Daily Times

It may seem that trekking is just a fun activity to embark upon with a bonus of breathtaking views, but in actuality it is a much more elaborate experience than that. It takes dedication, tolerance and a knack for handling unforeseen circumstances.

GR20, France

This 15-day trek through the mountainous Mediterranean island of Corsica gives you an out of the world escapade. It includes a journey through thick forests, glacial lakes, torrents, peat bogs, snow-capped peaks and much more. This rocky and sometimes steep trek was created in 1972 and links Calenzana to Conca.

Everest Base Camp, Nepal

This 21-day trek through the precipitous landscape of the world’s highest mountain reaches a height of 8,848m. It is a journey through awe-inspiring scenery and bewildering altitudes.

Routeburn Track, New Zealand

This 3-day trek through the sensational terrain and sub-alpine landscape of New Zealand’s South Island passes through two national parks; Fiordland and Mt Aspiring. Views from Harris Saddle, Conical Hill and waves breaking at a distant beach are included. Getting a spot among the limited people allowed on this trek at a time is a tough job.

The Narrows, USA

This is a 26km hike of The Narrows in Zion National Park, through magnificent canyons, formed over centuries by the Virgin River. Most of the journey is spent swimming as the route almost fully goes through the river. This trek can be completed within a day if one does not prefer to go through the hanging gardens and natural springs – a comparatively longer route, including a night spend at one of the park’s 12 camp grounds.

K2, Pakistan

Mostly a 15-day trek, to the peak of K2 at 8,611m, this experience is unlike any other. This hike begins after a pathway of ice, which leads to icy rivers and glaciers. It then crosses the granite mountains of Paiju, Uli Biaho, and Great Trango Tower before ultimately reaching K2.

Published in Daily Times, July 26^th 2018.