Trekking routes are found in the world’s best destinations and are located in places you cannot reach any other way, as they are off the beaten track. Trekking routes are global but the main factor is the mountains and therefore the landscape is the key feature here. In America, The Rockies of Canada and USA have many trekking routes also including the wilderness of Alaska and Andes mountains with the added interest of Machu Picchu.
Asia also has routes in Himalayan regions of Nepal and Tibet, desert landscapes of India and historical and cultural regions of China.Trekking routes in Africa are in the deserts of Namibia, the Sahara and mountain peak of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. In Europe the routes include Alpine areas of France, Italy, Switzerland, Slovenia, Hills of Tuscany, coastlines of Amalfi and lakes of Northern Italy. Also in France the routes consist of the mountains of the Pyrenees and rivers such as Loire.
There are also many in volcanic landscapes of Iceland, South Italy and Canary Islands. Trekking routes in Africa are in the deserts of Namibia, the Sahara and mountain peak of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.The major factor of all the locations is ‘Responsible Tourism,’ for tourists who trek to these destinations are inclined to respect the countryside and the culture of the people. Landscape is a key feature in the location of trekking holidays. A variety of landscapes from mountains to plains, deserts to glaciers are essential topographical features for a trekking holiday.
Huge landmarks of Asia contain the world’s highest peaks which attract walkers and trekkers. India varies from desert to the hill ranges of Rajasthan.The high altitude is demanding of the walker and acclimatization is essential to prevent mountain sickness. North America offers wonderful mountain and desert scenery such as Death Valley. Trekking in Tunisia offers a view through the Sahara Desert and the famous sand-dunes at Krar Ghilane.
There are impressive landscapes in Iceland with rugged coastlines, volcanic highlands and craters. Many are rugged landscapes, crossing rivers, difficult passes to glaciers and peaks e. g. Kilimanjaro. Climate is a key feature to the time of year for safe trekking.
Trekking is advisable at various times of the year due to wet seasons causing landslides or extreme weathers. The best time to go trekking in South Africa is during Spring from October to December. and in India and Nepal trekking should be during October to December, avoiding monsoon with clear views of the landscapes. The best weather and for clear long days is during June and September in The Alps and also in the Inca Trail during dry season because Ladakh roads are passable in the summer as there is less snow.
The best time for a spring sunshine in the Mediterranean is during April till June as it is not too hot, this is also a good time in Peru as there is pleasant weather and less visitors. January till March are ideal months in Andalucia and in Morocco as it is ideal for trekking avoiding the summer heat. Summer time is when the mountain ranges appeal mostly to walkers as there is long daylight hours, and warm sun to enjoy the views. Iceland has the advantage of having 24hrs daylight in June, due to its position south of the Arctic Circle.In the north, the sun never sets below the horizon in June, allowing visitors to witness the midnight sun. Local services such as mules or porters in places like India or Tibet to carry equipment.
Camps are set up by the organizers which allow the tourist to carry only the necessities of the day. Sherpas guide walkers along routes such as the Inca Trail or to Base Camp in Nepal. Meals are often prepared on return of a long trek such as in the Sahara cooks prepare dinner on open fires and bake bread in the warm Sahara Sands.Accommodation is often basic during trekking routes but comfortable for where you are staying such as tents in Nepal to lodges and tea houses, they are all built of traditional materials.
In the Pyrenees there are comfortable mountain lodges available in locations where access to a variety of walks is available. Trekking in the Sahara offers Bedouin tents, erected by the organizers such as Exodus. Accommodation is therefore not a key issue but reflects the outdoor nature of a trekking holiday. Activities are also a key factor of trekking is the health aspect plenty of fresh air deals with anxiety, stress and high blood pressure.Trekking improves general well-being and stamina, and the walking activities are graded from A-E: Grade A is easy no experience needed with low altitudes, and an only 4-5 hours walk per day.
Grade B is moderate standard, with no experience needed, but a reasonable fitness is required and some higher altitudes with a 5-8 hour walk. Grade C at strenuous and is important to be fit. There are high altitudes with remote areas and 6-9 hours of walking. Grade D is tough and previous trekking is necessary, it is difficult terrain with 6-0 hours of walking.
A good stamina is also needed. Grade E is very tough and requires some climbing skills, with difficult terrain and glacier peaks up to 11 hours of walking. Access to transport links has improved over the past decade for example Europe is easily accessible from the U. K by train and air. Many routes are mapped and marked without spoiling the environment.
Natural and built attractions are key features in a trekking vacation walkers expect breathtaking views from peaks. In Asia the Himalayas day and in Europe the mountain scenery of the Alps, Pyrenees and Carpathian .In Japan and the jungles of Borneo and Thailand. Whilst ascending Kilimanjaro the trekker would experience rainforest, moorland and glacial climatic zones. A combined holiday on the beaches of Zanzibar or a safari would provide a varied attraction. Built attractions would be a feature that would appeal to some people on a trekking holiday e.
g In Rajasthan the numerous palaces and the famous Taj Mahal. In China there are trekking routes along sections of the Great Wall. Some involve a stay in built up areas e. g. Beijing where built attractions appeal such Tiananmen square.The Heritage aspect maybe a key feature for those who wish to involve history in their trek as they can witness a legacy of past civilizations such as the remains of the Inca Civilization in Peru at Machu Picchu.
Along the treks the walker may pass towns, villages and countryside areas which gives a strong connection with the country. Local guides provide information about the culture and traditions of the region. The Loire Valley treks in France pass through chateaux and wine providing areas. In India Local Sherpas provide insight to their culture and valuable information is passed on about cultures and local traditions.
