" In all things of nature there is something go the marvelous" - Aristotle
Most of my travel itinerary will includes hiking into nature which can vary in difficulty and length. I am not a mountaineer or professional hiker, but I believe anybody who loves nature and the spectacular views can be a hiker. I am sharing the five most exhilarating hikes here with you so you can consider doing it in your life time.
There are advantages and disadvantages involved with hiking. The advantages are that hiking allows you to explore nature, set aside your everyday stress and demands, and stimulate the feel good hormones such as adrenaline and endorphins to boost moods and energy levels which help our mental health.
Disadvantages are that when you hike in higher altitudes, you may experience the altitude sickness including feeling light headed, fatigued, mild headache and nausea. Which of these can be avoidable if you prepare yourself well enough before the travel and also choose the hike based on your physical condition.
1. Holy Mount Kailash , Tibet, China
Mount Kailash trekking is one of the most demanding and challenging of treks for pilgrims in the world. This trek route in Tibet is widely known as the kora around the Mt. Kailash(6638m), which is sacred to four religions and a deeply numinous place. The average altitude of this trekking is nearly 5,000m, so it is a very great challenge and requires strong perseverance. It took us three days to circulate the mountain which is about 52km.
2. Everest Base Camp, Tibet, China
Though travelers to Mt Everest in 2018 can go no further than Rongphu Monastery, the view of Everest is still fantastic. I have been to the Tibet side of Everest, and you have to trek few kilometres from the Rongphu Valley is from the hill above Rongphu Monastery. Though the entire area offers a good view, by hiking just a few minutes above the monastery, you get a nice panoramic view. Due to a massive clean up project, non-climbers will not be able to go beyond Rongphu Monastery in the Everest Region of Tibet in 2019. From Rongphu, you still get an amazing view of the world’s highest mountain, as the picture below testify.
3. Huayna (Wayna) Picchu, Cusco, Peru
Huayna (Wayna) Picchu is the steep cone shaped mountain at the back of the ruins. This 2720m peak with ladders, caves and a small temple and very steep steps. The climb of Huayna Picchu is the best experience you can have in the Inca city of Machu Picchu and considered one of the best short hikes in the world. They are not only the steps but the places to which they lead.
4. Colca Canyon, Arequipa, Peru
The remote and spectacular Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world. This magnificent rock formation of the Colca River has now become Peru’s third most popular destination. It promises rewarding trekking trails against the backdrop of rugged mountain scenery and offers the chance to interact with distinctive local cultures, which makes it one of the best hikes in Peru. The canyon is twice the depth of the Grand Canyon in the USA and the many viewpoints offer visitors the chance to contemplate the power of nature’s immensity.
5. Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada
Under three hours’ drive from Toronto is one of Canada’s most spectacular wilderness regions. Imagine exploring a vibrant, thrumming city – the biggest in Canada – and being just a short dash away from 2,896 square miles of protected forest. Algonquin Provincial Park is a pristine back country filled with rocky ridges, fragrant maples and thousands of lakes. The interior is wild and undisturbed by roads or man. The only way to explore is on foot or by canoe. Venture into the rich forests and you’ll be rewarded with birdsong, moose encounters and tranquil waterways.
