It comes as no surprise that all of us want to alleviate those itchy feet with a hike of a lifetime. 2022 is the year to set new goals and challenges that will push your boundaries and encourage you to achieve your personal best. Well, we have just the trips that will test your mettle and push you to your limits. Release your inner adventurer as you embark on one of these summit hikes that reward your efforts on steep inclines and demanding ascents with the most awe-inspiring views in the world.
Kyrgyzstan Tian Shan Gorge Trek
If you’ve never considered trekking the Kyrgyzstan Tian Shan Gorge, we highly recommend adding this hiking experience to your bucket list. Swathed in alpine meadows, waterfalls, rivers and gorges, this is one of the most scenic adventures with showstopping views.
Follow in the footsteps of the Kyrgyz nomads, soak up the views of Lake Issyk-Kul and Aka-Kul, and be in awe of the towering peaks of the Tian Shan Range as you climb to an altitude of 3,800m. Jety-Oguz Gorge, meaning “Seven Bulls”, is a magnificent formation of distinctive red rocks steeped in legend, and one of the most impressive sights on the trek. As well as being presented with such immense scenery, you can soak in the Altyn Arashan hot springs, visit a local family in Karakol where you’ll learn how to make noodles, and visit the Cholpon Ata Petroglyphs. For the steadfast adventure seekers among you, take an optional trek to the foot of Karakol Peak, the highest in Terskey Al-Too.
Trekking Borneo & Beyond
Towering 4,095m above sea level, Mt. Kinabalu is the highest peak in South East Asia and casts its shadow over dense jungles and the Sulu Sea. On the Trekking Borneo & Beyond tour, you’ll hike among lush vegetation and cloud forests where flora and fauna is profuse. Look out for deer, flying lemurs, badgers, squirrels, and monkeys en route to the summit of Mt. Kinabalu.
Prior to the climb, you’ll visit Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, and trek through the rainforest on the Laut Trail. This really is an animal lover’s paradise as you’ll have the chance to spot some of the hundreds of species of birds and mammals. In the forests of Taman Negara National Park, some of the rarer animals such as Indian elephants, Malaysian tigers and crab-eating macaques reside (although we can’t guarantee sightings). There’s also a food tour of Kuala Lumpur, a trip to Batu Caves, and a visit to the tea plantations of the Cameron Highlands included in this busy itinerary so you can discover the local culture and history of the region
Peaks of Ladakh Trek
One of the most difficult treks on the list, the Peaks of Ladakh Trek takes you on a life-changing journey to some of the highest peaks in the Indian Himalayas, including Vatseri (5,640m), and Dzo Jongo East (6,189m). As you hike through mountain passes and along deep gorges to the summits, the views across the Indian Himalayas will hypnotise you. Sightseeing in Leh also gives you an insight into the Tibetan culture and history with trips to beautiful Buddhist monasteries and temples.
Mt Toubkal Climb
Scaling North Africa’s highest mountain is no mean feat and not for the faint-hearted, but the visual rewards and sense of achievement is unlike anything else. Mt. Toubkal stands among the High Atlas Mountains and reaches 4167m above sea level. During the non-technical Mt Toubkal Climb, you’ll enjoy uninterrupted views of Marrakech and the Anti-Atlas mountains as you hike among spectacular landscapes, Irhouliden Waterfall, and Berber villages. There’s plenty of time to learn about the traditions of the local folk and see how they live in such remote locations. If you want to push yourself even further, you can choose to take an optional ascent of Mt Ouanakrim. On the final day, enjoy a guided tour of the bustling city of Marrakech with its wonderful architecture, history and culture.
If these trips have inspired you to summit a peak of your own in 2022, take a look at our collection of Walking and Trekking adventures here.
