Hiking is a wonderful way to clear your head, get fit and get back to nature. From a leisurely stroll in the park to trekking your way up Ben- Nevis, hiking is perfect for all levels of experience. There are some treks, however, that take hiking to the next level, enticing daredevils from all over the world. In this blog, we will be running down the top 5 most dangerous hikes in the world, from making your way to the base of the peak of the world to trekking across a frozen river, these hikes are simply incredible.

5.) Chadar Trek, Himalayas:

This hike is considered the most difficult in India. It is 65 miles long and takes about 8 days to complete. The temperature can drop below -25 degrees Celsius in extreme weather conditions. The trek itself takes place on the surface of a frozen river, which you are required to walk across for 6-7 hours a day. The hike starts and finishes in Shingra Yokma and you are required to get a fitness certificate from the government in Leh before taking on this incredible hike. This hike is so dangerous due to the weather conditions and distance that you are hiking, that it can only be completed during the Winter months when the river is frozen, so if you embark on this adventure, expect harsh weather and be prepared.

4.) Everest Base Camp:

The Hike to Everest Base camp is a bucket list trek for any hiker. Over 80 miles long, this world-famous hike is one of the hardest in the world. This trek which is known for its amazing scenery, tough climbs, stunning Buddhist temples and fascinating Sherpa culture, will take you to the base of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest. The expedition usually lasts about 2 weeks and takes you 5,364 meters above sea level. A guide isn’t compulsory but is recommended to help make the most out of your trip, giving you an insight into the incredible local culture.

You can also hire Porters who are local people, more acclimatized to the low oxygen levels, to help you carry your belongings up the mountain. Depending on if you choose to hire a sherpa or go it alone, this hike can cost between £1700 to £3600. The trek includes difficult terrain and traversing of metal bridges strung over deep canyons, so it is not for the faint-hearted. Hikers who hope to advance to the peak of Everest start at base camp and continue up the mountain for about 40 days to reach the summit. Reaching Everest Base Camp is a huge achievement and should be on every seasoned hiker’s bucket list.

3.) Kokoda Track, Papua New Guinea:

The Kokoda Track runs along the Owen Stanley Range in Papua New Guinea. The range is named after British Capt. Owen Stanley, who explored the coast of New Guinea from 1845 to 1850. The Hike will set you back about £2000 and will take you around 8-10 days to complete. The 60-mile-long trek is of great historical significance as it was the epicentre of the Kokoda Battle between Japan and Australia during WW2. The hike can be incredibly challenging, with muddy ridges, harsh tropical conditions, steep treacherous inclines, deep valleys, and dense jungles. Due to the hot weather and heavy rain, the ground is known for turning into a muddy bog, making it an incredibly difficult trek. If you decide to take on the challenge you can camp in designated spots or sleep in a thatched hut in one of the local villages, a fabulous way to learn about the local culture.

2.) The Snowmen Trek, Bhutan:

Whilst the name of this trek may sound smooth-sailing, the Snowman Trek takes you up to a staggering 5000 meters above sea level. The hike takes nearly a month to complete and involves crossing 11 mountain passes, taking you a total of 216 miles. The trail takes you to one of the most remote corners of the Himalayas in Bhutan and remains snow-covered for most of the year. Starting in Paro and ending in either Bumthang or Sephu, you will be walking at elevations above 3000 meters continuously for a month. The hike gets harder every day due to the increase in elevation, with altitude sickness being one of the major reasons hikers abandon this trek. Due to this, it is pegged as one of the most difficult treks in the Himalayas, with a success rate of just fifty per cent and only a handful of hikers attempting it every year. Hikers can expect seriously steep ascents and descents as well as river crossings and narrow ridges. It is worth mentioning that tourists cannot travel independently anywhere in Bhutan so you must book trips with a government-registered agency and must always be accompanied by a Bhutanese tour or trek guide.

1.) The Death Trail:

The name of this hike is no exaggeration, the Death Trail takes you to the five peaks of Mount Huashan in China. Although this hike isn’t as physically demanding as the other treks on our list, it is much more deadly, with the locals claiming that the mountain ‘’kidnaps’’ about 100 human lives a year. Scaling the mountain is achieved by a network of narrow paths built of wood and stone. The hike costs about 25 pounds each and takes 3-5 hours to complete. The Mountain is considered sacred as it is the site of many legends involving deities and immortality. The trail was built over 700 years ago by a Taoist priest in order to cultivate his morality. Since then, the paths have been reinforced due to a large influx of tourists. The highest of the peaks reaches 2,160 meters so tourists now hook themselves onto a chain using a harness and carabiners to traverse the renowned ‘’plank walk’’, for safety. The trail has been walked by thousands of people despite it being incredibly thin and rickety at times and its reputation for fatal falls.

Whilst all of these sound like incredible experiences, we would recommend that if you do take on one of these hikes, you ensure you’re in great physical condition and check with health professionals that you are physically fit enough to embark on these adventures. It is also recommended that you train yourself for tough terrains and different altitudes. These treks are some of the most dangerous in the world so you must do your research before committing to them fully.