6 Iconic Week-Long Backpacking Routes

If you only have a week to go backpacking, these 6 iconic routes will provide more than enough fuel for your wanderlust.

Greg Heil

Images

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by Greg Willis

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by Ryan Smith

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by Douglas Scortegagna

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The Paths We Follow The Tour du Mont Blanc, also known as the TMB, is one of the most popular long-distance hikes in the world. The route circles the entire Mont Blanc Massif, which rises to a height of 4,808 meters above sea level—the highest point in Western Europe and the European Union. The hiking route covers "a distance of roughly 170 kilometres (110 mi) with 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) of ascent/descent and passes through parts of Switzerland, Italy and France,” according to Wikipedia. While the TMB doesn’t climb to the summit of Mont Blanc, the route climbs up and over numerous high alpine passes, providing stunning views in all directions! Thanks to a well-developed system of huts, along with towns and hotels along the route, there are numerous options for staying overnight and resupplying as you journey around the loop.

by Sathish J

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by Greg Heil

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Description

If you only have a week to go backpacking but you want to hike a truly epic, world-renowned route, these five backpacking routes of varying lengths will provide more than enough fuel to stoke your wanderlust fire. With routes ranging from Patagonia to Europe, North America to Tasmania, and even Nepal, just choose the corner of the planet that you want to visit and GO!

Each of the routes detailed here can be completed in a week of backpacking… but exactly how much ground you can cover in a week depends on many variables ranging from fitness to the difficulty of the terrain. Thankfully, the options presented here cover the entire spectrum.
Want to experience some beautiful terrain, but don’t want to push the mileage too hard? Try the Overland Track in Tasmania, with options ranging from 40 to 50 miles.

Or do you fancy a longer challenge? The Annapurna Circuit in Nepal runs for over 140 miles and climbs roughly 37,000 feet in elevation! But of course, the hardcore backpackers of the world could complete this route in just a couple of days. The question is, do YOU think you can do it in a week?

Adventures

Annapurna Circuit

World-class trek linking remote Himalayan villages through gorges and over high passes of the Annapurna Range.

Torres del Paine O Circuit

An extended version of the classic W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park that makes a full loop and includes the uncrowded backside of the range.

Torres del Paine W Trek

One of the world's best treks, the W links the three main valley of Torres del Paine National Park, among massive glaciers and giant granite towers.

Wonderland Trail

A 93 mile (150 kilometer) hiking trail that circumnavigates Mount Rainier, one of North America's most iconic peaks.

Overland Track

An incredible and varied journey through Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, part of Tasmania's Wilderness World Heritage Area.

Tour du Mont Blanc

Circumnavigate the iconic Mont Blanc massif on this epic multi-day route.