World’s Best Remote Hikes According to Jacada Travel
As the pace of modern life increases, luxury tour operator Jacada has the antidote: personalised and responsibly planned hiking adventures across some of the world’s most beautiful and remote natural havens. Slow down on expertly crafted itineraries that focus on meaningful cultural exchange and conservation-driven wildlife experiences. Setting off on the best hiking trails in the world with Jacada every detail is taken care of and there’s support every step of the way.
These six hikes, when optimally timed, promise good weather, great views and uncrowded routes for peaceful discovery.
Shakti Ladakh Village Experience, India
Surrounded by snowcapped mountains, barren plateaus and deep turquoise lakes that shimmer, Ladakh is one of India’s most sparsely populated and tranquil enclaves. The region is a favorite among Jacada’s experts, offering multi-night treks on uncrowded routes. Look forward to overnight stays in traditional village houses, as well as sleeping outdoors under the stars in dome tents kitted with comfortable accouterments. Expert and experienced hiking teams lead travelers off the beaten path into the Himalayas, gaining insights into everyday life, ancient traditions and a strong culture, much of which is centered around Mahayana Buddhism.
Ideal time to visit: September to November.
The Arkaba Walk, Australia
An authentic outback experience awaits at this private wildlife conservancy on 60,000 acres in Flinders Range. One of the most exclusive getaways in Australia, the homestead of Arkaba offers uninhibited access to spectacular scenery and resident wildlife, including wallabies, kangaroos and emus. Hikers can enjoy one of the Great Walks of Australia, an immersive experience that spans three days through the wilderness revealing a remarkable story of conservation, wildlife and history. Camp on raised platforms and dine on delicious meals cooked on the campfire as a spellbinding blanket of stars shine bright.
Ideal time to visit: Mid-March to mid-October.
West Highland Way, Scotland
Venture along all 96 miles of this route, or ask Jacada’s experienced travel designers to suggest a smaller section. There are few better ways to see the Scottish Highlands than on this luxury hiking experience. Traverse a region with the lowest population density in Europe and a sublime landscape of lochs, mountains, forests and a winding coastline that is home to empty beaches and remote fishing villages. The route can be divided into five shorter sections: Milngavie to Balmaha, Blamaha to Inverarnan, Inveranan to Bridge of Orchy, Bridge or Orchy to Kinlochleven, and Kinlochleven to Fort William. Whatever the segment, expect a juxtaposition of modern Scotland and tradition, with experiences such as sea kayaking alongside dolphins and seals, private distillery tastings and comfortable accommodation in a grand Victorian manor or private cottage.
Ideal time to visit: April to October.
Quilotoa Crater, Ecuador
Explore the breathtaking Quilotoa Crater on a day hike along the rim, one of many activities available from Hacienda San Agustin de Callo, a converted monastery built on the site of an Inca temple. The accommodations offer a reflection on traditional Ecuadorian design, as well as serving delicious, hearty food created from produce grown on the grounds of the hacienda. There is an abundance of activities to keep travelers engaged and enthralled, including visits to local markets, equestrian pursuits, biking, trekking and guided excursions to Cotopaxi National Park, Ilinizas Ecological Reserve, the crater lake of Quilotoa and the town of Baños, known for its hot springs.
Ideal time to visit: June to September.
Choquequiroa, Peru
Discover the wonders of the other, much less visited, ‘Machu Picchu’ at Choquequirao in the spurs of the Salkantay Mountain Ridge. Expect some work to get there – the site sits at 3,050 meters above sea level and is reachable only via a 20-mile hike. But it’s well worth the effort, hovering over the stunning Apurimac River canyon with views of peaks that reach to the clouds. Larger than Machu Picchu, the restored parts of the city (which remained excavated until the 1970s) include a main plaza, central temple, aqueducts, crop terraces and residences. The entire complex is aligned with the movement of the sun and stars, underneath the mount of Sunch’u Pata. Jacada offers exclusive private experiences over four or five days, with everything necessary for a comfortable hike included.
Ideal time to visit: April to October.
Kilimanjaro Trek, Tanzania
Jacada invites adventurous travelers to summit the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania on a seven- to nine-day expedition. The challenging climb ascends diverse ecosystems, with expert guides to ensure successful acclimatization, the vital element of the climb. Follow the Machame or Lemosho routes to the ‘Roof of Africa’, both renowned for scenic beauty, rates of success and lower number of hikers. An experienced and dedicated team of mountain guides, porters and cooks ensure safety and comfort, and finally a certificate from the National Parks Authority is presented to certify the high-altitude achievement. While an accomplishment on its own, Jacada’s Kilimanjaro trek can be combined with walking safaris in Ruaha National Park. Luxury mobile tented camps allow travelers to explore the wilderness on multi-day itineraries into remote corners, or try day walks from Kigelia, the place to spot huge elephant herds, sleep in a star bed and much more.
Ideal time to visit: Hike Kilimanjaro in the dry season December to March and June to October.
