3 Alternative Hikes You Should Add To Your Bucket List (Stunning Scenery and Fewer Crowds!)
There are thousands of amazing hikes in the world, with the most popular and well-known trails, like the Inca Trail for example, on most people’s bucket list.
Sure, many of us want to complete the world’s best trails, but what about escaping the crowds and conquering some just-as-stunning, lesser-known hikes as well?
Well, here are 3 alternative hikes that I’d urge you to consider adding to your bucket list.
Wadi Rum, Jordan
Best time to visit: October to April
Time Needed: 2-4 Days
Difficulty: 6.5/10
Rising dramatically from the desert floor, the orange sandstone formations and mountains of Wadi Rum create a landscape that feels a bit more like Mars than Earth, but make for a stunning hike.
Highlights in the area include making your way up to Lawrence’s Spring, walking through the vibrant Al Mahama canyon, and discovering stunning rock bridges, with natural picturesque arches.
It’s possible to trek Wadi Rum unguided, but local knowledge can open up hidden trails and reveal secret gems that might otherwise take hours to find.
Many tourists can visit these spots on day tours, but for a more rewarding experience, I’d recommend opting for a guided hike, where you can explore these wonders without the crowds.
At sunset, Wadi Rum turns into a natural theatre, with the mountains shifting through shades of orange and purple for a unique backdrop. The night sky, with its dazzling blanket of stars, is a magical sight, and was one of the highlights for me.
Huayhuash Circuit, Peru
Best time to visit: May to September
Time Needed: 10 Days
Difficulty: 9.5/10
Most will agree that the Inca Trail is probably South America’s most iconic trek, but hidden away in northern Peru is the Huayhuash Circuit, an alpine trail that remains largely unknown, despite offering some breathtaking scenery.
You won’t experience an ancient path through ruins, like with the journey to Machu Picchu; But it’s a thrilling trip through landscapes, so remote and beautiful, that even the most seasoned adventurer will be in awe.
Snow-covered peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, and the potential sight of the mighty condor will captivate you.
The circuit circles the entire Cordillera Huayhuash range, with several mountain peaks towering above 6,000m. Among them is Siula Grande, made famous by Joe Simpson’s harrowing story in Touching the Void. This trek is not for the faint-hearted—your endurance will be tested as you tackle high passes ranging between 4,500 and 5,000 metres, with most of the hike taking place above 4,000 metres.
To ease the burden, donkeys are still used as a reliable way to transport gear through the mountains.
It’s a good idea to spend a couple of days acclimatising to the conditions in the nearby city of Huaraz, before you begin your trek. Altitude sickness is a real threat here, so take the time to prepare your body for the climb ahead!
Tian Shan Mountains, Kyrgyzstan
Best time to visit: June to September
Time Needed: 4-6 Days
Difficulty: 8/10
The Silk Road was once a bustling crossroads of cultures, traders, and travellers. In the midst of this ancient route lies the Kok Kiya Valley in Kyrgyzstan, framed by the dramatic peaks of the Tian Shan Mountains.
From here, the Kok Kiya River flows through a series of canyons, creating some of the most striking scenery in Central Asia.
Kyrgyzstan is a country where nearly 95% of the terrain is mountainous, with a rich nomadic tradition. You’ll learn about their way of life, their customs, and their stories—so far removed from the everyday routine of the modern world.
Conditions in the valley are basic, with no access to hot water, electricity, or medical help for miles. However, the nomads are resilient, and their yurts (circular, portable homes) are both practical, and beautifully adorned. You’ll have the chance to sleep in a yurt, and I recommend you do!
This part of Kyrgyzstan is still largely untouched by tourism, making it a truly off-the-beaten-path adventure.
The combination of pristine scenery, and the chance to walk with nomads, makes this trek a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
