The longest tourist route in the world. The most beautiful roads in the world are the best routes for traveling by car. Hokkaido Nature Trail, Japan

And on some hiking trails, you will have to endure not only a long journey, but also a high rise. In the latter case, it is better not to look down.

Stairway to Heaven, Hawaii

The Haiku Trail, or the so-called Stairway to Heaven, is a cult extreme route of 4,000 steps on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. It was made by the US military during World War II to reach the antennas located on the hills. Local authorities from time to time close the dangerous staircase, but there are no fewer people who want to climb it.

Source: newpix.ru

Shikoku Pilgrimage Route, Japan

On the island of Shikoku, all the beauty of ancient Japan has been preserved intact. Therefore, not only Buddhist pilgrims in conical hats walk along the road leading through the entire island, but also crowds of tourists. The route takes two whole months, and during this long walk you can see 88 ancient Buddhist temples with the most beautiful Japanese gardens. And also - to find peace in the soul and other places that do not give peace.

Source: triphints.ru

Inca Trail, Peru

The ancient road built by the Incas survived almost 6 centuries, and today local guides lead tourists along it. The road then dives into the jungle, then climbs high into the mountains, and at the end a real revelation awaits - the "city in the sky", the sacred habitat of the Inca Empire Machu Picchu.

Source: explorebyyourself.com

Sarek National Park, Sweden

Lapland, the land of the Snow Queen, boasts landscapes of fabulous beauty. You can get a closer look at its wild northern nature in the Sarek National Park. Here you will find the highest mountains in Sweden, rivers, glaciers, northern lights and an indescribable feeling of freedom.

Source: travel.obozrevatel.com

Lycian Way, Türkiye

Holidays from the category of "all inclusive" - ​​this is not all that Turkey has to offer. There is also the Lycian path, which can discover other wonders of this country: from the azure desert bays to the tombs in the rocks, which were left almost 3 millennia ago by the inhabitants of ancient Lycia.

Source: ezotour.com

Bay of Lights, Australia

The Bay of Lights got its name from the unusual color of the coastal cliffs covered with bright orange lichen. The four-day itinerary follows the coast, with its unrealistically beautiful views that you will not find anywhere else in the world: white sand, huge orange boulders and the azure ocean.

Source: smileplanet.ru

Land trail, Australia

The famous Australian route passes through the most beautiful places in Tasmania, past high mountain peaks, crystal-clear lakes, waterfalls and moorland. Wombats, echidnas, kangaroos and other funny local animals are included.

Do you have two weeks of vacation and a pair of sturdy boots? As well as the desire to break away from everyday hustle and bustle, test yourself, and just remember, what kind of real are you?

Then you need to pack up and go on a trekking trip that does not require special skills and special equipment. And the wind of wandering will blow out the accumulated garbage from your head, the body will feel the joy of overcoming difficulties, and the problems and difficulties of “ordinary” life will only cause a smile. And the desire to quickly overcome them in order to go on the next journey ...

I want to introduce you to the 10 best hiking trails in the world. The list is based on UNESCO, National Geographic, Lonely Planet ratings, as well as my own travel experience. In this article - a story about the first five.

Trek around Annapurna (Annapurna Circuit), Nepal

Route description

Perhaps the most exciting and beautiful walking route in the world. The path runs along the slopes of the Annapurna mountain range in Central Nepal. The highest point of the track is Thorong La pass - 5416 m. The length of the route is 211 km, duration is about 20 days.

The most famous part of the ring track is called "Jomsom Track", its length is 112 km (with a visit to Muktinath), travel time is 7 - 8 days. The most difficult section is the passage between the villages of Tatopani and Gorepani - the height of the daily ascent is about 1,700 m.

Attractions

• Stunning views of all the main peaks of the Annapurna massif, the peaks of Tilicho, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu
• Thorong La Pass
• The Muktinath temple complex, a sacred place of pilgrimage for Hindus and Buddhists, one of the world's major "centers of power"
• The deepest gorge in the world in the valley of the river Kali Gindaki between the peaks of Annapurna and Dgaulahiri. Relative height difference between the course of the river and the top of Annapurna - 5,570 meters
• Rhododendron forests in the vicinity of Tatopani and Gorepani

seasonality

The best times for trekking are April/May and September/October.

Inca Trail, Peru

Route description

This ancient walking route was laid by the Incas, and now thousands of tourists pass through it every year. The road starts in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and ends in Machu Picchu. The trail rises up and down from time to time, passes around the mountains, there are three passes for rest. The breathtaking view of the mountains in the clouds and the ancient history of this place make the Inca Route the most popular route in South America.

Travel duration - 4-5 days, route length - 43 km, maximum height - 4200 m.

Attractions

• Machu Picchu (in Quechua machu pikchu means “Old Mountain”) is a mysterious Inca city built in the middle of the 15th century.
• Archaeological sites of ancient Inca sites
• Gate of the Sun
• Sacred Valley of the Incas

seasonality

The best time to trek is between April and October.

GR 20, France (Corsica)

Route description

Route GR20 (Grande Randonnee 20, in translation - “big walk”) was laid in the early seventies and passes through the territory of Corsica, which the ancient Greeks called "Calliste" - "the most beautiful", and Homer in his "Odyssey" mentioned as "miraculous island". The Genoese called Corsica "a rock in the sea", because in its small territory there are 128 mountain peaks.

The length of the route is 180 kilometers, or in terms of time - fifteen days.

The most difficult of the tracks described here. The difficulty is between trekking and rock climbing. Requires extraordinary determination to overcome all obstacles!

Attractions

On the GR20 route you can see all the diversity of nature. Travelers pass through forests, gray granite landscapes, glacial lakes, craters and alpine meadows. You will have to walk along shaky wooden bridges, narrow mountain paths and slippery cliffs, go down and up along laid hanging chains.

seasonality

The best time for the track is May, September.

From Hante Route, France - Switzerland

Route description

The path starts in Chamonix in France and passes through the Valais, ending in Zermatt in Switzerland. "From Ruth" is one of the highest and most scenic routes in Alps. There are two different directions: summer and winter, the road in them is different. The winter skiing route is the most popular. But summer has its charms, as the beauties of the local nature can be appreciated even by non-special lovers of ski entertainment. Before such a trip, it is advisable to prepare, as it requires considerable endurance. Route duration - 14 days, length - 160 km, maximum height - 2965 m

Attractions

• On the route you can see the 12 highest peaks in Europe
• Glaciers, alpine forests, mountain lakes, canyons and waterfalls

seasonality

July - September

Alta Via N1, Italy

Route description

Alta Via trail, also called " high mountain path of giants» is located at the highest European peaks: Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa and Matterhorn. The walking route is quite easy and does not require special preparation. You will have to travel at an average altitude of 2,000 meters among mountains, meadows, forests and rocky areas. The duration of the route is 14 - 15 days, the length of the path is about 90 km, the highest point is 2,925 m.

Attractions

• Stunning scenery of the Dolomites

seasonality

July - September

See you on your travels!

Many people prefer traveling by plane, bus and car to traveling by train, during which they can get a good night's sleep. But the best part is that the railway tracks sometimes run through such beautiful places that the trip can be called sightseeing. So, the most beautiful railway routes in the world.

Glacier Express Zermatt – St. Moritz, Switzerland

Switzerland is famous for the quality and punctuality of trains, but what difference does it make which car you ride when behind its windows are the majestic Alps against the blue sky, cute chalets and green valleys, on the slopes of which cows graze. In addition, during the seven-hour trip, the train will pass through 91 tunnels and cross 291 bridges! Traveling from one small Swiss town to another is a real treat for the eyes!

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway, Colorado, USA

The 45-kilometer road, lying at an altitude of more than 900 meters above sea level, seems to throw its traveler back 130 years. The route was originally opened in 1882 to transport silver and gold mined from the San Juan Mountains, but since 1970 the section of the railroad has been a tourist attraction and part of a museum complex. By the way, the road was captured in the 1969 American film about the criminal group Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

Hiram Bingham Express from Cusco to Machu Picchu, Peru

This route links two of the most attractive places in Peru - the colonial city of Cusco and the ancient Inca citadel, Machu Picchu, passing through the picturesque stretches of the Urubamba River Valley. The train is named after the American explorer who discovered Machu Picchu in 1911, with a 1920s decor with beautiful furniture and crockery.

TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth, New Zealand

From the city of Christchurch with its lush gardens to the rugged expanses of Greymouth, where you can climb the Franz Josef Glacier, the TranzAlpine train will take you. It crosses the South Island in 4.5 hours, offering wonderful scenery from the Canterbury Plain and the Waimakiriri River Valley with epic viaducts leading to Arthur's Pass National Park. After the pass in this park, the train rushes into the Otira railway tunnel, punched through a rock 8.5 kilometers thick.

Talyllyn Railway, Wales

A train travels at a speed of 15 km/h, crossing a circular section of track 24 kilometers long. The historic train, which dates back to 1865, makes its way through the green valleys of Fatyu from Tivin on a route originally used to transport slate from the region's mines. By the way, it was this road that inspired Wilber Awdry to write the book "Thomas the Tank Engine", which later formed the basis of the cartoon "Thomas and Friends".

Rocky Mountaineer route from Vancouver to Banff, Canada

Rocky Mountaineer is a Canadian travel company offering sightseeing trips on four rail routes through British Columbia and Alberta. One of these routes runs from Vancouver to Banff. During a two-day trip through the majestic Canadian Rockies, you will be able to admire amazingly idyllic landscapes that are especially beautiful in the early morning.

Railroad through the Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA

The views that will open to you from the window of this train are one of a kind. In addition, the transport itself is impressive, because the train dates back to 1923-1950s. No matter which car you sit in, the 210-kilometer ride across the desert from Williams to Canyon South Rim is an amazing and unique experience!

The Royal Scotsman train, Scotland

The royal-named transport is an exclusive 36-passenger train that travels around the country on tours ranging from two to seven nights. On its way, the train makes several stops, during which you can visit ancient castles, Scottish distilleries, mountain gorges, calm lakes and picturesque villages.

Maharaja Express, India

Maharaja Express launched for the first time in 2010, making a new statement in the travel world. This 88-passenger train hotel departs from Delhi and Mumbai and chugs through colorful Rajasthan for 3-7 nights past India's most important and beautiful sites: Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur and the Ranthambora National Park, where you can admire the Bengal tigers in natural conditions .

Douro route, Portugal

Early spring, when the almond trees are covered in flowers, and summer, when the vine-lined terraces are bursting with fruit, are the best times to hop on this train and enjoy the beauty of the Douro River Valley. The route crosses 30 bridges and passes through 26 tunnels, stopping at the insanely beautiful historic train stations of Peso da Régua and Piñao.

The Ghan train from Adelaide to Darwin, Australia

Yes, it's a long journey (2979 kilometers will have to travel over three days and two nights), but there is no better way to enjoy the vastness of Australia than to buy a ticket for this train. The train, named after the Afghan cameleers, is the longest in Australia.

There and back again: 104 km 3 to 5 days

When to go A: The season usually runs from mid-June to late September, but the weather can be very treacherous, including late or early snow. Europeans come here in August, when there is time for relaxation, so if you want real loneliness, go on a trip in early September.

Kungsleden or the "King's Trail" is a legendary 440 km trail for summer hiking and winter skiing 100 miles above the Arctic Circle. The route winds its way from Abisko in the north to Hemavan in the south, and runs through the most picturesque places of the Arctic landscape of Sweden through one of the largest remaining nature reserves in Europe - birch forests, open tundra and large glaciers, capturing the high alpine regions and Kebnekaise, Sweden's highest mountain peak (2111 meters). From the top of Kebnekaise (the center of Swedish mountaineering) there are panoramic views of the mountain landscape, which makes up a significant part of the total territory of the country. To the south of Kebnekaise, the Kaitum Mountains begin and the Sarek and Padjelanta National Parks are located. To the south is the Arjeplog mountain range, which includes Ammarnäs and Hemavan, two picturesque mountain villages linked by the King's Trail. From the route between these villages, the Vindel Mountains are visible, a huge area with snow-covered peaks, glaciers, pine and spruce forests. The highest point of the route is Tjäkta Pass (1150 m), the lowest is Kvikkjokk (305 m).

The King's Trail was built by Svenska Turistföreningen at the end of the 19th century to allow more people to experience the beauties of Lapland. Many sections of the route are well equipped and supported by the STF. The route is divided into four parts, each is approximately one week of travel. The most popular today is the northernmost part, between Abisko and Kebnekaise.

Kungsleden, Sweden

Comfortable huts along the entire route can become a refuge in bad weather, serve as an overnight stay and cooking. The huts are built along the trail at a distance of about 9-22 kilometers so that it can be covered during the day. The only exception is the path between Kvikkjokk and Ammarnäs, which are about 130 kilometers apart and where there are no huts. Strong suspension bridges will take on the danger of large rivers. The route can be taken in any direction, but it is best to do it from north to south, facing the sun.

The route allows you to admire the northern lights. Abisko, where the King's Trail begins, is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights.

Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA

There and back again: 70.4 km, 4 to 6 days

When to go: The route is open in September-October or April-May, the best time is March or November.

Arizona's most famous attraction, one of the deepest canyons in the world, is located on the Colorado Plateau, in the Grand Canyon National Park. Billions of years ago, the process of soil erosion began here, caused by the flow of the Colorado River and its tributaries, which continues to this day. The canyon is cut by the river in the thickness of limestones, shales and sandstones. The length of the canyon is 446 km, the width (at the plateau level) is 6-28 km, at the bottom level it is less than a kilometer and the depth is 1.6 km. The canyon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nothing can truly prepare a person for the scale and majesty of this vast gorge, one of the greatest wonders of the world, extending as far as the eye can see into a grandiose complex of canyons, waterfalls, caves, towers, ledges and ravines.

You can travel through the canyon using hiking trails and enjoying the landscapes that change depending on the time of day. Any walk in the Grand Canyon will be rated very high in the trek rankings, but this route will give you the opportunity to really enjoy the grandeur of natural architecture. Travel back in time through the multicolored cake layers of the two billion year old Colorado Plateau, from the Kaibab limestones on the edge to the Vishnu complex on the river, all on good "corridor" trails with known water sources and comfortable camps.

Grand Canyon, USA

Down from the South Rim, located 300 m below the North Rim, along the South Kaibab Trail, crossing the Colorado River on the Black Bridge, stopping at Bright Angel Camp. Then climb through a window into the heart of the canyon, up to Cottonwood Camp and the remote North Rim. On the way back, cross the Colorado on the Silver Bridge, climb the South Rim, passing the Indian Garden along the Bright Angel trail. Another popular route is the 13-kilometer Hermit Road going west to Hermits Rest, as well as Desert View Drive, which stretches east for about 40 km. It leads to Desert View, the highest point of the South Rim of the canyon (2286 m).

Fitzroy, Patagonia, Argentina

There and back again: 57.6 km, 4 to 7 days

When to go: February to March to avoid the midsummer crowds and enjoy steady autumn weather when the infamous Patagonian winds blow less. Trekking the legendary Fitzroy massif in Argentina, the iconic ranges where the peaks of Poincenot, Saint-Exupéry and the 3375m Fitzroy rise in the steppes of Patagonia like a vision. The area is popular with tourists. There are multi-day hiking trails and circular trails from El Chalten. The most popular trek destinations are the Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Torre lakes.

This grand route will give you three views of Fitzroy: at sunrise, from Cerro Torre and the Marconi pass. Trekking through Los Glaciares National Park will take you from gnarled, eerie beech forests and open plains to glaciers, thundering waterfalls and granite monoliths reflecting the pink light of dawn. From Camp Poincenot, we leave in the wee hours for Laguna de los Tres before the sun begins to shine on the Fitzroy Massif.

Trekking to Everest Base Camp, Nepal

From Lukla to Everest Base Camp

There and back again: 112 km, 16 days

When is the best time to go: Pre-monsoon time (March or April) will give you the opportunity to see the rhododendrons in bloom and a good climbing opportunity, as well as post-monsoon time (October-November) in dry weather.

Use the services of local Sherpas, cooks and porters to make you feel comfortable.

Arguably the greatest of all high-altitude journeys, this walk through the Khumbu region of Nepal allows you to see the three highest peaks of the Earth - Everest (8848 m), Lhotse (8516 m) and Lhotse Shar (8386 m) and dozens of other giants of the Himalayas along the way. The best view is from Tengboche. This is a deep dive into the Buddhist culture of the Sherpas, the world of small villages, monasteries and travelers who come on a pilgrimage to Everest.

Climb up slowly. Healthy hikers can walk the 56km in two days, but the need for acclimatization means you'll need ten days to trek to Everest and only three days to get back. However, it is a leisurely journey that allows you to fully experience the extraordinary culture of the people living in the Himalayas.

Grindelwald, Switzerland

Starting towards Lake Bachal at Faulhorn Hut

There and back again: 16 km if you are going up and down, 2 to 3 days

Perhaps the biggest payoff for Alpine trekking efforts is the amazingly beautiful walks through the scenic spots of the Bernese Alps, including the infamous Eiger and the more impressive neighboring peak, the formidable Schreckhorn, looming over the fabulous Grindelwald Valley.

All this plus one or two nights in a comfortable Faulhorn hut or Berghotel at an altitude of 2681 meters on the peak of the same name - just one day's journey. Walk all the way from Grindelwald to watch the setting sun turn the north face of the Eiger blood red as you sit on your terrace.

World Travel

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Lately we have become so lazy! Travel agencies offer us to visit the most prestigious resorts in the world: airport transfer, personal guide, all-inclusive system, round-the-clock butler - a lot is available for money. But there are still those among us who prefer to make their own routes or use the "advice of the experienced" and feel like real travelers by going on a long hike. Tourist routes in Russia - both traditional, operating in the pre-war USSR, and relatively new ones - this is a real adventure!

Tested by time: All-Union routes

Let's start with those "remnants of the Soviet past". One of the most interesting of these Russian routes was shortened due to a tragedy that occurred in the early 1970s (on the Fisht Glacier). Tourists start moving in Adygea, finish in Dagomys, near the Black Sea. The 20-day "All-Union Route No. 30" was created in the early 1930s. It runs along the famous Caucasian reserve. You will pass several climatic zones, breathe in clean mountain air, and the landscapes of the subtropics will be imprinted in your memory forever. The only inconvenience (unless, of course, you are afraid of hiking in the mountains) is that you will have to pay a fee for every day of your stay in the reserve.

There are several options for passing the All-Union Route No. 77. It runs along the Altai Mountains, the Katun River (rafting on it is very dangerous) and Teletskoye Lake - the pearl of these places. Tourists can visit the Denisova Cave (it was opened not so long ago) and see with their own eyes the Ukok plateau, where the legendary “Altai Princess” (the mummy of a girl discovered in 1993) was buried. We immediately warn you: this tourist route in Russia has always been considered the most difficult, so many people prefer a simplified pedestrian transition - from the settlement of Edigan to Lake Teletskoye. And still, on this not very long path, you will see one of the most beautiful natural areas of the country - Altai is magnificent!

Treasures of the Ancient Land: "Rings of Russia"

The Golden Ring of Russia does not need to be introduced for a long time - a lot has been said and written about it. Stopovers are ancient cities, where there are many temples, craft centers, museums, cultural monuments. You will cross the borders of several regions (“Golden Ring” “embraces” Moscow, Vladimir, Ivanovo, Kostroma, Tver and Yaroslavl regions). Every stop is a delight and delight. But even if you are not a fan of ancient architecture, local archaeologists can show you a lot of interesting things. For example, the infamous "Vladimirsky Central" was also located on the territory of the "Ring". Historians will show you the paths along which the prisoners escaped from the dungeons. You might even be lucky enough to find a treasure!

In addition to the Golden Ring, there is also the “Silver Ring of Russia”, which runs through the lands that in ancient times were part of Novgorod Rus', the richest principality - now these are the lands around St. Petersburg. The route starts in Veliky Novgorod and ends in Tikhvin. You will see not only Pskov, Pechory (Pushkin places with interesting monasteries), but also "pro-Western" Vyborg, Kingisepp and Ivangorod, standing on the Estonian border. In the vicinity of St. Petersburg, Finnish and then German troops hid stolen goods from the richest ancient temples and monasteries. So there are enough treasure hunters here.

Are you a romantic and love poetry? You will definitely like the route "Pushkin Ring of the Upper Volga", opened 45 years ago. You will visit many settlements - local estates, hotels, former forges and travel palaces still remember the great classic. Alexander Sergeevich often visited the Tver province - he visited his acquaintances in the period from 1811 until his death. You will feel like a character in the poet's works, taste the most delicious shanezhki, take some water from healing springs, visit not only the landowners' houses, but also two museums of the poet (in Torzhok and Bernov). The length of the route is approximately 250 km - not very tiring!

The legendary route from the Varangians to the Greeks

The Blue Road route is the only one in our ranking of the most interesting routes in Russia that “wanders” abroad, or rather, it starts there (on the Norwegian coast, in Mo i Rana), continues in Sweden and Finland. But he finishes - here in Karelia. Why did the route get such a name? It's just that its two thousand kilometers mainly fall on the shores of lakes and rivers. This is the very path "from the Varangians to the Greeks", so popular with our distant ancestors. The former trade "road", now a very popular route, crosses almost all of Karelia (from the border with Finland to the Arkhangelsk region). These are very beautiful protected places!

The newest route: virgin nature of Baikal

Unlike other interesting tourist routes in Russia, this one, the Great Baikal Trail, is still being born. But several small ecological "paths" have already been opened. When everything is completed, the total length of the route will be about 1800 km. As planned, the route will pass through the territories of three national parks and three reserves. The idea to develop such a "trail" was born in the 1970s, but it took almost thirty years before enthusiasts began to implement it. Visit this amazing world - Baikal does not need any special compliments and advertising. The fauna and flora of the lake itself and its shores is largely endemic and simply amazing. What is especially captivating is that there are no factories, sanatoriums or rest houses near the route, this is a virgin land, not spoiled by civilization.

On the border of Europe and Asia

Are you a seasoned hiker? Then you will not be afraid of the multi-day route "The Great Ural Ring", which passes through the settlements of the Sverdlovsk Region and the Perm Territory, including Perm itself, Yekaterinburg, Nizhny Tagil, Solikamsk. The road lies through the middle Urals. But adventurous travelers take the opportunity and definitely turn towards Miass, because in its vicinity there is a unique natural monument, Lake Turgoyak, one of the largest freshwater reservoirs in the country. It is not for nothing that it is called the "Pearl of the Urals": crystal clear water can compete with Baikal. It was in these parts that Pyotr Bazhov was inspired to later write his wonderful tales (several mines for the extraction of semi-precious stones still exist here). It was these lands that Yermak once conquered. And it is here that the memorial sign "Border of Europe and Asia" is located. Step on it and make a wish!