There is no better feeling than setting a holiday date in the diary – excitement and optimism will grow exponentially the closer the departure gets! Take a look at some of our suggested bucket list adventures for all walking abilities.
Easy
Walking in Chile’s Lake District & Desert
Thoughts of walking in Chile might suggest rocky Patagonia but Chile’s elongated geography hides many other less challenging walking surprises. First, we take you south to the stunning lakes and volcanos of the Villarrica region – a mecca for hiking enthusiasts to enjoy the temperate rainforest and mountain peak scenery. Meet the Mapuche people and learn about their history and culture and take a hike to the snowy crater of Villarrica Volcano.
Head north on a flight to the Atacama Desert and a significant change of terrain and colours. Enjoy this other-worldly landscape as you walk among giant cacti, see impressive geysers, relax in thermal baths, and take in the wonder of a celestial extravaganza on a guided astronomy tour.
Thailand & Vietnam on Foot
Immerse yourself in the culture, sights and sounds of these exotic destinations from the vibrant cities of Bangkok and Hanoi to remote trails and home-cooked meals in welcoming guesthouses and homestays. You will be guided through the tropical rainforests of Kanchanburi and wildlife rich Khao Yai National Park also paying a visit to the impressive Ayutthaya ruins before flying to Hanoi to continue your adventure. Trek from village to village through outstanding landscapes of forest and terraces, enjoying the unique hospitality of homestays on arrival at each destination. Look out for the endangered Delacour’s langur on a traditional reed boat ride in Van Long Nature Reserve and admire the incredible limestone cliffs at Ninh Binh Province.
Temperature and humidity in these popular Southeast Asian countries can make these easy treks appear more challenging but regular hill walkers will find little difficulty.
Moderate
Jordan: Dana to Petra Trek
Desert adventurers will be in their element on this exceptional walking journey across Jordan’s rugged landscapes. Guided by local Bedouin you will trek across a mixture of barely perceptible desert trails, through dramatic gorges and onto the escarpments above the Great Rift Valley. You will encounter few, if any other travellers on this ‘backdoor’ route to the ancient city of Petra and can enjoy the tranquillity and spectacle of camping out under the stars in the company of your hospitable guides.
This is a truly unforgettable experience for experienced hillwalkers who won’t mind the occasional steep climb in some challenging terrain to reach the hidden prizes of Little Petra and the ancient rose city of Petra itself. Relieve tired muscles with a float in the Dead Sea before heading home.
Ancient Trails of Japan
Our thoughtful itinerary to Japan takes you along some of the most beautiful and historical pilgrim routes including Togakushi, Kamikochi, Nakasendo and Kumanokodo. Each of these trails has a unique character where you can immerse yourself in nature for some calming shinrin yoku (forest bathing) and enjoy authentic Japanese hospitality with stays in ryokans and visits to ancient Kyoto. A tour of Tokyo, exceptional views of Mount Fuji and a ride on the impressive Shinkansen train are included.
Demanding
India: Darjeeling & the Singalila Ridge Adventure
This itinerary may not be an obvious bucket list choice, but we wanted to include India in our bucket list blog and this trip offers a taster Himalayan trekking adventure for those seeking a slightly easier option.
Not only can you expect some of the most unforgettable views and landscapes on your trek, but we have also made time for exploring Darjeeling and the Ghoom Monastery, Gangtok and the wildlife rich Singalila National Park, home to the elusive red panda and renowned as a birders’ paradise. Views of Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga are possible on a clear day!
Natural Wonders of Uzbekistan
Combine challenging walks in mountain and desert landscapes with impressive historical sites and the adventure of yurt camping for a unique and memorable adventure. Walk in the spectacular Chimgan Mountain Range before transferring to UNESCO World Heritage site of Khiva and onto Bukhara and ancient Samarkand. Hike along the famous Silk Road and learn about this ancient trading route from your expert guide.
Strenuous
Peru: Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Ancascocha Trek
The iconic Inca site of Machu Picchu is a bucket list favourite. Our itinerary follows a lesser-known route to reach this worthy prize, taking time beforehand to acclimatise and see the sites in and around Cusco and the Sacred Valley before setting off on your trekking and camping adventure at higher altitude.
Listed as one of National Geographic’s best hikes in the world, the Ancascocha Trek meanders through traditional villages such as Chillipahua and its namesake Ancascocha (3,700 metres). Accompanied by an expert guide, porters and mules for carrying the luggage you will enjoy the freedom of camping along the way before joining the final section of the Inca Trail to arrive at Machu Picchu.
Nepal: Annapurna Sanctuary Lodge Trek
Is this the crème de la crème for hillwalkers? If a walking holiday in Nepal is not already on your bucket list it should be! Taking the view from the top of Everest may be beyond our reach but that doesn’t stop us enjoying the majesty of the Himalayas on a challenging and spectacular mountain trek. Although the trekking conditions are mostly straightforward the challenge comes in the form of the altitude (above 3,000 metres) and number of hours spent on the trail each day. You can expect some awe-inspiring landscapes from neatly terraced rice fields to close up views of the snow-covered Annapurna mountains themselves as you ascend and descend, staying in delightful tea houses along the way.
Speak to a member of our team to find out more or book a place on any of our walking holidays.
