In a recent Tourdust post we explored why it is that people are attracted to climbing the highest peaks, even when these may not be the most rewarding ones to scale. This week we look at a few hiking destinations to consider for those who want to find an excellent overall trekking experience and who are looking for an alternative to scaling the highest peak.

Langtang Trek

While the path to the Everest Base Camp is now a very well worn one, relatively few trekkers make it over to the Langtang region of Nepal. Yet this area, close to the Tibetan border, offers some of the most rewarding hiking trails in Nepal. During a week on the paths of the region you are likely to cross high mountain passes, through dramatic ravines and wander through lush meadows. Our trekking in Nepal section offers more information on the Langtang region. 

Mount Kenya

The second highest mountain in Africa enjoys far fewer visitors than its bigger rival Kilimanjaro, yet Mount Kenya offers many rewards along its varied slopes. The mountain is actually an ancient volcano that boasts a glacial peak. The climb up Mount Kenya passes through a variety of rainforest and bamboo terrain before ascending to more Alpine landscapes where the temperatures fall away quickly. Reaching the summit of Mount Kenya requires a pre-dawn start in sub-zero temperatures, but the discomfort is soon forgotten as you enjoy a glorious sunrise from the top.  

Around Los Cuernos, Torres del Paine

While the most adventurous hikers will head for the famous 'W' trail in the Torres del Paine National Park there are several excellent alternatives in the Los Cuernos area of the park. Why would you choose an alternative? Well, for those who have tried to book spaces in the refugios in this part of the world the challenge of securing a place to sleep is all too clear. There is no porter service in the park and all visitors must carry their own packs. These factors mean that many less hard-core hikers who are looking to enjoy the dramatic views of the Torres del Paine Park but who want to do so without luggage and with a guaranteed comfortable night at the end of their trek might choose to base themselves within the park and take a series of long day-hikes. The long summer days allow for plenty of ground to be covered within the hours of daylight.   

Montenegro

While the Alpine peaks of Switzerland and Austria attract hikers in their thousands, the landscapes a few hundred miles to the east of the Alps are no less dramatic. Yet this part of Europe attracts far fewer visitors. An extensive network of well marked trails criss-cross the northern mountains of Montenegro and make planning a multi-day hike easy to accomplish. The Durmitor area in the north west country toward the Bosnian border offers perhaps the finest variety of activities, with many excellent trails available out of the tourist centre of Zabljak. The Tara river canyon boasts some of Europe's most dramatic scenery; for those who want to do a little more than hiking the region is home to top quality white-water rafting too.