The most beautiful treks in the world: 6 ideas to dream and escape

A good pair of walking shoes and a backpack: isn't that enough to start a great adventure? In this article, we share with you 6 ideas of mythical treks around the world that can be done without a guide. From the Corsican scrubland to the Himalayas and the icy peaks of Chile, discover 6 great treks rich in discoveries. And because, at Ethik'Hotels, we are convinced that you don't necessarily need to go very far to be amazed, 2 of the proposed hiking trips are in Europe and depart from France. So which of this selection of the most beautiful treks in the world will seduce you for your next escapade ?

1. The GR 20 in Corsica
2. The Tour du Mont Blanc between France, Switzerland and Italy
3. The tour of the 3 cirques in Reunion
4. The Overland Track in Tasmania
5. The Annapurna tour, Nepal
6. The Torres del Plaine circuit, Chile

The GR 20 in Corsica

The itinerary

Perhaps one of the most beautiful treks in Europe, certainly one of the most demanding, the GR20 is not to be presented anymore! Crossing the Isle of Beauty from north to south, from Calenzana to Conca, it is not only famous for its technical passages and its 10 000 meters of cumulated difference in height. If so many hikers explore it, it is also for its splendid sunsets, its breathtaking panoramas on the Mediterranean Sea and on the steep Corsican peaks.

Before leaving, don't forget to book your places in the refuges, which are often crowded, especially in July and August. The GR 20 is mainly for experienced trekkers, as the stages are quite demanding and marked by delicate passages. If you want to train, go to our second idea of treks.

• Steps: 16
• Recommended period: between June and September

L’Ethik’Hotel

Before or after your trek on the GR20, why not take a break by the sea? It would be a pity not to take advantage of the Mediterranean water with its very pleasant temperature in this period. Discover the Escale Plage hotel, located on the coast between Ile-Rousse and Calvi and a few kilometers from the northern start of the GR20 in Calenzana.

The Tour du Mont Blanc between France, Switzerland and Italy

Here is a second idea of a European trek accessible from France. Contrary to the previous ones, the GR TMB does not present great technical difficulties and is accessible to good walkers. Count 4 to 6 hours of hiking each day to cover the 170 km of the complete itinerary. Variations in 7 days are also available if you are short of time. Between glaciers, mountain pastures, pine forests, green valleys and steep summits, hikers have no time to get bored. And that's without counting on the splendid panoramas on the roof of Europe and the unique experience of crossing borders on foot!

• Steps: 10
• Recommended period: between June and September

To go further, discover our ideas, tips and best practices for green tourism in France.

The tour of the 3 cirques in Reunion Island

The itinerary

Let's stay in France but leave the metropolis to go to Reunion Island! With 3 iconic hiking trails, Reunion Island is an island that can be walked wonderfully well. For this mythical trek, we advise you to discover the 3 cirques which surround the Piton des Neiges, the summit of the island. Culminating at more than 3000 meters of altitude, you will be able to take advantage of your stay to launch you to its ascent.

With this trek, you will be able to experience 3 very different facets of the island:

• The cirque of Cilaos, dry and sunny;
• The cirque of Salazie, green and full of small islands and refreshing waterfalls;
• The cirque of Mafate, authentic and accessible only by foot.

2 GR allow you to discover them:

• Le GRR1 crosses the 3 cirques in 6 stages from Cilaos;
• Le GRR3 explores more deeply the unique atmosphere of the cirque of Mafate and allows you to extend the adventure. Count on 4 to 5 days of walking to cover it.

Hiking in Reunion Island is possible all year round but we advise you to go between April and November to avoid the cyclone season.

L’Ethik’Hotel

For your stay in Reunion Island, we do not have yet an Ethik'Hotel to propose you in the cirques. However, we have a nice selection on the coast. We particularly recommend Le Saint-Pierre, located in the town of the same name. At 2 steps from the beach, you can enjoy the pleasant temperature of the Indian Ocean.

You can also easily reach the bus station of Saint-Louis, the departure point of the bus 60 to Cilaos to start your trip on foot. You will be able to marvel at the prowess of the driver who will transport you on the mythical road with 400 curves in the heart of the cirque.

The Overland Track in Tasmania

Tasmania, a small island off the coast of Australia, is a paradise for hikers in search of adventure. Among its many hiking trails, the Overland Track stands out. From Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair, the deepest lake in Australia, this 65 km hike will surprise you with its variety of landscapes. Deep valleys, eucalyptus forests and alpine meadows are all part of the trail. For the more adventurous among you, you can extend your stay with the ascent of the highest peak of Tasmania, Mount Ossa, which culminates at 1617 meters.

• Steps: 6
• Recommended period: November to April

N.B. Entry to Tasmania's national parks is not free. You will need to purchase an entry fee for the duration of your stay.

Also read: to change from hiking without giving up on slow tourism, discover all our tips for a vacation under the sign of soft mobility.

The Annapurna tour, Nepal

Do you want to set out on one of the most beautiful treks in the world in the heart of the Himalayas? Even if it is feasible without a guide, this trek is long and is for hardy trekkers. With more than 2 weeks of walking to cover the whole trek and an altitude that climbs to 5400 meters at the Thorong La pass, this trek represents a sporting challenge in its own right. However, the seasoned trekker will be rewarded by a variety of landscapes and sometimes unseen in Europe: rice terraces, tropical plains, alpine landscapes. For your nuisance, lodges are accessible along the way.

• Steps: 15 to 18
• Recommended period: October - November or March - April

The Torres del Plaine circuit, Chile

Finally, for this last of the most beautiful treks of the world, direction the south of Chile. In the Torres del Plaine National Park, between the Andes Mountains and the Patagonian steppe, this trek is also known as the W trek. Indeed, the path followed by the itinerary has a shape that reminds the letter of the alphabet. On the program, a mythical trek of 80 km in a region cut off from the world that has preserved its unique natural wealth. As the route has gained in popularity in recent years, don't forget to book campsites in advance to take advantage of its breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers.

• Steps: 6
• Recommended period: from the end of October to March

You now know 6 of the most beautiful treks in the world. Which ones make you dream? Do you know others to do at least once in your life? Tell us in comments!

Continue reading and discover our 7 ideas for an active and exotic vacation.

Article written by Anaïs Maroteaux, SEO web writer