Spending time in nature, surrounded by trees, fresh air, and peace has become one of the essential tools to refresh mental health and reduce stress (along with all other benefits, like cardiovascular and strength training).
Related: Is Hiking a Sport
Hiking is among the most popular ways to do that. Luckily, there are many different ways to hike, and one of them, which is becoming more and more popular in recent years, is unparalleled hiking.
What is Unparalleled Hiking?
Simply described, unparalleled hiking is a type of hiking during which you’ll get the chance to experience, see, or achieve something unique, one of a kind, and challenging compared to other more popular hiking trails, that can’t, or are difficult to be found.
Related: Hiking Vs Trekking
In this article, you’ll read about all the perks and fun stuff unparalleled hiking brings with it.
The Main Characteristics of Unparalleled Hiking
Although every hiking trail has something unique, most of them follow the same pattern – you start the hike at some point, go through the trail, get to the end and that’s it.
Relaxing, fun – yeah, but not exceptional.
On the other hand, if the trail you’re on offers some of the following characteristics, you’re on your unparalleled hiking adventure:
Stunning landscapes that can’t be found elsewhere
These trails are most often remote and challenging, but they come with the prize as they offer some of the most phenomenal landscapes imaginable.
The view of the surroundings will be enough to keep you in awe and make a permanent mark.
Challenge as an integral part of the fun
This means it is not as easy as regular hiking trails and you may need a bit more preparation or equipment – shoes, wardrobe, supplies, tools, etc. – and it is a bit more difficult to achieve the goal, but that is what makes it so much fun.
Flora and fauna that can’t be matched
As stated above, one of the main perks of unparalleled hiking is the chance to see many different species. Thanks to happening in remote areas, you may end up seeing animals or plants you don’t have the chance to meet regularly.
Of course, this also means you’ll have to prepare yourself properly, learn about the area and gather all the needed information – what not to eat, whether there are any dangerous animals, etc. – but as long as you do your homework and prepare, it won’t be an issue.
Chance to learn about history and culture
Some trails may not offer amazing landscapes, but what makes them different and worth the effort is their cultural and/or historical significance.
The chance to learn about the cultural and historical heritage either of your ancestors or of the people who live in that area, and who shaped that part of the world.
Greatest benefits of Unparalleled Hiking
Hiking as an activity has become one of the most popular ways of recreation and relaxation among millions of people around the world, offering the chance to escape from everyday chaos and find peace.
Unparalleled hiking is all that, with some additional plus sides.
First of all, as challenging as it is, it also means you’ll have to stay in shape or prepare yourself before you hit the trail, which has many health benefits by itself.
But even more important is the aspect of mental health, and unparalleled hiking is among the best ways to boost your morale.
Think of it this way – if you conquer the trail and finish it up, you’ll complete an amazing challenge, and there is no better way to feel good than success.
Also, it will keep you pushing limits and testing yourself – unbelievable mental training and preparation to tackle any problem you run into.
And, to top it all, this will help you learn you have the strength to endure it all, find yourself, and be prepared for anything life brings to you.
Top Destinations for Unparalleled Hiking
All that being said, it is good to have a general idea of where you could start before you start discovering your unparalleled hiking trails and experiences, so here are five places you should check out for the starters:
Torres del Paine National Park (Chile)
Known for its amazing landscapes, Torres del Paine National Park is located in a Patagonian part of Chile.
From French Valley, a natural amphitheater surrounded by massive cliffs known as Cerro Catedral and Cerro Cota, over The Valley of Silence to Dickson Lake, Sarmiento Lake, or Del Toro Lake (among many others), whatever you choose to go to is more than worth seeing.
Not to mention the chance to see guanacos, Andean condor, or even pumas.
Himalayas
The mountain range that goes through five countries (India, Bhutan, Pakistan, Nepal, and China) is known for its amazing beauty but also as a place of amazing cultural heritage.
It has some of the highest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest, but what makes it special is the fact that it has trails you could hit even as a beginner.
For instance, the Kedarkantha trek has many snow paths, intact nature, and a perfect view of the Himalayas.
Hampta Pass will take you to alpine forests and give you the chance to enjoy the glacier view, while for those who love their vacation colorful, Valley of Flowers is the go-to location.
Patagonia (Argentina)
Located in the Argentinian part of Patagonia, there are many different trails worth seeing. For instance, Laguna de Los Tres is spectacular, but it is also challenging and it requires good weather.
It is steep but once you complete the trail the reward will come in the shape of Cerro Fitz Roy, quite a funny looking mountain.
Cinque Terre (Italy)
For those who are Europe-bound or who plan to visit “the old continent”, Cinque Terre (Five lands in English) is located in Liguria and is known for its Azure Trail, a trail used to connect five villages.
Here, you’ll get the chance to try some of the best Italian cuisine as you admire local grape plantations.
Appalachian Trail (United States)
All in all, probably the most famous hiking trail in the world. It has everything you need, and it is big enough for you not to get bored. It takes about half a year to hike the entire 2,190-mile trail length.
During this hike, you’ll get the chance to see Killington Peak in Vermont, the Hudson River crossing in New York, and Mcafee Knob in Virginia, one of the most impressive places in the world.
But the beauty of it is the fact that you’ll be the one who will be able to find what you like the most.
Summary
So, is the unparalleled hiking for you? If you’re looking for something not only fun but challenging while giving you the chance to relax, enjoy nature, and give your mental health a big boost, then yes. Find the trail that suits you the best and start preparing – it is time for an adventure worth telling.