10 of the Greatest Off-the-Beaten-Track Treks

Would you love to get away from your life and travel to a place where you can be alone? Separate yourself from the every day and get back to the beauty of the outdoors on some of the most isolated tracks. Visit Africa’s 3rd highest peak, the Australian deserts, or make your way the world’s most southerly peak in Patagonia, all are breathtaking. Even though these hiking trails are not easy to get to, don’t let that stop you, there is a trek out there for everyone.

Gokyo Lakes & Renjo La in Nepal

Duration: Approximately 17 days (13 days trekking)

Level of Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging (6)

Ideal for: Active travelers who want to try a different trail to the popular Everest Base Camp trek

When to go: February to mid-May, End of September to December

Would you like to experience a much quieter trail in the Everest area? This hike runs through Sherpa villages to the fantastic greenish blue Gokya Lakes then spans across the Renjo La (5400m) on a trail less ventured. It is ranked as the top trail in the Everest region, and offers a view of the Himalaya’s 8,000-meter peaks. On the climb to Gokyo Ri, you can get the most stunning views of Everest and connecting mountains, Cho Oyu in Tibet.

Larapinta Trail End to End in Australia

Duration: Approx. 14 days

Grading: Moderate to challenging (6)

Ideal for: Wilderness lovers and seasoned walkers after a challenge

When to go: Mid-April to August

An renowned walk in Australia, the complete traverse of the Larapinta follows the West MacDonnell range, over 223 kilometers in Central Australia. Walk through this desert-like area with tucked away ridges and canyons, sleep under the night sky in the Outback; climb Mount Sonder, one of the tallest mountains in the Northern Territory and wake up to a most memorable sunrise.

Dientes Circuit on Navarino Island in Chile

Duration: Approx. 6 days (4 days trekking)

Grading: Challenging (7)

Ideal for: Experienced trekkers who want to get off the beaten track in Patagonia

When to go: December to March

Walk the world's most southerly trek to Dientes de Navarino Massif where you will get the sensation that you have come to the far reaches of the globe. You will not observe many others on this 42-kilometer trek at the tip of South America. This path has been defined by Lonely Planet as an outstanding trek in Patagonia and is probably one of the few very isolated places on earth left to visit

K2 Base camp, Concordia & Gondogora La in Pakistan

Duration: Approx. 24 days (16 days trekking)

Grading: Entry click to learn more about wayfaring level mountaineering/ exploratory trekking (8)

Ideal for: Those who are looking to get into mountaineering, or who are looking to take on a challenging trek

When to go: June to August

Considered to be one of the greatest scenic treks, it expands from the well-known Baltoro Glacier, to the “Throne Room of the Mountain Gods” and to the end of the globe’s 2nd tallest peak. This well-known route in Pakistan has seized the minds of adventure seekers and mountains climbers for years, with a vista that covers 360-degrees of a 7000 meter and 8000-meter mountains, together with the great K2.

The Southern Alps in New Zealand

Duration: Approx. 6 days

Grading: Moderate (5)

Ideal for: Anyone looking to head for heights

When to go: November to April

New Zealand’s Southern Alps are considered one of the top hiking (“tramping” to the locals) destinations on Earth with its rolling hills, magnificent glaciers, and aquamarine lakes. Exploring the alpine tarns with unobscured vistas, this trek is considered a warm up for trekking in the Himalayas.

Mountains of the Moon in Uganda

Duration: Approx. 13 days (10 days trekking)

Grading: Entry level mountaineering/ exploratory trekking (8)

Ideal for: Those who have ticked off Mt Kilimanjaro from their bucket list and are looking for their next summit challenge

When to go: December to February, June to September

Scarcely visited and quite isolated, the Rwenzori Mountains (or Mountains of the Moon) are Africa’s hidden treasure. Climbing Margherita Peak (5,109m), Africa’s third tallest crest, is not for the faint of heart.

West Coast Trail in copyright

Duration: Approx. 8 days (7-day full-pack trek)

Grading: Moderate to challenging (6)

Ideal for: Active walkers who love coastal walks and want to combine it with an exhilarating forest trek and wildlife spotting

When to go: August

Tour by ferryboat across the Strait of Georgia with its Orca-filled waters, and journey to the northern trailhead of Vancouver Island where you can begin your trek and you possibly see a sea lion, eagle or bear along the coastline. This is considered one of the world’s top 10 treks, and if organized well, you will be able to take coast strolls on the shelf.

Snowman Trek in Bhutan

Duration: Approx. 27 days (23 days trekking)

Grading: Exploratory trekking (8)

Ideal for: Anyone looking for a very challenging trek that ventures far off the beaten track

When to go: September to November

Travel the greatest traverse of Bhutan stretching through 11 splendid passes over 4,500 meters through the isolated Lunana terrain. This extreme hike also travels to the scenic Paro Valley where you will experience a province of tiny Buddhist monasteries and remote villages that are hidden away from civilization most of the year.

Pamir Fann Mountains in Tajikstan

Duration: Approx.14 days (5 days trekking)

Grading: Moderate (5)

Ideal for: Those wanting to take their bush walking adventures up a notch while incorporating historical and architectural sightseeing

When to go: June to September

Known for its exceptional mountain views and eye-catching alpine lakes, this off-track hike in virgin Pamir flows into deep valleys with pure clear lakes and flowering fields. You may even catch a peek of the summer camps of the Tijiki shepherds.

Tavan Bogd in Mongolia

Duration: Approx. 11 days (4 days trekking)

Grading: Moderate (5)

Ideal for: Anyone seeking to explore untracked wilderness and authentic nomadic culture

When to go: June to August

This most out of the way part of Mongolia is abundant with nature, abundant wildlife and an interesting cultural history. You will also observe local herders, bactrian camels, Kazakh eagle hunters and throat-singing Tuvan natives, and examine the wandering peoples which are indigenous to this land.