Challenging Adventures: 10 Hikes That Will Push Your Limits & Reward You With Stunning Views

Sometimes the most daring adventures involve walking, not speed flying, swimming in alligator-filled waters, or white-water rafting in the Nile. For daring souls who get their rush by conquering challenging hikes, the toughest trails in North Carolina aren’t the only places they can get their fill. There are many strenuous hikes around the world that reward those who take the challenge with outstanding views.

Such extreme trails require bravery and proper preparation, noting that they are defined by dizzying heights, fascinating (but sometimes dangerous) wildlife, crevasses, bad weather, and other hair-raising obstacles. From tackling the world-famous Everest Base Camp to Hawaii's Kalalau trail, these demanding adventures await the most adventurous hikers with open arms and reward them with some of the most beautiful views in the world.

10 The Snowman Trek, Bhutan

The 215.6-mile Snowman Trek starts in Paro and ends in Nikka Chhu after exploring the remotest parts of Bhutan. As adventurers hike the trail, they meet a number of challenges, such as high altitudes above 13,000 feet to nearly 17,500 feet, steep ascents, and unforgiving weather conditions. The route is also very remote and takes even the fittest hikers around 19–24 days to complete.

But once adventurers embark on this challenging trek, they admire the breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayas, lush alpine forests, and pristine valley landscapes.

Elevation: 5,230 m
Hiking duration: 19 to 24 days
Best time to hike: June to September

9 Huayna Picchu, Peru

Located behind Machu Pichu is the imposing cone-shaped Huayna Picchu Mountain - how long does it take to hike its trail? Around 2–3 hours via the short trail or 3–4 hours via the long trail. Either way, steep ascents and descents on slippery stairs make this one of the most grueling adventures. The trail starts at the northern side of Machu Picchu and then steeply climbs the sacred mountain.

The path zigzags to Inca constructions, where adventurers take a few minutes to rest before getting to the stairs, a tedious cave, then the summit. Once at the top, travelers revel in the awe-inspiring views of Machu Picchu, its surrounding mountains, and the valley.

Elevation: 2,693 m
Hiking duration: 2 to 3 hours (short trail), 3 to 4 hours (long trail)
Best time to hike: Late March to October

8 Chadar Trek, Himalayas

Named after the frozen appearance of the Zanskar River, the 38.5-mile-long Chadar Trek is one of the longest and most dangerous hiking trails in the Indian Himalayans. Trekkers get a once-in-a-lifetime experience as they walk on the frozen river. The frozen river can shift or break, forcing adventurers to walk on the slippery rocks along the river.

Avid hikers also endure freezing temperatures as they sleep in caves. But the splendid sights of the frozen Nerak waterfall and the Magnetic Hill views make the whole experience worth a try.

Elevation: 3,398.5 m
Hiking duration: 8 to 10 days
Best time to hike: Mid-January to mid-February

7 Mount Kilimanjaro, Machame Route, Tanzania, Africa

The 22.3-mile-long Machame trail leads hikers to explore the peak of Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, through scenic landscapes, lush forests, and breathtaking glaciers. This route also stops at various locations that reward adventurers with gorgeous sunrises and sunsets on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Despite the route boasting scenic vistas, if hikers take shorter times to the summit, they risk having altitude sickness. Additionally, the last stretch of the trail to Uhuru Peak is mentally and physically challenging, but the stunning glacier and sunrise views are worth the sweat.

Elevation: 5,895 m
Hiking duration: 5 to 9 days
Best time to hike: December to mid-March and mid-June toOctober

6 Kokoda Track, Papua New Guinea

Known as the site where Japanese and Australian fighters fought in World War II, the Kokoda Track leads the fittest hikers to the Owen Stanley mountains. The best words that describe this trail are "hostile" and "scenic". Adventurers risk contracting malaria or other tropical diseases and getting into contact with poisonous plants.

The weather is also humid, and if trekkers get hurt along the way, help takes a very long time to arrive. But despite the dangers, adventurers see nature at its best, from the lush rainforest to the log-crossing streams.

Elevation: 2,190 m
Hiking duration: 4 to 12 days
Best time to hike: April to October

5 Half Dome Trail, Yosemite National Park, California

Hikers gain a total elevation of about 1463 m as they hike toward the famous Half Dome through an exciting but arduous 14-15 mile long trail. The scenic track rewards the adventurers’ efforts with astounding views of the Nevada Falls and the High Sierra.

The most challenging part of the trail is when hikers ascend to the top of the Half Dome as they hold on to steel handrails and walk on a rocky, exposed section. But the struggles melt away once they reach the 400-foot summit and admire the panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and Buena Vista Crest.

Elevation: 2682.2 m
Hiking duration: 10 to 14 hours
Best time to hike: May to October

4 Devil’s Path Trail, New York State

The rugged and strenuous Devil’s Path Trail is one of the most difficult hikes in the Catskills. It's about 24 miles from Platte Clove Road and ends at Spruceton Road. The trail leads hikers through six peaks as they conquer steep slopes, slippery sections, and extremely rocky terrains. Sheer rock cliffs challenge adventurers to use their hands and legs as they wind through the rocky trail sections.

In addition to the rough terrain, travelers risk encountering bears as they hike. Despite all these challenges, the trail gifts adventurers with out-of-this-world views of the Catskill Mountains once they reach the end.

Elevation: 2,700 m
Hiking duration: 10 to 16 hours
Best time to hike: May to October

3 Paine Circuit Trek, Torres Del Paine, Chile

The Paine Circuit Trek takes hikers through some of the most captivating landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile - a bucket list destination that should be on every adventurer's itinerary. Plus, this national park, as well as the many others in the country, serves as one of the many ideas for sustainable ecotourism experiences in Chile.

Overall, hikers take around 8–9 days as they pass through and camp at some of the park’s famous highlights, such as Dickson Lake. Other highlights include John Gardner Pass and the 6 km wide Glacier Grey, which partially fills Lake Grey. However, hiking through this long trail has its hardships, like unrelenting uphill climbs, unpredictable weather, and slippery snow if visiting during winter.

Elevation: 3,000 m
Hiking duration: 8 to 9 days
Best time to hike: September to November and March to May

2 Kalalau Trail, Kauai, Hawaii

Why is hiking the Kalalau Trail in Hawaii hard? The answer is simple; it's an 11-mile-long route winding through valleys and cliffs, giving hikers access to lush jungles and enchanting waterfalls while hiking the Na Pali Coast. The sounds and sights of the ocean below make this hike even more intriguing. But danger lurks along the steep inclines and declines when there is rain, and the track becomes slippery.

Aside from the risk of tumbling into the ocean, adventurers could encounter wildlife such as wolves and cougars as they walk along the narrow trail.

Elevation: 1,219.2 m
Hiking duration: 3 days
Best time to hike: mid-May-Early October

1 Everest Base Camp Trail, Nepal

The 80-mile Everest Base Camp trail starts from Lukla, winding through various lookout points and Sherpa villages and ending at base camp. Hikers immerse themselves in the Sherpa culture when camping at the Nepalese villages as they acclimatize and rest.

Avalanches, icy trails, uneven climbs, and rocky terrain make this a daunting adventure. Also, adventurers risk getting affected by Acute Mountain Sickness, even when the elevation is 2,438 m. But majestic views of Mount Everest and the Nepalese Himalayas from the viewpoints make this troublesome trek worthwhile.