International Hiking & Trekking Challenges
Ever fancied taking on a BIG adventure? The kind that takes you somewhere completely different, pushes you outside your comfort zone and leaves you with stories you’ll still be telling years later?
Maybe it’s standing at the foot of Everest, reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro, trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, crossing the Sahara, or taking on a multi-day challenge through some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes.
I know first-hand just how powerful these adventures can be. My own trek to Everest Base Camp, Cho La Pass and the Gokyo Lakes in 2022 became much more than just another hiking challenge — and eventually inspired me to write a book about the experience.
There are now more organised international trekking and hiking challenges than ever, with adventures to suit different ambitions, fitness levels and budgets. So I’ve brought together some of the best opportunities currently available to help you find your next challenge. to help you find your next challenge.
And if you’re looking for somewhere to start, I’ve highlighted a couple of adventure operators below that I know personally — Action Challenge, who I travelled to Everest with in 2022, and EverTrek, who I’m currently working with and planning my next Himalayan adventure with. Both offer a wide range of supported trekking adventures around the world.
Looking for inspiration rather than an organised challenge? Check out my Ultimate Guide to the Top 50 Hiking Destinations in the World.
Where will your next BIG adventure take you?
Photo Credit: Kalen Emsley
Featured Adventure Operators
Action Challenge
Action Challenge is an operator I know first-hand. I travelled with them to Everest Base Camp in 2022, continuing across Cho La Pass to the Gokyo Lakes — the journey that eventually inspired my book, Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lakes: A Midlife Journey to the World's Greatest Trek.
They offer fully supported adventures around the world, including Everest Base Camp, Kilimanjaro, Patagonia, the Great Wall of China and the Inca Trail, with trips suitable for solo travellers, couples and groups.
If you're looking for a supported overseas challenge, they're well worth exploring.
EverTrek
EverTrek specialises in high-altitude trekking adventures around the world, including Everest Base Camp, the Everest Three Passes and Kilimanjaro, alongside other mountain adventures.
I’ve recently been working with the EverTrek team on a guest article about my own Everest journey, and I’m currently planning my next Himalayan adventure with them in 2028.
If you’re looking for a supported trekking adventure, they’re well worth exploring.
Image courtesy of EverTrek
Mammoth March
MammothMarch brings its distinctive long-distance hiking challenge to locations across the USA. Unlike a race, the emphasis is on completing a challenging hike and enjoying the experience rather than competing against the clock.
MammothMarch20 – Hike 20 miles in 8 hours
MammothMarch30 – Hike 30 miles in 12 hours, from dawn until dusk.
Events regularly sell out, so early booking is recommended.
Highlander
HIGHLANDER is a global series of organised long-distance hiking adventures, with events in more than 20 countries. Unlike a race, the focus is on the hiking experience rather than speed, with formats ranging from a single-day challenge to multi-day backpacking adventures.
In the USA, HIGHLANDER Big Bear Lake takes you into California's spectacular San Bernardino Mountains, with four different formats available.
15–19 June 2027 | Big Bear Lake, California
5DAY (Hercules) – approximately 60 miles over five days
3DAY (Pegasus) – approximately 35 miles over three days
2DAY (Orion) – approximately 20 miles over two days
1DAY (Lyra) – approximately 12 miles in one day
Food, water, designated campsites, safety support and route logistics are provided, while you carry your own essential hiking and camping equipment.
CANADA
Challenge Gaspé Peninsula
Head into the Chic-Choc Mountains of Québec's Gaspé Peninsula for a six-day supported hiking challenge through one of Canada's wildest mountain landscapes.
The challenge includes mountain trails, ridges and river crossings, with accommodation in a lodge and no need to carry heavy bags or organise meals along the way. It's graded as an intermediate challenge and also raises funds for cancer research.
10–15 September 2027 | 6 days | Québec, Canada
The fundraising objective is C$6,500, with registration currently open until 10 May 2027.
Action Challenge
Action Challenge has several fantastic adventures across South America. Here are three of my picks, with confirmed departures available in 2027.
Ecuador Volcano Challenge – Ecuador
11 days | High-altitude trekking & climbing | Up to 5,790m
Challenge yourself on this 11-day adventure to Ecuador’s “avenue of the volcanoes”, a breathtaking valley running south from Quito , that is home to some of the world’s tallest active volcanoes. You will summit 5 volcanic peaks, including 2 active ones, on this varied and exciting itinerary. Cold weather, steep glacial ascents and the thin air all of high altitude all add to the challenge.
30 October – 9 November 2026
11–21 November 2027
10 days | 5 days trekking | Up to 4,270m
Approach the long abandoned and captivating hidden city of Machu Picchu along a network of ancient trails. Over 4 days trekking you’ll see the rugged beauty of the Andes and see the ancient sites of the Inca Empire up close. We finish with a chance to explore the vibrant city of Cusco, before a Peruvian celebration long into the night.
30 April – 9 May 2027
28 May – 6 June 2027
3–12 September 2027
24 September – 3 October 2027
Patagonia Torres Del Paine – Chile
9 days | W Trek | Moderate | Non-technical
The ‘W’ trek in the Torres Del Paine National Park is the iconic challenge in Southern America, consistently being voted in the top 5 trails of the world. Located in Chile’s Southern tip, this 10 day adventure will take you into the heart of one of the great wilderness parks. Come face to face with the native flora and fauna of the Patagonian steppe, such as guanacos, Lamagaia and more. All set against a backdrop of glaciers, stunning trails and, of course, the awesome peaks of the Torres Del Paine.
6–14 March 2027
9–17 October 2027
30 October – 7 November 2027
20–28 November 2027
Action Challenge describes the W Trail as moderate and non-technical.
Machu Picchu via the Tomacaya Route — EverTrek
Peru | 11 days | Moderate | Up to 4,900m
A quieter alternative to the classic Inca Trail, this route heads through remote Andean valleys, crosses the Tocto Pass at 4,900m and passes beneath Mount Salkantay before reaching Machu Picchu. EverTrek describes it as a more remote, less crowded approach, with five days of hiking within the 11-day itinerary.
Action Challenge
Iceland Fire & Ice Trek - Iceland
5 days | 3 days trekking | 55 km
Experience Iceland at its wildest on three challenging days through volcanic landscapes, lava and snow fields, black obsidian, glacial valleys and icy river crossings. Nights are spent camping in the wilderness before finishing in Reykjavík with a hotel stay and celebration dinner.
15–19 July 2027
2–6 September 2027
Iceland Tough Trails Challenge
It's 14–18 July 2027, with two trail stages over two days in Landmannalaugar. Participants can choose full or half-marathon distances and walk, jog or run them.
14–18 July 2027 | 5 days | Two trail stages
Take on Iceland's spectacular highlands over two challenging days, crossing black lava fields, geothermal valleys and colourful rhyolite mountains. Choose either full or half-marathon distances each day — and walk, jog or run at your own pace.
🇫🇷 🇮🇹 🇨🇭 Tour du Mont Blanc — EverTrek
Tour du Mont Blanc Trek
France, Italy & Switzerland | 9 days | Challenging
Trek around the Mont Blanc Massif through three countries, crossing high Alpine passes and valleys with views of glaciers, dramatic peaks and traditional mountain villages. EverTrek’s itinerary covers around 100km over seven trekking days, with luggage transfers included so you carry just a daypack.
🇦🇱 Accursed Mountains — EverTrek
Hidden Trails of the Accursed Mountains
Albania | 7 days | Challenging
Explore the wild landscapes of the Albanian Alps, trekking through remote valleys, traditional mountain villages and dramatic limestone peaks. The route includes the classic Valbonë to Theth trail, alongside quieter paths through one of Europe’s most spectacular mountain regions.
Nijmegen 4Days Marches – Netherlands
Known as The Walk of the World, the Nijmegen 4Days Marches is one of the world's great walking challenges. More than 45,000 walkers from over 70 nationalities come together in Nijmegen to complete four consecutive days of long-distance walking.
Depending on your category, you'll walk 30, 40 or 50 km each day through Nijmegen and the surrounding countryside, with the coveted 4Days Marches Cross waiting for successful finishers.
20–23 July 2027 | Nijmegen, Netherlands
That's potentially 120–200 km in four days — and a few of the friends I trekked to Everest Base Camp with have taken this one on, so it's definitely earned its place on my challenge list!
HIGHLANDER Europe
HIGHLANDER is a global series of organised long-distance hiking adventures, with everything from one-day challenges to multi-day backpacking events. Food, water, campsites, safety support and trail logistics are organised, while participants carry their own essential hiking and camping gear.
Val di Sole – Italy
4–6 June 2027 | 3 formats
Head into the Italian Alps for a HIGHLANDER adventure in Val di Sole, with different formats allowing you to choose the level of challenge that suits you.
Lake District – UK
18–20 June 2027
A HIGHLANDER adventure much closer to home, taking the long-distance hiking format into one of Britain's greatest mountain landscapes.
Velebit – Croatia
31 August – 5 September 2027 | Multiple formats
This is the original home of HIGHLANDER, and probably the one I'd highlight most strongly. The classic multi-day route crosses the wild Velebit mountains and national parks before eventually reaching the Adriatic coast.
VIEW ALL HIGHLANDER ADVENTURES
Dragon’s Back Race - Wales
2027 dates TBC | 6 days | 380km | 16,400m ascent
Considered one of the toughest mountain races in the world, the legendary Dragon’s Back Race follows the mountainous spine of Wales from Conwy Castle to Cardiff Castle over six demanding days.
The full Dragon covers around 380km with 16,400m of ascent, crossing some of Wales’ wildest and most spectacular mountain terrain. For those not ready to tackle the complete route, the Hatchling offers shorter daily options, while Dragon’s Fire and Dragon’s Tail provide two-day alternatives covering sections of the course.
2027 entries are opening soon.
Asia
🇳🇵 Everest Three Passes Trek — EverTrek
Everest Three Passes Trek
Nepal | 19 days | Tough
Take on one of the ultimate trekking challenges in the Everest region, crossing the Kongma La, Cho La and Renjo La passes while also visiting Everest Base Camp and the Gokyo Valley. It’s a demanding high-altitude route through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Himalayas.
This one has a particularly personal connection to Walking in Circles — I’m planning to return to Nepal with EverTrek in April 2028 to take on the Three Passes, and I’m currently putting together a group to join me.
Fancy joining us? Get in touch to find out more.
Much Better Adventures
High-altitude trails, epic scenery and the highest navigable pass on the planet – this is bucket list stuff in the making!
Explore one of the most incredible trekking routes in the Himalayas – 145km of devastatingly beautiful mountains
Cross through the thrilling Thorong La Pass (5416m), the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek
Enter Kali Gandaki, the deepest gorge in the world – a whopping three times deeper than the Grand Canyon
Action Challenge
16 days, 11 days trekking, 5,364m altitude
It is incredible to believe that in just two weeks out of the office, we can reach the base camp of the greatest mountain on earth, Everest. On this eleven day trek we witness some of the most breathtaking scenery, visiting some of the highest villages in the world, and admiring sunrise over the Himalayan snow-capped peaks and Khumbu Glacier. From the peak of Kala Patthar, we gaze up at the mighty Everest summit. On our return to Kathmandu, we spend our last night together to celebrate our journey.
Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes - Nepal
20 days, 15 days trekking, 5,364m altitude
A more adventurous variation on the classic Everest trek, reaching Base Camp before crossing into the quieter Gokyo Valley, with its high passes and spectacular turquoise lakes. This is the route I took in 2022 and remains one of the standout Himalayan challenges featured on Walking in Circles.
20 days, 15 days trekking, 6,476m altitude
This classic Himalayan ascent that takes you through quiet and remote valleys, over high passes and right to the breath taking summit of Mera Peak at 6461m. Over 15 days of trekking you will see the mighty peaks of the Himalayas, experience the incredible Sherpa culture, and will finish with a chance to explore the bustling Kathmandu and enjoy a traditional Nepali celebration.
If you’ve summited Kilimanjaro and caught the mountaineering bug, then Mera Peak is the ideal next mountain for you – amazing cultures, stunning scenery & a new challenge at over 6,000m – make Mera your next goal!
VIEW ALL ACTION CHALLENGE ADVENTURES
HIGHLANDER
5th–9th April 2027: HIGHLANDER Himalaya – Nepal
Pokhara, Annapurna Region
5 days | Multiple hiking formats
HIGHLANDER returns to Nepal for a spectacular adventure through the Annapurna region, with trails leading through mountain villages, lush valleys and high ridges beneath the snow-capped Himalayas. Starting from Pokhara, the event offers different hiking formats designed to make the experience accessible to a range of hikers.
Against Breast Cancer
5th May 2027 – Mount Toubkal Trek – Morocco
Mount Toubkal Trek is three days of stunning scenery and breathtaking views across North Africa. Perfect for those who with a taste for adventure but are pushed for time, Mount Toubkal Trek takes just five days door to door.
Despite the shorter length of time required to complete this challenge, reaching the summit of Mount Toubkal represents a tough challenge, the terrain is demanding and will involve scrambling over boulders and negotiating scree. However, the exceptional support and expert mountain guides provided mean no previous trek experience is necessary.
Action Challenge
Atlas Ultra Challenge - Morocco
17th–21st September 2026 | 5 days | 2 marathon-distance challenges
5 day trip, 2 day challenge
Take things higher with this Atlas Mountain Ultra Challenge! It’s 2 marathon distances over 2 days at your pace, set against the backdrop of North Africa’s highest mountain range. With snow-capped peaks, rugged valleys, Berber villages and a traditional Moroccan-style basecamp. This 5-day trip is action packed – a testing challenge, magnificent scenery, camping under the stars, camaraderie, full support, with the option to extend your stay in magical Marrakech afterwards. An unforgettable adventure – and an Ultra Challenge like no other!
5 days, 3 days trekking, 4,167m altitude
An action packed group challenge to the summit of North Africa’s highest peak, Mount Toubkal at 4,167m, with an amazing sense of achievement as you take in the magnificent panoramic views and breathe the rarefied mountain air. With some tough trekking, Berber hospitality, camping, camaraderie, expert guides, sunshine, and a Marrakech celebration – it’s an unforgettable Moroccan adventure!
Kilimanjaro Lemosho – Tanzania
11 days, 7 days trekking, 5,895m altitude
Take on Africa’s highest mountain via the spectacular Lemosho Route, widely regarded as one of the best approaches to Kilimanjaro. The longer itinerary allows more time for acclimatisation before the final climb to Uhuru Peak at 5,895m, the highest point in Africa.
8 days | 5 days trekking | Sahara Desert
Trek through Morocco’s spectacular Sahara, crossing remote desert landscapes, rocky plateaus and vast sand dunes. Nights are spent camping beneath the stars before the challenge finishes with time to relax and celebrate in Marrakech.
Saharan Tough Trails Challenge – Morocco
6 days | 2 challenge days | Walk, jog or run
Take on two challenging desert stages through Morocco’s spectacular Sahara. Choose your distance each day and tackle the route at your own pace — walking, jogging or running through dunes, rocky trails and remote desert landscapes.
With camping beneath the stars and full support throughout, this offers a very different way to experience the Sahara — and a serious endurance challenge without needing to be an ultra-runner.
Middle East
Photo Credit: Juli Kosolapova
Action Challenge
03rd - 08th April 2025
Walk, Jog, or Run - 2 Marathons - 1 Amazing Adventure!
6 DAY TRIP, 2 DAY CHALLENGE, 42 KM / DAY IN WADI RUM
Push yourself further afield – and take on the Jordan Ultra Challenge! It’s 2 marathon distances over 2 days at your pace in a fantastic setting on an inspirational route through the dramatic desert scenery of Wadi Rum, with vast silent landscapes, ancient sun baked riverbeds, sand dunes, and a Bedouin style basecamp. This 6 day trip is action packed – a testing challenge, magnificent scenery, camping under the stars, camaraderie, full support, a visit to Petra – the ‘8th wonder of the ancient world, and capped with some relaxation in the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea. An unforgettable Arabian adventure – and an Ultra Challenge like no other!
8 days, 5 days trekking, 85km distance
Trek Through deserts to the wonders of petra
Challenge yourself on this 8-day adventure trekking through deserts, gorges and over ridgelines as you approach the city of Petra with its carved sandstone temples and relics. There will be tough trails, high temperatures and fantastic views, and we’ll cap it all off with a float in the Dead Sea and a celebration dinner Jordanian style!
AUSTRALIA
20–21 March 2027 – Canberra, Australia
Part of the MarchMingle International Walking Festival, the Aussie Peace Walk is a two-day, non-competitive walking event bringing together walkers from Australia and around the world.
Choose from a range of distances, from accessible 7km walks through to longer walking challenges, with different routes across the two days. It’s less about racing and more about walking, friendship, challenge and experiencing Canberra on foot.
Next event: 2028 – date and location TBC
100 hours
The Raid 100 is the world’s only expedition-length, rogaine-format adventure race. Teams of two or four take on 100 hours of racing, navigating their way through a wilderness course and collecting as many of 100 checkpoints as possible.
The challenge combines trekking, mountain biking, kayaking, packrafting and navigation, with strategy playing just as important a role as endurance and fitness.
Great Ocean Road Running Festival – Australia
15–16 May 2027 | Victoria
Take on one of Australia’s most spectacular coastal events along the iconic Great Ocean Road between Lorne and Apollo Bay.
With nine distances across the weekend, there’s everything from the 60km Ultra Marathon and 44km Great Ocean Road Marathon to shorter road and trail challenges — plus a 5km walk for those who want to experience the traffic-free Great Ocean Road at a more leisurely pace.
Expect dramatic Southern Ocean views, rugged coastline and a full festival atmosphere across Lorne and Apollo Bay.
The 5km walk is genuinely walkable rather than a race masquerading as one — it has a two-hour cut-off and takes place on a vehicle-free section of the Great Ocean Road.
Transcend Trails – Western Australia
Next 2027 date TBC | Avon Valley, Western Australia
Explore the spectacular Avon Valley on foot with Transcend Trails, an inclusive trail event offering challenges for both hikers and runners.
Choose from 6km, 12km, 28km or 40km hiking and trail-running options, while experienced ultra runners can take on the full 65km course. The longer routes cross national parks, wildlife sanctuary and sections of private land that are normally inaccessible to the public.
For hikers looking for a serious challenge, the 40km route packs in more than 1,600m of climbing with a generous 12½-hour cut-off.
Coastrek – Australia
Multiple locations throughout 2027 | 20km–50km
Coastrek is one of Australia’s biggest team hiking challenges, combining spectacular coastal walking with charity fundraising. Choose from 20km, 30km or 50km routes and take on the challenge in teams of two or more.
Events are held in some of Australia’s most beautiful coastal locations, with routes featuring beaches, headlands, national parks and coastal trails. It’s not a race — the emphasis is on completing the challenge together while raising funds for mental health charity Beyond Blue.
Sydney – 19 March 2027, with further 2027 Coastrek events planned around Australia.
There are already 2027 programmes indicated for Mornington Peninsula, Sunshine Coast, NSW South Coast, Fleurieu Peninsula and Margaret River, although not all their exact dates are published on the event pages yet
HIGHLANDER Mt Hotham – Australia
10–14 March 2027 | Victorian Alps
Head into Victoria’s spectacular Alpine National Park for a fully organised HIGHLANDER adventure through alpine trails, historic huts, remote valleys and rugged mountain terrain.
Choose from three multi-day formats depending on how big a challenge you want to take on:
5DAY – 95km | 4,200m ascent
3DAY – 53km | 2,290m ascent
2DAY – 33km | 1,170m ascent
Food, snacks, route support and organised campsites are provided, while you remain self-sufficient and carry your own pack.
NEW ZEALAND
3 Peaks Mountain Race – New Zealand
14 March 2027 | Dunedin, Otago
Explore the mountains and trails surrounding Dunedin in this long-running New Zealand endurance event. The classic 26km 3 Peaks course can be walked or run, climbing Flagstaff, Swampy Summit and Mt Cargill through native bush and forestry with panoramic views across the region.
There’s also an 11km run/walk over Mt Cargill, while experienced trail runners can tackle the 56km 3 Peaks Plus 1 course, which extends into the Silver Peaks and adds Pulpit Rock at 760m.
ASICS Christchurch Marathon – New Zealand
18 April 2027 | Christchurch
Take in central Christchurch, Hagley Park and the Avon River on one of New Zealand’s best-known city events.
For walkers, choose the 21.1km Half Marathon or 10km, both offering flat, scenic routes through the city. The Half Marathon is a particularly good option for anyone looking for a substantial walking challenge without stepping into trail or mountain terrain.
Runners can also take on the full 42.2km ASICS Christchurch Marathon, while shorter youth events complete the programme.
Manawatu Striders Marathon – New Zealand
2027 date TBC | Palmerston North
A genuinely walker-friendly marathon event based at Massey University in Palmerston North, with routes following the Manawatu River pathways and crossing the Fitzherbert Bridge.
Choose from the 42.2km Marathon, 21.1km Half Marathon, 10km or 5km, with dedicated walking starts for the longer distances. It’s a good option for anyone wanting to take on a full marathon-distance walking challenge without having to run.
Middle-earth Halfling Marathon – Hobbiton, New Zealand
20 March 2027 | 21.1km or 11.1km | Run or walk
Take an unexpected journey through the rolling green hills of the Hobbiton Movie Set and surrounding Waikato farmland.
Choose the 21.1km Halfling Marathon or the brilliantly named 11.1km Eleventy-first, with dedicated categories for both walkers and runners. The off-road routes take you through Hobbiton and past familiar Middle-earth locations before heading onto private farmland, with rolling hills, grassy trails and some suitably challenging climbs.
And, because this is Hobbiton, there’s even an aid station at The Green Dragon Inn before the final push to the finish. Finishers receive a medal, souvenir stein and celebratory drink.
2027 is currently sold out, but cancelled places will be re-released on 4 February 2027.
Quite possibly the only challenge on this page where stopping for a drink at The Green Dragon counts as part of the route.
FIND YOUR NEXT WALKING CHALLENGE
From mountain treks and multi-day hikes to marathon-distance walks and overseas adventures, there’s a challenge out there for every level of walker.
If one of these events has inspired you to take on something bigger, explore my Challenge Training Hub for practical advice on preparing for marathon, 50km and 100km walking challenges.
Looking for something a little closer to home? You can also explore my UK Hiking Events & Challenges or join me on one of my own Walking in Circles UK live walking challenges.