If you've already tackled a single-day hike or a short trek, you're likely ready to take the next step into the world of multi-day hiking. These adventures, while more demanding, offer unparalleled rewards.
A multi-day trek is the ultimate way to immerse yourself in nature, pushing your limits while soaking in breathtaking landscapes that few get to experience.
Imagine waking up to a sunrise over a mountain range or falling asleep under a sky full of stars—these moments make the effort worthwhile.
At Skyhook, we want you to plan a successful adventure. So, we've curated a list of the best multi-day hikes worldwide.
1. Tour du Mont Blanc
Location: France, Italy, and Switzerland
Duration: 7-11 days
Difficulty: Challenging
Let's kick things off with a tour through three countries without ever leaving the mountains.
The Tour du Mont Blanc is your ticket to Alpine bliss. This 170km circular route around the Mont Blanc massif is the crown jewel of European treks.
You'll be hiking through flower-filled fields, crossing high mountain passes, and ending each day in cosy Tour du Mont Blanc refuges with a hearty meal.
And the views? Let's just say you'll pinch yourself more often than swatting mosquitoes!
Skyhook's guided Tour du Mont Blanc treks take care of all the faff, leaving you free to focus on the hiking only. If you are up for the challenge, opt for our Tour du Mont Blanc (4-Days) or our Tour du Mont Blanc - 10 Days trip.
The trek to the Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro, at 5,895 metres, is a bucket-list adventure attracting thousands of hikers yearly.
And the best part? You don't need to be a professional mountaineer to conquer it.
Kilimanjaro is often described as a 'walk-up' mountain, but don't let that fool you – it's still a serious challenge.
Throughout your trek, you'll pass through five distinct climate zones, from lush rainforest to arctic summit. It's like trekking from the equator to the North Pole in just a few days.
The final push to the summit, usually around midnight, is a mental and physical endurance test. But when you reach Uhuru Peak and watch the sunrise over the African plains, you'll understand why people call this a life-changing experience.
Skyhook offers a variety of Kilimanjaro routes to suit different preferences:
Kilimanjaro Lemosho (8-Day Route): Choose the Lemosho route if you’re seeking a quieter trail with stunning views and a better chance of reaching the summit due to the gradual acclimatisation.
Kilimanjaro Lemosho (7-Day Route) - This 7-day version of the Lemosho route offers scenic beauty and more time to acclimate as you journey along a less crowded path, enhancing your chances of a successful summit.
Kilimanjaro Machame (7-Day Route) - The Machame route, also known as the 'Whiskey route,' is favoured for its challenging yet rewarding trek. With the "climb high, sleep low" strategy, this route increases your Kilimanjaro success rate.
Kilimanjaro Machame (6-Day Trek) - If you have limited time, the 6-day Machame route provides a thrilling, fast-paced adventure to the summit.
3. Hornstrandir Traverse
Location: Iceland
Duration: 3 days
Difficulty: Challenging
If you've ever wondered what it's like to hike on the world's edge, the Hornstrandir Traverse is your answer. In this remote corner of Iceland, the Arctic Circle flirts with the Atlantic, creating a landscape that's as beautiful as it is wild.
On this trek, you'll navigate rugged coastlines, cross icy streams, and perhaps even glimpse the elusive Arctic fox.
The midnight sun will be your companion, turning night into day and creating surreal lighting conditions photographers dream of.
When you hike the Pyrenees Mountains, you are in for stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Straddling the border between Spain and France, this trek also takes you through lush valleys to craggy peaks.
Skyhook's Hut to Hut Hiking in the Pyrenees Mountains adventure showcases the best of this region. You'll trek through the breathtaking Aiguestortes and Estany de Sant Maurici Valley, marvelling at glacier-carved valleys and serene mountain lakes.
Each day brings new wonders: misty beech forests, panoramic viewpoints, and quaint Basque villages. As you hike, watch for local wildlife like the majestic lammergeier or the elusive Pyrenean desman.
To add to the adventure, you'll spend nights in cosy mountain huts, resting and sharing stories with fellow hikers.
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Slovakia's High Tatras and Slovak Paradise National Parks offer a thrilling combination of alpine beauty and adventurous terrain. You'll cross a landscape of jagged peaks and glacial lakes in the High Tatras.
The trail winds through spruce forests and alpine fields, offering chances to spot chamois goats perched on rocky outcrops.
As you climb, the vistas become increasingly dramatic, rewarding your steps with panoramic views of the Carpathian range.
Hiking in Greece is always special. If you want to hike in Crete, you can explore the island's diverse terrain ranges, from the impressive Samaria Gorge to the rugged White Mountains and picturesque coastal paths.
Traversing the 16 km Samaria Gorge, one of Europe's longest canyons
Exploring remote mountain villages in the White Mountains
Coastal hikes with opportunities for swims in crystal-clear coves
Experiencing traditional Cretan hospitality and cuisine
7. The Inca Trail - Peru
Duration: 4 - 7 days
Distance: 43 km (26 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
The Inca Trail leads you through cloud forests and ancient ruins to the lost city of Machu Picchu. It's like walking through a history book with better views and more llamas.
Starting in the Sacred Valley, you'll climb to Dead Woman's Pass (don't worry, it's not as morbid as it sounds) and descend through subtropical forests before reaching the Sun Gate for your first glimpse of Machu Picchu.
It's a moderately challenging trek, but seeing the mist-shrouded ruins at dawn makes every step worth it.
At Skyhook, we offer these Inca trips:
Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu in 4 Days - An action-packed adventure combining hiking with biking, zip-lining, and rafting, culminating in the breathtaking view of Machu Picchu.
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (7 Days) - A week-long journey through the Andes, taking in lesser-known Incan ruins before reaching the iconic Machu Picchu.
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (2 Days) - A condensed version of the classic trek, perfect for those short on time but still wanting to experience the magic of Machu Picchu.
This trek takes you from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair (Australia's deepest lake) through a landscape that feels like it's been plucked from a fantasy novel.
Think mist-shrouded peaks, ancient rainforests, button grass moorlands, and glacially carved valleys.
Keep your eyes peeled for unique Australian wildlife – wombats waddling through the undergrowth, echidnas snuffling for ants, and, if you're lucky, maybe even a Tasmanian devil.
Just remember to pack plenty of Vegemite sandwiches for energy!
9. Annapurna Circuit - Nepal
Duration: 12-18 days
Distance: 160-230 km (100-145 miles)
Difficulty: Challenging
While Everest and the Everest Base Camp trek often take the spotlight, you will also love the Annapurna Circuit for its incredible diversity and stunning views.
Spanning a wide range of environments, this trek starts in lush, subtropical forests and ascends through terraced rice paddies and picturesque villages.
As you climb higher, the scenery shifts to stark, high-altitude plateaus, eventually leading you into snowy mountain passes.
You'll love the Thorong La Pass, standing at 5,416 metres. This climb is demanding, but the sweeping vistas of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges from the top are unforgettable.
After reaching the pass, the trail gradually descends into the sacred Muktinath Valley, offering a serene conclusion to this challenging journey.
Skyhook offers a 15-day Annapurna Circuit trek that begins in Kathmandu, covering critical locations like Besi Shahar, Manang, and Poon Hill. Our itinerary balances cultural experiences with the physical challenge of high-altitude trekking. Let's go explore Nepal!
10. West Highland Way - Scotland
Duration: 7-8 days
Distance: 154 km (96 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Look no further than the West Highland Way for a taste of the wild Scottish Highlands. This 154km trail takes you through some of Scotland's most iconic landscapes – from the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond to the dramatic scenery of Glencoe.
You'll traverse moorlands, skirt lochs, and maybe even spot the famous Highland cow.
The trail ends in Fort William, in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. If you're feeling particularly energetic, you can even climb Ben Nevis as a grand finale to your trek.
Pro tip: bring your waterproofs. Scottish weather is unpredictable, and you might experience all four seasons in one day.
Final Thoughts
Multi-day trekking offers a unique kind of magic. Once you’ve experienced the thrill of a long trek, it’s hard not to crave more.
The moments that make the effort worthwhile are the satisfaction of reaching your destination, enjoying a warm meal, and gazing at starry skies far from civilisation.
So, which trail will you start with?
Remember, it’s not just about where you’re headed but also about enjoying every step. Take in the views, breathe in the fresh air, and make the most of your adventure!