Hiking Around the World

Hiking Around the World in 2013

Hiking is unique in the opportunities for travel it opens up. What other type of exercise gives you reason to travel across continents in order to set yourself new challenges? North and South America are certainly home to some challenging hikes set against awe-inspiring backdrops, but if you’re itching to explore unknown territory, make 2013 the year you flex your hiking muscles elsewhere. From battling through below-0 temperatures whilst hiking through Sweden’s western wilderness, to slogging through the raw and unrelenting heat of the Himalayas, hiking around the world will certainly prove a challenge. Good job that’s exactly what hikers are looking for then.

 

Preparation

 

In essence preparing for a hike overseas is no different to preparing for a regular hike, but there are some additional finer details you will need to consider. While spontaneity is encouraged in deciding to do the hike abroad, don’t go hopping on that plane just yet. Book your plane tickets and organize your hike so that you have a good few months to prepare for it. Research thoroughly the country in which you will be hiking, as well as what facilities will be available throughout the hike. Find out where there is accommodation, restaurants, and places to stock up on supplies throughout the hike. This information will help you plan what to bring with you and help you to ration your supplies. You should also ensure that you have some of the local currency before you go. Spending money abroad on your card can be a costly affair, as banks often charge for each purchase. As well as this, you can never be certain that places along the hike will accept card. Bringing some travel money with you is the most sensible and least costly option.

 

Europe: Grindelwald, Switzerland

 

Route: First to Lake Bachal to Faulhorn Hut

Where better to hike than in a country famed for the snow-capped beauty of its mountains? At a ten mile round trip, you can spread this leisurely hike over two to three days to properly soak up the scenery. Certainly one of the most picturesque hikes in Europe, along your way you will be treated to the sight of the towering Bernese Oberland and it’s most impressive peaks; Eiger and Shreckhorn. This trek is low difficulty, and the option is available to take a cable car up to First and hike back down, although there are some fairly steep stretches along the way. Experiencing beauty and luxury is what this hike is really about, and a stay of a night or two at the Faulhorn Hut, perched delicately on top of the Faulhorn peak, is a must.

 

The Pacific: Bay of Fires, Tasmania, Australia

 

Route: Stumpy’s Bay to Bay of Fires Lodge

This hiking trail couldn’t be more different to hiking through Switzerland’s peaks, and is great for those who prefer the heat of the sun to the chill of the snow. The route is sixteen miles long and should take four days. During those four days you will be treated to one beautiful, white-sand, blue-sea beach after another and the sight of dramatic rock formations in the Tasman Sea. You will be hiking mainly through coves, and must do so with a tour guide; there is no option to go it alone on this trail. Make sure to keep an eye out for snakes along the way, and always assume that all are dangerous.

 

Asia: Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal

 

Route: Lukla to Everest Base Camp

Is there a greater hiking challenge than Everest? At seventy miles this is certainly one of the longest and toughest hikes out there, and probably the most rewarding. Not for the faint-hearted, those brave enough to embark on this trek will be rewarded with views of three of the highest peaks on Earth; Everest, Lhotse, and Lhotse Sar, and many more incredible peaks along the way. During this sixteen-day-long trek not only will you experience natural wonder, you’ll have to opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant Buddhist culture of the Himalayas residents. It is worth noting that due to the altitude it will take your body a while to acclimatize, meaning that the trek into Everest will take much longer than the trek back out.

 

Africa: Mountains of the Moon, Uganda

 

Route: Central Circuit, Ruwenzori Range

Even the name of this hike is unconventional, setting the tone for a surreal and spectacular hiking experience. These peaks proudly stand on the Uganda-Congo border, and are the highest range in Africa. The thirty-eight mile epic journey will never be short of surprises, if you’re lucky enough, you may just catch a glimpse of some ofWest Africa’s famed wildlife while climbing a glacier. There are some incredibly steep peaks to challenge the hardiest of hikers, while those who are still finding their feet can stick to trekking through the African forest.