Lace up your boots, because we're going hiking. It's arguably one of the best ways to experience a destination – whether it's a short trek or a multi-day route, hikes bring you up close with cultural sights and natural attractions. And hey, you'll more than likely to meet a like-minded tramper along the way.
Time Out's network of travel experts and editors have walked all over the world to round-up a definitive list of the best places to hike. These encompass spiritual routes criss-crossing Spain and Portugal, 40-day sojourns through the Middle Eastern desert, and spectacular coastal trails atop dramatic sea cliffs in Hawaii.
But the mother of all hikes in Asia? The Nakahechi Route, or the Imperial Route of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kumano Kodo network. Walking the ancient pilgrimage route is a spiritual experience: you'll cross "mossy forests, mineral hot springs and centuries-old wooden shrines dedicated to 'kami' (nature spirits')", says Time Out Travel contributor Dana Cape. Our recommendation? Block out three to five days to complete this trek, and settle your accommodations along the route early because they book out fast.
One other hike in Asia makes it to the list, and it's another one from Japan. It's the Gotemba Trail, and if that sounds unfamiliar, then you can simply know it as the Mount Fuji summit trek. This 19.4km round-trip takes you to the top of one of the most iconic volcanoes in the world via "four main routes of differing difficulty ranging from 4,600 to 7,900 feet". Only attempt this hike in early-July to mid-September when mountain is snow-free (and safer to hike). Otherwise, this is one you can complete without a guide.
These hikes in Japan stand alongside other spectacular tramps like The French Way, Camino de Santiago in Europe and The Jordan Trail in Australia on Time Out's list. For all 20 best places to hike worldwide, top sights, and travel tips, check out complete round-up here. And if you're just interested in Asia, we have a handy guide to the most incredible treks in the region too.
These are the top 20 hikes in the world, according to Time Out:
- The French Way, Camino de Santiago
- The Lycian Way, Türkiye
- West Highland Way, Scotland
- The Nakahechi Route, Kumano Kodo, Japan
- The Great Ocean Walk, Australia
- Kungsleden, Sweden
- The Jordan Trail, Jordan
- Mount Snowdon, Wales
- Kalalau Trail, USA
- Dientes Circuit Trek, Chile
- Gotemba Trail, Japan
- Waitukubuli National Trail, Dominica
- Whale Trail, South Africa
- Wales Coast Path, Wales
- Mount Meru, Tanzania
- Ratikon High Trail Hut-to-Hut Circuit, Austria/Switzerland
- Coast-to-Coast Path, England
- Maria Island, Australia
- Paria River Canyon, USA
- Tour du Mont Blanc, Switzerland/Italy/France
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