Best Trekking Countries: Top Destinations for Hiking Adventures

When people talk about the best trekking countries, nations with world-class hiking routes, diverse landscapes, and well-established trail networks. Also known as top hiking destinations, these places offer more than just elevation—they give you a connection to the land, the culture, and your own limits. India isn’t just on the list—it’s one of the most underrated. You don’t need to fly to Nepal or Peru to find epic trails. From the high-altitude silence of Kailash Mansarovar, a sacred, punishing pilgrimage route in the Himalayas to the gentle, forest-lined paths of Kuari Pass, a beginner-friendly trek with panoramic views of Nanda Devi, India’s terrain speaks to every kind of hiker.

What makes a country great for trekking? It’s not just the mountains. It’s the trails that don’t feel like tourist attractions, the villages you pass through where tea is offered without asking, the weather that doesn’t lie, and the fact that you can go from snow to jungle in a single week. Nepal has the reputation, but India has the variety. You can trek through ancient temple zones in Uttarakhand, climb rocky ridges in Himachal Pradesh, or walk through monsoon-green hills in Kerala. The hardest hike in India, the Kailash Mansarovar trek, tests even seasoned adventurers with altitude, cold, and isolation. Meanwhile, Manali, a city with the highest density of hiking trails in India, offers over 50 marked routes, from half-day walks to multi-day expeditions. You don’t need to be an athlete. Many trails, like the one to Indrahar Pass, a high-altitude ridge with views of the Dhauladhar range, are doable with basic fitness and good boots.

And it’s not just about the climb. The best trekking countries let you taste local food after a long day, sleep in simple guesthouses run by families, and meet people who’ve never seen a foreign passport. In India, that means chai from a roadside stall, rice and dal cooked over firewood, and elders asking if you’ve seen the temple at the top. The trails here aren’t polished. They’re real. And that’s what makes them unforgettable. Below, you’ll find real stories from people who’ve walked these paths—what worked, what didn’t, and where to go next.