Opening Words

I remember last year while hiking the Kumano Kodo in Japan, I met an elderly gentleman from Northern Europe. He had been hiking for nearly 50 years and had walked classic trails all around the world. That night in the mountain hut, we talked all night as he shared his hiking stories from various places. When the old gentleman spoke about his youthful adventures in the Alps, his eyes still sparkled with excitement. He showed me his treasured hiking diary, each page recording detailed route information and insights. This deeply moved me, and from that moment on, I was determined to walk all these trails that captivate people's hearts.

Impressions of Asia

Speaking of Asian hiking trails, one must mention Japan's Kumano Kodo. This thousand-year-old pilgrimage route traverses the deep mountains and forests of Wakayama Prefecture, with stone steps, red wooden torii gates, and ancient teahouses all telling stories of its long history. I remember choosing the most challenging Nakahechi route for my first hike, covering 44 kilometers. Though the journey was tough, the scenery and cultural atmosphere along the way captivated me deeply.

On the Kumano Kodo, I met many interesting locals. There was an elderly lady who ran a teahouse, offering free hot tea and snacks to every passing hiker. She told me her family had been maintaining this teahouse for over two hundred years. Every evening, when the sunset painted the sky red, the tea fragrance in the teahouse and the warm smile of the elderly lady made me feel the Japanese dedication to tradition.

Along the way, there were many well-preserved stone monuments and ancient markers, each carrying unique stories. The local guide told me these stone monuments weren't just trail markers but spiritual imprints left by ancient pilgrims. Walking on these ancient stone steps in the twilight, one could almost hear the footsteps of pilgrims from a thousand years ago.

As for Mount Fuji, I'm sure everyone is familiar with it. But what you might not know is that this mountain actually has four main climbing routes: Yoshida, Subashiri, Gotemba, and Fujinomiya. Last summer, I chose the most popular Yoshida route, starting from the fifth station. I happened to catch the sunrise, with the sun rising from the sea of clouds turning the entire sky crimson – a truly unforgettable moment.

Climbing Mount Fuji was much more challenging than imagined. Setting out from the fifth station under bright sunshine, but as the altitude increased, the temperature dropped dramatically and the wind grew stronger. While resting at the eighth station mountain hut, I met climbers from around the world. We all squeezed into the small space, sharing snacks and climbing experiences. Though we didn't share a common language, our shared passion for conquering the peak transcended these barriers.

At the summit of Mount Fuji, I met a Japanese gentleman who had climbed to the top 87 times. He said each climb brought different scenery and feelings. Sometimes it was magnificent sea of clouds, sometimes starlit skies, sometimes brilliant sunrises. This made me understand that hiking isn't just about reaching the destination, but more importantly about what you see and feel along the way.

In Asia, I also explored Nepal's Annapurna Circuit. This trail, renowned as one of the world's most beautiful hiking routes, gave me a deep appreciation for the magnificence of the Himalayas. I remember feeling the effects of altitude sickness with every step at over 4000 meters. But when seeing the snow-capped peaks in the distance and the welcoming residents in Tibetan villages along the way, all the hardship became worthwhile.

Particularly memorable was my overnight stay in a village called Manaslu. A local Tibetan family invited me to taste their butter tea, which might taste peculiar to first-timers, but their hospitality was touching. In the evening, the family's grandfather shared many legends about the mountain region. Though we couldn't communicate directly, we had deep exchanges through translation and body language.

Korea's hiking culture also left a deep impression on me. Bukhansan near Seoul, though only 836 meters high, has become a popular weekend destination for many Koreans due to its steep rocky terrain and well-maintained hiking facilities. I was surprised to often see fashionably dressed young people at the summit, bringing elaborate packed lunches and coffee for leisurely picnics at the viewing platform. This concept of combining hiking with lifestyle gave me a new perspective on hiking.

In China, my most unforgettable experience was hiking the Sichuan-Tibet route. Starting from Chengdu, passing through Kangding and Litang, then reaching Lhasa, this route not only showed me the magnificent scenery of the Tibetan Plateau but also helped me experience the unique charm of Tibetan culture. Hiking at altitudes above 4000 meters made every breath challenging, but the scenery along the way made it impossible to stop.

Especially on the grasslands of Litang, I met a group of Tibetan nomads. They invited me into their tent to drink butter tea and eat hand-pulled lamb. Though we couldn't communicate verbally, their sincere smiles and warm hospitality showed me the pure-heartedness of the plateau people. At night, lying in the tent watching countless stars and listening to the yak bells, that sense of peace and tranquility remains unforgettable.

European Selection

Norway's Trolltunga is possibly the most stunning viewing platform I've ever seen. This rock formation, suspended 28 meters out from a cliff at 1100 meters altitude, took me a full 5 hours just for the one-way hike last year. But when you stand on the rock and look down at the fjord below, all fatigue simply vanishes.

The Trolltunga trail isn't easy. Starting from the parking lot, you first pass through dense pine forest. In spring, when the snow has just melted, the path is especially slippery. I remember one particularly steep section of stone steps that was almost vertical. But it's precisely these challenges that make the final view even more precious.

On Trolltunga, I met a retired couple from Australia who were traveling the world specifically seeking out spectacular viewpoints. We had a picnic together on the cliff edge, sharing our travel stories. The elderly gentleman said life is like hiking - it's not about where you end up, but about the scenery and people you meet along the way.

The Tour du Mont Blanc is an epic journey crossing France, Italy, and Switzerland. The full route is 170 kilometers with about 10,000 meters of elevation gain. What's special about this trail is that each night you can stay in different mountain huts, tasting distinctive cuisine from all three countries. I remember one day having an unforgettable handmade pasta at an Italian mountain hut, where the chef had been working for 30 years.

The Tour du Mont Blanc helped me deeply appreciate the charm of the Alps. In the French section, morning sunlight bathed the snow-capped peaks, covering the entire valley in golden light. In the Swiss section, I crossed vast meadows and saw herds of dairy cows wearing traditional bells that created melodious sounds as they moved.

Most memorable was an evening in the Italian section. I arrived at the mountain hut very late, but the chef still prepared a hearty dinner for me. He told me his grandfather was the hut's first chef, and their family had been serving there for three generations. After dinner, we sat on the terrace watching stars and sharing life stories. That kind of warmth is rare in city life.

In Iceland, I experienced the famous Laugavegur trail. This route, known as the "Hot Spring Valley," showed me Iceland's unique landscape. Countless hot springs and geysers line the trail, and colorful hills spread out like a painter's palette. Most magical was finding natural hot spring pools along the way - soaking in warm water while admiring the barren yet magnificent volcanic landscape is an experience beyond words.

In the Alps, I also experienced hiking in the Dolomites. This region, known as the "Coral Reef Mountains," is famous for its unique geological structure and spectacular sunsets. At a mountain hut near Tre Cime, I met an Italian geologist who explained in detail how these mountains formed and why they turn pink at sunset. This phenomenon, known as the "Alpine Rose," is one of the Dolomites' most famous natural wonders.

American Flavors

Speaking of American hiking trails, the Kalalau Trail on Kauai, Hawaii is definitely not to be missed. This 22-kilometer coastal trail was rated by National Geographic as one of the world's most dangerous hiking routes. But it's also one of the most beautiful. When I hiked it last year during rainy season, the steep red dirt paths were extremely slippery, but the tropical rainforest scenery and magnificent Pacific Ocean views made this challenging journey worthwhile.

On the Kalalau Trail, I met many hikers from around the world. There was a Canadian couple on their third attempt at this trail. They told me each visit brings new surprises, whether it's the spectacular ocean views or dense tropical vegetation.

Particularly impressive was a cliff section in the middle of the route. Standing on the edge, you could see the surging Pacific Ocean and whales breaching in the distance. Though the journey was treacherous, such beautiful scenery made all fatigue forgotten. At one rest stop, I met a local guide who shared many histories and legends about the trail. It turns out this route was originally used by native Hawaiians to transport supplies.

Angels Landing in Zion National Park, Utah, was an adrenaline-pumping experience. The final half-mile chain section indeed requires great courage. But when you finally reach the viewing platform and look down at the entire Zion Canyon, that sense of achievement is indescribable.

The most challenging part of Angels Landing is undoubtedly the final chain section. This segment requires using both hands and feet, firmly gripping chains fixed to the rock wall while climbing up step by step. Though there are safety measures, looking down at the bottomless canyon still makes your heart race.

I remember meeting a German photographer during the climb. He carried professional photography equipment just to capture the canyon's breathtaking sunrise. We waited for sunrise at the viewing platform, watching the morning sun gradually illuminate every corner of the canyon - that overwhelming feeling remains unforgettable.

In America, I also explored the Half Dome trail in Yosemite National Park. This is a technically demanding route requiring fixed steel cables to reach the summit. I remember my strength was nearly exhausted at the final cable section, but knowing the summit was close kept me going. Standing at Half Dome's peak, overlooking the entire Yosemite Valley, felt like standing on top of the world.

In Canada, I hiked the Plain of Six Glaciers trail in Banff National Park. This route showed me the majesty of the Canadian Rockies. Especially in autumn, when the beech leaves turn golden, the entire valley seems coated in gold. At campsites, I often saw wildlife like bighorn sheep and marmots. Once, we even spotted a grizzly bear in the distance - that mix of tension and excitement is unforgettable.

South American hiking experiences also left deep impressions. In Peru, I completed the famous Inca Trail. This ancient path to Machu Picchu not only showed me the grandeur of the Andes but also helped me experience the mystery and greatness of Inca civilization. At Dead Woman's Pass at over 4000 meters altitude, I met hikers from around the world. We overcame altitude sickness together, encouraging each other, and finally reached Machu Picchu together. Watching the ancient city appear and disappear in the morning mist, that emotion was beyond words.

Conclusion

These years of hiking experiences have taught me that each trail has its unique charm. Some say hiking is a form of spiritual practice, and I truly agree. During long walks, you not only appreciate nature's magnificent craftsmanship but also find inner peace through self-dialogue.

Hiking has taught me that travel isn't just about reaching destinations, but more importantly about what you gain along the way. Each hike is a self-challenge and a spiritual purification. While hiking, I've met friends from around the world and heard many fascinating stories, all becoming my life's most precious treasures.

Now, whenever I organize my hiking photos and diaries from these years, those beautiful memories flood back. Those steep paths, magnificent views, warm smiles - they've all deepened my love for hiking. Perhaps this is hiking's charm - it not only shows us the world's beauty but also helps us discover our inner strength.

By the way, have you been to any of these places? Or are there any routes you particularly want to visit? Welcome to share your hiking stories and insights in the comments. Let's measure the world with our footsteps and feel life's beauty with our hearts.