Ten awe-inspiring routes you need to travel along at least once in your life
Many of us have been on
relaxing and comfortable trips abroad, with our flights, hotels and food
already conveniently arranged for us. But you’re only ever going to feel the
real spirit of adventure if you head of somewhere with nothing but a rucksack
on your back. That’s the only way to really get to know a foreign land, as well
as get to know you’re own inner strengths and resourcefulness and truly feel
that you are part of the wonderful world we live in.
To encourage you to seize the
opportunity, we picked out some of the most incredible footpaths you can take
into the wild in various countries of the world.
The Stairway to Heaven, Hawaii
The Haiku Stairs, also known
as the Stairway to Heaven, is a dangerous path made up of 4,000 steps running
through the mountains of Oʻahu island in Hawaii. It was made by American
soldiers during the Second World War to help them reach the various pieces of
radar equipment they had placed on the mountain tops. From time to time, the
local authorities close the dangerous path to the public, thought this hasn’t
deterred various intrepid hikers. Just remember, if you go there, don’t look
down!
Shikoku pilgrimage route,
Japan
On the island of Shikoku, the
charm of ancient Japan has been perfectly preserved. This is why not only
Buddhist pilgrims but also thousands of tourists hike along the ancient route
that runs through the whole island. It can take two months to go from one end
to the other, and during that time you can see 88 ancient Buddhist temples
along with their beautiful Japanese gardens.
The Inca trail, Peru
This ancient road was built by
the Inca civilisation which survived for almost six centuries. Today, local
tour guides lead troops of tourists along it. At certain points, the trail
burrows into the jungle; at others, it climbs up mountainsides, and at the end
there’s a real wonder — the ’city in the heavens’, Machu Picchu.
Sarek National Park, Sweden
All fairytales are fantasy,
but this national park, which is located in Lapland, is home to some utterly
incredible views, as well as some exquisite North European wildlife. Here you
can find the highest mountains in Sweden, as well as rivers and glaciers, and
see the Northern Lights. You’re also guaranteed to experience a
near-incomparable sense of freedom at the beauty all around you.
The Lycian Way, Turkey
Great package holidays are not
the only thing that Turkey has to offer. The Lycian Way reveals the true wonder
of this country — from its deserted azure coves to its ancient rocky tombs left
behind by the inhabitants of ancient Lycia more than 3,000 years ago.
Bay of Fires, Australia
The Bay of Fires got its name
from the unusual colours of the cliffs along the shore, which are covered by
bright orange lichen. There’s a four-day route which takes you along the bay
with its unbelievably beautiful views which you won’t see anywhere else in the
world — white sand, orange cliffs and azure sea.
Overland Track, Australia
This well-known Australian route
runs through the most beautiful places in Tasmania, alongside high mountain
peaks, crystal-clear lakes, waterfalls and bright fields of heather. You’ll
also see wombats, snakes, kangaroos and other astounding wildlife along the
way.
St. James’ Path, Spain
Pilgrims walked this route in
the Middle Ages in order to pray at the grave of the apostle St. James the
Great. Nowadays, the route is again popular, not only amongst religious
pilgrims but also many of those who are seeking self-discovery and deeper
understanding. Many of those who complete the route get a tattoo in the shape
of a sea shell, which is considered to be the symbol of St. James’ Path.
Zion National Park, USA
Zion is a huge concentration
of cliffs and rocky plateaus, sliced through with deep canyons and captivating
tunnels. And all of these natural miracles are painted in the most varied
colours: pink, orange, red, emerald, sky blue. The landscape here is so
fantastical that sometimes you can hardly believe you’re still on planet Earth.
Annapurna Circuit, Nepal
No one who’s ever completed
the circuit around the Annapurna mountain range has ever returned home the same
person. Nepal is home to some of the most majestic, breathtaking mountains on
the planet, as well as the deepest gorges. Exquisite Buddhist temples are also
scattered throughout this awe-inspiring landscape.
SOURCE: BRIGHTSIDE
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