Five of the best: Trekking holidays
Nepal
Beautiful Nepal lures thousands of trekkers year after year. Nestled between the vast landmasses of India and China, this undulating strip boasts some of the world's highest peaks. The spectacular Himalayas offer a mix of gentle and challenging terrain, so even beginners can get stuck in. Try arranging a trekking trip through a small travel specialist like Nepal Travel Plan (www.nepaltravelplan.co.uk).
Morocco
Morocco's High Atlas mountains boast North Africa's highest peak: Mount Toubkal. This craggy landscape divides the glistening Mediterranean and Atlantic from the vast Sahara, and provides some seriously stunning surrounds. This is a good year-round hiking spot and Morocco Trek (www.moroccotrek.co.uk) offers walks in both the mountains and the desert, including a six-day trek to towering Toubkal.
Peru
Trekking Peru's Inca Trail to Machu Picchu may have become something of a travel cliché, but this trek's popularity makes it no less beautiful. Winding its way through the Andes, the varied trail is a mix of misty cloud forest and vast mountain views, and is dotted with Inca ruins. While trekkers should have a reasonable level of fitness, it is more the 4,200m (13,780ft) altitude that affects people than the terrain.
South Africa
South Africa's majestic Drakensberg mountains offer a truly dramatic trekking experience. A daunting concoction of deep valleys, soaring basalt, sandstone formations and rugged landscape make this UNESCO World Heritage site strikingly unique. But while impressive, the terrain can be particularly hostile and trekkers need to come prepared. A good source of information is the Mountain Club of SA www.mcsa.org.za.
Austria
The glistening Alps are easier to navigate than the Himalayas, especially for those striking out without a guide, and Austria in particular boasts quiet alpine trails and hidden villages for that escape-from-it-all experience. Accommodation is comfortable and affordable, with little mountainside huts ranging from basic to deluxe. One of the best months to go is June when the mountains are gloriously green and verdant.
05 October 2009
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