Hiking is about so much more than exercise, pleasant scenery or getting from A to B.
Putting one foot in front of the other for hours, days or even weeks on end creates a special sense of connection to a place and its landscapes.
At Lonely Planet, we’ve chronicled the world’s most unforgettable hiking journeys in our Epic Hikes series, covering Epic Hikes of the World, Epic Hikes of the Americas, Epic Hikes of Europe and Epic Hikes of Australia & New Zealand. In case you haven’t noticed, we love an epic journey, and this selection of 12 globe-spanning hikes should get you in the mood to dust off those hiking boots and hit a trail – wherever you find yourself on the globe.
Adam’s Peak, Sri Lanka
Stairs leading to sunrise magic
In world terms, this conical Sri Lankan mountain isn’t all that high at only 7360ft (2243m) – but don’t let its size fool you. It’s a punishing climb, favored by pilgrims who come to see the Sri Pada, or sacred footprint, said to have been left by either Buddha, Shiva or Adam, depending on which religion you happen to belong to.
There are six possible routes to the top, and the one most often used by trekkers is the Hatton Trail, a steep uphill slog involving numerous stairs cut into the mountain. To get there in time for sunrise requires both an early start and a hand from the weather gods: Sri Lanka’s jungly terrain means the peak is (unfortunately) often enveloped in clouds. Yet with luck, at the top you’ll have a memorable view encompassing the island’s west, south and east coasts.
Sri Lanka Travel Feneteko