외국의 한 인터넷 사이트에서 세계의 이름난 트레킹 코스 50개를 소개한 걸 보았다. 한번쯤 이름을 들어본 유명한 코스가 다 나온다. 유감스럽게도 우리나라는 하나도 없다. 일본이나 중국도 마찬가지다. 제일 많이 등장하는 나라는 캐나다, 미국, 뉴질랜드, 호주, 네팔 등이다. 서양 중심으로 만들어진 것은 아쉽다.
내가 걸어 본 길은 랑탕과 밀포드 둘이다. 마음 같아서는 여기 나온 길이 모두 욕심나지만 그럴 정도로 젊지가 않다. 그래도 바라는 게 있다면 안나푸르나, 몽블랑, 산티아고다. 그리고 다시 뉴질랜드에 간다면 여기 소개된 코스를 걸어보고 싶은 마음도 크다. 어쨌든 가슴이 뛰는 트레일 목록이다.
1. Inca Trail
- 위치: 페루
- 길이: 42km
- 소요일: 4일
- 최적기: 5월~9월
One of the most popular hikes in the world, the Inca Trail takes you through 26 miles of grueling inclines and declines. You get a chance to explore ruins, jungle, and beautiful mountain scenery, and of course, end the hike at Machu Picchu.
2. Patagonia Trail
- 위치: 칠레
- 길이: 60km
- 소요일: 4~6일
- 최적기: 10월~4월
The popular route that follows the letter “W” takes you through the spectacular Torres del Paine National Park. You get a chance to see volcanic peaks, glaciers, and beautiful lakes. Our friend just went on the longer “O” circuit that encompasses the “W” and the photos looked unbelievable. We can’t wait to do this hike or if we can add a few extra days, we might even challenge ourselves to do the “O”! If you really want to beat the crowds, it’s not as cushy, but you should do the hike in the winter!
3. Appalachian Trail
- 위치: 미국
- 길이: 3500km
- 소요일: 5~7개월
- 최적기: 연중
This hike is one of the longest continuously marked footpath in the world and is not an easy feat. It takes you through 14 states and takes careful planning and execution if you want to do it one go.
4. Kilimanjaro Trail
- 위치: 탄자니아
- 길이: 56km
- 소요일: 7일
- 최적기: 1, 2월이나 9월
Although it is widely popular now, at 19,340 feet, this is Africa’s highest peak and is still on most people’s bucket list. With a wide range of climbing routes, most travel with a guided tour to reach the spectacular view above the clouds.
5. Kungsleden Trail
- 위치: 스웨덴
- 길이: 105km
- 소요일: 3~5일
- 최적기: 8월~9월
Kungsleden, or “The King’s Trail,” is a 275-mile traverse, but get a glimpse of this amazing landscape with a shorter hike. See the amazing Arctic landscape, open tundra, big glaciers, and brush up against Sweden’s highest peak, Mount Kebnekaise.
6. Everest Base Camp Trek
- 위치: 네팔
- 길이: 115km
- 소요일: 16일
- 최적기: 3월~5월, 9월~11월
This trek is becoming popular as you get the opportunity to experience the people and culture that makes their home at these elevations. You also get to be face-to-face with the highest point on Earth.
7. Snowman Trek
- 위치: 부탄
- 길이: 320km
- 소요일: 25일
- 최적기: 4월~10월
Some say that this is the hardest trail on the planet and many are unable to finish because unpredictable weather in the high Himalaya. Traversing 11 passes, most of which are more than 16,000 feet, you can only do this hike with a guided tour and is at the top of most hikers’ bucket lists.
8. Grand Canyon Hike
- 위치: 미국
- 길이: 70km
- 소요일: 4~6일
- 최적기: 3월~5월, 9월~11월
This hike gives you an in-depth look at on of Earth’s greatest features. Not only does it help you appreciate it’s vastness physically, the views and scenery that you get by being up close and personal with it will be more rewarding than any view point you’ll get by a quick stop.
9. Pacific Crest Trail
- 위치: 미국
- 길이: 4300km
- 소요일: 6~7개월
- 최적기: 4월~10월
Trek through 7 national parks and numerous national forests, state parks, and wilderness areas on this hike. Along the way, you will experience the Mojave Desert and also reach heights of over 13,000 feet. After reading Wild, I kept thinking if she can do this, maybe we can too!
10. Yosemite Grand Traverse
- 위치: 미국
- 길이: 100km
- 소요일: 6~7일
- 최적기: 7월~9월
This trek takes you through some of the best of Yosemite National Park (my favorite NP!), part of the John Muir Trail, and the Cathedral Range. You hike through waterfalls, granite basins, sprawling meadows, and you even ascend Half Dome via the Cable Route.
11. Chilkoot Trail
- 위치: 미국, 캐나다
- 길이: 53km
- 소요일: 3~5일
- 최적기: 6월~10월
With routes like the Golden Stairs, the Stone Crib, and the Scales, this hike lives up to its name. Its rich gold miners history brings you through amazing views of Alaska and Yukon Territory and helps you experience the wild and vastness of this area.
12. Tonquin Valley Trail
- 위치: 캐나다
- 길이: 44km
- 소요일: 3~5일
- 최적기: 7월~9월
Ansel Adams made his way to this valley to take photos of the amazing scenery and landscape. And a quick google search will convince you that it’s well worth the experience and effort to get into the valley.
13. Bay of Fires
- 위치: 호주
- 길이: 26km
- 소요일: 4일
- 최적기: 10월~5월
This hike takes you to endless beaches of white sand, boulders covered in blood red lichen, and alongside turquoise water. You can only do this hike with a guided trip, but the scenery makes it all worth it.
14. Queen Charlotte Track
- 위치: 뉴질랜드
- 길이: 70km
- 소요일: 3~5일
- 최적기: 연중
Located on the north end of the South Island, this trek takes you through sunny hills, next to beautiful blue waters, and gives you plenty of options on how to take this journey.
15. Mountains of Moon
- 위치: 우간다
- 길이: 60km
- 소요일: 6~7일
- 최적기: 12월~3월
These peaks make up the highest range in Africa at over 16,000 feet. Besides the views, this enchanting place also brings you face-to-face with high altitude glaciers and elephants in the same place.
16. Kalalau Trail
- 위치: 하와이
- 길이: 35km
- 소요일: 3~5일
- 최적기: 5월~9월
This amazing coastal hike takes you on steep trails and tropical heat as you trek through amazing jungle, beautiful waterfalls, and explore the mile-long arc of Kalalau Beach.
17. Tour du Mont Blanc
- 위치: 프랑스, 이태리, 스위스
- 길이: 170km
- 소요일: 10일
- 최적기: 7월~9월
TMB not only gives you the chance to hike through 3 countries, but also trek through mountain passes, alpine meadows, and glacial valleys, and the base of the highest mountain in Western Europe.
18. The Long Range Traverse
- 위치: 캐나다
- 길이: 40km
- 소요일: 3~6일
- 최적기: 7월~9월
Less of a trail, and more of a frolic through the Gros Morne National Park, this hike takes you to a land that seems untouched. You will trek over tundra and explore hidden lakes, and you may even share campsites with moose, caribou, or black bears.
19. Laugavegurinn
- 위치: 아이슬란드
- 길이: 90km
- 소요일: 4일
- 최적기: 6월~9월
Taking you through volcanic landscapes, lichen-covered rocks, and amazing views of rhyolite peaks, this hike packs in more variety in its 50 miles than most hikes do. You also have the option of a 15-mile add-on to start or end at the 200-foot-high Skogafoss waterfall.
20. Sierra High Route
- 위치: 미국
- 길이: 315km
- 소요일: 13일
- 최적기: 여름
Keeping you between 9,000 and 11,500 feet, most of this hike runs parallel to the Join Muir Trail but gives you more scenery and solitude.
21. Routeburn Track
- 위치: 뉴질랜드
- 길이: 32km
- 소요일: 2~4일
- 최적기: 11월~4월
Located on the South Island, Fiordland National Park has amazing hiking options. Although Milford Track is the most popular hike, the Routeburn Track gives you a chance to see equally spectacular views with fewer people on the trail.
22. Scottish National Trail
- 위치: 영국
- 길이: 760km
- 소요일: 5~6주
- 최적기: 4월~5월
Opened in 2012, this trail is Scotland’s first end-to-end walking route. Giving you views of the most amazing landscapes in the country, this hike becomes more difficult as you go. If time is an issue, you can also break this journey into four sections.
23. Fitz Roy Trek
- 위치: 아르헨티나
- 길이: 58km
- 소요일: 4~7일
- 최적기: 2월~3월
This takes you through Los Glaciares National Park, which by the way is the size of Delaware, and gives you views of beech forests, open plains, glaciers, waterfalls, and the iconic Fitz Roy Massif.
24. Trek to Petra
- 위치: 요르단
- 길이: 90km
- 소요일: 5~9일
- 최적기: 10월~4월
Considered one of the best hikes in the Middle East, this trek takes you through gorges, ridges, and rocky terrain. You end this epic hike exploring the temples and tombs of this fascinating city.
25. Cinque Terre National Park
- 위치: 이태리
- 길이: 다양
- 소요일: 다양
- 최적기: 3월~10월
Much less crowded than the Amalfi Coast, the Ligurian coast in Cinque Terre National Park offers spectacular views of the rocky coastline. Two of the most popular hikes are Alta Via or “High Path,” which is 22 miles and Sentiero Azzurro or “Blue Path,” which is 7.5 miles. We explored each of the 5 towns and the Blue Path a couple of years ago, but was only able to hike parts of the trail because a lot of it was destroyed by the flood. We hope to go back now that the trail has fully reopened.
26. Overland Track
- 위치: 태스마니아
- 길이: 56km
- 소요일: 5일
- 최적기: 11월~4월
This beautiful hike takes you through the heart of Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. You’ll see glacier-carved valleys, vast rainforests, and beautiful alpine meadows. You can also take side trips to waterfalls and mountain summits, including Mt Ossa – Tasmania’s highest peak.
27. El Camino De Santiago
- 위치: 스페인
- 길이: 800km
- 소요일: 다양
- 최적기: 4월~9월
Although there are different routes, the commonly agreed-upon route begins in Saint Jean Pied de Port, France, takes you through four of Spain’s 15 regions, and ends at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. You will see the Pyrenees Mountains, lush eucalyptus forests, and the trail itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
28. Mount Toubkal
- 위치: 모로코
- 길이: 27km
- 소요일: 2~3일
- 최적기: 5월~10월
Summit the highest peak in North Africa at 4167 meters. Although it is a tough climb, it isn’t technical during the summer months. You can join a small guided group and experience the Atlas Mountains, the culture, and meet the people.
29. The Otter Trail
- 위치: 남아프리카
- 길이: 40km
- 소요일: 5일
- 최적기: 5월~10월
This is the oldest official hiking trail in South Africa and is named after the elusive otter. You will see caves, waterfalls, and beaches along the trail and get a taste of beautiful forest and coastal shore.
30. Trans-Catalina Trail
- 위치: 미국
- 길이: 56km
- 소요일: 4일
- 최적기: 연중
This hike takes you across the entirety of Catalina Island and rewards you with amazing scenery as you’re surrounded by blue ocean views
31. Druk Path
- 위치: 부탄
- 길이: 46km
- 소요일: 5일
- 최적기: 10월~11월
Start the trip off by visiting the famous Tiger’s Nest Temple. Then embark on this beautiful hike through an ancient trading route that takes you through stunning scenery and gives you a chance to experience Bhutan’s rich culture.
32. Chomolhari Base Camp
- 위치: 부탄
- 길이: 120km
- 소요일: 11일
- 최적기: 3월~4월, 10월~11월
This is one of Bhutan’s most famous routes! Along the way, you can visit temples, explore local markets, and experience all that Himalaya has to offer.
33. Annapurna Base Camp
- 위치: 네팔
- 길이: 96km
- 소요일: 12일
- 취적기: 2월~3월, 10월~11월
Explore the Nepal side of the Himalayas by trekking to Annapurna Base Camp. Daily distances are shorter, but the elevation gain is insane! Take in all the amazing views and experience the Nepali culture. You can also check out this other hike in the Annapurna area.
34. Langtang Tamang Heritage Trail
- 위치: 네팔
- 길이: 65km
- 소요일: 5일
- 최적기: 3월~4월, 10월~11월
See the northern side of Nepal and the Tibetan border. Look for monkeys, hike through cactus forests, and summit Kyanjin Ri as you gaze up at the strings of prayer flags fluttering in the breeze.
35. La Ciudad Perdida
- 위치: 콜롬비아
- 길이: 50km
- 소요일: 5일
- 최적기: 11월~8월
See the Lost City of the Sierra Nevada. This is a relatively unknown hike where you’ll be surrounded by untouched jungles as you trek to a remote corner of Colombia.
36. Carstensz Pyramid
- 위치: 인도네시아
- 길이: 130km
- 소요일: 11일
- 최적기: 연중
Of the 7 summits, this is technically the hardest and is the highest mountain of the Oceanica continent. Be prepared to climb in snow, rain, and come face-to-face with sharp rock features. There’s a constant battle with local miners, so the trek can change route based on what can be accessed.
37. Milford Track
- 위치: 뉴질랜드
- 길이: 54km
- 소요일: 5일
- 최적기: 11월~4월
See the heart of Fiordland National Park and enjoy the amazing views of the majestic Milford Sound. It has been described as “the finest walk in the world” with amazing views around every corner.
38. Bibbulmun Track
- 위치: 호주
- 길이: 1000km
- 소요일: 6~8주
- 최적기: 4월~11월
This is one of the world’s great long distance trails stretching from Kalamunda to Albany. With 49 campsites, you can plan to do the whole hike or just portions of it. It is not as crowded as some of the other long distance hikes in the world, so you may not run into people for a week a time.
39. Hump Ridge Track
- 위치: 뉴질랜드
- 길이: 60km
- 소요일: 3일
- 최적기: 11월~4월
You will hike through sea-level views all the way to the sub-alpine wilderness on this loop hike through New Zealand’s south coast. The diversity of this hike will constantly keep things fresh.
40. Mount Kailash
- 위치: 티베트
- 길이: 52km
- 소요일: 3일
- 최적기: 5월~10월
Climbing the 6,714-meter summit of Mount Kailash is forbidden because it is a site sacred to five religions, but this trek around the base is worth the effort. You will also see Himalayan waterfalls and the Sapta Rishi cave.
41. West Coast Trail
- 위치: 캐나다
- 길이: 90km
- 소요일: 5일
- 최적기: 5월~9월
This trail runs along the west coast of BC’s Vancouver Island and attracts hikers from all over the world. It’s a reservation-managed hike with vertigo-inducing ladders, opportunities to spot whales, and stops where you can even buy freshly cooked lunch.
42. Copper Canyon Rim-to-Rim
- 위치: 멕시코
- 길이: 60km
- 소요일: 6일
- 최적기: 11월~3월
Copper Canyon is deeper, wider, and longer than the Grand Canyon. This trek hits you with 20,000 feet of elevation change but rewards you with amazing suspension bridges, 200-year-old settlements, and spectacular vistas.
43. Teton Crest Trail
- 위치: 미국
- 길이: 60km
- 소요일: 4일
- 최적기: 8월~10월
See all the best landmarks of one of the world’s most spectacular mountain ranges on this trek. Although you can hike it either direction, going south to north gives you views of the Tetons the whole way.
44. Cotopaxi Circuit
- 위치: 에콰도르
- 길이: 80km
- 소요일: 4일
- 최적기: 6월~9월, 11월~1월
This hike is impressive to even seasoned hikers. It’s one of the continent’s best introduction to extreme-altitude hiking and lets you see how beautiful Ecuador is.
45. West Highland Way
- 위치: 영국
- 길이: 152km
- 소요일: 6일
- 최적기: 5월~10월
This is a lovely walk that takes you through small towns, hotels, and pubs where you can grab a pint or two. There are also baggage transfer companies so you can just enjoy the walk. You’ll pass lochs, rivers, mountains, and get a chance to see the beautiful countryside.
46. Berg Lake Trail
- 위치: 캐나다
- 길이: 23km
- 소요일: 3~5일
- 최적기: 6월~9월
This is one of the most popular trails in the Canadian Rockies. The scenery is absolutely gorgeous and there are plenty of ways to do this hike to see breathtaking views.
47. Hoerikwaggo Trail
- 위치: 남아프리카
- 길이: 90km
- 소요일: 5일
- 최적기: 10월~4월
This beautiful hike takes you through some of the best South Africa has to offer. You will see everything between Cape Point to the outskirts of the City of Cape Town and its all within the Table Mountain National Park.
48. Skyline Trail
- 위치: 캐나다
- 길이: 48km
- 소요일: 3일
- 최적기: 7월~9월
This is one of the best backpacking trails in the Canadian Rockies. A big portion of the hike is above Jasper’s treeline, which means you get amazing views of the surrounding mountain ranges, valleys, and lakes. This trail also has the highest section of hiking trail in Jasper National Park.
49. Haute Route
- 위치: 프랑스, 스위스
- 길이: 180km
- 소요일: 9일~15일
- 최적기: 6월~9월
Some say this is the best hike in Europe. Not only do you see the amazing alpine valleys, lakes, and glaciers, you get to experience great food, history, and culture. You also see Mont Blanc, which is the highest peak in Europe, and the Matterhorn, one the most notable peaks in the alps.
50. Mount Kenya
- 위치: 케냐
- 길이: 53km
- 소요일: 4일
- 최적기: 1월~2월, 6월~9월
There are multiple routes to summit this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site, but the Sermon route is the most direct. Mount Kenya is known for its beautiful and dramatic views. There is diverse vegetation, dramatic U-shaped valleys, and hanging lakes.