January
11
2012
By Matt Switzer
Chances are your New Year's resolutions include experiencing new things, or shedding those holiday pounds and getting fit. Roll them into one master plan with five hikes around the world that will jump start you toward your goals. The views aren't bad either.
Everest Base Camp, Nepal
This 12 day hike takes you into the heart of the Himalaya, through traditional local villages, past Sherpas, and to the Base Camp that sits on top of the world. Your goal for 2013 can be scaling the peak.
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, Peru
One of the most rewarding hikes in the world, Machu Pichu shimmers on top of its jungle perch the first time you spot it—but you are still two days away. The trek brings you up over glacier mountain passes, then heads back down into the dense jungle; the topography changes like magic in front of your eyes. Your legs will feel the burn too.
Ciudad Perdida, Colombia
This challenging six day hike takes you deep into the jungle, across rivers and through waterfalls until you reach the ancient archeological site known as the Lost City of the Taironas, predating Machu Picchu by 650 years. Take that, Hiram Bingham.
Milford Track, New Zealand
After four days trekking along one of the most beautiful walking routes in the world, you'll get a pretty good idea why New Zealand's South Island is renowned for its scenery. To keep you motivated along the way, the hike ends at breathtaking Milford Sound, a waterfall-ringed fijord that's the pride of the country.
Snowman Trek, Bhutan
If just a few nights in the mountains seems too easy, sign yourself up for this month-long odyssey over 11 of Bhutan's mountain passes. For the slightly more pot-bellied among us, there are plenty of beginner hikes as well—in this untravelled country you're bound to find staggering scenery and otherworldly calm wherever you roam.
Matt Switzer is an adventure traveller and writer who enjoys exploring the far-flung corners of the world. He can currently be found in Toronto producing and hosting ‘Matt About Town' on RogersTV, a curious dive into the cultural side of the city.
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