We live in a hustle society; always pursuing our next goal in a cycle that is hard to break. That's why, when we travel, we try to find times to detach – quiet moments to enjoy the world around us and everything it offers.
One way to do it is by walking the most remote and beautiful hiking trails in the world, coming face-to-face with nature at its most splendid.
This approach to seeing the world is at the heart of slow travel. Moving at our own rhythms, either alone or with company, we explore the mountains, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, cliffs, beaches, monuments, towns, and much more, with the innocent eyes of someone eager to be surprised.
The Arctic Circle, Greenland
If we are looking for solitude and nature, few routes can beat that of the Arctic Circle. Greenland is the largest non-continental island in the world, but it has a population of only about 57,000, making it the least densely populated territory on Earth.
The Arctic Circle Trail, with about 160 km of route, is one of the most remote and with the most unknown walks in the world. The route links the towns of Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut, going from the ice caps to the ocean waters and through the Aasivissuit – Nipisat region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018. These lands are teeming with wildlife and, in fact, it has been an important hunting ground for the Inuit for more than four millennia.
In it, we can expect a changing and terribly beautiful landscape. From the arctic tundra to the mountains and the coast, without forgetting an endless number of lakes with pure and crystalline waters. A place where we can forget about our cell phones (there is no coverage anywhere) and civilization, and where, except for the few guided excursions, we will have to fend for ourselves. A golden opportunity to look face to face with Mother Nature.
Hornstrandir Peninsula, Iceland
Iceland is a sparsely populated country, where every aspect of life is shaped by the island’s often harsh environment. This is especially true when it comes to its western fjords.
There, the birds, sheep, arctic foxes, and marine animals move freely among the wild beaches and the enormous valleys without being bothered by any humans.
In the remote Hornstrandir peninsula, there aren’t even roads for vehicles. The only way to experience its mountains, fjords, meadows covered with grass and moss, and its dramatic cliffs, is to get there on foot.
The best way to do that is to follow the 42-mile circular route that connects Hesteyri and Kögur. Hikers will find small towns where the houses huddle together for protection from the wind that blows through the area. At Kögur, the last stop of the trail, the campsite comes with breathtaking ocean views.
This is the perfect Icelandic route if you want to explore nature in near solitude.
The Upper Mustang, Nepal
Nepal is known around the world as a trekking destination, but when most people hear the country’s name, they think of Mt. Everest and the Annapurna circuits. However, there’s another part of the country that hikers and mountaineers will want to explore as well.
If you want an intimate and insightful introduction to Nepali life, you’ll find it on the trails of the Upper Mustang. The region was, until 2008, its own independent kingdom. Now it is a republic within Nepal, and a trip spending a week or two walking the length of the 114-mile trail will let you enter the heart of this region profoundly shaped by not only Nepalese culture but that of its neighbour Tibet, too.
The route, which was closed to foreigners until 1992, follows an ancient trade route long used by salt and spice merchants that connected Tibet and India. Buddhist monasteries, caves, and breathtaking mountains await hikers on the trail.
The Lut Desert, Iran
In this fascinating and little-known area of eastern Iran, you may be following in the footsteps of Marco Polo. Travellers today to the Lut Desert, also known as Dasht-e Lut, will also experience once one of the hottest spots on the planet. According to NASA, a surface temperature of around 71 degrees Celsius was recorded in the desert in 2005.
The Lut Desert route crosses lunar landscapes, towering dunes, and a remarkable variety of geological formations: salt plains, meteorite fields, and enormous natural sandcastles called kaluts.
The route covers roughly 120 miles and is for experienced trekkers only.
The Simien Mountains, Ethiopia
Africa, with its untamed and pure natural wonders, is without a doubt one of the best places to trek along practically unknown walking trails.
Ethiopia is in many ways an unusual African country, in terms of its topography and flora and fauna. It is a land of natural contrasts and towering mountains, and it is also known as the only African country never to have been colonized by a foreign power (though it was occupied by Italy for five years).
Depending on the time of the year, the landscapes here can range from extremely arid to an extensive and lush fields of green. In every season, the giant lobelias (an exotic plant found on the alpine peaks of Africa), the gelada monkeys, and the Abyssinian goats are highlights.
Peaks that are over 13,000 feet tall offer unforgettable views while the fields near the park have been worked by the same peoples – and even families – for millennia.
Sharing some injera, a fine bread made with fermented flour that is at the centre of most Ethiopian meals, with farmers in the area will offer a chance to hear their stories and learn about their lives.
Dientes de Navarino, Chile
The Dientes de Navarino route is famous as the southernmost such trail in the world.
The roughly 30-mile route passes through the Tierra de Fuego region in the Chilean part of Patagonia. The terrain here is irregular and hikers who want to complete the circuit need to be in good health.
It is worth the effort, however, as the payoff includes impressive views of glaciers, alpine lakes, fascinating rock formations, and the sweeping plains of Patagonia – home to flora and fauna unique to the region.
Hikers headed to this part of the world will also be able to see the famous Beagle Channel, the cities of Puerto Williams (Chile) and Ushuaia (Argentina), Nassau Bay, the Wollaston Islands, and the legendary Cape Horn.
The Lycian Way, Turkey
Turkey’s Lycian Way is one of the most beautiful and historic hiking trails in the world, and one that you’ve probably never heard of. The route runs for some 300 miles passing through the provinces of Mugla and Antalya in southwestern Turkey.
The path was laid out in 1999 by Kate Clow, a British resident of Turkey who had fallen in love with this part of the world and its history.
Following the red-and-white trail markers for the Lycian Way will lead you to ancient tombs and other archaeological sites associated with the Lycian people – brave merchants, sailors, and soldiers who managed to live independently of the Greeks, Persians, and Romans. There are also a number of prominent ancient Greek and Roman sites in the region.
The route has more than two millennia of history, complemented by a stunning natural environment. Pristine beaches like Ölüdeniz, dreamy swimming spots like the Blue Lagoon, and enchanting towns like Fethiye, Kaş, and Çirali are waiting to be explored, along with Mediterranean forests, soaring cliffs, and tall peaks. Everywhere you travel along this route, one of the world’s premier trails, you’ll receive a warm welcome.
A version of this article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveler Spain.