Walking tour around the center. Hiking: hiking and active recreation. Santa Cruz Way, Cordillera Blanca Mountains, Peru

Once you decide to go hiking, most people develop a hobby for the rest of their lives. It is difficult to say exactly why this happens: the opinions of travelers vary, everyone finds on the road what they lacked for happiness. Here, in the lap of nature, far from the benefits of modern life, people are actively engaged in self-knowledge, improving their moral and volitional qualities, learning to look at the world and their fellow travelers in a new way, and beginning to appreciate and enjoy every moment of life.

The capacious formula “the one who walks will master the road” is not just a beautiful phrase, it remarkably accurately reveals the essence of one of the most popular types active rest - hiking. And this type of active recreation has more than enough advantages. Walking at a moderate intensity is a surefire way to avoid many health problems. Long walks increase body tone, stimulate muscle activity, improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system and elevate mood. Hiking is the best way to unite people, promote mutual assistance and develop team spirit.

Hiking attracts both professional athletes and amateur tourists. Classic hiking has six difficulty categories, which are determined depending on the nature of the terrain and the duration of the route.

An important role in a multi-day hiking trip over rough terrain is played by the physical training and technical equipment of a group of travelers. Many seasoned tourists long before the onset tourist season thoroughly prepare your equipment so that it corresponds to the planned route and expected weather conditions.

The Adventure Club has developed hundreds of exciting trips for all lovers of active and educational recreation. The variety of hikes under the guidance of professional instructors allows both elderly people and families with children with minimal preparation to go on a walking pilgrimage without the slightest risk. If you're not sure about your physical fitness, check out car tours.

We offer tours to the most remote and interesting corners of our planet with various options for accommodation and transportation of equipment. In a circle of like-minded people, you will be able to take a complete break from the bustle of the city, “cast magic” around a pot on a fire, sing songs with a guitar, capture stunning sunrises and sunsets in your memory and in photos, feel unity with surrounding nature, as well as get acquainted with cultural attractions and representatives of the animal world of the region under study.

Among the most diverse tourist destinations occupy a special place in the world walking routes for those who like to overcome obstacles, stay overnight in tents, be alone with majestic nature, wander through sacred places and just walk. Find out about the world's most interesting walks and maybe you'll want to try these routes.

1) Mount Kailash, Tibet

Suitable for: Yogis and anyone seeking spiritual enlightenment

Distance: 50 kilometers

Legendary climber Reinhold Messner once received a reward in the form of permission to conquer Kailash, a mountain that is considered sacred in 5 religions. According to Hindus, a beautiful pyramidal mountain with a height of about 6700 meters is located at the place where the god Shiva sits in meditation. This mountain is considered sacred by Buddhists, adherents of Jainism (one of the Indian religions) and the Tibetan Bon religion. Messner decided that it was not worthwhile to conquer the peak and pave the way through holy places where no human had set foot before. When a Spanish climbing team planned the climb in 2001, Messner warned that the summit was too difficult. The peak of Kailash has still remained unconquered, although the Chinese government has begun building a road on the site of the sacred pilgrim path, which is called the kora.

Although the mountain itself is a forbidden place, covering the 50 kilometers around it is considered an important ritual. Although Kailash is a mountain that is inaccessible to climbers, it attracts many pilgrims who come here to find grace. Along the way you can find ideal sites for meditative practices at waterfalls, the sacred Zutal-Puk cave, the Dolma-la-Pass pass at an altitude of 5600 meters.

When to go: From April to September. A large number of companies offer tours that can provide travel to Tibet and then to Mount Kailash.

For the initiated: Once you have crossed the kora, take a dip in the waters of the nearby Manasarovar Lake. This lake is one of the highest lakes in the world, located at an altitude of about 4600 meters above sea level. Hindus believe that the lake has the ability to purify bathers; swimming in this lake is the final stage of the sacred journey of pilgrims.

2) Israeli National Route, Israel

Suitable for: Those who love walking long distances visiting ancient and modern historical places.

Distance: 900-1000 kilometers

The Israel National Route (INR) passes through a vast desert, where you can encounter biblical landscapes, as well as get an insight into the daily life of modern Israelis (with stops in cities such as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem). However, in addition to immersing yourself in history, this route will help you connect with what is often lost in descriptions and headlines - the majestic beauty of the untouched places of the Middle East. In the south, the trail intersects with the Negev Desert, where Bedouin nomads still live. Long-horned Nubian goats can also be found here, and in spring the desert is filled with the scent of wild flowers. There isn't much water to be found along the way, although the route passes through many wetter areas.

The route starts from the north of the country to Lake Galilee, then passes to the Mediterranean Sea along the beaches of Tel Aviv and heads across the country south to the city of Eilat on the Red Sea, stopping at many interesting places.

OSI undoubtedly allows tourists to see everything that is of great value to Jews and Christians. Along the way, they will be able to make a real ascent of Mount Tabor to a height of 588 meters. It was at this mountain that Barak, mentioned in the Bible, defeated the army of Sisera, the military commander of the Ashoran king Jabin. The heights of Mount Carmel are sacred to Jews and Christians, as well as Ahmadiyya Muslims and adherents of other religions. More modern ones will also be found here. historical places, for example, the Metsudat Koach memorial, built in honor of the 28 soldiers who defended the fortress during the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict. This memorial is a reminder of the still-existing tension between Israel and Palestine. The national route still remains safe and is far from military action. Local residents happily welcome tourists to their kibbutzim, demonstrating good hospitality.

When to go: Spring (February to May) – best time to begin the journey. However, it should be remembered that summer in Israel is characterized by particularly hot weather.

Shortcut: The route is divided into 12 smaller sections, each of which includes a lot of interesting things, so if you do not have the opportunity to cover the entire route, you can shorten the route.

For the initiated: The greatest blessing can come in the form of "angels of the path" who offer a helping hand. These are real people who are ready to help tourists completely unselfishly.

3) Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa

Suitable for: Professional travelers. The route along the Drakensberg Mountains ridge requires tourists to be well prepared and familiar with traveling in Africa. Although many non-professionals can use the help of guides.

Distance: 65 kilometers

The African people Zulus call these mountains uKhahlamba, that is "barrier of thorns" Dizzying vertical mountains of volcanic basalt rise above ancient sedimentary rocks. Drakensberg Mountains - the highest Mountain chain South Africa, which is crowned by the Amphitheater - a stone wall 1 kilometer high and 5 kilometers long. This mountain range forms the natural border between South Africa and the state of Lesotho, and the Drakensberg Mountains Park is protected by UNESCO as a world heritage site.

The path through these stunning landscapes begins with large upward stairs that allow you to climb to the very top mountain range on the Mount-aux-Sources plateau, where the Tugela River throws its waters from a height of 950 meters and divides into 5 waterfalls, forming the second highest waterfall in the world. The path leads through a plateau, from where a wonderful view opens up and where you can come across the huts of Sotho shepherds. Further along the way you can see many beautiful places, waterfalls and rivers until you reach civilization and the mountain hotel Cathedral Peak Hotel.

The Drakensberg Mountains are also full of caves. One of them is aptly named Rat Hole, as those who suffer from claustrophobia should not go there. Other caves are quite large, such as Cannibal Cave, which was a refuge for Bushmen who were persecuted by the Zulus and white settlers. They left artwork on the walls that illustrates their connection to these unique mountains. The Drakensberg Mountains are one of the most important archaeological sites on the continent. Having visited these caves, you will be able to feel the eternity of these places.

When to go: From March to May.

Shortcut: The path along the Mont-aux-Sources plateau covers 20 kilometers, starting along this route you will have to climb a chain staircase. This journey will take a whole day. The journey to the Tugela River takes another long day, during which you will need to cover a distance of 21 kilometers to reach the second highest waterfall. Cathedral Peak can be reached from the Cathedral Peak Hotel (another 10 kilometers on foot).

For the initiated: The most popular places Campsites attract petty thieves, so you should be careful and it is better to stay at tourist bases or rent huts. Also not the most good idea travel alone.

4) Cinque Terre Park, Blue Trail, Italy

Suitable for: Families (if traveling with children is tiring, you can travel part of the way by train), romance seekers, Europhiles and older travelers.

Distance: Approximately 11 kilometers between 5 towns directly along Sentiero Azzuro ( "Blue Path"). You can lengthen and complicate your journey by sometimes turning off the main route.

Since the author of the Cinque Terre guide, Rick Steves, enthusiastically described the charm of these places, this place has gained great popularity and has become one of the most desirable places in Europe for tourists to visit. Blue trail, also known as Path No. 2 - the most famous route, where thousands of tourists walk on foot. The trail connects 5 picturesque villages and towns - Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore - which are located on the coast Mediterranean Sea. Despite the huge influx of tourists, the charm of these places has not been lost. These towns have retained their ancient spirit. Vernazza especially resembles a fairytale town, with colorful little buildings clustered along the water's edge.

The Blue Trail runs along the rocky coast of the Ligurian Sea, which in some places is so steep that it can only be walked. The trail passes by vineyards and offers stunning views of the cities and mountains. The sun, the smell of wild herbs, the sound of the sea - all this creates a romantic aura that will touch even the most insensitive cynics.

The Blue Trail has a large number of various branches, small paths that climb up the slopes and where you can hide from the crowds of noisy tourists and see what many do not get to see. You won't waste your time. The secret of this trail is not to enjoy the walk, but to dolce far nient – ​​“delightful idleness”, which you can enjoy when you reach the village and can sit back and relax with a glass of cold white wine from the grapes you saw along the way.

When to go: Spring, but especially autumn, is the best time, as fewer tourists come there and it is not so hot. In summer there is intense heat and unusually large crowds, especially in August.

For the initiated: If you did not make a reservation in advance and decided at the last moment to rent an apartment or hotel room, the city of Corniglia is better suited for an overnight stay, since it is not located near the seashore and there are more available places. It is also located midway, which is also convenient if you split your trip over 2 days.

5) Yoshida Trail, Mount Fuji, Japan

Suitable for: Anyone who wants to take part in the cultural tradition of the Japanese.

Distance: There are actually several trails to the top of Mount Fuji, but the most popular, the Yoshida Trail, is 13 kilometers long.

Many travelers who prefer to walk will say that the path to the top of Mount Fuji is one of the easiest trails in the world. Mount Fuji is 3,776 meters above sea level and is the highest point in Japan. Moreover, this mountain is conquered more often than any other in the world. Every year 300 thousand people climb to its peak. Getting there is very easy, as there are up to 4 main transhipment points The route to the top can be reached by public transport from Tokyo.

On the way to the top, you can stop at a cafe and eat noodles, or sit by the fire in a hut, but if you want to watch the sunrise from the top of the volcano, you will most likely be accompanied by thousands of fellow travelers, of whom only one third are Japanese. You may not be able to enjoy the pristine nature, but at least have a once-in-a-lifetime cultural trip. Remember the Japanese saying: “You will be smart if you climb Mount Fuji once, and a fool if you do it again.”

When to go: Officially, the season lasts from July to August. There are fewer tourists in June and September, but cafes may be closed at this time, and public transport walks much less often. In winter, climbing Mount Fuji requires climbing equipment and special training.

For the initiated: You won't be able to escape the crowds, but if you take some of the lesser-known trails, there's a good chance you'll find fewer fellow travelers. For example, one of these trails is the Gotemba Trail, which reaches a length of 16 kilometers and allows you to climb to a height of 1440 meters.

6) Santa Cruz Way, Cordillera Blanca Mountains, Peru

Suitable for: Amateur climbers and travelers, those who want to learn more about the Inca roads, as well as for those who dream of climbing to greater heights, but do not want to go to the Himalayas.

Distance: 50 kilometers or more

While the Himalayas attract more attention from those looking to climb as high as possible, the Cordillera Blanca mountains in Peru offer equally exciting journeys closer to the sky, while being less boring than the usual Asian mountain routes. This trip can also be an excellent alternative to a trip to Machu Picchu, where a sea of ​​tourists flock along the Inca roads. The Cordillera Blanca Mountains have one special feature - this range contains the richest collection of giant peaks in the Western Hemisphere. There are 33 peaks reaching an altitude of 5,500 meters, and 16 - more than 6,000 meters, including Mount Huascaran (6,768 meters), the highest high mountain in Peru. The mountain range reaches a width of 20 kilometers and a length of 180 kilometers.

There are many epic trails that meander between these subtropical icy-capped mountains, but if you follow the Santa Cruz Trail, you can see all of the area's top attractions in just four days. This is the most easy way climb high into the mountains, experience what high altitude is like.

The journey begins in the lovely city of Huaraz, often called "The Hiking Capital of Peru". Here you can hire a guide, or meet similarly adventurous souls, or learn about some other routes.

When to go: From April to September. At this time, the weather in the mountains is suitable for walking.

Shortcut: There are many day walks that also start in Huaraz. You can reach amazing blue waters mountain lake Laguna Churup, which is located at an altitude of 4450 meters, 10 kilometers from the city.

For the initiated: In Huaraz in a cafe Andino you can drink coffee, meet like-minded people and learn detailed information about trail conditions as recent landslides have closed part of the Santa Cruz Trail.

7) Hayduke Trail, Utah and Arizona, USA

Suitable for: Solitude lovers, dedicated hikers who are willing to be alone in the wild for months, red rock fans who would like to explore this area on short hikes.

Distance: More than 1300 kilometers, divided into 14 sections.

Taking its name from the writer, advocate environment, Edward Abbey, the Hayduke Trail crosses six remarkable national parks of the Colorado Plateau: Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon and Zion. The trail climbs 3,480 meters up Mount Ellen near Capitol Reef before diving to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Along the way, you will be amazed by the beauty of the Grand Staircase, a natural formation that consists of layers of sandstone and limestone exposed by the rivers in the area that can tell the geological story of ancient oceans and sand dunes.

Along the way, travelers will encounter countless amazing structures created by nature itself: from unforgettable views of the Grand Canyon to the mysterious ruins of the Dark Canyon. Hayduke is called a "trail" only in a figurative sense. Much of this route is unmarked as the route passes through narrow gorges and wild areas.

When to go: Spring and autumn are the best times, as summer is too hot and water supplies are greatly depleted. In winter it will be difficult to walk this path due to the snow.

Shortcut: The entire path is divided into 14 separate sections, which can be completed gradually, or you can choose only one specific section.

For the initiated: This path intersects with big amount highways and dirt roads where you can stock up on provisions.

8) Laugavegur Route, Iceland

Suitable for: Volcanologists and hikers who wish to admire wild beauties Iceland.

Distance: About 80 kilometers.

One of Iceland's most popular hiking trails was closed when the Eyjafjallajökull volcano began to erupt in the spring of 2010, blocking all air traffic over the Atlantic and Europe. In fact, the first eruption took place in the area between the Eyjafjallajökull glacier and the larger Myrdalsjökull glacier, leaving part of this tourist route, which makes it especially magical, under volcanic lava. When the volcano stopped erupting, the route was changed that same year. New route turned out to be even better: you could visit the new twin craters Magni and Modi, which got their name from the names of the sons of Thor, who skillfully wielded the hammer of the thunder god. However, the chance to see what remains after a recent volcanic eruption is not the only thing that attracts tourists to these places.

A quarter of Iceland's population claims to believe in elves and other fairy tale characters, and if you walk through the lava fields and see the mountains along the route, you'll probably start to believe in them too. These intricate landscapes feature the ice caps of two glaciers and a stretch of North Atlantic on the horizon will blow your mind. The road goes deep into Tormerk, a park where you can find very few trees, which are very rare in these places. Along the way you can find well-equipped huts and many local residents. The final stretch of the route leads to the village of Skógar and the gorge, where you can see one waterfall after another, including the stunning giant waterfall Skógafoss, 60 meters high. If the volcano does erupt, this route will be closed again or changed, so it's worth going to Iceland before it's too late.

When to go: From late June to mid-September. According to Icelandic tradition, this route should be taken around the summer solstice, so you will be accompanied by fellow travelers closer to these dates. Indeed, this route became so popular that it was named Laugavegur, after Reykjavik’s main boulevard.

Shortcut: You can travel only 20-25 kilometers, cross Thormerk Park and walk to Skógafoss waterfall. The hike will take about 1 day.

For the initiated: Despite the remote location from major cities, in the summer there are regular bus services from Reykjavik to the starting point of the route.

9) Way of St. James and the Road of the French Kings, Spain

Suitable for: True pilgrims and tourists who want to walk around Europe.

Distance: 760 kilometers

The Way of St. James, or the road to the cathedral in the city of Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain, where according to legend the tomb of St. James is located, was a trade route during the Roman Empire and the Middle Ages. Everyone who walked this road was not necessarily a believer; the path is quite popular today and is considered one of the best hiking trails in Europe.

There are many roads leading to the holy place, many of which are well maintained, but the most popular among tourists is the Road of the French Kings, which begins in France in the city of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, runs through the Pyrenees and leads to the most the heart of Galicia with stops in cities such as Leon and Pamplona. The Last City It is famous for the bull running held there in July.

Since many tourists walk along the road of the French kings, it is included in the list World Heritage UNESCO, it is well supported, and there are even special signs along the way that symbolize the pilgrimage. Many hotels and Free access to provisions allows you to rest along the way and not experience problems with food and water. It is very pleasant to stop in some small town along the way, listen to the stories of pilgrims, and enjoy a glass of local wine. If you walk at night, be sure to look up at the sky: the Way of St. James runs parallel to the Milky Way.

When to go: In spring and autumn, these places are not so hot and fewer tourists come here. It's better not to go hiking in August, when the whole of Europe is on vacation.

Shortcut: The English road is usually chosen by pilgrims who travel to Spain from England and then walk to Santiago de Compostela. This path is much shorter, its length is only 70 kilometers and it starts in port city A-Coruña.

For the initiated: If you really want to make this journey for religious reasons, you should get a pilgrim's passport, which is a kind of discount card, allowing you to pay less for housing and food along the way.

10) Continental Divide Route, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, USA

Suitable for: Dedicated backpackers. You can also choose shortened routes.

Distance: 3650 kilometers, 1340 kilometers not yet completed

The Continental Divide Route runs through the United States along the Rocky Mountains, from New Mexico to Montana. Unlike its eastern cousin, the Appalachian Trail, the Continental Divide is quite challenging and partially unfinished, requiring hikers to trek through forests, muddy roads, and some detours. Unfortunately, the organization that sent volunteers to pave the road and maintain the route closed its doors in December 2011 due to financial problems.

The soul of this route is the wild, untouched nature, the path passes through Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. Some places on the route will take your breath away, especially when high, impassable rocks stand in your way nature reserve Indian Peaks in Colorado and national park Rocky Mountains. Elsewhere on the route you'll encounter the flat Wyoming Red Desert.

When to go: Choosing the right time to travel is very important in a region where snow can block the route at any time of the year. Most people who hike this route start in New Mexico in the spring with hopes of making it to the Canadian border before the storms hit.

Shortcut: There are plenty of opportunities to take shorter trips along the Continental Divide route. The best parts of the route are in Montana, where the road passes through the protected areas of the Centennial Mountains and the Italian Peaks.

For the initiated: To avoid tedious detours, the Continental Divide Trail community has created its own route, which is not the same as the official route.

11) Bibbulmun Road, Australia

Suitable for: Anyone from families with children to brisk walkers who want to get to know the people of south-west Australia

Distance: Approximately 1000 kilometers from the city of Kalamunda to Albani on south coast Australia.

Unlike the Appalachian Trail in the USA, the Bibbulmun Trail in Australia is relatively new. walking route. It was developed by one of the local travelers, who wanted people from cities to be able to retire to the countryside and enjoy the beauty of wild nature. The route was opened in 1979, but was not fully completed until 1998. However, this route is based on quite old Australian traditions - the walking journeys that Aboriginal Australians still undertake often take months.

Bibbulmun is the name of the Aboriginal people who still live here. The route will allow you to be at one with nature, to see flora and fauna that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

The route starts in the town of Kalamunda, near Perth and runs through eucalyptus forests, where, however, you can meet snakes - the symbol of Bibbulmun. Snakes such as the Australian spinytail and the tiger snake are often found here, carefree basking in the sun or silently gliding through the forest thicket. Along the way you can also encounter rare creatures such as the numbat or marsupial anteater, which is a cross between a marten and an opossum, and the black-tailed marsupial, a carnivorous marsupial that is threatened by local residents. Along the banks of the Donnelly River, 80-metre tall Karri gum trees are home to colorful loris parakeets that squawk through the treetops.

In addition to the wildlife, there is also a social aspect to this route. The overnight camps offer the opportunity to meet backpackers from all over the world, as well as Australians who want to get away from the stuffy cities and wander the continent for weeks in order to better understand themselves and unique places in which they live.

When to go: From September to November, when spring begins in Australia, or in autumn (from March to May). This is the best time to travel. Those who want to travel from north to south should start in the spring to avoid the summer heat. And for those who want to go from south to north, it is better to go in the fall so as not to encounter winter frosts.

Shortcut: It is easy to start the hike from any section of the Bibbulmun Road. You can walk for 1 day or even less. If you want to opt for a short trip, the Donnelly River walks are your best bet.

For the initiated: It is worth spending time during your trip to visit the towns that you will meet along the way or are located nearby. Pemberton, for example, has been developing wine production since it became an official wine region in 2006, so it's worth a stop to try south-west Australian Shiraz and Chardonnay.

12) West Highland Path, Scotland

Suitable for: anyone who loves to hike and wants to see the remote areas of the Scottish Highlands.

Distance: 155 kilometers from Milngavie to Fort William.

Opened in 1980 as the first of Scotland's Great Ways, the West Highland Way heads into the heart of some of Scotland's most rugged and romantic landscapes. The road passes through the Scottish Highlands, which helped stop the onslaught of the Romans in ancient times and preserve the special national character of the Scots.

At times this road seems very large, blown by all the winds; along the way you can admire the rocky peaks and narrow mountain valleys, like Glencoe, and climb the Devil's Staircase, which is located in the Aonach Yagah mountains. The route also includes the marshy plain of Rannoch Moor and the beautiful, tranquil Loch Lomond.

Along the way you'll find stops at local villages such as Rowardennan, where travelers can relax and spend the night in a warm bed, take a walk around the lake or dare to try real Scottish haggis with local beer that has a unique taste.

When to go: Scottish weather is notoriously uninviting even in summer, but it's best to go camping in the warmest months.

For the initiated: The path lies near Mount Ben Nevis. Although visiting it is not included in the official part of the route, you can, if you wish, go to this attraction. The mountain is the highest point in Great Britain and has a height of 1344 meters above sea level.

13) Shackleton Route, South Georgia Island, South Atlantic

Suitable for: Explorers, travelers who have already been to the harsh conditions of Antarctica.

Distance: 35 kilometers from King Haakon Bay to the former whaling station of Stromness, including a journey across the glacier.

Trapped in the ice of the Weddell Sea for more than 9 months in 1915, Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton and his crew were forced to abandon their ship, the Endurance. Somehow, with the help of drifting ice, the team managed to get to Elephant Island on boats. From this island, part of the team (5 people) went at their own risk for help. They had to overcome about 1,520 kilometers through one of the harshest seas on Earth and reach the whaling base on the island of South Georgia. Because of the storm, their boat washed up on the other side of the island, so the three of them had to go on foot for help, cross the entire island, its glaciers and mountains and finally get to the people. Miraculously, they succeeded.

Today, hikers can make the same route through South Georgia Island. This journey is truly legendary, with unpredictable ice mountains and crevices along the way. Thousands of penguins and elephant seals gather on the black sand coast. This real paradise For bird lovers, countless species can be spotted along the way, including light-mantled clouded albatrosses, southern giant petrels and Arctic terns. The journey around South Georgia Island ends at the same point where Shackleton and his crew reached the rescue at the former whaling station of Stromness, which is now abandoned and where Gentoo penguins can be found.

When to go: The Antarctic summer begins on December 20 and ends on March 20, so this time is best for traveling closer to south pole. Shackleton was forced to cross the island in May.

Shortcut: You can shorten your route significantly and walk about 5.5 kilometers in about half a day from Fortune Bay to Stromness. This is the last part of Shackleton's journey.

For the initiated: Most likely, you will need the services of an outfitter, since such trips are very dangerous. Staying on the island is very expensive and almost impossible. However, there are so many people willing to follow Shackleton's path that the British government has limited the number of groups to 100 people.

14) Coast of Lost Ships, Olympic Peninsula, Washington State, USA

Suitable for: Almost anyone. It's the easy way in good weather and an ideal walk with the whole family with backpacks, since the "road" is actually mostly the coast Pacific Ocean. Along the way there are a large number of ponds left by the tides, and there are also many surprises in the form of debris thrown ashore.

Distance: Approximately 30 kilometers from Rialto beach to the forestry "Lake Ozette". Then the path continues another 25 kilometers to Shi-shi Beach. The entire route can also be covered by commuter train, or by car along a 100-kilometer highway.

The Olympic Coast, which is located in the northwestern United States, remains the same as it was eons ago - windswept, isolated, rugged by the powerful waves of the Pacific Ocean, covered with massive logs and washed ashore seaweed. All this will make your walking trip unforgettable and special; you won’t encounter built-up beaches or noisy resorts along the way.

However, these places are not suitable for scuba diving or wave riding. They were nicknamed "The Coast" Lost Ships" with good reason. If you set off from Rialto Beach, you will soon pass the Norwegian Memorial, which was erected in honor of the 18 young people who died here in the shipwreck Prince Arthur in 1903, and then you'll come across the Chilean Memorial, a cemetery for a dozen other sailors who died in the shipwreck W. J. Pirrie in 1920.

However, overall this walk will not be sad. The beaches are part of the National Marine Sanctuary "Coast Olympic", which is full of life and very changeable: the ebb and flow of the sea creates estuaries full of orange and purple stars, sea ​​urchins, sea anemones and other intercoastal living creatures. Black bears and moose sometimes come onto the beaches. Sea lions and seals make themselves comfortable on the sea columnar cliffs. On the horizon you can see whales emerging from the water. These are gigantic marine mammals are an integral part of the culture of the Mako, an indigenous people who still live in the northern part of the park and have the legal right to hunt whales from their cedar canoes. If you live in these places for a while, you can experience the atmosphere of American life before the Europeans came here.

When to go: You can encounter unfavorable weather here at any time of the year and there is a lot of rainfall here. But in August and September the weather is usually much better than other months.

Shortcut: You can leave your car at one of the transfer points on the beaches of Rialto, Ozette or Shi-shi and walk along the beaches as much as you want.

For the initiated: Raccoons can be ruthless along the way. You may want to consider the best way to hide food at night.

15) GR 20, Corsica, France

Suitable for: Travelers who are not afraid of high altitudes and love to eat delicious food in the evening.

Distance: 180 kilometers

An unusually interesting European hiking route Grande Randonnées or, as it is often called, simply GR 20, is a hiking route around the island of Corsica in the Mediterranean, famous for being the birthplace of Napoleon. The island has very steep mountains, including the 2,706 meter high Monte Cinto, which rises above the sea. Although many tourists come to this island mainly to soak up the sun on its famous fashionable beaches, many head straight for the dangerous mountain routes.

Although Corsica officially belongs to France, the island has its own language, close to Italian, and its own culture. Local residents often openly oppose the French government. This led to terrorist attacks and murders for many years. However, there is no place for politics on tourist routes; travelers from all over Europe meet here, all of them want to enjoy the beauty of the mountains, try local unique cheeses and chestnuts at the end of each section of the route. Weary travelers can sip local wines and retire to warm beds for the night. All this makes the GR 20 route one of the most “elite” tourist routes in the world.

When to go: In summer. In July and August, be prepared to be crowded, but in June and September, fewer establishments and hotels are open. There is a lot of snow here in winter.

Shortcut: If you don't have time for the whole journey, you can only visit Cirque de la Solitude, where the road is so steep that travelers must hold onto chains in the rocks to avoid falling into the abyss. This is the most interesting part of the journey.

For the initiated: If you want to stay overnight in one of the hotels, you should start your journey early in the morning. But even if you are used to going to bed late, you should not take too much food with you, because there will always be somewhere to snack.

16) Copper Canyon, Mexico

Suitable for: Tourists who like to wander through gorges and canyons who want to enjoy wild nature and get acquainted with the local culture.

Distance: 65 kilometers and altitude 6100 meters.

Copper Canyon includes several canyons in the area mexican desert Chihuahua, which are formed by six rivers flowing into the Rio Fuerte River. Although none of these canyons are longer than the Grand Canyon in the United States, some of them are still deeper. The deepest of them is the Urik Canyon, which has a depth of 1880 meters. Stretching over an area of ​​40 thousand square kilometers, this region is much larger than its northern neighbor. Railroad tracks run through the canyons, and local Tarahumara residents live in villages located in the most inaccessible parts of the canyons.

The Copper Canyon, whose depth is about 1500 meters, is the most the best place For hiking, especially thanks to the thermal springs at its bottom, ideal for relaxation during long hiking. The route runs in places where there are rivers on the way, so you need to have the skills to cross such obstacles. You will also sometimes have to take steep detours and use ropes. You can stay overnight in local villages.

The Tarahumara settled in the canyons long before the arrival of the conquistadors and still continue to live there, observing many ancient traditions. They are also famous for having excellent barefoot running techniques. Tourists, of course, are unlikely to be able to do without good hiking shoes when traveling through the canyons. You should remember to give a small gift as a sign of respect to the locals.

When to go: This hike should be done during the off-season when there are no extreme temperatures - March to April or October to November.

For the initiated: The great depth of the canyon gives rise to temperature fluctuations, so you should dress well. It may be snowing on one edge of the canyon and warm weather on the other.

17) Great Himalayan Way, Nepal

Suitable for: Thrill seekers.

Distance: The site, which is in Nepal, extends over 1,600 kilometers in the Himalayas. It is divided into 10 relatively easy sections. The entire route can be completed in 4-6 months if everything goes according to plan and the weather is favorable for travel. If you apply maximum speed, the route can be completed in 50 days.

Although the concept of the Great Himalayan Route (GHR) is new, hiking trails have existed in the mountains for a long time. In fact, the VGP cannot be called a path, it is a concept that covers the highest mountain routes in the Himalayas through India, Pakistan, Tibet, Napal and Bhutan, which lead along existing mountain paths and ancient trade and pilgrimage routes. While AIV remains a concept in other countries, in Nepal the concept has become a reality: walking covers 1600 kilometers and includes climbing 8 kilometer peaks, including Everest. This route was first completed by a group of tourists in 162 days in 2009. The grand vision of such a route should promote responsible tourism in this country with such unstable politics.

Along the way you will meet the most famous peaks, but they will only act as a background. The real challenge is going up and down uneven terrain and overcoming great heights. There are also opportunities to see wildlife such as the endangered snow leopard, herds of blue sheep and Tibetan bulls on the cliffs, and takins and red pandas in the forests. Along the way there are many hotel huts, monasteries and tea cafes. Local residents, the Shepras, have lived in these places for centuries, and now thousands of Western tourists come.

When to go: In the high mountainous regions of the Himalayas, the weather is always unpredictable. April and October – best months for a hike. During summer, tourists should avoid the monsoon season.

Shortcut: Each of the 10 sections of the path can be walked separately. Shadowed by giants like Dhaulagiri (8167 meters) and Annapurna I (8091 meters), the Annapurna and Mustang Treks are the most popular treks in Nepal and will take you approximately 3 weeks to complete.

For the initiated: If this route seems too scary for you, but you would still like to walk in Nepal and the Himalayas, try Green Route, a parallel, easier version of the VGP, where high mountain trails will not be encountered, and where technical mountaineering skills and weather dependence are not required. If something happens, you can easily deviate from the path or go back.

18) Benton McKay Trail, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, USA

Suitable for: Those who like to walk long distances.

Distance: 480 kilometers

It may seem strange that this long walking route, which lies in the southern states of America, was named after a Harvard graduate, a civil servant from the very north of the country. Benton McKaye, Founder Wildlife Society, was the man who came up with the idea of ​​founding one of the largest hiking routes in America - the Appalachian Trail (AT). The Benton McKaye Trail officially opened in 2005, 20 years after his death, but the route exhibits much of what McKaye envisioned for the AT.

This lonely, steep and sometimes foggy trail begins at Springer Mountain in Georgia and crosses National Park Great Smoky Mountains, along its route there are many nature reserves. On this trail you will not meet crowds of tourists, as, for example, on the Appalachian Trail, but only a couple of like-minded people who want to enjoy the beauty of wild protected places.

When to go: To avoid the summer heat, it is better to travel in spring or autumn.

Shortcut: You can hike just 30 kilometers from Beech Gulch along the Charoala Skyway, visiting Chitico Creek and Joyce Kilmer Slickrock Nature Reserves in Tennessee and North Carolina along the way.

For the initiated: Take fishing rods with you. Along the way, there will be opportunities to fish for native and invasive fish species, including rainbow trout, brook trout and American char, as well as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and more.

19) Snowman's Path, Bhutan

Suitable for: The biggest fans of extreme sports, sufficiently prepared and wealthy travelers.

Distance: More than 320 kilometers, approximately 25 hiking days. By law you must travel under supervision travel company Bhutan.

The Snowman Trail in Bhutan is the most challenging hiking trail on the planet. It has a length of about 320 kilometers, relatively little, but most of the route runs at very high altitudes - more than 5000 meters, and the most high point, where you can climb along the way - Rinchen Zoe La Pass is located at an altitude of 5300 meters above sea level. At this altitude the weather is very unpredictable and altitude sickness is a big problem. About half of those who start the climb turn back before reaching the finish line. Plus, the road lies in the kingdom of Bhutan - a constitutional monarchy that carefully controls tourists and demands a lot of money for each day of stay.

Despite all the difficulties, this route is one of the most best routes in the world. Thanks to Bhutan's strict tourist policy, you won't encounter as many other tourists along the route as you would in Nepal. Instead, you will find yourself in an Asian kingdom far from Western society, where there is little traffic and cell phones.

The route passes by beautiful places, the city of Laya, the refuge of local residents - the Layyap people, as well as the village of Tanza at an altitude of 4200 meters, where accompanying persons exchange horses for Tibetan bulls in order to overcome the more difficult part of the route that awaits you ahead. You will climb to the very top of the mountains, hidden behind the clouds, to an altitude of 7 thousand meters above sea level. Today Bhutan welcomes more tourists than before.

When to go: The opportunity to come to Bhutan is only available for a short time in October, sometimes in April. At this time, you will be able to avoid snowfalls and rains that block the path of travelers.

Shortcut: Way around mountain range Jomolhari with a maximum height of 7315 meters – difficult journey which lasts a week. The Drak route takes 5 days, crossing the highlands between the city of Paro, where it is located international Airport, and the country's capital Thimphu, which is famous for having no traffic lights.

For the initiated: The Bhutanese government requires each tourist to pay US$250 for each day they stay in the country. This price includes housing and meals. Thus, to overcome the Snowman's Path, you need to prepare at least 8 thousand dollars. Walking around Bhutan on your own without a tour company is prohibited.

20) International Appalachian Trail, USA, Canada, Greenland, Scotland, Spain, Morocco

Suitable for: Those who have already walked the American Appalachian Trail, but want to continue traveling around the planet, as well as avid travelers who have a passion for ancient geology.

Distance: The trail currently spans 3,000 kilometers from the terminus of the Appalachian Trail in Maine to the terminus of the North American Trail at Crown Head on Newfoundland.

The MAT is an attempt to connect a primordial mountain range that crossed part of the supercontinent Pangea more than 200 million years ago before it split into several separate mountain ranges. What's left of those peaks in North America, today called the Appalachian Mountains in the USA. However, travelers know that this mountain range continues into Canada and beyond. The remains of those mountains stretch from Labrador to Greenland, and then further on the European continent - in Scotland, France, Spain and even cross the Strait of Gibraltar into Morocco. This route was conceived by former Maine Governor Joseph Brennan, who wanted to connect cultures that shared a common mountain range.

As a result, travelers can go hiking on the longest route, which covers the steep mountains of Canada sea ​​coast, habitat for moose and caribou, as well as beluga whales and other migratory whales in the St. Lawrence River. Along the way you will meet cultures of both continents, places under UNESCO protection, for example, L'Anse aux Meadows on the island of Newfoundland - the first refuge of the Vikings, who reached America 500 years before Columbus. A northern section has been added to this route as far as Uummannaq, Greenland, and you will most likely need to take a dog sled for this part of the route. Interestingly, when you get to Morocco, the last country on the route, you will probably need to travel by camel. More than any other walking route, the MAT can perhaps be considered a symbol of the globalism of the new millennium.

When to go: Of course, such a long journey will require travelers to travel for many months, but it is best to break it up into parts and try to get on the route in the warmest time of the year - in the summer.

Shortcut: An interesting part of the journey awaits you along the Gaspé Peninsula, where one of the Canadian national parks is located. The route passes through the Chik-chok mountains, where travelers can rise above the valley of the St. Lawrence River and walk through wild forests east coast Canada.

For the initiated: In the Chik-Chok Mountains, which are located in the Canadian province of Quebec, there are great places for relaxation, where you can spend the night and rest. There are even hotels with hot tubs and saunas.

Travel fills and decorates life. And hiking is the most romantic way to travel. After an interesting and eventful trekking, a person returns to normal life with a huge reserve of physical and mental health. New impressions and a beneficial, strengthening effect on the body make people go on hiking tours again and again.

RussiaDiscovery offers interesting hikes around Russia, along the most amazing places Russia. Do you dream of seeing the Putorana plateau? Do you want to touch the mysteries and beauty of Altai? Do you want to climb magnificent peaks and enjoy the greatness mountain landscape? We offer routes that we ourselves are sincerely inspired by.

Active holiday weekend

A number of programs are designed so that the trip takes place during the holidays. Active leisure is The best way fill your little vacation with events. A full-fledged journey and exciting impressions remain in your memory.

We propose to spend the New Year's weekend in Altai and celebrate Christmas with adventures in the Caucasus. On spring break you can go on a trip to Crimea with your children. A variety of programs will allow you to find a trip that will match the dates of your vacation. Contact our managers, they will help you choose the best option.

Variety of routes and types of active recreation

The presented tourist trips in Russia include such territories as:

• Altai,
• Kamchatka,
• Kola Peninsula,
• Siberia,
• Caucasus,
• Crimea,
• Far East,
• Putorana plateau,
• Chukotka,
• Yakutia
• and others.

Trekking tours in Russia provide a rich program of active recreation, which may include:

• Hiking with tents;
• Boat trips on small vessels and rafting;
• Acquaintance with the culture of the peoples of the area;
• Excursions to historical monuments;
• Moving on SUVs;
• Visiting recreational areas;
• Horse trails;
• Climbing mountain peaks
• And so on.

Combined tours involve a combination of several types of active recreation within one program.

Travel conditions

Accommodation and meals are included in the tour price. Depending on the specific tour program, this could be accommodation in hotel rooms, in a cabin in the forest, in a tent camp, or even in a catamaran cabin.

The program is designed in such a way that the journey does not become just a grueling transition.

However, each walking tour presented on the site has a special mark on the level of difficulty. In our list you can find both extreme tours, such as “Primeval Kamchatka”, and tours on which you can take children from 8 years old with you.

All the basic equipment needed for hiking: cars, boats and equipment is also included in the price of the tour.

"Aktsiya.Media" with the support of the Department of Culture has developed mobile app"Moscow Pedestrian" - an interactive guide to pedestrian Moscow. The program contains 15 walking routes through the pedestrian areas of Moscow: Kuznetsky Most, Bolshaya Dmitrovka, Novinsky Boulevard, Sretenka, Arbat and other landmark streets of the capital.

For each walk there is a profile with a map, the length and duration of the journey, sights encountered, the nearest metro stations, detailed description area and photographs. In addition, all routes are marked with special icons with the features of the walk: picturesque views, cafes, the presence of bicycle paths.

In addition, the application has a section where upcoming cultural events in Moscow are described: festivals, city holidays and concerts. Each event can be added to your calendar or told about it in in social networks. The application is free and available for iOS smartphones. You can download it.

In the next version of the program, the developers promise to introduce the ability to build your own routes, add user reports and reviews.

Previously, Aktsiya.Media released applications for Gorky Park and Sokolniki Park.

Walking around Moscow on foot

Tired of sitting at home? Then let's go for a walk! We present to you a selection of the most beautiful places for hiking:

Including the observation deck, embankment, Moscow State University, the area around Moscow State University.

Location: Moscow, metro stations “University”, “Sparrow Hills”

2. Tsaritsyno Park

Architectural and historical complex

Location: Moscow, metro stations “Orekhovo”, “Tsaritsyno”

Pond near the street Malaya Bronnaya

Place: Moscow, metro station “Mayakovskaya”

4. Sokolniki Park

Including ponds.

Place: Moscow, Sokolniki metro station

Chistoprudny Boulevard, area from metro station Chistye Prudy to the pond

Place: Moscow, metro station “Chistye Prudy”

6. Kolomenskoye Park

State United Museum-Reserve Kolomenskoye.

Place: Moscow, metro station “Kolomenskoye”

From the Arbatskaya metro station to the Smolenskaya metro station, including cafes, adjacent houses, alleys, monuments and more.

Location: Moscow, metro stations “Arbatskaya”, “Smolenskaya”, “Biblioteka im. IN AND. Lenin"

Exhibition center, including a cafe, Ferris wheel, etc.

Place: Moscow, metro stations “VDNKh”, “VVTs”

Located between the streets of the Soviet Army, Olympic Avenue and Suvorov Square. Monument to landscape art.

Location: Moscow, metro stations “Prospekt Mira”, “Tsvetnoy Boulevard”, “Novoslobodskaya”

Including the temple itself, the square near the temple, the monument to the Emperor of Russia Alexander II

Place: Moscow, metro station “Kropotkinskaya”

Views of fountains, love trees with castles. Connects Bolotnaya Square with Kadashevskaya Embankment. From Bolotnaya Square the bridge goes to the monument to I. E. Repin, from the opposite side - to Lavrushinsky Lane

12. Tretyakov Gallery

Including Lavrushinsky Lane, fountain, Tretyakov Gallery.

Place: Moscow, Tretyakovskaya metro station

Memorial complex “Victory Park”, the park around it, the Central Museum of the Great Patriotic War.

14. Neskuchny Garden

One of the oldest parks in Moscow, it consists of three estates from the 18th century, and there is an “Alley of Love”.

Location: Leninsky Prospect, 30, metro station “Leninsky Prospekt”, exit to the “Spartak” store, then 5 minutes walk to Leninsky Prospect or metro station “Oktyabrskaya” and on tr. 4, 33, 62 to the stop metro station “Leninsky Prospekt”

15. Park “Kuskovo”

The Kuskovo estate is an architectural and artistic ensemble of the 18th century, a park, ponds.

Location: metro station “Ryazansky Prospekt”, then bus. 133, 208 to the stop “Kuskovo Museum” or st. Yunosti, 2

16. Hermitage Garden

Monument to landscape art.

Location: Moscow, metro stations “Chekhovskaya”, “Tsvetnoy Boulevard”, opposite Karetny Ryad street

It runs along the Moscow River, from the Park Kultury metro station to the street. Khamovnichesky Val, Vorobyovy Gory metro station

Place: Moscow, metro station “Park Kultury”

18. Pushkinsky Bridge - St. Andrew's Bridge old

Pedestrian bridge connects Pushkinskaya embankment Neskuchny Garden from Frunzenskaya Embankment.

Place: Moscow, metro station “Frunzenskaya”

Consists of two parts: PKiO Izmailovsky and Izmailovsky Forest Park, which are separated by the Main Alley

Location: Moscow, metro stations “Partizanskaya”, “Izmailovskaya”

20. Botanical Garden

Ponds, paths, alleys, Japanese garden.

Place: Moscow, metro stations “Vladykino”, “Botanical Garden”

Estate, park, pond.

Location: Moscow, metro stations “Volzhskaya”, “Kuzminki”

22. Pushkinskaya Square

Including the monument to Pushkin, the Pushkinsky cinema, fountains, Strastnoy Boulevard.

Location: Moscow, metro stations “Pushkinskaya”, “Chekhovskaya”

23. Arc de Triomphe

Installed in honor of the victory of the Russian people in Patriotic War 1812. Located on Victory Square (Kutuzovsky Prospekt) in the Poklonnaya Gora area.

Place: Moscow, metro station “Park Pobedy”

24. Arkhangelskoye Estate

The estate is located on the banks of the oxbow of the Moscow River in the Krasnogorsk district of the Moscow region.

Place: Moscow, Tushinskaya metro station, bus. No. 549 or No. 541 to the stop “Arkhangelskoe” or minibus No. 151 to the stop “Sanatorium”

25. Tsvetnoy Boulevard

Fountain, sculptures, square. Runs from Trubnaya Square to the Garden Ring.

Location: Moscow, metro stations “Tsvetnoy Boulevard”, “Sretensky Boulevard”

26. Historical center

Alexander Garden, grotto in Alexander Garden, Red Square, Kremlin, St. Basil's Cathedral

Location: Moscow, metro stations “Teatralnaya”, “Okhotny Ryad”

27. River Station

Through the Friendship Park and directly to the embankment itself near the Moscow River Northern River Port.

Place: Moscow, metro station “Rechnoy Vokzal”

28. Tverskoy Boulevard

Monument to Sergei Yesenin, square, fountain.

Location: Moscow, metro stations “Tverskaya”, “Pushkinskaya”

Beautiful view of the Moscow River, near Bolotnaya Square and Luzhkov Bridge. It starts from the western arrow of the island between the Vodootvodny Canal and the Moscow River, ending at the Maly Moskvoretsky Bridge. Serafimovich Street, Bolotnaya Square, Faleevsky Lane overlook the embankment.

Location: Moscow, metro stations “Tretyakovskaya”, “Borovitskaya”

30. China Town

Historical Center. Within China Town there are such famous architectural and historical monuments, such as the Resurrection Gate, GUM, Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, etc.

Place: Moscow, metro station “Kitay-Gorod”

Forest area in the west of Moscow, in the bend of the Moscow River, on artificial island, formed by the Khoroshevskoe straightening channel. Connected to Marshal Zhukov Avenue by a road bridge.

Place: Moscow, metro station “Krylatskoye”

Ostankino Estate Museum, pond, television center.

Place: Moscow, metro station “VDNKh”

Located next to the Spassky Gate of the Kremlin, it connects Vasilyevsky Spusk, Varvarka street with Bolshaya Ordynka street.

Location: Metro stations “Kitay-Gorod”, “Tretyakovskaya”, “Okhotny Ryad”

Beautiful view of the Moscow River, beautiful, cozy pedestrian bridge at Kievsky railway station.

Place: Moscow, metro station “Kyiv”

An ancient street in Moscow, running from Manezhnaya Street.

Location: Moscow, metro station “Biblioteka im. Lenin" to Arbat Gate Square, located between Znamenka and Bolshaya Nikitskaya

Personal correspondent
Photos from open sources