He hiking It is a word that has a fairly clear connotation: simplicity, relaxation, ease... right? Well, there are routes and paths in the world that are completely removed from the concept of hiking as an easily manageable walk. There are routes extremes in the world of trekking and constant challenges, of course included in dreamlike and visually unbeatable spaces.
In today's post we are going to tell you about some of the most extreme hiking routes on the planet, in case you feel like doing one this summer:
Drakensberg: Africa
This route takes place in South Africa, more specifically in the Natal National ParkThis route is about 64 kilometres long and is covered by the most authentic South African culture, cave paintings that are more than 2000 years old, and an unlimited landscape potential: steep peaks, forests, rivers, cliffs... This journey offers a real encounter with nature and with the continent's past.
However, you have to be very alert to the surroundings when making this journey, as it has somewhat unpredictable characteristics and the terrain is not always easy to follow. Until 1985, hikers who They lost their lives The total number of climbers reached 55, which is a sign of the difficulty of the route. The most difficult part of the Drakensberg route is the first stage of the journey, which involves climbing a nearly vertical wall with hardly any firm grips or supports.
The Drakensberg Mountains are one of the highest mountain ranges on the continent. It is called the Drakensberg, or “The Dragon Mountains” Because of its altitude, it used to be said that only dragons were able to fly over its peaks.
Hua-Shan: Asia
Hua Shan or Mount Hua, is one of the five sacred mountains of the Taoist region of China. This mountain is located about 120 kilometers east of Xian. The large influx of tourists it receives each year may be caused, in addition to the scenic beauty offered by this place, by the great religious impact found among the rocks of this mountain, which dates back to the 2nd century BC. Along the way there are authentic and unspoiled temples, monuments and religious elements that are capable of transporting those who observe them back in time.
Despite being a visual wonder, the Hua-Shang trail is considered the most dangerous in the world. It has very narrow paths located on the edge of the precipices of the paths, the stairs are carved into the stone of the mountain and the inclination of the entire route makes the climb practically vertical. Part of the route is done on worn boards screwed to the rock wall, so it is mandatory to equip yourself with a harness to secure yourself while trying not to see the seemingly endless distance between your feet and solid ground. Sometimes it is necessary to resort to technical climbing and to have slightly advanced notions about doing via ferratas.
However, it is worth climbing this peak due to the demanding terrain, as the view from the summit is impressive. Many hikers, generally the most prepared, choose to climb at dusk, sleep on the summit, and despite the cold, fatigue and wind characteristic of the heights, enjoy watching the dawn break and how the mountain lights up beneath their feet.When the sun begins to warm up again, they descend for five or six hours to the place where this risky but renewing adventure began.
Kokoda: Oceania
The mount of Kokoda It is located between the north coast and the south coast of Papua and New Guinea, And the Kokoda Trekking Route is one of the most famous in the world. As well as offering breathtaking views and a unique and impeccable landscape, this place also houses history, as it was the scene of the battle between the Australian and Japanese armies at the beginning of the Pacific War in World War II.
The trail extends over 100 kilometers, which usually take between 4 and 12 days, through mountainous and jungle terrain, where you can see both jungles and valleys, home to local villages that settled there centuries ago, as well as peaks and rugged mountains.
In addition to the difficulty of the route, during the day it is humid and suffocatingly hot, and at night the temperatures drop dramatically. To walk this rugged and imposing path, you need to be a brave, dedicated and courageous person.
The King's Path: Europe
The Caminito del Rey route is located in Europe, specifically in Malaga, SpainThe beginning of the trail is surrounded by swamps, gorges and mountains, so the only viable option to reach it is to walk.
The route has a linear structure, meaning that it does not start at the same point where it ends, and is carried out using a via ferrata. The main attraction of the Caminito del Rey is that during the route you experience a constant sensation of vertigo and walk among rocks of gigantic dimensions.
The best time to do this route is during the month of September, however, it is necessary to book to visit it, as it receives a large number of tourists throughout the year.
The Caminito del Rey rises above the Guadalhorce River and has walkways tied to the rock of the mountain, it runs through several gorges, canyons, and a spectacular valley.
In total, the route covers 8 kilometres and takes between three and four hours. Of all the routes mentioned, this may be the least difficult, as it is quite commercialised and all possible facilities are offered to hikers and walkers. However, it is far from being a relaxed route and it is worth observing from another perspective what the Andalusian landscape has to offer us.
Kalalau: Hawaii
This route is inaccessible, paradisiacal, located in a remote and almost unknown point of the Pacific; characteristics that make it especially famous. The dimensions and shapes of the mountains that surround the route are known by almost everyone, but identified by fewer; its sharp peaks facing the sky were the setting that gave shelter to the dinosaurs of Jurassic Park.
The route of Kalalau It is also quite difficult, it usually takes between one and two days to complete it and the route is about 35 kilometers, but variable and unpredictable weather conditions mean that the route may be modified at any time.
The terrain you walk on is not paved; you walk on virgin land and a completely natural environment surrounded by the Pacific Ocean.Along the route three valleys are visited: Hanakapiai, a place where many locals and tourists come to simply spend the day, Hanakoa and Kalalau Valley.
To complete the route, it is essential to acquire the Napali Coast State Wildness Park permit or Kalalau Permit, which will allow you to access the camping areas in case you want to spend the night halfway through.
What did you think of this concept of hiking? Did it catch your attention? If it has made you curious and you think you are ready to undertake one of these adventures, we encourage you to do so, and
