Backpacking is a brilliant way to see the world and get a great workout while you do it. The hard part is choosing which place to go for your next trip. We’ve compiled a list of the top ten most beautiful backpacking destinations for you to consider for your next adventure.
Hikers consider Cinque Terre one of the most stunning hikes in all of Italy. The trail runs along the seashore mountains of the region and makes its way through local villages. It takes hikers and backpackers just a day to hike the trail, which is more manageable than some more demanding and time-consuming hikes on this list. Along the path, you’ll witness a breathtaking view of the beautiful blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Because Cinque Terre works its way through local towns, you’ll be able to stop along the way to enjoy a cup of coffee or a delicious Italian lunch.
Mont Blanc is another beautiful backpacking destination that spans France, Switzerland, and Italy. The hike itself takes approximately 10 to 12 days from start to finish. The Tour du Mont Blanc offers diverse and stunning scenery as it takes you through meadows, valleys, forests of rhododendrons, and Alpine passes. The Tour du Mont Blanc also brings you through some quaint Alpine villages where you can stop for a breather or a bite to eat before continuing on your way. At certain parts of the path, you can take cable cars up or down some of the more challenging terrain.
Samaria Gorge is one of the most popular attractions on the Greek island of Crete. This trail offers scenic views as it winds its way through beautiful pine forests and valleys and ends at the Libyan Sea. The hike begins with some steep terrain but levels out to an easily navigable path. Around the trail’s halfway mark, you will come across the gorge, the most famous part of the hike. Agia Roumeli is a small village along the path where you can stop to browse local shops and get some lunch. The town is also home to unique black sand beaches where you can take a relaxing swim.
The Inca Trail in Peru is a perfect hike for anyone with Machu Pichu on their bucket list. However, this particular hike requires a bit of bravery as it contains two 13,000 foot passes. In addition, this trail has a rich ancient history. It was the route the ancient Incas took almost 700 years ago. You can still see many stones from the original path, which is a unique experience for everyone who hikes the Inca Trail. The ancient Incas also created two tunnels still part of the path today. On this trail, you will get the chance to see several wondrous waterfalls and the ancient Incan ruins of Machu Pichu, which is a worthwhile destination of a lifetime.
The Grand Canyon is one of America’s most famous geographical locations and serves as a perfect place for backpacking. One of the Grand Canyon’s most popular trails is the Bright Angel Trail. This path takes you down the cliffside, across a large plain, and then down by the Colorado River. The views are breathtaking and unlike anywhere else in the world. The hike is just a little over 15 miles long and descends 4,380 feet from the canyon’s edge down to the water. As you are hiking, you may get the chance to see some of the mule trains that also frequent this trail. The Bright Angel Trail is very well taken care of, allowing easy navigation.
The Annapurna Circuit trail is a 108-mile trek that takes, on average, about 17 days to complete. This unique hiking experience takes place in Nepal and weaves its way through some of the highest peaks in the world. Annapurna begins in the jungle and ascends to the mountaintops. The famous Thorung Pass stands here at 17,770 feet and gives you an immaculate view of the surrounding mountains. Poon Hill is another popular location on the trail that many people hike at sunrise. This particular spot allows you to see 14 of the tallest mountain peaks on the planet. Overall, Annapurna is a hiking experience like none other, and people travel from all over the world to enjoy it.
Puez-Odle is a hiking trail in the Italian Dolomite range and offers some of the region’s most spectacular views. Puez-Odle is a nine-mile hike that begins at the top of the Dantercepies cable car. The trail is wide, which makes for easy navigation, and takes about six to nine hours to complete. As you hike the Puez-Odle, you will see the stunning Stella Towers and the Sassolungo massif. The views on this trail are amazing, and the restaurants along the way are superb, giving you a chance to enjoy delicious food and drinks.
The Kalalau Trail winds along the Na Pali Coast on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. The lush green landscape and ocean views make you feel like you’re in paradise. This path is perfect for anyone who prefers a more tropical climate and wants to experience a bit of the ocean breeze along the way. Many hikers and backpackers hike the Kalalau Trail in three days, often stopping in Hanakoa to rest and ending at Kalalau Beach to complete their journey.
Angels Landing is a trail in Zion National Park, Nevada. This hike, while beautiful, is not for the faint of heart. The towering heights and narrow ledges are staggering. However, the trail is only five miles roundtrip and doesn’t take too long to complete—as long as you can work up the nerve to make the journey. The Step of Faith is one of the most famous parts of the trail that takes you through a narrow stretch of the path with steep vertical drop-offs on either side. Angels Landing is an incredibly unique hike for backpackers that might give you a few butterflies in your stomach, but the views are breathtaking.
The Jordan Trail ends our list of the top ten most beautiful backpacking destinations. This hike runs from the town of Dana to Petra, Jordan and gives you the experience of a lifetime. The desert terrain makes for a unique hiking background and allows you to enjoy a remote backpacking trip. In addition, hiking the Jordan Trail leads you to the famous archaeological site of the Treasury in Petra, which is a brilliant facade carved into the red sandstone. These archaeological sites are impressive remains of an ancient civilization’s kingdom and temples. This Jordan Trail will leave you speechless and feeling spiritually connected.
Now that you know the top ten most beautiful backpacking destinations, you can plan your next trip today. Don’t forget to pack all your essentials! ALTAI Gear offers a wide selection of lightweight duty boots that will be perfect to wear for all your backpacking adventures!
