1. Inca Trail, Peru
Descending from the Inca Trail into Machu Pichu at sunrise is one of life’s great experiences. Not for the faint of heart, the Inca Trail is a 42-kilometer (26-mile) trek that takes you up over two 13,000-foot passes. The trail follows the route the ancient Incas took over 650 years ago, and much of the original stonework is still in place. Along the way, you’ll pass through two tunnels created by the Incas, the ancient ruin of Winay wayna, and many waterfalls.
2. Annapurna Circuit, Nepal
The Annapurna Circuit trail is a 17-day, 205-kilometer, (108-mile) journey through some of the tallest peaks on the planet. The trail starts down in a steamy jungle and ascends well above the tree line. You’ll top out at 5,394 meters (17,770 feet) on the Thorung Pass, where the trail is surrounded by a dazzling panorama of mountains, all over 6,096 meters (20,000 feet).