Seeking the ultimate hiking adventure? Explore the most epic multi day hikes around the world. These trails take you through epic landscapes, offer stunning views, and provide thrilling challenges for every intrepid hiker.

Preparing for Multi-Day Hikes

Proper preparation is key to avoiding pitfalls and enhancing safety during multi-day hikes. It’s not just a physical challenge, but also requires mental readiness and logistical planning. Understanding the trail’s physical demands, packing the right gear for multi-day adventures, and planning details in advance sets the foundation for a successful adventure.

The Most Epic Multi-Day Hikes Around the World

These epic treks take you through some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes on Earth and offer unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner looking for a new challenge, these trails promise the hiking adventure of a lifetime.

1. The Overland Track - Tasmania, Australia

The Overland Track is a 40-mile (64-kilometer) journey through stunning landscapes in Australia’s Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park. This amazing trail takes you through alpine plateaus, dense forests, and glacially carved valleys before reaching its highest elevation at 1,250 meters (4,100 feet). Hikers typically complete the track in five to six days, making it a perfect multi-day adventure.

Accommodation options along the Overland Track range from public and private huts to camping sites.The track is also home to diverse wildlife, including the famous Tasmanian devils and wombats. Permits are required for the Overland Track, and understanding local regulations is essential to ensure a smooth journey.

2. Kilimanjaro Trek - Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Mount Kilimanjaro is one of Africa’s most iconic and challenging mountain hikes. Located in Tanzania, the Kilimanjaro trek spans 23 miles (37 kilometers) and offers accommodation options including huts, camping, and eco-lodges.You’ll begin the journey in a rich rainforest environment, gradually ascending through diverse ecosystems until reaching snow capped peaks.The ascent takes you through five distinct climate zones, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts and finally to the glacial summit.

To climb Mount Kilimanjaro, hikers need to secure a permit from the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities and to arrange your trip through a licensed tour operator.

3. Kumano Kodo - Japan

The Kumano Kodo is not just a hike — it’s a journey through Japan’s rich cultural heritage. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kumano Kodo’s Nakahechi Trail was historically used by the Imperial family.

Trail lengths on the Kumano Kodo vary from 24 to 106 miles (39 to 171 kilometers) depending on your route, catering to different fitness levels and schedules. Local guides are available to enhance your understanding of the area’s history and natural beauty, making this a truly immersive experience.

Travelers can easily access the Kumano region from major cities like Kyoto and Osaka, making it a convenient destination for hikers.The best time to hike the Kumano Kodo is between March and June, when the weather is mild and the landscapes are lush.

4. The Inca Trail - Cusco, Peru

The Inca Trail is one of the most iconic treks in the world, leading hikers to the ancient city of Machu Picchu. This 28-mile (45-kilometer) trail takes about four to five days to complete. To preserve the trail and its surroundings, permits are limited to 500 per day including hikers and guides.Get your permit well in advance of your trek.

Along the Inca Trail you’ll encounter Inca ruins and diverse ecosystems, offering a glimpse into the rich history of the Inca civilization. The trail is steep and traverses high altitudes, making it an exciting challenge for hikers seeking epic views. Porters and guides play a vital role in the trek, carrying communal equipment such as tents and food, and are essential for the trek’s success.

5. Dana to Petra - Jordan

The hike from Dana to Petra is a 52-mile (84-kilometer) journey through the heart of Jordan. This moderate trek lasts nine days and offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s unique climate zones and ecosystems. Along the way hikers can hire camels for support, adding a traditional touch to the adventure.

The Dana to Petra hike crosses mountains, valleys, canyons, and desert landscapes.The trail culminates at the archaeological site of Petra, a city carved into sandstone rocks and one of the most remarkable historical sites in the Middle East. Accommodations along the Dana to Petra trail include eco-lodges like Feynan Ecolodge, which focuses on sustainability and provides a comfortable place to rest.

6. Kepler Track - New Zealand

The Kepler Track is a stunning 37-mile (60-kilometer) loop located in Fiordland National Park on New Zealand’s South Island. This beautiful trek typically spans four days starting with a hike to Luxmore Hut and concluding with a walk to Rainbow Reach. The trail winds through tall mossy forests, mountain ridge tops, alpine meadows, and past deep lakes, gorges, and rivers. It also offers the option to reach Mount Luxmore via a short detour, offering breathtaking panoramic views.

Accommodation options on the Kepler Track include huts and campsites, catering to different preferences and budgets. The best time to hike the Kepler Track is from October to April, when the weather is most favorable.

7. Everest Base Camp - Nepal

The Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal is an iconic journey that spans 80 miles (129 kilometers) and typically takes 12 days to complete. This epic trek begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, providing stunning views of the Himalayas. Reaching Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) is an incredible feat, surrounded by the Khumbu Glacier and towering peaks.

The Everest Base Camp trek offers an unparalleled and challenging journey through some of the world’s most breathtaking and well-known landscapes. The best time to undertake this adventure is from May to September, when the weather is most favorable for trekking. Accommodations along the route include tea houses and camping, offering a glimpse into the local culture and a chance to rest after a long day of hiking.

8. Torres del Paine W-Route - Chile

The Torres del Paine National Park W-Trek in Chile is a 46-mile (74-kilometer) trek that can typically be completed in 4-5 days. This amazing trail is known for its stunning natural features, including glaciers, rivers, and the iconic granite towers that give the park its name.

The Torres del Paine W-Trek is a journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in South America. Whether you’re gazing at glacial lakes or marveling at the towering granite peaks, this trek offers an unforgettable adventure through one of the world’s most stunning national parks.

The W-Trek offers different accommodation options, including camping, lodges, and full board meal packages. The best time to hike is from December to February, when weather conditions in Torres del Paine are most favorable.

9. Tour du Mont Blanc - France, Italy, Switzerland

The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the most spectacular treks in the world, spanning 105 miles (169 kilometers) across three countries: France, Italy, and Switzerland. With an elevation gain of approximately 10,600 meters (34,777 feet), this trek offers stunning panoramic views of surrounding snow capped peaks and lush valleys.

The Tour du Mont Blanc is a journey through the heart of the Alps, crossing several high mountain passes where hikers can encounter wildlife such as ibex and deer. Each day on the Tour du Mont Blanc presents a new adventure, whether you’re traversing alpine meadows or ascending steep mountain peaks. The best time to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc is from late June to September, when the weather is generally stable and more mild.

10. West Coast Trail - British Columbia, Canada

The West Coast Trail in British Columbia, Canada, is a 75-kilometer (47-mile) trek that takes hikers through some of the most rugged and beautiful landscapes on the Pacific coast. Originally established in 1907 as the Dominion Lifesaving Trail, it was designed to assist shipwreck survivors along the treacherous coastline.

The trail takes hikers through a variety of landscapes, including forests, beaches, and rocky terrain. Safety is a top priority on the West Coast Trail, as hikers can encounter dangerous wildlife such as cougars and black bears. The trail includes designated campgrounds equipped with bear-proof food storage and basic facilities.