Uncover a wealth of hidden gems as you embark on walking and trekking adventures that take you firmly off the beaten track. Our local guides will lead you away from the usual tourist trails, imparting their knowledge along the way so that you’ll gain a deeper insight into the culture and history behind the places you visit. Take a look at where the best walking and trekking trails are to make the most out of your adventures in 2022.
January: Sri Lanka
Best time to go: January is a great time to go to Sri Lanka, as there’s plenty of sunshine and minimal rainfall. As it’s the dry there’s also a higher chance of seeing leopards around watering holes in Yala National Park.
Trip Highlights: On this trip, you’ll experience the sunrise on Adams Peak, visit the lakeside town of Kandy and enjoy walking through lush tea plantations and rice paddy fields.
Difficulty level: Moderate -undulating jungle walks, and rolling grassland paths with some moderate ascents
Secure your place: Highlands of Sri Lanka
February: Gozo Island, Malta
Best time to go: The weather in Gozo in February is pleasantly warm compared to other countries with an average temperature of 15°C. In early spring, you’ll also see wildflowers beginning to bloom.
Trip Highlights: Discover sleepy villages filled with fascinating Baroque architecture and hidden bays with ochre-coloured sand. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit pastel-coloured ports, Copper Age temple remains and ancient churches en route.
Difficulty level: Moderate – medium length walks on fair ground with some higher altitude treks.
Secure your place: Walking on Gozo – Calypso’s Isle
March: Andalucia, Spain
Best time to go: In March, Andalucia enjoys very pleasant temperatures, with sunny weather, cooler evenings and minimal chances of rain. Sweet-smelling orange blossom, azahar, will be coming into bloom during the middle to end of the month as well. You’ll also have the advantage of fewer tourists travelling in this month too.
Trip highlights: On this adventure, you’ll explore the beautiful Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park on foot, while also visiting the impressive El Chorro Gorge while walking along the Caminito del Rey “The Kings Little Path”. Passing olive groves, abandoned monasteries and rustic white villages, you’ll also spend time in the magical city of Seville.
Difficulty level: This adventure is a split grade trip, meaning you can choose between Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) walks and Level 4 (Moderate to Challenging) depending on your preference and ability.
Secure your place: Walking in Andalucia
April: Everest Base Camp, Nepal
Best time to go: Even though temperatures are quite warm in Kathmandu, you can enjoy cooler temperatures in the mountains, with very sunny weather little chance of rain in April pre-monsoon season, perfect for tackling one of the world’s most iconic treks.
Trip highlights: Trek among the highest peaks in the world to Everest Base Camp where you’ll camp at the foot of Khumbu Ice Fall for two nights. Along the way, you’ll visit an ancient hilltop monastery and witness staggering views.
Difficulty level: Challenging –mountain tracks with several high suspension bridges.
Secure your place: Everest Base Camp Trek Expedition Departure
May: The Tenzing-Hillary Everest Marathon with Paul Goldstein
Best time to go: Each year on May 29th, this charity fundraiser marathon takes place to celebrate the first ascent of Everest in 1953.
Trip Highlights: An extremely rewarding trek and run among the most famous peaks in the world. As you make your way to Namche Bazaar, you’ll journey through forests and traditional Sherpa villages. The ultimate highlight is completing the challenging marathon to Namche Bazaar. This year, you’re joined by conservationist and award-winning wildlife photographer, Paul Goldstein. Raising much-needed funding for the conservation of Bengal tigers and educational initiatives in India, show your support in 2022 for our “Worth More Alive” campaign.
Difficulty level: Challenging – high altitude conditions on mountain terrain.
June: Provence, France
Best time to go: June marks the end of the wet season in Provence and although it’s warm and sunny, it’s comfortable for walking. This is also the start of lavender season when the land is ablaze with purple flowers.
Trip Highlights: As you walk towards the Valensole plateau, the lavender-strewn landscape is a feast for the senses with the vibrant colour and heavenly aroma. During the tour, you’ll experience the bustling market of Forcalquier and walk along the Verdon Gorge where you’re greeted with idyllic scenes of turquoise waters.
Difficulty level: Leisurely/moderate – varied terrain of tarmac and tracks with some ascents and descents from hilltop villages.
Secure your place: Highlights of Provence
July: Ladakh, Nepal
Best time to go: Each year Dakthok Festival takes place in July and the weather is moderately warm during this month.
Trip Highlights: Overflowing with rich culture and traditional villages, you’ll be able to delve deep into the Tibetan way of life with village homestays and trips to see Buddhist monasteries in the Indus Valley. Explore the ruins of the Old Royal Palace at Leh, visit a Japanese Peace Pagoda and take in view of the Stok mountain range.
Difficulty level: Moderate – a gentle trek with well-made trails and high-altitude conditions.
Secure your place: Ladakh: The Markha Valley
August: The Garden Route, South Africa
Best time to go: August is a great time to explore South Africa due to its mild temperatures and whale watching season.
Trip Highlights: Discover the diverse environments of the Alexandria Trail as you walk through sand dunes, forests and along the coast where you’ll have the chance to spot whales and dolphins. Reach the pinnacle of Cape Town with a hike up Table Mountain and soak up the panoramic views.
Difficulty level: Moderate/challenging – varied terrain from coastal paths and sand dunes to mountain and forest trails, with some challenging hikes.
Secure Your Place: Capetown and the Garden Route
September: Camino de Santiago, Spain
Best time to go: While the trail is passable all year round September is one of the optimal months to walk the Camino de Santiago, thanks to fewer travellers and pleasant autumn temperatures.
Trip Highlights: Enjoy completing the last 100km of the world’s oldest pilgrimage route. Passing medieval monasteries, Romanesque cathedrals and ancient oak forests, one of the trips main highlights is collecting stamps for your pilgrim passport and reaching your final destination – the spectacular Santiago de Compostella.
Difficulty level: Moderate, undulating walking through rolling hills in Galacian countryside and woodland trails.
Secure your place: Camino de Santiago Trek
October: Mont Blanc, France
Best time to go: The crowds of tourists deplete in October meaning you can enjoy quieter trails on the trek.
Trip Highlights: The walk to Aiguilette du Brevent lets you absorb snow-drenched scenes of the Chamonix valley and Mont Blanc from its summit. Following a rewarding climb to Grand Balcon Sud, the cable-car descent down to Chamonix is spellbinding with 360-degree views of Mont Blanc, glaciers and forests.
Difficulty level: Moderate – Long treks on mountain terrain with some steep ascents and descents.
Secure your place: Mont Blanc Highlights
November: Lantang and Gosainkund Lakes, Nepal
Best time to go: In November, you can enjoy beautiful clear skies, fresh air and incredible views, as the monsoon season dissipates in September. This is one of the best times to visit, as dry days make trekking easier while also offering good visibility.
Trip Highlights: This lesser-travelled route takes you among pretty and diverse scenery of mountains, lakes, glaciers and forests. Embark on the ridge walk to Gosainkund Lake, which boasts the most impressive views of the Annapurnas, Himalchuli, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and Langtang Himal before you head to the sacred lake drenched in history and religious stories.
Difficulty level: Moderate/challenging – mostly on rocky terrain with long, steep ascents and descents with high-altitude conditions.
Secure your place: Lantang and Gosainkund Lakes
December: The Amalfi Coast, Italy
Best time to go: Although temperatures are much cooler in December, the scenery is equally as beautiful, and where better to celebrate Christmas Day with a culinary feast?
Trip Highlights: As you explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pompeii, which was buried beneath volcanic ash for 1700 years, your guide will teach you all about the history of this magnificent Roman city. Witness the ruins of the homes and bathhouses and admire the ancient frescoes that remain on some of the walls. The notable “Path of the Gods” to Positanoboasts some of the most dramatic scenery with clifftop villages overlooking the Mediterranean. Along the way you can delve into the way of life and uncover the local traditions.
Difficulty level: Leisurely/moderate – mostly low-altitude walking on tarmac or forest trails with some steep climbs on narrow paths and loose gravel tracks.
Secure your place: Walking the Amalfi Coast
If this has inspired you to look into planning ahead for an incredible walking and trekking adventure in 2022, browse our collection of trips here.
