The Hikes Highlighted In The Book

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A bucket-list hike for many, this adventure takes you high into the stunning mountains of Nepal. The trail to the base of the tallest mountain in the world is infused with Buddhist spirituality — from prayer stones lining the way to colorful flags billowing off of suspension bridges. Accommodations are in simple tea houses where, over delicious meals, you will meet trekkers from around the world. Finish your adventure by watching the sun rise over the peak of Everest and know you will never be the same.

This hike is for those who love something completely off the beaten path. Aniakchak is one of the least visited parks in the United States, and this hike takes you through barely explored mountains into the caldera of an active volcano. Experience otherworldly lava formations as you hike grizzly paths along vibrantly colored thermal rivers. 

Taking you through three countries on one trek, the Tour du Mont Blanc boasts some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. Each day brings you over mountain passes where you can marvel at the magnificence of the alpine wonderland below. Enjoy the opportunity to stay in quaint mountain huts and eat three distinctly regional cuisines — this is a hike that is not to be missed.

Tasmania is a truly enchanting landscape, and while traversing its delicate ecosystems via wooden boardwalks, you will see unique flora and fauna set against the backdrop of imposing mountains. Pass your time on trail trying to spot kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, and wombats and spend your evenings sleeping under the most beautiful expansive night sky.

On this trail, you are surrounded by the splendor and stillness of the desert. Starting off in Jordan’s largest nature reserve, the trail takes you through spectacular mountains and carved valleys until you reach one of the world’s wonders at the hike’s end– temples and tombs carved into pink sandstone cliffs 2300 years ago. Walking through the ancient remains of Petra, you are transported into an ancient civilization of unimaginable resplendence.

Patagonia holds the honor of being one of the most gorgeous mountainous regions in the world for a reason! Every day on trail takes you through dreamy landscapes — from alpine lakes to massive glacial seas to ancient forests. Add to this the opportunity to see the magnificent torres, or towers— formidable rock formations standing boldly on a mountaintop — and this is a hike that will permanently imprint itself in your heart. 

This hike is repeatedly named the most beautiful walking routes in Ireland. It takes travelers along oceanside cliffs, through miles of sandy beaches, and over a holy mountain, showcasing historic sites along the way. Hiking along the Dingle Peninsula, you can experience Irish hospitality in quaint bed-and-breakfasts while sampling a well-deserved local whiskey at the end of the day’s adventure.

Being one of only two UNESCO-recognized pilgrimages in the world, the Kumano Kodo journeys through the Kii Peninsula south of Osaka, taking you through forests of towering trees, mountains of extraordinary beauty, and ancient shrines sheltered by the forest. Stay in traditional Japanese ryokan, experiencing authentic culture and delicious food. End the trek at a stunning  Buddhist shrine built next to one of the tallest waterfalls in the country.

Less popular than the Camino Frances, these two routes along the famed Camino de Santiago take you through Spain for more than 200 miles to Santiago de Compostela. Along the way, you will encounter medieval villages, epic cathedrals, and historic sites that enrich the spiritual quest to reach the remains of Saint James. Through mountainous landscapes and rustic towns, this adventure engages all the senses as you experience the bounteous beauty of Spain.

Slovenia is known as the Switzerland of the east, and for good reason. This green and mountainous country offers travelers a fairytale experience with its charming towns, impressive churches, and epic mountains. Hiking in the Julian Alps affords you stunning landscapes filled with flowers, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls — and glorious solitude. While there, challenge yourself by summiting Triglav, the highest peak in the country, and see just how gorgeous Slovenia can be.

This trail was created to honor the 300-year anniversary of Liechtenstein, the sixth-smallest country in the world. Taking only three days to complete, the trek takes you the length of an entire country where you will see medieval castles and historic landmarks. A phone app will provide historical information each time you reach a relevant site. End your evenings drinking local wine and sampling regional cuisine.

The Appalachian Trail is the United States’ first long-distance hike, created in 1937 to allow hikers to trek from Georgia to Maine. Walking the AT through the Smoky Mountains, you will stay almost exclusively above 5,000 feet for the entire seventy-plus miles, enjoying some of the most stunning scenery the south has to offer. By hugging the spine of the tallest mountains in the park, the AT consistently impresses with its jaw-dropping views and endless mountain vistas.