Travel fills and brightens life. And hiking is the most romantic way to travel. After interesting and intense trekking, a person returns to normal life with a huge supply of physical and mental health. New impressions and a favorable, strengthening effect on the body make people go on hiking tours again and again.
RussiaDiscovery offers interesting trips across Russia, to the most amazing places in Russia. Are you dreaming of seeing the Putorana plateau? Do you want to touch the mysteries and beauty of Altai? Would you like to climb magnificent peaks and enjoy the grandeur of the mountain landscape? We offer routes that we ourselves are sincerely inspired by.
Active holiday weekend
A number of programs are designed in such a way that the trip takes place during the holidays. Outdoor activities are the best way to fill your little vacation with events. A full journey and exciting impressions remain in the memory.
We propose to spend New Year's weekend in Altai, meet Christmas with adventures in the Caucasus. On spring holidays you can go with your children on a trip to Crimea. A variety of programs will allow you to find a package that will match the dates of your vacation. Contact our managers, they will help you choose the best option.
Variety of routes and activities
The presented tourist trips in Russia include such territories as:
- Altai,
- Kamchatka,
- Kola Peninsula,
- Siberia,
- Caucasus,
- Crimea,
- Far East,
- putorana plateau,
- Chukotka,
- Yakutia
- other.
Trekking tours in Russia provide for a rich active recreation program, which may include:
- Camping with tents;
- Boat trips on small boats and rafting;
- Acquaintance with the culture of the peoples of the area;
- Excursions to historical monuments;
- Moving by off-road vehicles;
- Visiting recreational areas;
- Horse routes;
- Climbing mountain peaks
- and so on.
Combined tours involve a combination of several types of outdoor activities within one program.
Trekking conditions
Accommodation and meals are included in the tour price. Depending on the specific tour program, this can be accommodation in hotel rooms, in a cabin in the forest, in a tent camp or even in a catamaran cabin.
The program is thought out in such a way that the journey is not just an exhausting transition.
However, each walking tour presented on the site has a special mark about the difficulty level. In our list you can find both extreme tours, such as "Primordial Kamchatka", and tours in which you can take children from 8 years old with you.
All the basic equipment required for hiking: cars, boats and equipment are also included in the price of the tour.
One of the most effective ways to get to know the city and plunge into its environment is walking route... In our case, this is an independent walking route in Moscow. Hiking can be considered optional, because there are ways to get to know the city externally and learn all its most significant sights in a few hours. There are many such ways in Moscow. for example tourist bus, which will take you around the center of the capital in two hours. You can sail through the very center of Moscow on a pleasure boat, thanks to the Moscow River bed for the opportunity to enjoy all the most significant sights of Moscow. By the way, we have already done it.
But neither the bus nor the river walk will allow you to stop where you liked or unexpectedly change the route or completely interrupt it. But the walking route gives such an opportunity, it remains only to decide where to start and where to finish. In addition to the walking route along the historic center Moscow or walks around the Kremlin, we have chosen a route involving the following sights in order of passage:
- Europe square near Kievsky railway station
- Novodevichy Convent
The length of this walking route in Moscow 3-4 km, in time it will take 2 hoursf.
Europe Square in Moscow
Our route starts at Europe Square. It is located right in front of the Kievsky railway station, in the center of the square there is a fountain called "The Rape of Europe".
The square near the Kievsky railway station was renamed in honor of the fountain installed here. People with a living imagination, probably, will be able to see here the ancient Greek plot of the abduction of Europa by Zeus, but we did not succeed. 
By pedestrian bridge Bogdan Khmelnitsky, we pass from the right side of the Moskva River to the left. For ease of movement, the bridge is equipped with escalators, and in some places from the covered part of the bridge you can go out into the open air and admire the wonderful views of the Moskva River and the city of Moscow. 
By the way, it is from this pier at the Kiev station that it departs. 
Crossing the river, we find ourselves in the Khamovniki area, along which we have to make the lion's share of the walking route. And we will start with a walk along the Savvinskaya embankment. We walk on it for 1.5 km. Therefore, if you want to pass the time or go for a ride with a breeze, you can rent a bike, there are a lot of such stations in the center of Moscow, and there is a stand near each with directions from other stations and instructions for renting a bike. 
Novodevichy ponds
From Savvinskaya embankment, we go to Novodevichy Prospekt, on the right side of which is the Novodevichy Ponds Park. This place is named after the Novodevichy Convent, which is located here. The place is very pleasant. Here you can make the first rest on our journey. To sit on a bench and feed the ducks, for this it is better to have a piece of bread with you, and for the squirrels that we meet later, it is better to stock up on nuts. 
From here you can see the view of the Novodevichy Convent, namely, the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior in the Novodevichy Convent. This church is at the gate and was built in late XVII century. 
On the bank of the Bolshoy Novodevichy Pond, there is a sculptural group called "The Way for Ducklings". It is named after an American children's book. Exactly the same monument is located in the USA in Boston, and this one was presented by Barbara Bush in 1991 as a gift to Soviet children. From here you can see the Savvinskaya Tower of the Novodevichy Convent and the tops of the domes of the Cathedral of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God. 
In this photo, to the already listed buildings of the Novodevichy Convent, the Naprudnaya Tower of the Novodevichy Convent is also added, it has a rounded shape, in contrast to the square Savvinskaya. 
Two Novodevichy ponds are separated by a small bridge, behind which the walls of the Novodevichy cemetery begin. 
We go out to the Khamovnichesky Val street and move along it to the Moskva River. This path will take another 2 kilometers. But the road will not seem difficult and at least in some places you will have to cross the carriageway, in general, the route runs along well-equipped squares and alleys. 
Among the most diverse tourist destinations of the world, a special place is occupied by hiking routes for those who like to overcome obstacles, stop for the night in tents, be alone with the majestic nature, wander sacred places and just walk. Find out about the most interesting hiking trails in the world, and you may want to take these routes.
1) Mount Kailash, Tibet
Suitable for: Yogis and anyone seeking spiritual enlightenment
Distance: 50 kilometers
Legendary climber Reinhold Messner once received a reward in the form of permission to conquer Kailash, a mountain that is considered sacred in 5 religions. According to Hindus, a beautiful pyramidal mountain with a height of about 6700 meters is located on the spot where the god Shiva sits in meditation. This mountain is considered sacred by Buddhists, adherents of Jainism (one of the Indian religions) and the Bon Tibetan religion. Messner decided that it was not worth conquering the peak and paving the way through the holy places, where no man's foot had gone before. When the Spanish mountaineering team planned the climb in 2001, Messner warned that the summit was too difficult. The summit of Kailash has remained unconquered to this day, although the Chinese government has begun building a road on the site of the sacred pilgrims' trail called "kora".
Although the mountain itself is a forbidden place, traveling 50 kilometers around it is considered an important ritual. Although Kailash is a mountain that is inaccessible to climbers, it attracts many pilgrims who come here to find grace. Along the way, you can find ideal sites for meditation practices at the waterfalls, the sacred cave of Zutal Puk, the Dolma la Pass at an altitude of 5600 meters.
When to go: April to September. A large number of companies offer tours that can provide a trip to Tibet and then to Mount Kailash.
For the initiated: After crossing the crust, take a dip in the waters of the nearby Lake Manasarovar. This lake is one of the highest mountain lakes in the world, it is located at an altitude of about 4600 meters above sea level. Hindus believe that the lake has the ability to cleanse bathers, bathing in this lake is the final stage of the sacred path of pilgrims.
2) Israel National Route, Israel
Suitable for: Those who enjoy long-distance hiking with visits to ancient and modern historical sites.
Distance: 900-1000 kilometers
The Israel National Trail (INM) traverses a vast desert where biblical landscapes can be encountered as well as everyday life modern Israelis (it is possible to make stops from cities such as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem). However, aside from immersing yourself in history, this route will help you connect with what is often overlooked in descriptions and titles - the majestic beauty of the untouched places of the Middle East. In the south, the trail intersects with the Negev Desert, which is still home to Bedouin nomads. Long-horned Nubian goats can also be found here, and in spring the desert is filled with the scent of wild flowers. Not much water can be found along the way, although the route passes through many wetter places.
The path begins in the north of the country to Lake Galilee, then runs to the Mediterranean Sea along the beaches of Tel Aviv and heads south across the country to the Red Sea city of Eilat, with stops at many interesting points.
OSI certainly allows tourists to see all that is of great value to Jews and Christians. Along the way, they will be able to make a real ascent of Mount Tabor to a height of 588 meters. It was at this mountain that Barak mentioned in the Bible defeated the army of Sisera, the commander of the Hazor king Jabin. The heights of Mount Carmel are sacred to Jews and Christians, as well as to Ahmadiyya Muslims and adherents of other religions. More modern historical sites will also meet, for example, the Metzudat Koach memorial, built in honor of the 28 soldiers who defended the fortress during the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict. This memorial is a reminder of the still existing tension between Israel and Palestine. National route still remains safe and far from hostilities. The locals are happy to welcome tourists to their kibbutzim, showing good hospitality.
When to go: Spring (February to May) is the best time to start your journey. Remember, however, that summer in Israel is particularly hot.
Shortened path: The route is divided into 12 smaller sections, each of which includes a lot of interesting things, so if you cannot cover the entire route, you can shorten the route.
For the initiated: The greatest blessing can come in the form of "angels of the way" who offer a helping hand. These are real people who are ready to help tourists completely disinterestedly.
3) Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa
Suitable for: Professional travelers. The route along the Drakensberg ridge requires excellent preparation and familiarity with travel in Africa from tourists. Although many non-professionals can benefit from the help of guides.
Distance: 65 kilometers
The Zulu people of Africa call these mountains uKhahlamba, i.e "barrier of thorns". Dizzying vertical mountains of volcanic basalt rise above ancient sedimentary rocks. Drakensberg Mountains - the highest mountain range in South Africa, which is crowned with the Amphitheater - a stone wall 1 kilometer high and 5 kilometers long. This mountain range forms the natural border between South Africa and the state of Lesotho, and the Drakensberg Mountains Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The path through these stunning landscapes begins with large upward staircases that climb to the very top of the mountain range on the Mount-aux-Sources plateau, where the Tugela River throws its waters from a height of 950 meters and splits into 5 waterfalls, forming the second highest waterfall in the world. The path leads across the plateau, from where you have a wonderful view and where you can come across the huts of the Soto shepherds. Further along the way, you can see many beautiful places, waterfalls and rivers until you reach civilization and a mountain hotel Cathedral Peak Hotel.
The Drakensberg Mountains are also full of caves. One of them is aptly named the Rat Hole, as those who are claustrophobic should not go there. Other caves are quite large, such as Cannibal Cave, which was a refuge for the Bushmen who were pursued by the Zulu and white settlers. They left artwork on the walls that illustrate their connection to these unique mountains. Drakensberg Mountains is one of the most important archaeological sites on the continent. Having visited these caves, you can feel the eternity of these places.
When to go: March to May.
Shortened path: The Mont-aux-Sources plateau trail spans 20 kilometers, and you will have to climb a chain ladder on this route. This journey will take a full day. The path to the Tugela River takes another long day, during which you will need to cover a distance of 21 kilometers to reach the second highest waterfall. The Cathedral Peak can be reached from the Cathedral Peak Hotel (another 10 kilometers on foot).
For the initiated: The most popular campsites attract petty thieves, so you should be careful and stop at tourist centers or rent huts. It is also not a good idea to travel alone.
4) Cinque Terre Park, Blue Trail, Italy
Suitable for: Families (if traveling with children is tiresome, you can take a train part of the way), romance seekers, Europhiles and elderly travelers.
Distance: Approximately 11 kilometers between 5 towns directly on Sentiero Azzuro ( "Blue trail"). You can lengthen and complicate your journey, sometimes turning off the main route.
Ever since Rick Steves, author of the Cinque Terre Park Guide, enthusiastically described the charm of the area, the site has grown in popularity and has become one of the most desirable tourist destinations in Europe. The Blue Trail, also known as Trail 2, is the most famous trail that thousands of tourists walk along. The trail connects 5 picturesque villages and towns - Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore - located on the coast Mediterranean Sea... Despite the huge influx of tourists, the charm of these places has not been lost. These towns have preserved the old spirit. Vernazza is particularly reminiscent of a fairytale town, with colorful little buildings crowding at the water's edge.
The Blue Trail runs along the rocky coast of the Ligurian Sea, which in some places is so steep that you can only walk here. The trail passes by vineyards and offers stunning views of the cities and mountains. The sun, the smell of wild herbs, the sound of the sea - all this creates a romantic aura that will touch even the most insensitive cynics.
The Blue Trail has a large number of different forks, small trails that climb up the slopes and where you can hide from crowds of noisy tourists and see what many cannot see. You will not waste your time. The secret of this trail is not at all to enjoy the walk, but dolce far nient - "delightful idleness"which you can enjoy when you get to the village and can sit back and relax with a glass of cold white wine from the grapes you saw along the way.
When to go: Spring, but especially autumn, is the best time, as fewer tourists come there and it is not so hot. In summer there is intense heat and an unusually large number of people, especially in August.
For the initiated: If you have not made a reservation in advance and decided at the last moment to rent an apartment or a hotel room, the city of Corniglia is better suited for an overnight stay, since it is located not by the sea and there is more free places... It is also located midway, which is also handy if you split your trip into 2 days.
5) Yoshida trail, Fuji volcano, Japan
Suitable for: Anyone who wishes to take part in the cultural tradition of the Japanese.
Distance: There are actually several trails to the top of Mount Fuji, but the most popular, the Yoshida Trail, is 13 kilometers long.
Many hikers who prefer to hike will say that the trek to the top of Mount Fuji is one of the easiest trails in the world. Mount Fuji is 3776 meters above sea level and is the highest point in Japan. Moreover, this mountain is conquered more often than any in the world. 300 thousand people climb to its top annually. Getting there is very easy, as the 4 main transfer points on the way to the summit can be reached by public transport from Tokyo.
On the way to the top, you can stop at a cafe and eat noodles, or sit by the fire in a hut, but if you want to watch the sunrise from the top of the volcano, you will most likely be accompanied by thousands of fellow travelers, of which only one third are Japanese. You may not be able to enjoy the virgin nature, but at least take a cultural journey that happens once in a lifetime. Remember the Japanese proverb: "You will be smart if you climb Mount Fuji once, and a fool if you do it again."
When to go: Officially, the season runs from July to August. There are fewer tourists in June and September, but cafes may be closed during this time, and public transport is much less frequent. In winter, climbing Mount Fuji requires climbing equipment and special training.
For the initiated: You won't be able to escape the crowds, but if you take some of the lesser-known trails, you have a chance that there will be far fewer fellow travelers. For example, one of these trails is the Gotemba Trail, which reaches 16 kilometers in length and allows you to climb to an altitude of 1440 meters.
6) Santa Cruz Way, Cordillera Blanca Mountains, Peru
Suitable for: Climbers and hikers, those who want to learn more about the Inca roads, as well as those who dream of climbing to great heights, but do not want to go to the Himalayas.
Distance: 50 kilometers or more
While the Himalayas attract more attention from those who want to climb as high as possible, the Cordillera Blanca mountains in Peru offer an equally fascinating journey closer to the sky, while they are less boring than the usual Asian routes to mountain peaks... Also, this trip can be a great alternative to the hike to Machu Picchu, where a sea of \u200b\u200btourists flock along the Inca roads. The Cordillera Blanca mountains have one peculiarity - this ridge contains the richest collection of giant peaks in the Western Hemisphere. There are 33 peaks, reaching a height of 5500 meters, and 16 - more than 6000 meters, including Mount Huascaran (6768 meters), the most high mountain in Peru. The mountain range is 20 kilometers wide and 180 kilometers long.
There are many epic trails that wind between these subtropical, icy mountains, but if you follow the Santa Cruz Trail, you can see all the highlights in just 4 days. This is the easiest way to climb high mountains, to experience what a great height is.
The journey begins in the lovely town of Huaraz, often called "The hiking capital of Peru"... Here you can hire a guide, or get to know the same adventurous souls, or learn about some other routes.
When to go: April to September. At this time, the weather in the mountains is suitable for walking.
Shortened path: There are many day walkswhich also start in Huaraz. You can reach amazing blue waters mountain lake Laguna Churup, which is located at an altitude of 4450 meters, 10 kilometers from the city.
For the initiated: In Huaraz in a cafe Andino you can drink coffee, meet like-minded people and find out detailed information about the condition of the trail, as recent landslides have blocked part of the Santa Cruz trail.
7) Hayduke Trail, Utah and Arizona, USA
Suitable for: Lovers of solitude, dedicated travelers who are ready to be alone in the wild for several months, fans of ginger stones who would like to explore this area on short hikes.
Distance: More than 1300 kilometers, divided into 14 sections.
Named for the writer, advocate environment, Edward Abbey, Hayduke Trail crosses six of Colorado's remarkable Plateau National Parks: Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, and Zion. The trail climbs 3,480 meters up Mount Ellen near Capitol Reef and then dives to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Along the way, you will be surprised by the beauty of the Grand Staircase, a natural formation made up of layers of sandstone and limestone, bare rivers in the area that can tell the geological history of ancient oceans and sand dunes.
Along the way, travelers will come across countless amazing structures created by nature itself, from unforgettable views of the Grand Canyon to the mysterious ruins of the Dark Canyon. Hayduke is called "the path" only in a figurative sense. Most of this path has no definite signage, as the path leads through narrow gorges and wilderness.
When to go: Spring and autumn are the best times as the summer is too hot and the water supply is severely depleted. In winter, this path will be difficult because of the snow.
Shortened path: The entire path is divided into 14 separate sections, which you can follow gradually, or choose only one specific section.
For the initiated: This trail intersects with many highways and dirt roads where you can stock up on food.
8) Laugavegur Route, Iceland
Suitable for: Volcanologists and hikers who wish to admire the wild beauty of Iceland.
Distance: About 80 kilometers.
One of the most popular hiking trails in Iceland was closed when the Eyjafjallajökull volcano erupted in spring 2010, blocking all air traffic over the Atlantic and Europe. In fact, the first eruption took place in the area between the Eyjafjallajökull glacier and the larger Myrdalsjökull glacier, bringing part of this hiking trail, which makes it especially magical, under volcanic lava. When the volcano stopped erupting, the route was changed in the same year. The new route turned out to be even better: it was possible to visit the new twin craters Magni and Modi, which got their name from the names of the sons of Thor, who skillfully handles the hammer of the god of thunder. However, the chance to see what remains after the recent volcanic eruption is not the only thing that attracts tourists to these places.
A quarter of Iceland's population claims to believe in elves and other fairy-tale characters, and if you walk through the fields of solidified lava and see the mountains that meet along this route, you will probably start to believe in them too. These intricate landscapes with the ice caps of two glaciers and the stretching North Atlantic on the horizon will blow your mind. The road goes deep into Tormerk, a park where you can find very few trees, which are very rare in these places. On the way, you will find well-equipped huts and many local residents... The final section of the trail leads to the village of Skogar and the gorge, where one falls after another, including the stunning 60 meter high Skogafoss waterfall. If the volcano does erupt, then this route will be closed again or changed, so it is worth going to Iceland before it's too late.
When to go: From late June to mid September. According to Icelandic tradition, this route should be set off during the summer solstice, so closer to these dates you will be accompanied by fellow travelers. Indeed, this route became so popular that it was named Laugavegur, after Reykjavik's main boulevard.
Shortened path: You can cover only 20-25 kilometers, cross Tormerk Park and walk to Skogafoss Waterfall. The hike will take about 1 day.
For the initiated: Despite the remote location from major cities, in summer there are regular flights buses from Reykjavik to the starting point of the route.
9) Way of Saint James and Way of the French Kings, Spain
Suitable for: True pilgrims and tourists who want to walk around Europe.
Distance: 760 kilometers
The Way of St. James or the road to the cathedral in the city of Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain, where according to legend is the tomb of St. James, during the Roman Empire and in the Middle Ages was a trade route. All who followed this path were not necessarily believers, the path is quite popular today and is considered one of the best hiking trails in Europe.
There are many roads leading to the holy place, many of which are well maintained, but the most popular among tourists is the Route of the French Kings, which is read in France in the city of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, runs through the Pyrenees and leads to the heart of Galicia with stops in cities such as Leon and Pamplona. The latter city is famous for the bull races in July.
As there are many tourists on the road of the French kings, and it is included in the list World heritage UNESCO, it is well supported, and along the way there are even special signs that symbolize the pilgrimage. The many hotels and free access to food allow you to rest along the way and not experience problems with food and water. It is very pleasant to stop in some small town along the way, listen to the stories of pilgrims, and enjoy a glass of local wine. If you walk at night, do not forget to look up at the sky: St. James's path runs parallel to the Milky Way.
When to go: In spring and autumn, these places are not so hot and fewer tourists come here. Better not to hike in August when all of Europe is on vacation.
Shortened path: The English road is usually taken by pilgrims who travel to Spain from England and then walk to Santiago de Compostela. This path is much shorter, its length is only 70 kilometers and it begins at port city A-Coruña.
For the initiated: If you really want to travel this path for religious reasons, you should get a pilgrim's passport, which is a kind of discount card, allowing you to pay less for accommodation and food along the way.
10) Continental Divide Route, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, USA
Suitable for: Devoted hikers. Shorter routes can also be selected.
Distance: 3,650 kilometers, 1,340 kilometers not yet completed
The Continental Divide route runs through the United States along the rocky mountains, from New Mexico to Montana. Unlike its eastern cousin, the Appalachian route, the Continental Divide is quite complex and partially unfinished, it requires tourists to wade through the forest thicket, wander along muddy roads, and also bypass some places in roundabout ways. Unfortunately, the organization that sent volunteers to pave the road and maintain the route closed its doors in December 2011 due to financial problems.
Wild untouched nature is the soul of this route, the path runs through the Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. In some parts of the route, you will be breathtaking, especially when you get in the way of the high, impassable cliffs of the Indian Peaks Nature Reserve in Colorado and the Rocky Mountains National Park. Elsewhere on the route, you'll find the flat Red Desert of Wyoming.
When to go: Choosing the right time to travel is very important in a region where snow can block the way at any time of the year. Most of those who hike this route start in New Mexico in the spring with the hope of reaching canadian border before the storms begin.
Shortened path: There are many opportunities for shorter trips on the Continental Divide route. The best sections of the path are in Montana, where the road runs through the protected areas of the Centennial Mountains and Italian Peaks.
For the initiated: To avoid tedious detours, the Continental Divide route community has created a route that does not match the official route.
11) Bibbulmun Road, Australia
Suitable for: Anyone from families with kids to brisk walkers looking to get to know the people of Southwest Australia
Distance: Approximately 1000 kilometers from the city of Kalamunda to Albany on the southern coast of Australia.
Unlike the Appalachian Trail in the United States, Bibbulmun Road in Australia is a relatively young hiking trail. It was developed by a local traveler who wanted people from cities to be able to retire to the countryside and enjoy the beauty wildlife... The route was opened in 1979, but was not fully completed until 1998. However, this route is based on a rather old Australian tradition - the hiking trails that Aboriginal Australians still undertake today often take months.
Bibbulmun is the name of the aborigines of these places who still live here. The route will allow you to find yourself alone with nature, see flora and fauna that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
The route starts in the town of Kalamunda, near Perth and runs through eucalyptus forests, where, however, you can meet snakes - the symbol of Bibbulmun. Snakes such as the Australian spinytail and the tiger snake are often found here, carelessly basking in the sun or silently gliding through the forest thicket. Along the way, you can also encounter such rare creatures as the numbat or marsupial anteater, which is a cross between a marten and a possum, as well as the black-tailed marsupial marten, a carnivorous marsupial that is threatened by the locals. Along the banks of the Donnelly River, 80-meter curry eucalyptus trees are home to colorful lorises that scream shrilly in the treetops.
Besides the wildlife, there is a social aspect to this route. In the overnight camps, you can meet backpackers from all over the world, as well as Australians who want to get out of stuffy cities and wander the continent for weeks in order to better understand themselves and the unique places in which they live.
When to go: From September to November, when spring comes in Australia, or in the fall (March to May). This is the best time to travel. Those looking to travel from north to south should start in the spring to avoid the summer heat. And for those who want to go from south to north, it is better to go in the fall, so as not to meet with winter frosts.
Shortened path: It is easy to start your hike from any stretch of Bibbulmun Road. You can walk for 1 day or less. If you are looking for a short trip, the Donnelly River walks are best.
For the initiated: It is worth taking the time while traveling to visit the towns that you will meet along the way, or located nearby. For example, Pemberton has been developing wine production since it was officially named a wine region in 2006, so it's worth wandering around to sample the southwestern Australian Shiraz and Chardinne.
12) West Highland Way, Scotland
Suitable for: for everyone who loves to hike and wants to see the remote areas of the Scottish mountains.
Distance: 155 kilometers from Milngavie to Fort William.
Opened in 1980 as the first of Scotland's Great Tracks, the West Highland Trail heads into the heart of one of Scotland's harshest and most romantic landscapes. The road passes through the Scottish Highlands, which helped stop the onslaught of the Romans in ancient times and preserve the special national character of the Scots.
Sometimes this road seems very large, blown by all the winds, along the way you can admire rocky peaks and mountain narrow valleys, like Glencoe, climb the Devil's ladder, which is located in the Aonah Yagah mountains. The path also encounters the Rannoch Moor swampy plain and the beautiful tranquil Loch Lomond.
Along the way, you will find stops at local villages such as Rowardennan, where travelers can relax and spend the night in a warm bed, take a walk around the lake, or dare to taste the real Scottish haggis with a unique taste of local beer.
When to go: Scottish weather is notorious for being unattractive even in summer, but it's best to hike during the warmest months.
For the initiated: The path lies near Mount Ben Nevis. Although its visit is not included in the official part of the route, you can, if you wish, go to this attraction. The mountain is the highest point in the UK and stands at 1,344 meters above sea level.
13) Shackleton Route, South Georgia Island, South Atlantic
Suitable for: Researchers, travelers who have already been in the harsh conditions of Antarctica.
Distance: 35 kilometers from King Haakon Bay to the former Stromness whaling station, including a glacier trip.
Trapped in the ice of the Weddell Sea for more than 9 months in 1915, Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton and his team were forced to abandon their ship, the Endurance. Somehow, with the help of drifting ice, the team managed to get to Elephant Island by boats. From this island, part of the team (5 people) at their own peril and risk went for help. They had to overcome about 1520 kilometers along one of the most severe seas of the Earth and get to the whaling base on the island of South Georgia. Because of the storm, their boat was nailed from the other side of the island, so three of them had to go for help on foot, cross the entire island, its glaciers and mountains, and finally reach people. They did it miraculously.
Today, hikers can take the same route through South Georgia. This journey is truly legendary, along the way there are unpredictable icy mountains and crevices. Thousands of penguins and elephant seals congregate on the black sand coastline. This is a birdwatcher's paradise - countless species can be found along the way, including light-mantled smoky albatrosses, southern giant petrels and Arctic terns. The tour of South Georgia Island ends at the same location where Shackleton and his team reached help at the former Stromness whaling station, which is now abandoned and near it can be found Ghent penguins.
When to go: Antarctic summer starts on December 20 and ends on March 20, so this time is best for travel closer to the South Pole. Shackleton was forced to cross the island in May.
Shortened path: You can shorten your path significantly and walk about 5.5 kilometers in about half a day from Fortuna Bay to Stromness. This is the last part of Shackleton's journey.
For the initiated: Most likely, you will need the services of an outfitter, as such travel is very dangerous. Staying on the island is very expensive and almost impossible. However, there are so many people willing to walk along the Shackleton path that the British government has limited the number of groups to 100 people.
14) Shipwreck Coast, Olympic Peninsula, Washington, USA
Suitable for: Almost anyone. This is the easy way to good weather and an ideal backpacking trip for the whole family, as the "road" is actually most of the Pacific coast. Along the way, there are a large number of bodies of water left by the tides, as well as many surprises in the form of debris thrown ashore.
Distance: About 30 kilometers from the Rialto beach to the forestry "Lake Osette"... Further, the path continues for another 25 kilometers to the Shi-shi beach. The entire path can also be covered by commuter trainor by car along a 100-kilometer highway.
The Olympic Coast, which is located in the northwestern United States, remains the same as it was centuries ago - blown by all the winds, isolated, indented by the powerful waves of the Pacific Ocean, covered with massive logs and washed up on the shore of seaweed. All this will make your walking trip unforgettable and special, you will not meet built-up beaches and noisy resorts along the way.
However, these places are not suitable for snorkeling or riding the waves. They were nicknamed "The Coast Lost Ships"for good reason. Departing from Rialto Beach, you will soon pass by the Norwegian Memorial, which was erected in honor of the 18 young people who died here in the shipwreck Prince arthur in 1903, and then you come across the Chilean Memorial, the cemetery of a dozen other sailors who died in the shipwreck Wj pirrie in 1920.
Overall, however, this walk will not be sad. The beaches are part of the National Marine Reserve "Olympic Coast", which is full of life and very changeable: the ebb and flow of the tides form estuaries full of orange and purple stars, sea urchins, anemones and other living creatures between the coasts. Black bears and moose sometimes go to the beaches. Sea lions and seals make themselves comfortable on the sea's columnar cliffs. On the horizon, you can see whales emerging from the water. These giant marine mammals are an integral part of the Mako culture, a local people who still live in the northern part of the park and have the legal right to hunt whales from their cedar canoes. If you live in these places for a while, you will be able to plunge into the atmosphere of American life even before the Europeans arrived here.
When to go: You can meet unfavorable weather here at any time of the year, there is a lot of rainfall here. But in August and September, the weather is usually much better than in other months.
Shortened path: You can leave your car at one of the transfer points on the beaches of Rialto, Osette or Shi-shek and walk along the beaches as long as you like.
For the initiated: Raccoons can prove to be ruthless along the way. You should consider the best way to hide food at night.
15) GR 20, Corsica, France
Suitable for: Travelers who are not afraid of great heights and like to have a delicious meal in the evening.
Distance: 180 kilometers
An extraordinarily interesting European hiking trail Grande randonnées or, as it is often called, simply GR 20 is a hiking trail through the Mediterranean island of Corsica, famous for the birth of Napoleon. The island has very steep mountains, including the 2706 meter high Monte Cinto mountain that rises above the sea. Although many tourists come to this island mainly to bask in the sun on its famous fashionable beaches, many head straight for dangerous mountain routes.
Although officially Corsica belongs to France, the island has its own language, close to Italian, and its own culture. Locals often openly oppose the French government. This has led to terrorist attacks and killings over the years. However, there is no place for politics on tourist routes, here travelers from all over Europe meet, they all want to enjoy the beauty of the mountains, taste local unique cheeses and chestnuts at the end of each section of the path. Weary travelers can sip on local wines and head to warm beds for the night. All this makes the GR 20 route one of the most "elite" tourist routes in the world.
When to go: In summer. Prepare to be crowded in July and August, but fewer restaurants and hotels are open in June and September. There is a lot of snow here in winter.
Shortened path: If you don't have time for the entire journey, you can only visit Cirque de la Solitudewhere the road is so steep that travelers must hold on to chains in the rocks in order not to fall into the abyss. This is the most interesting part of the journey.
For the initiated: If you want to get an overnight stay in one of the hotels, you should start your journey early in the morning. But even if you are used to staying up late, you should not take too much food with you, because there is always a place to eat.
16) Copper Canyon, Mexico
Suitable for: Lovers of wandering through the gorges and canyons are tourists who want to enjoy the wildlife and get to know the local culture.
Distance: 65 kilometers and an altitude of 6100 meters.
The Copper Canyon includes several canyons in the Mexican Chihuahua Desert, which are formed by six rivers flowing into the Rio Fuerte River. Although none of these canyons are longer than the Grand Canyon in the United States, some are deeper. The deepest of them is the Urik Canyon, which has a depth of 1880 meters. Stretching over an area of \u200b\u200b40 thousand square kilometers, this region is much larger than its northern neighbor. Railroad tracks run through the canyons, and the locals of Tarahumara live in villages located in the most inaccessible places of the canyons.
The Copper Canyon, which is about 1500 meters deep, is the most the best place for hiking, especially thanks to thermal springs at its bottom, ideal for relaxing on long hikes. The route runs in places where rivers meet on the way, so you need to have the skills to cross such obstacles. Also, sometimes you have to take steep detours and use ropes. You can stay in local villages for the night.
The Tarahumara settled in the canyons long before the arrival of the conquistadors and still continue to live there, observing many ancient traditions. They are also renowned for their excellent barefoot running techniques. Tourists, of course, are unlikely to manage without good hiking shoes when traveling through the canyons. You should be aware of the small gift as a sign of respect to the locals.
When to go: This hike should be done during the off-season, when there are no extreme temperatures - from March to April or from October to November.
For the initiated: The great depth of the canyon gives rise to temperature fluctuations, so dress well. It can snow on one side of the canyon, and warm weather on the other.
17) Great Himalayan Way, Nepal
Suitable for: Thrill seekers.
Distance: The site, which is in Nepal, stretches 1,600 kilometers into the Himalayas. It is divided into 10 sections that are relatively easy to pass. The entire route can be completed in 4-6 months, if everything goes according to plan and the weather is favorable for the trip. If you apply maximum speed, the route can be completed in 50 days.
Although the concept of the Great Himalayan Way (GHP) is new, hiking trails in the mountains have been around for a long time. In fact, the VGP cannot be called a path, it is a performance that covers the highest mountain routes in the Himalayas through India, Pakistan, Tibet, Napal and Bhutan, which lead along existing mountain trails and ancient trade and pilgrimage routes. While it remains a concept in other countries, GVP has become a reality in Nepal: walking tour covers 1,600 kilometers and includes climbing 8 kilometer peaks, including Mount Everest. This route was first mastered by a group of tourists in 162 days in 2009. The grandiose idea of \u200b\u200bsuch a route should contribute to the development of responsible tourism in this country with such an unstable policy.
Along the way, you will meet the most famous peaks, but they will only act as a background. The real challenge is climbing and descending uneven terrain and climbing great heights. There is also the opportunity to see wildlife such as the endangered snow leopard, herds of blue sheep and Tibetan bulls on the rocks, and in the forests - takins and red pandas. Along the way there are many hotel huts, monasteries and tea cafes. These places have been inhabited for centuries by local residents - Shepras, and now thousands of Western tourists come.
When to go: In the highlands of the Himalayas, the weather is always unpredictable. April and October - best months for a hike. In summer, tourists should avoid the monsoon seasons.
Shortened path: Each of the 10 sections of the path can be traversed separately. The Annapurna and Mustang Trails, shadowed by giants such as Dhaulagiri (8167 meters) and Annapurna I (8091 meters), are the most popular trails in Nepal and will take you about 3 weeks.
For the initiated: If this route seems too intimidating to you, but you would still like to walk in Nepal and the Himalayas, try the Green Route, a parallel, lighter version of the VGP, where there will be no high mountain trails, and where you do not need to have the technical skills of mountaineers and depend on weather. In which case, you can easily deviate from the path, or go back.
18) Benton McKaye Trail, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, USA
Suitable for: Lovers of walking long distances.
Distance: 480 kilometers
It may seem strange that this long walking trail, which runs through the southern states of America, was named after a Harvard graduate who was a civil servant from the far north of the country. Benton McKaye, founder Wildlife lovers' societies, was the man who had the idea to found one of the largest hiking trails in America - the Appalachian Trail (AT). Officially, the Benton McKaye Trail was opened in 2005, already 20 years after his death, but on this route you can see a lot of what McKaye intended for AT.
This lonely, steep and sometimes foggy trail begins at Springer Mountain in Georgia and crosses National park Great Smoky Mountains, there are many nature reserves along the way. On this trail you will not meet crowds of tourists, as, for example, on the Appalachian Trail, but just a couple of your like-minded people who want to enjoy the beauty of wild protected places.
When to go: To avoid the summer heat, it's best to hit the road in spring or fall.
Shortened path: You can go on a hike, covering a distance of just 30 kilometers from Beech Gorge along the Charoala Skyway, capturing the Chitiko Creek and Joyce Kilmer Slicrock reserves in Tennessee and North Carolina.
For the initiated: Bring fishing rods with you. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to fish for native and invasive fish species, including rainbow trout, brook trout and American charr, as well as bigmouth bass, smallmouth bass and others.
19) Snowman Path, Bhutan
Suitable for: The biggest fans of extreme sports, well-trained and well-to-do travelers.
Distance: Over 320 kilometers, for about 25 hiking days. By law, you must travel under the supervision of a Bhutan Travel Company.
The Snowman Trail in Bhutan is the most challenging hiking trail on the planet. It has a length of about 320 kilometers, relatively little, but most of the route runs at very high altitudes - over 5000 meters, and the highest point you can climb along the way is Rinchen Zoe La Pass is located at an altitude of 5300 meters above sea level. At this altitude, the weather is very unpredictable and mountain sickness is a big problem. About half of those who start the ascent turn back before reaching the finish line. Plus, the road lies in the Kingdom of Bhutan, a constitutional monarchy that closely monitors tourists and requires a lot of money for every day of stay.
Despite all the difficulties, this route is one of the best routes in the world. Due to Bhutan's strict tourist policy, you will not find as many other tourists on the route as in Nepal. Instead, you will find yourself in an Asian kingdom far from Western society, where there is a lot of traffic and mobile phones.
The route passes by beautiful places, the city of Laya, the haven of the local people - the Layap people, as well as the village of Tanza at an altitude of 4,200 meters, where the accompanying persons exchange horses for Tibetan bulls to overcome the more difficult part of the route that awaits you ahead. You will climb to the very top of the mountains, hidden behind the clouds, at an altitude of 7 thousand meters above sea level. Bhutan receives more tourists today than before.
When to go: The opportunity to come to Bhutan is only available for a short time in October, sometimes in April. During this time, you will be able to avoid snowfalls and rains that block the path of travelers.
Shortened path: Way around mountain range Jomolhari with a maximum height of 7315 meters is a challenging journey that lasts a week. The Drak Trail takes 5 days and crosses the highlands between the city of Paro, which is home to the international airport, and the country's capital, Thimphu, which is known for having no traffic lights.
For the initiated: The government of Bhutan requires each tourist to pay US $ 250 for each day they stay in the country. This price includes accommodation and meals. Thus, in order to overcome the Path of the Snowman, you need to cook at least 8 thousand dollars. It is prohibited to walk around Bhutan on your own without being accompanied by travel companies.
20) International Appalachian Trail, USA, Canada, Greenland, Scotland, Spain, Morocco
Suitable for: Those who have already passed the American Appalachian Trail, but want to continue their journey around the planet, as well as avid travelers who have a passion for ancient geology.
Distance: The current hiking trail runs 3,000 kilometers from the endpoint of the Appalachian Trail in Maine to the endpoint of the North American Trail, Crown Head on Newfoundland Island.
MAT is an attempt to unite the primitive mountain rangethat crossed part of the Pangea supercontinent more than 200 million years ago before it split into several separate mountain ranges. What remains of those peaks in North America is today called the Appalachian Mountains in the United States. However, travelers know that this mountain range continues into Canada and beyond. Remnants of those mountains stretch from Labrador to Greenland, and then further on the European continent - in Scotland, France, Spain and even cross the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco. This route was conceived by former Maine Governor Joseph Brennan, who wanted to connect the cultures that share a common mountain range.
As a result, hikers can hike the longest route that spans the steep mountains of the Canadian coastline, elk and caribou habitats, as well as beluga whales and other migratory whales in the St. Lawrence River. On the way, you will meet cultures of both continents, places under UNESCO protection, for example, L'Ans-o-Meadows on the island of Newfoundland - the first refuge of the Vikings, who reached America 500 years earlier than Columbus. The northern part of the route to the town of Uummannak, Greenland, has been added to this route, and you will most likely need to take dog sleds at this stage of the journey. Interestingly, when you get to Morocco, the last country of the route, you will probably need to hit the road on camels. More than any other walking route, MAT is arguably the symbol of the globalism of the new millennium.
When to go: Of course, such a long journey will require many months of travel from travelers, but it is best to split it into parts and try to get on the route during the warmest season - summer.
Shortened path: An interesting part of the path awaits you along the Gaspe Peninsula, where one of the Canadian national parks is located. The route passes through the Chik-chok mountains, where travelers can climb over the valley of the St. Lawrence River, walk through wild forests east coast Canada.
For the initiated: The Chick Chok Mountains, located in the Canadian province of Quebec, are excellent places to spend the night and rest. There are even hotels with hot tubs and saunas.
Read more:
Once they make the decision to go hiking, most people get the hobby for the rest of their lives. It is difficult to say exactly why this is happening: the opinions of travelers differ, everyone finds along the way what he lacked for happiness. Here, in the bosom of nature, far from the benefits of modern life, people are actively engaged in self-knowledge, improve their moral and volitional qualities, learn to look at the world and their fellow travelers in a new way, begin to appreciate and enjoy every moment of life.
The capacious formula "the walker will master the road" is not just a beautiful phrase, it perfectly reveals the essence of one of the most popular types of outdoor activities - hiking... And the advantages of this type of active recreation are more than enough. Walking at moderate intensity is a sure way to avoid many health problems. Long walks improve body tone, stimulate muscle activity, improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system and lift your mood. Hiking is the best way to unite people, promote mutual assistance and develop a team spirit.
Hiking attracts both professional athletes and amateur tourists. In classic walking tourism there are six categories of difficulty, which are determined depending on the nature of the terrain and the duration of the route.
An important role in the multi-day hiking cross-country play physical training and technical equipment of a group of travelers. Many seasoned tourists, long before the onset of the tourist season, carefully prepare their equipmentto suit the planned route and anticipated weather conditions.
Adventure Club has developed hundreds exciting journeys for all lovers of active and educational recreation. A variety of hikes led by professional instructors allows you to go on a pilgrimage on foot for both the elderly and families with children with minimal training without the slightest risk. If you are unsure of your fitness, check out the car tours.
We offer tours to the most remote and interesting corners of our planet with various options for accommodation and equipment transportation. In a circle of like-minded people, you can fully relax from the bustle of the city, "conjure" by the bowler hat on the fire, sing songs with a guitar, capture stunning sunrises and sunsets in memory and in the photo, feel the unity with the surrounding nature, as well as get acquainted with cultural attractions and representatives of the animal world of the region under study.
