).

1-5 days 

The hiking season lasts for six months from October to April. The booking system for the next season starts from June.

$900- $1000.

Tour du Mont Blanc, Italy, France, Switzerland

If you are looking for a hike through a stunning terrain filled with mountain passes, green flourishing meadows, rich forests, and glacial valleys, then this classic adventure on Western Europe’s highest mountain is what you are looking for.

But, before you get all excited, you should know one thing. This trek is hard and not meant for everyone. You will have to be in an excellent physical condition to trek through steep mountain terrain that crosses the borders of three countries- France, Italy, and Switzerland. However, this tough adventure does reward us with one of the most beautiful and exciting hikes. Snowfields, hanging glaciers, pristine meadows, and the majestic mountain views will be there at every turn waiting for you to discover.

If you have the time and budget, do visit the famous mountaineering resort in Chamonix which hosted the first Winter Olympic Games in 1924.

Starts from France and passes through Italy and Switzerland. Fly into Geneva airport. You will be able to book a shuttle directly to Chamonix from the airport. Take a bus or train from Chamonix to  Les Houches.

8 days should be enough with a good itinerary.

170km and covers 10,000m of ascent.

BEST TIME TO DO IT? 

Summer months from June to September.

A self-guided tour will cost you about $1500 in total. With a guide, it will be about $2000-$3000.

Mount Elbrus

There are three things that you need to keep in mind before you start to climb Mt Elbrus . First thing is that you may not be able to make the summit on the first attempt. This is mostly due to unpredictable weather conditions. Secondly, you need the right physical condition and good trekking skills. Most of the trekking companies offer courses and guidance to help you out with this. Finally, this is not a one-man adventure.

You need a team with years of experience to successfully pull off the hike. Don’t get disappointed from all this. Even if you do not make it to the top, there is plenty to discover and experience along the way. Jagged peaks, slowly flowing icy glac­i­ers, moun­tain val­leys, alpine mead­ows, and remote hamlets are all welcoming sights while exploring this moun­tain paradise. 

I climbed this a couple of years ago on my quest to climb the 7 summits. Mount Elbrus is officially Europe’s highest mountain, so it’s getting more and more popular. 

Located in southwestern Russia. Get a flight to Mineralnye Vody Airport. Direct flights to this town may not be available all the time. So, it is better to fly into Moscow or St Petersburg and then to Mineralnye Vody.

5-6 days for the climb. The whole hike can take up to ten days.

96 km from start to finish.

I personally recommend climbing between June and September. The weather is more sunny and warm.

The average cost for a guided tour is about $2000. But you can do it for less than $1k with the company I used to Climb Mt Elrbus , details in the link .

DIFFICULTY RATING: 7 /10

Mount Kailash Pilgrimage, Tibet

More than just a trekking tour, Mount Kailash is a deeply numinous place known to be sacred for four religions so it waltzes into my top 25 Best treks in the world. For anyone looking for a good physical hike and an incredible spiritual experience, this one is my personal recommendation. The journey takes you from the lush green valleys to the snow-capped peaks and pristine blue lakes.

The average altitude is about 5000m, which makes it challenging and a true test for the body and spirit. But, when you see some of the pilgrims walking up the rough terrain barefooted, you will surely feel motivated to complete the journey. Don’t forget to visit the legendary Manasarovar Lake, which lies about 47km southeast to Mt.Kailash. It is believed that the holy water of this lake has the magical power to cleanse your past sins. You can stroll along the shores of this enchanting river or enjoy a meditation here. 

In Tibet, China. You fly straight to Lhasa. 

April to June and mid-September to early October. Try to avoid July and August (rainy season).

$1500- $2000.

Arctic Circle Trail, Greenland

You will not find a better way to explore Greenland’s unique backcountry than the 160km-long Arctic Circle Trail. This legendary trek from the ice sheet to the sea is hard to resist. The wilderness seeker in you is sure to find happiness in the fresh air, wide landscapes, and the wondrous Greenlandic beauty. There are no cars, buildings or stress (and nearly no people too). It is just you sinking into the wonderful vibe of nature.

The long hike gives you room for spontaneity and freedom. You can explore the wilderness, bring your lightweight fishing gear, and get some fresh dinner or take some awesome wildlife photographs. The nights will be spent in small huts or tents, with the magnificent Northern lights shining above on the starry sky. What more do you need?! 

Located in Greenland. Take a flight to the Kangerlussuaq International Airport. Most hikers start the trail directly from here.

7-12 days (depending on the route).

The peak hiking season is from late-June to mid-September.

A guided hike will cost you between $2500 and $3000. 

GR 20, Corsica (Spain)

A trek across the rocky, rugged spine of Corsica sounds fun, right? Unfortunately, it is the toughest long-distance trail in Europe. The  GR20 route starts from the pretty village of Calenzana near the northern coast and goes all the way down to Conca in the southeast. The trail traverses Corsica diagonally from north to south. Hiking this long-distance circuit involves two phases. The first one is more physical because of the steep and rocky paths.

The second one takes us over the Coscione plateau and its lush green meadows. This change in topography gives us a different challenge each day- from hiking and scrambling to ridge walking. As the hike progresses, the island starts to reveal more of its enchanting beauty. The  Mediterranean sunshine, alpine valleys, and the perched mountain villages add more charm.

In Europe. Land in Calvi, the closest airport. From there, you can take a bus or cab to Calenzana.

5 to 7 days (can vary from hiker to hiker).

June to September. July-August can be hot. So, be ready for that.

Between $800 to $1000.

Snowman Trek, Bhutan

Need a hiking challenge?! The Snowman Trek is considered as the toughest trek in the world. This is mostly because of its altitude, duration, and distance. In fact, far more people climb Everest than finishing this alpine adventure. With that being said, now let’s talk about the good stuff. The trek takes you along the border of northern Bhutan and Tibet, passing through thirteen Himalayan mountain passes.

You will get to see the jaw-dropping mountain views from the Jumolhari, Masangang, Jichu Drake, Gangkar Puensum, and other magnificent mountain peaks. Bhutan’s spectacular landscapes and rich, traditional heritage will be part of your hike everyday. You will be able to visit the magical Buddhist monasteries clinging to the cliff sides and also pass through secluded Bhutan villages.

In Paro, Bhutan. You can get a flight to Paro International Airport from Singapore. 

March to May and September to November.

During peak season, it can cost you up to $7000. But, if you are visiting off season, it will be less than $5000.

Rim to Rim, Grand Canyon, USA

There is no surprise why the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim hike is in every adventurer’s bucket list. As the name suggests, you have to descend from one side of the rim, make your way across the majestic Colorado River, and then climb back up the other side. It is thrilling, exhilarating, and truly an experience of the lifetime. Hikers usually start from the North Rim and move along the North Kaibab Trail.

Passing through the eleven layers of ancient rocks containing the two billion years of the Earth’s history is both a mesmerizing sight and a knee-bounding hike. Climbing out of the Canyon through the Bright Angel Trail may not feel easy for you at first. But, the pleasant shade and the captivating view from the massive cliffs make your experience more enjoyable. As you finally stand there on the South Rim, you will surely feel that fulfilment of seeing the Grand Canyon in all its glory.

In Arizona, United States. Fly into Las Vegas. You will get a bus from there to the North Rim. 

2-3 days. Although most well-conditioned hikers complete it in just 12-15 hours

May, September or October.

The total expense will be less than $1200.

Appalachian Trail 

Anyone up for an epic 14-states-long hike? Let me tell you a little about the spectacular Appalachian National Scenic Trail. If you are looking for a thrilling trail to hike, you will not find one more worthy than the marvellous AT. It began as a vision by forester  Benton MacKaye and now is a destination for ‘thru-hikers’. You can explore mountain summits, river valleys, and some of the most beautiful vistas on the East Coast.

Among the 26 named mountains and knobs that make up the trail, three are the most important ones: Tray Mountain, Blood Mountain, and Springer Mountain. Because of the length and the time required to complete it, most of the people split it into small weekend hikes. Whatever be your preference, it is undoubtedly one of the most popular and longest point-to-point trails you will ever experience. While some enjoy the untamed wilderness, others find thrill in conquering the entire mighty Appalachian Trail.

The trailhead is at Springer Mountain in Georgia. Fly into the Atlanta airport and then take a shuttle or bus to Gainesville.

5-7 months (Yes, you heard it right).

DISTANCE: 

March-September. Start between April and May for the best conditions.

On-trail costs can range from $4000 to $6000

Laugavegur, Iceland 

If you have heard that Laugavegur is the most captivating long-distance trail, then the rumors are true.  Spread across the vibrant and scenic landscape of southern Iceland, this highland adventure is a pure sensory overload. According to folklore, it is said that the landscape here was created when the Norse god Thor stuck his hammer. There is no doubt about that.

The sceneries of this place are so breathtaking that it is indeed a gift from the gods. As you progress through the diverse and magical landscape, you will see vibrant yellow rhyolite mountains, isolated hot springs, black sand beaches, and majestic canyons. Combine that with Iceland’s long summer days and it is sure to capture any adventurer’s heart. The nights are blessed with starry skies and you will be rejuvenating in your cosy mountain huts, munching on delicious Icelandic treats.

In South-West Iceland. Take a flight to Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. From there you can take a bus to the trailhead at Landmannalaugar.

Easily accessible during April- September. It is better to wait till mid-July to stay clear of any harsh winter.

Less than $1500.

West Highland Way, Scotland 

West Highland Way is your ticket to explore Scotland’s breathtaking highlands and native wildlife. The journey takes you through a myriad of landscapes from farmlands to moors and mountains. You will walk through the castle ruins of Mugdock Country Park, enjoy the spectacular loch views on the shores of Loch Lomond, and cross the boggy moorlands of Rannoch Moor.

The zig-zag climb up the rocky ridge of Aonach Eagach (also known as the Devil’s Staircase) will give you a panoramic view of the entire terrain. Don’t forget to visit a traditional whiskey distillery to have your well-deserved dram of Scotch. The hike ends at Fort Williams under the foot of Ben Nevis (Britain’s highest mountain).

WHERE IS IT AND HOW DO YOU GET THERE?  

Located in Scotland. The nearest airport is Glasgow Prestwick Airport. Regular buses or trains are available to reach Milngavie.

 7-8 days.

Between April and October.

Guided tours can cost upto $1400. If you go for a self-guided hike, then it will cost you less than $1000.

Lycian Way, Turkey

A unique blend of Mediterranean landscapes, wild hinterland, stunning coastline, and Turkish culture. The Lycian Way has everything to pull you in. The Tekke Peninsula juts into the Mediterranean at Turkey’s southern coast. It is from here that the mountains rise and stretch into the rugged backcountry. As you hike to higher elevations, you will notice more pine and strawberry trees. They make up a major portion of the forestry in this region.

Hiking and history seem to go well together on this trail as it takes us through the ruins of Lycia’s rich ancient cities. The golden rays of the evening sun splash shades of yellow and orange over these cultural artefacts. The traditional boat-building yards and small fishing villages add more beauty to the bevvy of sights. The magic of the Lycian Way is not just in rock climbing and finding new paths. It is more about enjoying nature and history.

In Turkey. Fly into Dalaman. You can take a bus to the western trailhead at Fethiye.

5-30 days to complete the entire trail.

In the spring (March-May) or in the fall (Sept- Nov).

On a tight budget, you can complete the trail with less than $1700.

Alta Via 2, Italy 

A trip to one of Europe’s most dramatic mountain ranges can be more than just exciting. Trekking Alta Via 2 on the Dolomites is a true adventure.  From its limestone peaks, sheer cliffs, and sparkling alpine lakes to deep, narrow valleys, the trail takes hikers across the Italian mountain range from north to south.

The trails also hold a bloody history from the days of World War II. During the time of the fierce battle between the Italian and Austro Hungarian forces, a portion of the route enabled troops quicker access to the front line. However, don’t get the impression that AV2 is an easy shortcut. It is physically demanding and filled with high altitude passes, exposed traverses, steep scree slopes, and narrow rocky gullies. But, let me assure you that it is all worth it. It is the most exhilarating way to experience the Dolomite’s breathtaking landscapes.

In Italy. Take a flight to Innsbruck. You can get a bus or train from there to Brixen.

Mid-June to late September. 

Between $1700 and $1900

Shinetsu Trail

More than an adventure vacation, trekking is an exploration of the history and culture of a place. The Shin-etsu trail that runs along the Sekida Mountain ridge is exactly that. It is relatively a new trekking route. Beech trees are most common and the long, well-grown ones form a corridor of green along the path. It welcomes you to discover the stunning beauty of the Satoyama landscapes and experience the local culture and hospitality.

Along the way, you get to visit the legendary sites where samurais and ninjas used to train and practice. (Too bad they don’t take in disciples anymore. I would have definitely given it a try). Change in seasons evidently affects the trail’s surroundings. Each season gives us a different atmosphere and trekking experience. This makes the hike an immersion into the intrinsic beauty and mountain culture of Japan.

Located in Japan. Fly into Tokyo and get on the Shinkansen super express train to Iiyama. 

For an experienced hiker, it will only take 4 days.

June, July, September and October.

Less than $2000.

Ciudad Perdida  at Teyuna

Tombraider meets one of the Best treks in the world. Remember those epic adventures from the books and movies? Here is one that you can have in real-life. Hidden in the lush green jungles of Columbia, there is a secret site that was swallowed by the forest for more than 1,200 years. People call it ‘Ciudad Perdida’, the Lost City. Speckled with gold, jewels, and human sacrificial sites, the epic ruins of this magical city were not open to the public until the last few decades.

Even today, reaching this remarkably concealed gem is not an easy task. You have to trek your way through the dense forest, cross rivers, steep hills, bug bites, and the tropical heat. Besides that, there is only one trail in and out. So, you will have to retrace the whole path. But for me, that is all a fair trade-off for the unbelievable landscapes and the incredible feeling of adventure.

In Santa Marta, Colombia. The nearest major airport is at Cartagena. From here, you can get a bus to Santa Marta.

Visit between December and March to avoid the harsh tropical heat.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? 

With a guide (compulsory), about $350USD

Sierra Nevada del Cocuy

Colombia has more secret hiking gems than you know and the Sierra Nevada del Cocuy trail is one of them.  A National Park right in the heart of Glaciers, lakes, and unique panoramic landscapes, Sierra Nevada del Cocuy is wild and rugged. This is in part because of the 23 snow-capped peaks that protect the vibrant and impressive eco-region. The mountains also provide a home for the local indigenous communities.

The land and glaciers are sacred for these communities and their efforts have kept this trail as one of the quietest, most authentic places in all of Columbia. You will find a new sense of love and compassion towards nature from them. Currently, there are three open trails available here for hiking- Ritacuba, Laguna Grande and Pulpito. All of them are short and need only a day to complete. Reaching the mountain slopes can be easy for most casual backpackers. However, getting to the peak mostly requires professional skills and gear.

In Boyacá, Colombia. Fly into Bucaramanga. Bus services are there, but it is better to get a taxi from there to Sierra Nevada del Cocuy.

4 days to complete all three trails. 

Each hike is about 19-20km long.

December, January, and February.

Around $1000

My favourite mountain in the world, Puncak Jaya . Puncak Jaya is one of the seven summits ( what are the seven summits?) , being the highest mountain in Australasia. Due to the price, and remote location, it’s reported that less than 1000 people have ever climbed Puncak Jaya! In far eastern Indonesia, requiring a few flights and a helicopter, climbing Puncak Jaya is a once ina lifetime experience. You can read about me climbing Puncak Jaya here .

I’m doing my blogging best here! Normally it’s up to $20kUSD (Yup!), but I didn’t want to pay that, so I sourced the Indonesian provider directly, who can do it for around $7,500. Mention my name and he might give you an even bigger discount (the info is in my Puncak Jaya article here )

WHERE IS IT?

In Indonesia, on the border with Papua New Guinea. You fly to Bali and then connect (and connect, and connect!). It’s in the middle of nowhere. 

DIFFICULTY?

The climb is technical, so it’s probably a 7/10. But if you include the remoteness, and cost, then probably a 9/10.

I want to include this on my list of the Best Treks in the World for 2 reasons:

1) When you’re a tourist in Japan,it’s a great addition to your Japa itinerary as it’s beautiful and manageable and it’s affordable

2) More importantly, it holds amazing memories for me personally as I climbed it with my 70yo mother, to raise $20,000USD for ‘Cure Parkinsons’, a condition she suffers with. It was a truly amazing experience. You can READ ABOUT IT HERE . 

To do it independently, with trains for Tokyo, a night in a tea house on the mountain then it’s about $200. With a guide, it’s about $1k. 

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

You can beast it in one day with an early start, but better to do 2 days/1 night. 

HOW TO GET THERE?

Fly to Tokyo, then less than a 2-hour train/bus to Fuji

For my 70yo mum, with Parkinson’s, she trained for 6 months, and it was a 10/10. If you’re under 50, and fit, you can do it without training at a 4 or 5/10. 

The highest mountain in South America (and all the America’s for that matter), Aconcagua sits just shy of 7,000m. I had my worst travel experience here when I trained for months to climb Aconcagua , paid thousands of dollars and failed on my Aconcagua expedition in 2018. Heartbreaking . I went back the next season, paid and trained again, and finally summited Aconcagua in January 2020, 13 months later. Yaaay!

In Argentina, you fly to Mendoza. The start point is a day drive from there. 

With a Western Operator, it can be $10k! I use a Russian operator, and it can be as little as $2900 ( all the details are in my article here ) 

Trekking Aconcagua isn’t for beginners. It’s high altitude. It’s multiday (2 weeks). Difficult for an average person would be 9.5/10. 

Remember, never travel without travel insurance! And never overpay for travel insurance!

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I use SafetyWing for my digital nomad insurance. It covers me while I live overseas. It's just $10 a week, and it's amazing! No upfront fees, you just pay week by week, and you can sign up just for a week if you want, then switch it off and on whenever. You can read my review here , and you can sign-up here !

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Man went on three-day trek to find 'Pablo Escobar's abandoned drug plane' and shared what he found inside

In 1966, a cargo plane carrying a large shipment crashed in the yucatan peninsula near the town of celestun in mexico.

Lucy Devine

A man who went on a three-day trek looking for 'Pablo Escobar's abandoned drug plane' has shared what he found inside the wreckage.

Over on the Fearless & Far YouTube channel, Mike Corey and his team ventured deep into the jungle in Mexico on a three-day trek to find the aircraft .

And what they found could provide clues about what happened.

In 1966, a cargo plane carrying a large shipment crashed in the Yucatan Peninsula near the town of Celestun in Mexico.

The plane was only discovered 13 years later, meanwhile authorities still aren't aware of what actually happened to the aircraft, or the fate of its crew and passengers.

When it was discovered, the cargo that should have been in the plane was mysteriously missing.

Surrounded by mangroves, the plane is almost impossible to reach. In fact, the Peninsula is known for being super challenging, as well as being home to some pretty scary creatures, including poisonous snakes that reside in the shrubbery.

Although there are rumours that the plane belonged to Pablo Escobar - and was carrying drugs - this has never been confirmed.

Setting off to see what they could discover, Mike comes face to face with a snake just hours into the journey.

He says in the video: "We knew this adventure was going to be intense, but right now we're trying to hop over legs bare foot... we don't know what kind of snake that was.

"The s**t we do for adventure.

"It's spooky... it's all just a net of spikes and hooks."

Eventually, after three days of trekking through rough terrain, Mike and the team reach the aircraft, which is buried deep in the mangroves.

"That's it! We found it!" says Mike.

"It kind of feels like a mountain peak. So happy we made it."

After looking around the plane, Mike found that the pilot's seat, steering wheel and window were all still intact, meanwhile the top of the plane appeared to be littered with bullet holes.

While the inside of the aircraft was pretty much empty, the team found some barrels near the wing, which they believed could have been 'cocaine barrels'.

"Maybe they were shot down, maybe there was another problem," said Mike.

"I'm assuming what happened was they crashed, didn't die and they tried to make it back and died in the forest.

"Or, they got rescued in a helicopter, there's no cargo on this now, it mysteriously disappeared.

"The mystery is unsolved."

Esobar was 44 when he died in a gunfight with Colombian police and DEA agents back in 1993 .

Topics:  Drugs , News , Pablo Escobar , YouTube , World News

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20 Best Treks in the World

Last Updated on September 4, 2024

From Kilimanjaro to K2, here is a curated list of the best treks in the world, ranked on difficulty level.

The best treks in the world are no walks in the park. But they’re sure to challenge you physically and mentally, while amplifying your view of a country.

Without further ado, here are the 10 best treks in the world (based on research and my own opinions).

They have been ranked on difficulty level – from #20 coming in as the easiest all the way to the hardest trek at #1.

Best Treks in the World

Table of Contents

• 20. The Fitzroy Trek – Patagonia, Argentina
• 19. Pays Dogon – Mali
• 18. The Camino de Santiago – Spain
• 16. The Long Range Traverse – Canada

14. Inca Trail – Peru

13. w trek– torres del paine, chile.

• 12.  Mount Kailash Pilgramage, Tibet

10. John Muir Trail – California, USA

9. overland track – tasmania, australia, 8. tour du mont blanc – france, italy and switzerland.

• 7. Laugavegur Trek – Iceland
• 6. Mount Roraima –Venezuela
• 4. The Appalachian Trail – United States

2. K2 – Pakistan

Travel resources, 20.  the fitzroy trek  –  patagonia, argentina.

Avid hikers should definitely add the Fitzroy Trek to your Argentina itinerary if you are planning to explore Patagonia. The route leads you from El Chaltén to Laguna Eléctrica, through some of the most beautiful landscapes in South America.

Though the Torres del Paine in Chile is the most popular route in Patagonia, the Fitzroy trek is a worthy contender for being the most beautiful. With jagged peaks and unique rock formations, it is easy to fall in love with the scenery here.

The Fitzroy Trek is suitable for less experienced hikers and is a nice alternative if you are intimidated by the Torres del Paine in Chile . The trails are clearly marked and the terrain is flat and constant. 

• Distance: 26 km
• Duration: 1 Day
• Level of Difficulty: 2 /10
• Best Time to Go: Year round
• How to: Join this 9-day Patagonia trekking trip to experience the Fitzoy Trek in Patagonia.

19. Pays Dogon  –  Mali

A site whose beauty has awarded it a UNESCO world heritage title , the Dogon region of Mali is one of the most beautiful regions across the entire African continent.

Trekking here leads you through lush green fields and across the arid plains of the Sahel. You’ll get to see African villages where locals live in mud huts and perform masked dances as part of their traditions.

The Bandiagara escarpment is no doubt one of the highlights of trekking in Pays Dogon . Entire towns and mosques have been carved into cliff faces and survived until today.

Treks can take anywhere between 1 and 3 days depending on your personal level of physical fitness. With numerous villages scattered around the region, there are many appealing detours that let you combine a cultural experience with the great outdoors.

• Distance: 20km
• Duration: 1 -3 days
• Level of Difficulty: 3/10
• Best Time to Go: November – January
• How to: Few companies offer this trek. Dogon Vison is a local company that comes high recommended.

18. The Camino de Santiago  –  Spain

The Camino de Santiago has been an important pilgrimage route for Christian followers ever since the Middle Ages. It traces the route where the remains of St James were carried from Jerusalem to his final resting place – Santiago de Compostela.  

You do not have to be a devout Christian to enjoy this route. The Camino de Santiago   has eight different starting points, meaning that you can select a preferred route depending on your interests.

The 750km trail leads you through Spanish countryside, beautiful vineyards and hundred year old towns. Accommodation options along the trail are plentiful and varied so whether you are a backpacker on a budget or you prefer a little more luxury. 

Upon completion, you will receive a ‘Compostela’ for your efforts – a certificate from the pilgrim’s office in Santiago de Compostela.

• Distance: 750km
• Duration: 30 Days
• How to: Most people do the Camino de Santiago trek on their own, but operators like Follow the Camino can organise it for you. 

17. Routeburn Track – New Zealand

The Southern Alps is an easy hop away from New Zealand’s adventure hub, Queenstown. Known as the best trek in New Zealand, the Routeburn Track traverses wild and scenic mountain country.

It runs between the Hollyford and Dart Valleys at the base of the Southern Alps. Passing through two national parks – Fiordland and Mount Aspiring on the South Island of New Zealand – the trail leads you through a variety of landscapes.

From mountainous peaks to pristine lakes and cascading waterfalls, it’s an inspiring way to get deep into the back country. Undoubtedly, you’ll be seeing the best that New Zealand has to offer while enjoying peace and tranquility away from the crowd and technology.

• Distance: 32km
• Duration: 1-5 days
• Level of difficulty: 3/10
• Best time to go: October to April
• How to: Join G Adventures’  New Zealand South Island Multisport tour .

16. The Long Range Traverse  –  Canada

The long range traverse is arguably Canada’s best trek. It leads you on an unmarked, backcountry trail from Western Brook Pond, through the Long Range mountains before ending in Ferry Gulch.

The trail is relatively undisturbed with moose, caribou and black bears likely to be the only other beings you encounter along your journey.

Although the length of this hike may not seem like anything out of the ordinary, the challenge of navigating your way along is nothing to be sniffed at. 

• Distance: 35km
• Duration: 3-4 days
• Level of Difficulty: 9/10
• Best Time to Go: May – September
• How to: Book with Gros Morne Outdoor Company for a guided trek.

15. The Lost City of Teyuna  –  Colombia

Peru’s Inca trail is often at the top of most bucket lists, however Colombia’s Ciudad Perdida trek leads adventurers to a lesser known, yet equally majestic ancient city. 

Nestled deep within the jungle, atop the northern slopes of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, is the lost city of Teyuna. The city was built by the Tairona civilization approximately 650 years before Machu Picchu was constructed and was home to over 10,000 people. 

The Lost City Trek gives a strong sense of mystery and remoteness. Though Teyuna is only several hours away from the romantic beach resort town of Palomino, it feels like venturing into a different country altogether.

The trail leads you through lush emerald jungles occupied by tribes who watch on inquisitively as you pass by their thatched houses. It’s also a relatively short trek that you can easily add to your Colombia itinerary .

• Distance: 44km
• Duration: 5 Days
• Level of Difficulty: 4/10
• Best Time to Go: December – March
• How to: Book this Colombia trip with G Adventures to combine the Lost City trek with a trip to the Caribbean coast.

To get to Macchu Picchu – the world famous archaeological site in Peru – the best way is on this 3 or 4-day trek. The Inca Trail brings you through sacred ancient sites, rocky paths, and imposing mountain passes.

Lauded as the best trek in the world, this was said to be the same route that the royal Incas used to take to weave through the Andean mountains. It certainly is the best way to visit Machu Picchu .

The trek usually starts from Cusco, Peru’s historical crown jewel , and costs around US$350, including all meals, porters and camping facilities. Feast on views of white-tipped mountains and experience the magic of walking from one cliff-hugging ruin to the next.

There are high chances of getting altitude sickness as you’ll be trekking above 3,000m most of the time, so pack some Diamox and go slow. Some say chewing coca leaves help too. Check out other things to do in Cusco here.

• Distance: 43km
• Duration: 4 days
• Level of difficulty: 5/10
• Best time to go: May to September
• How to: Join G Adventures’ 7-day Inca Trail

The Torres del Paine National Park is located in Chile’s Patagonia region, between the Andes Mountain Range and the Patagonian steppes.

It’s best known for its soaring mountains, electric-blue icebergs that cleave from glaciers and golden pampas (lowlands) that shelter rare wildlife such as llama-like guanacos.

The three granite towers from which the park takes its name and the horn-shaped peaks called Cuernos del Paine are some of its most iconic sites.

The best way to explore this region is on the W Circuit, a 100km, 5-day trek. This can be easily added to your two-week Chile itinerary . But if you have more time, check out the longer O Trek, a loop that brings you to the backside of the mountain. Read my detailed guide to Torres del Paine Chile .

• Distance: 100km
• Duration: 4-6 days
• Best time to go: December to March
• How to: Join Intrepid’s 10-day Patagonia Trekking trip that includes the W Trek.

12.   Mount Kailash Pilgramage, Tibet

A sacred site in many religions, Mount Kailash is such a popular pilgrimage site that the sacred site is often crowded with pilgrims. Buddhists, Hindus, Bons and Jains are seen clutching their prayer beads and murmuring prayer chants as they pay their respects.

According to Hindu beliefs, the top of the 22,000 foot peak is where Shiva meditates. Though ascending to the peak of Mount Kailash is strictly forbidden, walking the 32 mile trail that encircles it is an important pilgrimage.

But trekking in Tibet isn’t a walk in the park. The trek brings you on some steep paths, difficult passes, and high altitudes as you quickly ascend to 5,600m. Even the most experienced trekkers are prone to altitude sickness.

• Distance: 52km
• Duration: 1-2 days
• Level of Difficulty: 5/10
• Best Time to Go: May – October
• How to: Explore Tibet runs a 17-day Mount Kailash Pilgrimage Trek .

11. Toukbal Circuit  –  Morocco

Located just a few hours away from the red city of Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains is a popular day trip from Marrakech .

The region is home to Mount Toukbal – the highest peak in North Africa which stands proud at 4,167m. Ascending to the top of Toukbal’s peak is relatively straightforward as it is a gradual ascent.

The Toukbal circuit leads you around the circumference of Jebel Toukbal – past valleys, through Berber villages and along the foothills of the snowcapped mountains. The journey is pleasantly broken up by the opportunity to sip mint tea with locals or to camp beneath the stars .

For a more rewarding experience, combine the trail with a Sahara desert tour .

• Best Time to Go: April – May, September – October
• How to: Join G Adventures’ 7-day Mount Toukbal Trek .

Easily the best hikes in California , this long-distance trail – named after the famous naturalist John Muir – runs 340km in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California.

Between the northern end of Yosemite Valley and the southern summit of Mount Whitney, it passes through Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park, two of the best national parks in USA .

The vast majority of the John Muir Trail is situated within designated wilderness and lies almost entirely at or above 8,000 feet (2,400 m) in elevation. The trail has been described as America’s most famous trail and one of the best treks in the world by numerous publications.

A permit is required to hike the trail, so obtain one from the national park before you start your trek. Excellent way to combine some hiking with a California road trip !

• Distance: 340km
• Duration: 3 weeks
• Best time to go: July to September
• How to: Join this 22-day trek with Grand American Adventures .

The rugged wilderness of Tasmania is most accessible on the 80km Overland Track. The well-defined path passes craggy mountains, extensive forests and moorlands in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

Those who want more can take numerous detours that lead to waterfalls, valleys and more summits including Mt Ossa (1,617m, 5,305ft) – the tallest mountain in Tasmania.

This is easily the most famous trek in Australia, and something that every trekker in Australia attempt at least once in their lifetime. Avid hikers should definitely try to include the Overland Track in their Australia itinerary .

• Distance: 65km
• Duration: 5-6 days
• Best time to go: October to May
• How to: Tas Walking Co offers guided Overland Track adventures .

The imposing Tour du Mont Blanc is a high-altitude trail that goes anti-clockwise from France to Italy to Switzerland, then back into France for an ascent to the beautiful Lac Blanc.

The trek, affectionately known as TMB, covers 10,000m of ascent (that’s 1km more than climbing Everest from sea level)!

It’s no easy feat, but it will reward you with jawdropping views of glaciers, tumbling valleys and, of course, Mont Blanc itself.

Refuge life is also one of the fun elements of this trek and most trekkers spend the night in refuges that dot the route. What they lack in space and comfort, they make up for with food, company, and sunsets.

• Distance:   170km
• Duration: 8 days
• Level of difficulty: 6/10
• Best time to go: June to September
• How to: Join other like-minded people on G Adventures’ 10-Day Mont Blanc Trek.

7. Laugavegur Trek  –  Iceland

The 55km Icelandic trail that extends from Landmannalaugar to Skóga demonstrates the very best of Iceland’s natural beauty. It traverses along scenic valleys, isolated hot springs, black sand beaches and the colorful mountains.

The landscapes here were said to have been created when Thor – the Norse God of thunder, struck down his hammer. Indeed, the scenery is so breathtaking that even non-believers will see it as a gift from the gods.

The Laugavegur trek lets you experience some of the most remote places in Iceland , such as Emstrur, Hrafntinnusker and Alftavatn. You’ll also get up close and personal with Eyjafjallajokull – the infamous Icelandic volcano that caused chaos across Europe in 2010.

Should the volcanoes along this route erupt again, the trail could be closed or altered forever and so it’s best to cross it off your hiking bucket list soon! I would recommend combining the trek with a road trip on Iceland Ring Road .

• Distance: 55km
• Duration: 5 days
• Level of Difficulty: 6/10
• Best Time to Go: April – September
• How to: Book a 4-day Laugavegur Trek with Guide to Iceland.

6. Mount Roraima – Venezuela

Rising high above the fog and the clouds, Mount Roraima looks almost ethereal and other worldly. Described as a “floating plateau”, it is without a doubt one of the most beautiful mountains in the world.

The Mount Roraima trek offers a plethora of options based on your experience. The 400m cliff walls are scale-able only by experienced mountaineers.

The good news for hikers is that there is also a ramp-like trail which leads to the top. It  leads you past stunning natural waterfalls, through the lush greenery of Canaima national park and along the Guyana mountain range.

For centuries, indigenous tribes have occupied the area and the region has held significance in their stories. Tales of spirits and supernatural beings echo through history.

• Distance: 45km
• Duration: 6 days
• How to: Book a 6-day Roraima Trek with Backpacker Tours .

5. Kilimanjaro – Tanzania

At 19,340 ft (5,895m), Africa’s highest mountain is a beast to conquer. Climbing Kilimanjaro brings you through virtually every ecosystem possible — glacier, snowfields, deserts, savannah, and tropical jungle — so make sure you’re prepared for the change in climate and terrain.

The diversity in the landscapes is what makes this one of the best treks in the world. There are six routes in total: with Machame and Marangu routes being the most popular.

Although Mount Kilimanjaro is known as a “walk-up” mountain, do not underestimate its risks. The overall statistics show that less than half of all climbers reach the summit.

For those who conquer it, the Kilimanjaro trek is often the highlight for many travelers in East Africa . For more details, refer to this excellent post on everything you need to know before a Kilimanjaro trek .

• Distance: range from 51-72km
• Duration: 5-8 days
• Level of difficulty: 7/10
• Best time to go: September to March
• How to: Choose from G Adventures’  Kilimanjaro treks .

4. The Appalachian Trail  –  United States

The Appalachian trail is one of the longest, continuous hiking trails in the world. Completing it is no mean feat and for every four hikers that attempt it, only one will see it through to completion.

The trail leads you through 14 US states – starting in Georgia and ending in Maine (or vice versa). It is a route only recommended for the most experienced trekkers. Not only is research and physical preparation imperative, so is mental preparation.

Some parts of the trail will see you scaling cliff faces in a treacherous vertical scramble. At some parts, you will be far from civilization for days at a time. Black bears, poisonous snakes and ticks carrying disease are found almost the entire length of the trail. 

• Distance: 3508 km
• Duration: 5-7 months
• Level of Difficulty: 8/10
• Best Time to Go: March – September
• How to: You can do it independently or book with the Appalachian Trail Adventures .

3. Everest Base Camp Trek – Nepal

Home to the highest peak in the world, Nepal is the best place to go for trekking enthusiasts.

There are numerous trekking routes to explore the Himalayas – the most popular being the trek to Everest Base Camp . This classic trek is suitable for hikers who have done multi-day hikes. There’s a certain amount risk involved as many hikers suffer from bronchitis and altitude sickness.

Dubbed by some as “the steps to heaven,” every bend in the trek provides a photo opportunity. Expect beautiful forests, Sherpa villages, glacial moraines and snow-covered glaciers.

Everest Base Camp Trek is named as one of the best treks in the world, for good reason. It will bring you literally to the top of the world. After setting eyes on Everest, you won’t look at our planet the same way again.

• Distance: 62km
• Duration: 13 days
• Level of difficulty: 9/10
• Best time to go: August to November
• How to: Book this 15-day Everest Base Camp trek with G Adventures.

A corridor of ice leads to the colossal peak of K2 (8,611m, 28,251ft), the world’s second-highest peak after Everest. K2 is known as the Savage Mountain due to the extreme difficulty of ascent.

It has the second-highest fatality rate among the world’s highest peaks, so don’t even think of attempting this if you don’t have the experience or fitness level required.

The K2 base camp trek begins by traversing along icy rivers then boldly continues to the guts of the glacier before leading to the granite pyramidal mountains including Paiju (6,610m, 21,686ft), Uli Biaho (6,417m, 21,053ft), Great Trango Tower (6,286m, 20,623ft) and ultimately K2.

This is definitely not for the faint-hearted. Pakistan is an absolutely gorgeous country, make sure you plan to travel around Gilgit-Baltistan, one of the safest and most beautiful regions of northern Pakistan.

• Distance: 90 km
• Duration: 15 days
• Best time to go: June to August
• How to: EPIC Backpacker Tours run a 21-day K2 Base Camp Trek .

1. The Snowman Trek – Bhutan

The Snowman Trek is considered one of the best treks in the world, and also the most difficult. It’s therefore suitable for experienced and fit trekkers only.

This high-altitude ball-buster crosses 11 passes over 14,000 feet along the Tibet-Bhutan border. Along the way you’ll visit magical Buddhist monasteries clinging to the sides of cliffs and pass through secluded villages.

Bhutan is a special country with outstanding landscapes and rich, traditional heritage that few countries can rival. To journey through the country on foot will be an even more special experience.

Bhutan is an expensive country to visit, as the government has stipulated a mandatory minimum tourist tariff of US$200/day, so be prepared to fork out quite a bit for the Snowman Trek.

• Distance: 328km
• Duration: 24 days
• Level of difficulty: 10/10
• Best time to go: October
• How to: Book the 30-day Himalayan Expeditions Snowman Trek.

Did we miss out on any spectacular trek? Which do you think are the best treks in the world?

Over the years (and traveling to 140+ countries), I’ve learned a thing or two about travel planning. I’ve put together this list of travel resources that I personally use to find the best deals and book travel! For more details, check out my travel tips resource page .

• Booking Flights : Kayak is brilliant for finding the best dates to fly as it allows you to search for the lowest airfares within a 3-day period. Then I use Skyscanner as they’ve consistently given me the lowest airfares.
• Accommodations:  I always use  Booking.com   to book hotels, mainly because of the flexible cancellation policy and good customer service. You can also find short-term rental apartments there (I prefer not to use Airbnb due to the extra charges).
• Travel Insurance:  It’s important to have travel insurance, regardless of whether you’re traveling for a few days or months. Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their Nomad Insurance plan , which covers any healthcare expenses I may have worldwide. Refer to my travel insurance guide for more details.
• Health Advice:  I always refer to the travel guides on the   CDC website  for recommended medications and vaccines. You can get them at your travel doctor’s office or a walk-in pharmacy.
• Tours:  If you’re looking for all-encompassing tours, I recommend small-group adventure tour outfitter, G Adventures . I’ve traveled with them to Antarctica, Mongolia, Svalbard, and Nepal, and loved every single trip. For day tours, I always book with  Viator  and  GetYourGuide ; they have easy booking systems and free cancellations.
• Car Rental: I always book car rentals on Discover Cars , as they’ve consistently given us the best rates and customer service (with free cancellations). We’ve used them in Seychelles, South Africa, Spain, Peru, and Mexico.
• Transportation : Whenever possible, I book local transportation online using  Bookaway and Busbud . They’re more reliable than many local transport websites and cover trains, buses, and car hire.
• Restaurants: TripAdvisor is my go-to resource for restaurant reviews and bookings. I also make restaurant reservations on OpenTable .

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Nellie Huang

Nellie Huang is the founder of WildJunket. Originally from Singapore, Nellie has traveled to over 150 countries across 7 continents. As an accomplished travel writer, she has written for BBC Travel, CNN and Rough Guides . She is also the author of five travel books, including the latest Lonely Planet's Mexico guidebook. Read more about her here and follow her on Facebook and Instagram .

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The Comments

This is an awesome list. In the US, the Wonderland Trail (Washington) and the Timberline Trail (Oregon) that are a bit smaller than the John Muir Trail. Plus I reckon Tasmania's Cradle Mountain is as nice as the Fiordland hikes In NZ. Less scenic, perhaps, but vastly more wallabies.

These look so amazing – and I dont have a single one under my belt – guess I better get trekking!

waitinginthedark

Will I live long enough to do at least half of them? I love the mountains and I love trekking… All 8 places are in my dream list…

Definitely! Have faith, start saving up and you’ll be on your way!

Great list again Nellie! I only did a bit of the Routeburn, but was there in winter and I couldn't go further without crampons. For those who are in Europe and like mountain walks, there is awesome stuff around Chamonix in the Alps, with a great social scene in town during the summer. Heading out there again this year and am very excited about it!

Now that you’ve mentioned, I’ve never done much trekking here in Europe, we do venture out to the Spanish countryside on weekends but hikes are usually short and easy. I’ll definitely keep a lookout on Chamonix, the next time we get there. Thnx!

I have a book called 'Top Treks of the World', edited by Steve Razzetti. I get inspired with the pictures just the way I do with the ones on your blog. Several of the treks you listed are in the book but there are a few interesting ones that I think most would enjoy – a trek through the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco, a hike on the Alta Via 2 in the Dolomites of Italy and one called the Lycian Way in Turkey. You can't beat the Alpamayo Circuit in the Cordillera Blanca of Peru either.

Hi Leigh, great suggestions there! I would like to read the book, sounds interesting. Yes, the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco – it’s pretty popular with travellers, haven’t done it though. Thanks for your insights.

Dave and Deb

We've done 3 of the Seven. Now you have given me a new goal. Complete the 7 on your list! The Torres del Paine trek looks absolutely stunning. That and Patagonia are high on our list in the near future.

Dave and Deb, if you want the best experience look at Active Adventures out of New Zealand. They have a fab tour that includes Fitz Roy in Argentina with the W in Chile. This is the best tour group ever.You will LOVE Patagonia!

I did the W circuit in Torres del Paine last October and loved every minute of it.I also trekked in El Charlten.Patagonia is just so beautiful.It is a must see destination for lovers of hiking.

I think Nepal is the best trekking destination. Not only annapurna base camp there are a lot of nice trekking routes.

Muhammad siddiq

Sir, You should visit Pakistan and Karakorum once as well. Pakistan has 5 above than 8000m high peaks including the king of mountainss (K2) and richest in having above 7000m (169) and 6000m (countless) high mountains in the world with the longest glaciers after polar region.

Regards, Siddiq

Awesome list Nellie! Do not mean to be a stickler, but the photo under Annapurna Base Camp trekking is actually from Everest region. It is surprising how these travelbots, presumed trekking companies, who commented on your blog did not catch that!!!

Great list! Wow Patagonia looks amazing! John Muir Trail is next on my list…I did some hiking in Yosemite a couple of years ago & it made me put JMT on my bucket list!

Nicole @ GGT

I have only walked one of these trail so far, John Muir, but Inca and Patagonia are high on the list! The rest look amazing too!

We also hope to go trekking in Patagonia soon! I recently got the chance to go to Ushuaia and did a day trek in Tierra del Fuego but wished I had more time to explore Patagonia.

Hiking @Nomads

I did the Annapurna Circuit and I can't wait to go back! Amazing

We really want to hike Annapurna, how was it? Did you spend two weeks on the trail?

Lovely list! We explored Swiss Alps and will be there in September for France, Italy and Switzerland trail.

So many of them should end up on my bucket list.. Thanks for the great list!

Lycia path in Fethiye/Turkey you must check it out

Thanks for the suggestion! A friend of mine walked the Lycia trail and it looked fantastic!

Marshall Stoner

I hope to check Lycia Way out next spring.

Last July I did an excellent trek in the Kackar Mountains of northeast Turkey. Very few foreign tourists know of this area. The scenery is rugged and stunning, almost comparable to the Alps.

You must be decently fit though as it is extremely strenuous. Several times you will climb 1000 meters over a 3000m pass and down the other side in a single day. Not many switchbacks either, the paths tend to go straight up. The scramble to the 4000m summit of Kackar is the most exhilarating part.

Great list, but what about the Narphu trek? Def my dream trek, I really like high altitudes and snowy mountain paths!

Once started, can not stop. Have done 5 of the list and going to do the O trek in Patagonia this March. Would be great if can catch up with some of you there.

From my experience, the photo of Mt Everest this page is taken from Tibet side. the view of Mt Everest may seem a bit remote on the EBC Naple side, but the trekking experience and scenery are …(no word to describe). You best to explore your own feelings.

Trekking gets in your blood and just stays there …… once I started that was it. Have done some on your list – The Overland Trail in Tasmania, The Routeburn Track in New Zealand, a tiny section of the Inka Trail in Peru and EBC in Nepal. All are amazing … I wish I had starting trekking much much earlier. Am planning Annapurna Circuit next, but Kilimanjaro, Mont Blanc and the whole Inka Trail are on my list. Gonna keep on trekking!

Great List and inspiring, but I have one suggestion: You should correct the photo you posted beneath the Long Range Traverse in Gros Morne. Gros Morne is in Newfoundland. The photo is of Moraine Lake in Banff National Park. The landscapes in these two parts of Canada are very different and their locations are thousands of kilometres apart.

Thanks so much for the correction Rebecca! I’ll make the change asap.

Stunning places on the list. Thanks for sharing.

Superb! Thanks for sharing.

Olivia M. Wade

I spent a half-day hiking the John Muir Trail (one of the best hikes in the US ). In 5 hours I saw four people in total. The trail is relatively flat and meanders alongside wide rivers, through open meadows (Tuolumne Meadows), shady forests – always within sight of grand, imposing mountains all around. The trail is very well marked and maintained. Good maps are advisable and are available at nearby ranger stations/visitor centers. Be sure to bring ample water and snacks/food depending on the desired length of your hike. Lots of great spots to rest along the trail and plenty of excellent photo ops. A real gem of a hike.

Awesome write up.

There is one that is not here that is also awesome. You should check out Mafadi in South Africa it’s their highest point.

Great list but surprisingly none from Indian Himalayas… There are many beautiful and challenging treks in India – Chadar Trek – Leh, India, Kashmir Great lakes, Sandakfu Trek in Sikkim, Roopkund Trek etc to name a few which I have done.

Greg Christensen

Tour Du Mont Blanc is worthy, no doubt. Equally in Alps is the Haute Route, ending at Zermot with a jaw-dropping view of The Matterhorn. Very nice list, including a couple I had not heard of.

Karna Bahadur Puri

perfect !! I guess you forget to mention Annapurna base camp it is worth trekking Annapurna with magnificent views all across the route.

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