15 Must-Visit Backpacking Routes from All Over the World

Are you planning of going on a BIG journey in the form of backpacking routes-not wanting to visit only one country but eagerly waiting to explore many countries? If yes, then you have come to the right place.

Late summer to early fall is the best time for backpacking. There are various backpacking routes around the world. Whether you are an adventure enthusiast who loves hiking or just someone who wants to enjoy fabulous natural views, we have rounded up a list of the best backpacking routes in the world.

Keep reading!

15 Famous Backpacking Routes

Backpacking proves to be a memorable journey for travelers who want to experience an over-night trip in the mountains. Wherever you want to travel, the following list of backpacking routes near me will make your experience outstanding.

Backpacking Routes in USA

1. Teton Crest Trail

Teton Crest Trail in Wyoming is one of the best hikes washinton no permit. The Teton Range is famous for various things like drastic temperature drops, occasional freezing temperatures, and amazing landscapes. While hiking, you can meet glaciers, alpine lakes, mountain passes, ridges, and famous attractions that you have not visited before.

Distance

• 35 to 45 miles

Skill Level

• Easy

2. Mount Sterling Loop

This backpacking route or hiking trail in Great Smoky Mountain National Park is one of the best backpacking routes for first-timers. This trail has some steep uphill sections through which you can move upwards to Mount Sterling Loop. But when you reach the top, you will be rewarded with panoramic views and lush mountains.

Distance

• 17 miles

Skill Level

• Beginner

3. Browman Lake Loop

Browman lake loop welcomes tourists with classical views, wildflowers, campsites, lakes & rivers. Also, you could enjoy the same views through this loop what Glacier National Park has to offer. Before heading towards to this trail, it is recommended to check weather & trail conditions earlier. Even in summer time, some areas of trail are covered in snow, so prepare for it.

Distance

• 35 miles

Skill Level

• Intermediate-advanced

4. Upper Yosemite Falls Trail

Upper Yosemite Falls Trail is one of the best backpacking routes near Los Angeles, Ca. It welcomes visitors with upper Yosemite Falls close-up views, stunning views of the dome and nearby mountains. No doubt it’s a challenging route but we guarantee that you will be rewarded with top-notch views. It’s open all-year round but quite difficult to explore in snowy weather.

Distance

• 6.6-mile

Skill Level

• Intermediate

5. John Muir Trail

John Muir Trail is considered as America’s one of the most beautiful trails. This trail allows you to explore beautiful lakes, eye-witnessing vistas, unique surrounding views & anything else you want to expect from your route. The land of this trail is also blessed with sunny, mild & calm weather from all over the world’s mountain range.

Distance

• 211-mile

Skill Level

• Challenging

6. Gringo Trail

For backpacking South America, Gringo trail backpacking route is suitable. The Atlantic side of trail is hard to travel but on the Pacific side, you can easily find a lot of backpacking opportunities.

Along the trail, you can see beautiful attractions like Inca ruins, the salt flats of Uyuni (The most unreal place on Earth) and the gigantic waterfalls of Foz do Iguaçu.

Distance

• Long-distance trail

Skill Level

• Some are easy & others are challenging.

Backpacking Routes Europe

7. Tatras Trail

Carpathian mountain range which forms a natural border of two famous places, named as Poland & Slovakia. ¾ of the mountains of Tatras Trail are located in Slovakia and the rest of the mountains are situated in Poland. One of the famous & best backpacking routes Europe “Janosikove diery” is located near Terchova.

Distance

• 43 miles long

Skill Level

• Difficult & Challenging

8. Mont Blanc Trail

Mont Blanc Trail will truly make your backpacking experience more imaginative with emerald green pastures, rocks, mountains, and glaciers. This is one of the most scenic trekking routes that not only allow you to enjoy scenic views but also offer hiking, cycling, and skiing opportunities. The trams & local cable cars are popular.

Distance

• 103 mi

Skill Level

• Intermediate to advanced

9. Southwest Bank Trail

The Southwest Bank Trail starts at Minehead town in Somerset and ends at Poole town, Dorset. It’s one of the best backpacking routes for those who want to take a break from civilized culture. If you do not prepare yourself earlier for this route, you may be hurt on the first day of the trip. So, do not forget to bring painkillers, and waterproof and windproof clothes.

Distance

• 21 miles

Skill Level

• Easy to moderate

10. French Riviera Loop

French Riviera stretches from Toulon town to the Italian Border. Also, it is known as one of the best European tourist destinations. French Riviera Loop allow visitors to see world-famous attractions named as Monte Carlo, Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez. You can visit this backpacking route during late fall or winter.

Distance

• 550 miles

Skill Level

• Moderate

Backpacking Routes South East Asia

11. Banana Pancake Trail

Looking for the best backpacking routes Asia? Banana Pancake Trail is one of the best routes for backpacking within Southeast Asia. This trail is traveled by several backpackers and tourists just because of food serving uniqueness. If you are looking for an easy route designed for first-timers, go for Banana Pancake Trail.

Elevation Gain

• 863 m

Length

• 34.64 km

12. The Island Hopping Route

The island hopping route is a famous route between Hawaii, Guam & Honolulu. Southeast Asia welcomes backpackers or tourists who are searching for the cheapest countries to backpack.

If you are a beach or island lover/enthusiast, the Island Hopping route is the perfect backpacking route to visit and explore.

Elevation Gain

• 14,000 m

Length

• 17.9 km

Other Famous Backpacking Routes All over the World

13. Panorama Ridge

Panorama Ridge trail is located in Western Canada. Other than this, there are also other various routes but it’s extra special. The views are extraordinarily amazing and lead visitors to about 19 miles of road trip from Rubble Creek Trailhead. On the trail, you will find nearby Garibaldi Provincial Park full of wildlife flowers.

Distance

• 7.6-mile

Skill Level

• Strenuous

14. Kepler Track

Kepler trail showcases the natural beauty of Fiordland: glacier-carved valleys, waterfalls, and mountains. Start your journey here by parking your car and completing the trail counterclockwise so you can easily complete the challenging track with ease. You need to spare 3 to 4 days to complete this trail but if you don’t want to do so, you can enjoy it for 1 or 2 days.

Distance

• 37 mi

Skill Level

• Intermediate

15. Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

Dreaming to explore the tallest trail? Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route in one of Africa’s tallest trails standing at more than 19,000 feet.

No doubt, it’s a challenging backpacking route but worth considering as it will leave you amazed, wondering, and surprised. So, why not experience this adventurous route?

Distance

• 42 mi

Skill Level

• Challenging

Final Thoughts!

Backpacking routes all over the world will make your next journey memorable. Traveling to the above-mentioned routes is quite affordable but for the cheapest travel, you still need to save some bucks.

 All over the world, there are multiple amazing routes for backpacking but still the mentioned areas are best to explore. Backpacking is not only about covering challenging trails or routes but also exploring new horizons and cheapest places. So make every moment memorable with travel.

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