Introduction
Every time I shoulder my backpack and embark on a new hiking journey, my heart fills with anticipation and excitement. For me, hiking has become more than just an outdoor activity; it's a life attitude that elevates both body and mind. Over the past few years, I've been fortunate to measure the world's hiking paradises with my own feet, and each journey has brought abundant rewards. Different routes carry different stories - some are thrilling challenges, some are leisurely strolls, some offer intimate contact with nature, while others are deep dialogues with history and culture.
European Dreams
The hiking experience in Italy's Cinque Terre remains unforgettable. This winding trail along the Mediterranean coast connects five charming fishing villages: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Each village attracts hikers from around the world with its unique colors and character. Setting out from Monterosso in the morning, following the cliff-side path with the blue Mediterranean below, warm sunshine above, and the sound of waves crashing against rocks, while colorful houses in the distance appear like a fairy tale world.
Though only 12 kilometers long, this hiking route is definitely worth savoring. I especially recommend stopping in Vernazza, where local bars serve the famous Cinque Terre white wine, paired with fresh seafood - an absolute hiking pleasure. If time allows, consider spreading the journey over two to three days to experience each village's unique charm more deeply. In Manarola, be sure to climb to the church square at sunset to watch the sun slowly sink into the Mediterranean - an unforgettable sight.
Speaking of breathtaking hiking experiences, Norway's Trolltunga is unquestionably worthy. This 28-kilometer round-trip route tests both physical and mental endurance. I remember starting the hike at 4 AM to avoid crowds and reach the viewpoint at the optimal time. The mountain path is winding and steep - while an 800-meter elevation change might not sound extreme, when you're actually walking on the rugged trail, every step requires complete focus.
The high mountain meadows, deep valleys, and clear streams along the way all invite pause and admiration. But most memorable is standing on the giant rock jutting out over the fjord. This rock, protruding about 25 meters from the cliff, has become an iconic photo spot for countless hikers. Standing on the rock, with a nearly 700-meter drop below and the undulating mountains and winding Lysefjord in the distance, the feeling is indescribable. However, remember to be cautious when taking photos on the rock and stay alert.
Alpine Rendezvous
The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the most challenging long-distance hikes I've completed to date. This circuit crossing France, Italy, and Switzerland not only offers the chance to admire Europe's highest peak up close but also to deeply experience the mountain cultures of three countries. The 170-kilometer route typically takes about 11 days to complete, with each day filled with surprises.
I remember starting from Chamonix, France, one of the birthplaces of mountaineering, where climbers with gear can be seen everywhere on the streets. The first day's hike was relatively easy, but as the altitude increased, the trail became more challenging. Most memorable was Courmayeur in the Italian section, where Italian cuisine provided great comfort to tired bodies. The Swiss section is known for its neat mountain villages and magnificent glacier views.
Mountain huts along the way are a special feature of this hiking route. These huts typically provide beds and hot meals, allowing hikers to travel light. However, note that during peak season, rooms are often fully booked, so reservations at least six months in advance are recommended. Each hut has its characteristics - some serve authentic local food, others have unparalleled sunset viewing platforms. I particularly enjoyed listening to hikers from around the world share their stories in the huts' common areas.
The hiking experience on Scotland's Isle of Skye is completely different. Though the Cuillin Mountains are not particularly high, their unique terrain and changeable weather present significant challenges. During my week of hiking there, I experienced clear skies, drizzle, thick fog, and other weather conditions - sometimes all four seasons in one day.
The most famous hiking route in the Cuillin Mountains is Blaven, a black rock peak that rises like a sword into the clouds. The hike involves some simple climbing sections, and while somewhat dangerous, the view from the summit is absolutely worth it. On clear days, you can see the magnificent views of the entire Isle of Skye, with the blue Atlantic Ocean in the distance and scattered small lakes nearby. However, be especially mindful that the weather here is unpredictable, so bring adequate warm and rain gear.
Eastern Exploration
My hiking experience on Mount Fuji is one of my most unforgettable memories. As Japan's national symbol, this perfect conical volcano attracts tens of thousands of hikers annually. Although its elevation of 3,776 meters isn't particularly high among world-famous mountains, the actual climbing difficulty is significant due to the low starting elevation.
I chose the Fujinomiya route, which is the shortest but also the steepest, covering about 14 kilometers. One advantage of this route is its higher starting point, which helps conserve energy. I remember starting the climb in the afternoon, planning to stay overnight at a mountain hut on the slope and continue to the summit before dawn the next day. Though the hut conditions were basic, having a warm resting place at over 3,000 meters was much appreciated.
Most memorable was the summit attempt starting at 2 AM. Stars dotted the pitch-black sky, and headlamps formed a band of light on the winding trail. As elevation increased, temperature dropped and air thinned, making each step increasingly difficult. But when I finally reached the summit and watched the sun slowly rise from the sea of clouds, all fatigue vanished. The feeling of standing at Japan's highest point, overlooking the sea of clouds, is unforgettable.
The Annapurna Circuit in Nepal was a completely different hiking adventure. This circuit, acclaimed as the world's best trekking route, taught me the true meaning of "magnificent." The 160-230 kilometer route takes 15-20 days to complete, crossing the 5,416-meter Thorong La Pass - a supreme test of physical and mental endurance.
The first day's trek starts from Besisahar, gradually ascending along the Marsyangdi Valley. As altitude increases, the surrounding landscape changes from subtropical rice terraces to temperate pine forests to alpine wasteland. You pass through many traditional Nepalese villages that maintain ancient ways of life, feeling like traveling through time.
The most challenging day was crossing Thorong La Pass. Starting at 3 AM to avoid potential strong winds, each step becomes extremely difficult in below-freezing temperatures and thin air. But upon reaching the pass and seeing the surrounding Annapurna peaks, the overwhelming feeling is unforgettable.
American Adventure
The Inca Trail trek in Peru was a deep dialogue with historical civilization. This 42-kilometer ancient path, once an important transportation route of the Inca Empire, is now a pilgrimage route to Machu Picchu. The entire trek typically takes 4 days, each bringing different surprises.
The first day's hike is relatively easy, starting at 2,800 meters and gradually ascending along the Urubamba Valley. You pass well-preserved Inca ruins, these exquisite stone buildings testament to ancient Incan wisdom. The second day is most challenging, requiring crossing Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215 meters. Despite its intimidating name, the views here are unforgettable.
The third day is mostly downhill, passing several important archaeological sites. The Incas' masterful stone carving skills and architectural wisdom are fully displayed in these ruins. On the final morning, departing from the last camp to reach the Sun Gate, when the first rays of sunlight shine on the ancient city of Machu Picchu, all fatigue transforms into endless emotion.
In Patagonia, Mount Fitz Roy presents a different kind of awe. This granite peak, known as the "King of Patagonia," has become an ultimate goal for countless photographers and hikers with its unique shape. While summiting is nearly impossible for ordinary hikers, the trail to base camp is equally memorable.
This 16-kilometer round-trip route starts from El Chaltén town in Argentina. Setting out early, following misty forest trails, Fitz Roy's silhouette gradually appears. As elevation increases, the surrounding landscape opens up - alpine meadows, glacier lakes, and snow-covered cliffs form a breathtaking panorama.
At base camp, on clear days, you can clearly see Fitz Roy's steep east face. This nearly thousand-meter vertical rock wall is the ultimate challenge for rock climbers worldwide. Even just sitting on the big rocks at camp, watching clouds swirl around the peak, is an incomparable experience.
Conclusion
Each hiking journey is a spiritual cleansing. Before these magnificent natural landscapes, humans seem so small, yet feel immensely proud to measure these beautiful scenes with our own feet. Hiking is not just a sport but a life attitude, teaching us how to remain resilient in the face of difficulties, find inner peace in solitude, and discover joy in simplicity. I hope these experiences inspire your yearning for hiking and lead you to embark on your own hiking journey.
