Hiking is a separate type of travel, its own atmosphere, other sensations. If you are not afraid of various animals: from mosquitoes to bears, if you are not afraid of the lack of some elements of comfort, if you love untouched nature - you can apply for a certificate of the great intercontinental pedestrian (take the crusts at once, you will need them)!

You can immediately say: “Yes, there is a difference between walking tours of Russia and other walking tours around the world!” But this is no reason to doubt: “And what is better: unity with nature on a cold earth or travel with comforts?”

In Russia, these are often author’s routes, in Europe – certified trails with markers and detailed guides. For example, for walking routes in Europe, there is the European Ramblers Association, which has developed a number of E-routes. It's marked and numbered. However, the goal is one – a trip and certainly on foot!

Where to travel on foot in Russia, CIS?

Almost all trails in time length range from 7-14 days. But forays for shorter periods and distances allow you to take with you less experienced and less adult tourists. Attention! When visiting the Western regions of Russia, the Ural-Siberian and Far Eastern regions, it is highly desirable to have a tick vaccination.

Altai Mountain

Belukha

Belukha is considered the highest point of Siberia. Glaciers on its slopes give rise to the origins of the largest river in the Altai Mountains - Katun. The length of the pedestrian part is 136 km: the passage among the rocky ranges to the valley of the Chucherlin lakes, the ascent to the Kara-Turek pass from which you will have wonderful views; the Yarlu gorge with a city of stones and the Ak-Kem river of milky-white color, which is supplied by its stone lime Belukha.

Shavlin Lakes and Chui Alps

This is the easiest route, looped on the Chui tract. Shavlin lakes are considered one of the most picturesque natural attractions of the Altai Mountains. This is a whole cascade of lakes along the Shavly River. Mineral impurities contained in the water of lakes give them a milky-turquoise color. Dream, Fairy Tale and Beauty are unlikely to be conquered, because of the ice covering them. The length of the pedestrian part is 100 km, a huge opportunity to fill the camera with magazine pictures.

"Glorious Sea Sacred Baikal"

Volcano Valley

The route was created to show all the beauty of the nature of the Baikal region, its majestic mountains, plunge into the waters of sacred springs and visit the valley of volcanoes.

The trip begins with a visit to the Nuhu Pass, where congresses of shamans of Russia are held. Further, in order for the walking tour to still begin, you need to drive a segment of the path on superhigh-passable transport. Transitions along waterfall-source areas lead to the apogee of the trail - extinct volcanoes. The lava fields here seem like some kind of lunar landscape, only with oxygen around.

Panoramas of mountain tops, glaciers and waterfalls will not make a mistake “You are on Baikal”.

Caucasus

I came, I saw, I got lost! A huge number of trails and paths for pedestrians – not to count. The edge of mountains and waterfalls and all this surrounded by a riot of flora. Travel options for all tastes, from leisurely walks to mountain extremes.

Kamchatka

The land of fire and ice is an alternative to Iceland.

North-south

One of the most intense summer routes in Kamchatka. Around the highest volcanoes, turbulent rivers originating at the foot of mountains and glaciers, geysers, deserts, volcanic deserts; the roar of an active volcano promises interesting memories. Unforgettable taste of ripe berries and pure water, and the danger of meeting a bear. But they say that they eat one fish and these ripe berries, however, it is better to listen to the guide and not to be amateurish! Some volcanoes, of course those that have died out, you can go on a tour. But when you stand on a crust of frozen lava and feel the heat of invisible depths, it seems that somewhere you have been deceived. And the one who is called “extinct”, so, dozed off and waiting for a large party of tourists. 14 days of experiences that will have as much or more to synchronize in your head.

Kola Peninsula

I call it Russian Lapland. The 5-day tour begins in Kirovsk. It is designed for lovers of hiking and beautiful views. The route passes exclusively along the most beautiful peaks of Khibiny - the mountain range, passes, past mountain rivers and local vegetation, in the monastery of which you can find berries and a huge number of mushrooms. This is because you are not there in June.

Crimea

Hiking in the Kara-Dag mountains with a visit to the Grand Canyon, walking through the streets of the cave city of Chufut-Kale. As well as climbing Mangup-Kala and a tour of its ruins. Total length of the pedestrian part of the route 62 km

Sayan

If you have lost your self and are ready to go in search of it, welcome. Siberia is a mysterious land that keeps traces of ancient civilizations. This route covers the Krasnoyarsk Territory, Tuva and Khakassia. Here and visit the reserve "Pillars", the foothills of the Western Sayan and the famous park "Ergaki". The local landscapes are so diverse, it seems that they are all completely different parts of the world that can not be near.

Hiking in the Urals

Polar Urals, Inta

On one way to see two legends of the circumpolar Urals: the most amazing mountain Manaraga and the highest - Mount Narodnaya (stress on the first syllable) - it is incredible, given the fact that you will also climb them. This can be done by giving preference to this trail, whose main route runs through the territory of the Yugyd Va Park.

Armenia

This route will suit all connoisseurs of history, traditions, nature and delicious wine. Numerous monasteries and monuments of architecture, cozy villages and local color – all this can be seen by going to Armenia. Of course, it is better to go with a guide, because alone you can not see the most interesting, and the direction of the following is not particularly marked.

Walking the world

Yoshida Trail, Mount Fuji, Japan

Suitable for new impression seekers.

Perhaps the best choice of the proposed options will be the Gotemba trail in 16 km. Oddly enough, the path to the top of Fuji is considered one of the easiest. On this path there are all the benefits of life, which most likely motivates to stay on the mountain and meet the dawn here. You will not be able to do this alone.

But remember the Japanese saying, “You will be smart if you climb Mount Fuji once, and a fool if you do it again.”

Officially, the season runs from July to August, but there are fewer tourists in June and September. Choose!

Santa Cruz Road, Cordillera Blanca Mountains, Peru

This tour will be interesting for lovers of heights of all categories, and those who are interested in the roads of the Incas. Distance - 50 kilometers or more.

The Cordillera Blanca Mountains have one feature – this ridge, which makes up the largest collection of peaks in the Western Hemisphere – there are as many as 33 of them here. Following the Santa Cruz Trail, you can see all the main attractions of the local places in just 4 days. The period of visiting Peruvian beauties from April to September.

For reference: before the hike, it is worth clarifying the state of the trail, because it may worsen due to natural impacts.

Løjgavegur route, Iceland

This 80 km trail is suitable for anyone who wants to see the wonders of nature without moving from country to country.

In 2010, part of Iceland’s Popular Tourist Route was closed due to the eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano... remember? After that, the route was adjusted and the path with miracles was reopened: geysers, waterfalls, fjords and glaciers, thermal springs, ocean and elves! In the latter, by the way, the locals believe in the existence of geysers. And it is better to walk with a guide, or with locals: going out of the way you can easily fall into the stream of hot air suddenly out of the ground.

It is better to travel to a distant country from late June to mid-September.

Bibbulmun Road, Australia

The route length of about 1000 km is open to everyone. It was developed by one of the local travelers, a lover of privacy and beauty of wildlife.

The name of the road comes from Bibbulmun – local aborigines, the symbol of which are snakes, which can often be found in these places. But in addition to these not all pleasant creatures here you can see many interesting animals and birds that live only in Australia.

It is better to travel here from September to November, when spring comes in Australia, or in autumn, from March. Those who decide to go from north to south should start in the spring, and vice versa. The land of antipodes.

The Way of West Highland, Scotland

The 155-kilometer road from Milnhavy to Fort William will appeal to almost any traveler. It passes through the Scottish Highlands, where mountain peaks with gorges, and waterfalls and lakes, and the devil's staircase in the Anoah Yagah mountains are met. You can choose any village you like for the night.

Given all the peculiarities of the local weather, the summer months will be the most suitable for the hike.

Shackleton Route, South Georgia Island, South Atlantic

The path is for experienced tourists with the skills to communicate with the harsh Antarctica. Otherwise it won't be fun.

The distance is 35 kilometers from King Haakon Bay to the Stromness Whale. It was along this road, only with all sorts of obstacles, that part of the explorer Shackleton's expedition went in search of help for their ice-bound ship and the rest of the crew. But in addition to the cold ice here you can find quite warm penguins. Go there is in the Antarctic summer, from December 20 to March 20.

Benton Mackaye Trail, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, USA

This path is followed by lovers of long distances on foot. The 480km trail was founded by Benton McCayne. This very diverse trail is steep and gentle, through national parks and reserves. To avoid the summer heat, you should go on the road in spring or autumn.

Tiger Jumping Gorge, China

The 217-km long trail through the Jumping Tiger Gorge is considered incredibly challenging, and regularly complicated by weather events, but worthy to visit.

Customs Trail, Brittany, France

This path, about 1,000 km long, runs along the angular edge of the coast of Brittany, was formed in the Middle Ages, when it was on round-the-clock duty for the prevention and treatment of smuggling. Now it is a very popular hiking trail with views of the Atlantic coast, with a characteristic culture of inhabited places in which the Celtic language is still spoken.

St. Olaf's Trail, Scandinavia

This road goes to the city of Troynhem in Norway, famous for its Gothic cathedrals, to Nidaros Cathedral - the burial place of the Scandinavian King Olaf. The 564-kilometer route through Sweden and Norway mesmerizes a variety of natural landscapes – forests and fields, mountains and plains and fjords, dragging tourists into the labyrinths of its history.

The Ring of Kerry, Ireland

This is a circular route in the County of Kerry on Ivera, considered by the inhabitants of Ireland the most picturesque. There is a route of 166 km through lakes and waterfalls, areas with ancient buildings and all this surrounded by the priceless nature of the Atlantic coast.

Well, how can you stop here? How many more countries and cities are absent here, how many interesting places have not been described, and how many more unexplored... Sometimes just thinking about a place seems to take you there and another tick on your list becomes bigger. Well, come on, check the boxes!

Text by Karina Crocus

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