Top Luxury Treks Around the World
One of the best ways to see the world is to slow down and explore on foot, but that doesn't have to mean discomfort. On some of our experts' favourite treks around the world you can combine a sense of intrepid exploration with the very best in luxury and comfort. On these walks, wildlife safaris and outback treks you'll make your way through through some of the world's most beautiful landscapes with style and authenticity.
From soaring snowy peaks in the Himalayas to ancient Inca ruins in Machu Picchu, get ready to tick some big boxes off your bucket list.
Torres del Paine, Chilean Patagonia
Embark on trekking adventure deep within the heart of Chilean Patagonia. Torres del Paine National Park invites you to witness the iconic granite towers rising sharply from the earth, complemented by the dazzling turquoise of its glacial lakes. Keep your eyes peeled for the region’s distinctive wildlife – majestic condors circling overhead and guanacos grazing in the valleys.
Retreat to the ultimate in Patagonian comfort at a luxury eco-lodge like Explora Patagonia or Awasi Patagonia, where world-class service, gourmet cuisine and panoramic views provide a perfect sanctuary. From hiking to kayaking and horseback riding, there are a variety of curated tours to choose from in this region.
Need to know: The best time to visit is between October and April.
Dolomites Alta Via, Italy
The Dolomites, a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site in Italy, offer a high-alpine experience that blends rugged outdoor adventure with Italian sophistication. Here you’ll find the Alta Via 1 (High Route 1), a 125-kilometre public footpath that serves as your gateway to an unforgettable trek. Imagine traversing pretty alpine meadows beneath towering limestone spires. This spectacular route offers you an approachable but deeply rewarding experience.
Your days of exhilarating hiking will be perfectly balanced by evenings of pure indulgence at distinguished mountain retreats and spa hotels such as Rosa Alpina, The Cristallo, and Ciasa Salares.
Need to know: The most favourable time for this luxury Dolomites trek is between June and September, when conditions are ideal for exploration.
Himalayas, Northern India
The Himalayas of Northern India provide some of the most amazing trekking in the world, boasting stunning views, few tourists and traditional villages. This majestic region offers an exclusive journey through landscapes dotted with remote temples and the chance to observe unique Himalayas wildlife. Whether you’re after three to five days’ of village-to-village Himalayan luxury trekking or a comfortable base from which to launch your day hikes, this is a fantastic, exclusive way to experience one of the world’s best road-less-travelled hiking trips.
As far as luxury is concerned, we’ve got you covered: you can even go with your very own private chef. Walk from village to village on a luxury Kumaon trek, explore trails through the vast Ladakh region, or keep your base in a luxury lodge and spend your days hiking the region.
Salkantay Trek, Peru
A popular hiking destination, Peru, the trek to Machu Picchu sits atop many travellers’ bucket lists. But there’s a more exciting way to get to Machu Picchu than following the fan favourite Inca Trail, with a culturally eye-opening five or seven-day lodge-to-lodge Salkantay luxury trek. It’s a trek that ranges from moderate to challenging, taking you past glacial lakes, along high mountain passes and through remote Andean villages.
The beauty of this trek is that it gives you a unique opportunity to experience the fascinating history and rich culture of the Peruvian people. On your trek, you’ll stay in some of the loveliest mountain lodges of Peru often run by the local communities, so you’ll be comfortable and well-rested for your days of hiking.
El Chalten, Argentina
Patagonia is one of Latin America’s premier hiking destinations, and a personal favourite of so many of our travel designers. The Fitzroy Rage near El Chalten in southern Argentina offers some of the most spectacular views and hiking in Patagonia, and it’s the perfect base from which to launch your daily adventures. There are a variety of different treks to choose from including Laguna de los Tres, Laguna Capri and Cerro Torre, and you can choose the difficulty and duration which suits you, whether you’re keen on a day hike or multi-day trek.
El Chalten itself is extremely remote, home to just 500 people, but two luxury properties nearby – Don los Cerros Boutique Hotel and Aguas Arriba Lodge – have everything you need to make the perfect base for your daily treks. It’s also the perfect opportunity to visit Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park is home to incredible wildlife including pumas, guanacos and Andean condors.
Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Sitting atop of many bucket lists, hiking Mount Kilimanjaro is a spectacular week-long trek that can challenge even the most experienced of hikers. Though it’s a tough hike, it can be done in relative luxury – and it’s more than worth the effort. Some of the most popular routes include Machame, Lemosho and Rongai.
With a private guide, porter and chef to accompany you the whole way through you can be sure of being well fed and rested enough to reach the peak in style. You can also finish your hike off with a visit to the Serengeti for a chance to unwind and see some wildlife before heading home.
Need to know: Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa at 5,895m. By “walking high” and “sleeping low” throughout your trek and going at a slow and steady pace with your experienced mountain guides, you’ll successfully acclimatise before your summit bid
Arkaba, Australia
An exclusive refuge in South Australia, Arkaba is not only an amazing place to see some of Australia’s most famous wildlife like kangaroos, emus and wedge-tailed eagles, but it’s also a haven for trekkers, an authentic outback experience and luxury bush retreat at the same time. In addition to your outback trekking and wildlife safaris, explore the Flinders Ranges and delve into the fascinating geology here as well as learning more about the area’s rich Aboriginal heritage.
In this quintessential Australian environment guests can go on daily guided walks around the stunning grounds (which encompasses a vast 60,000 acres) before retiring to their exclusive rooms for an evening of relaxation and delicious food.
Need to know: The winter months from June to August are great for birdwatching and wildlife activity.
Gangteng Valley, Bhutan
One of the most mystical and beautiful places on earth, Bhutan is a dream if you’re after a luxury trekking experience. While staying in some of the world’s most incredible hotels, spend your days hiking in the shadows of the Himalayas, around the wide Gangteng Valley and the magnificent Paro. Some of the most popular luxury Bhutan treks include Druk Path Trek, Bumthang Valley and Snowman Trek.
Our Classic Bhutan Adventure trip lets you see the best Bhutan has to offer on foot, trekking from secluded monastery to secluded monastery, and of course doing it all in style. You can also add a Bhutan hiking tour onto a trip to Nepal, if you really want to get to know the Himalayas.
Need to know: Enrich your trekking experience with visits to cultural highlights Tiger’s Nest Monastery and Punakha Dzong.
Milford Sound, New Zealand
Milford Sound is one of the most spectacular sights on New Zealand’s South Island. Situated near Queenstown, there is no shortage of things you can do there, but one of our favourite activities is lacing up and exploring New Zealand’s “finest walk” – Milford Track, a 53km (33-mile) hiking route in the UNESCO listed Fiordland National Park. The wildlife sighting opportunities here are excellent, so keep a lookout for dolphins, seals and penguins.
After some Fiordland National Park trekking, you can then take a cruise along the fiord or spend some time discovering the area on foot. It is arguably one of the best places to trek in New Zealand, thanks to its unmatched beauty, native wildlife and the range of activities you can do there. We recommend that any visit to the South Island includes a trip to Milford Sound.
Need to know: The best time to go trekking around Milford sound is between late October and late April. But if you want pleasant weather and blooming wildflowers, aim for November.
Our top example trips
Talk to one of our expert travel designers and start planning your once-in-a-lifetime luxury trekking vacation.
