The Most Challenging Trekking Holidays Around

Trekking holidays offer adventure, a great atmosphere, exotic cultures and some outstanding views, all of which are making them an increasingly popular holiday option. It's a common misconception that you need to be incredibly fit to take one of these adventure holidays, and there are a number of shorter treks with easy acclimatisation to ensure that most people can enjoy them.

But what if you want the challenging ascent that only a more gruelling trekking holiday can provide? Here are a number of more difficult hiking adventure holidays which involve gruelling schedules, elements of climbing and your fitness being given a good challenge. Some of them are so steep as to require 'warm up treks' to aid acclimatisation...

Island Peak (Imja Tse), Nepal

It's not the highest mountain to traverse but in the variety of trekking expertise you'll need, it's up there with the most taxing! In the four days it will take to trek, Island Peak is 6,189m high and offers rock scrambling, roped glacier travel, a steep snow/ice wall on fixed ropes, and an exposed summit ridge for an exciting finale. Not one for novices, this trekking holiday does reward those that manage it though, with views that are simply superb.

Mera Peak, Nepal

With around 9 days needed to trek the mountain, this is definitely not one for the feint of heart - figuratively or literally! Technically this is fairly straightforward, and no special mountaineering knowledge is required, but at 6,476m high, it is quite demanding.

It's rewarding though - mainly because the scenery is so aesthetically pleasing. The trek will take you through the unspoiled forest of the Hinku Valley, past glaciers and finishes with panoramic views of Everest, Nupste, Makalu, Lhotse and other imposing mountains.

Mont Blanc Summit, Switzerland

If you want somewhere a little closer to home but with the same level of challenge, you should consider a trekking holiday to Mont Blanc's summit. As the highest mountain in Western Europe at 4810m, it makes for a good challenge for experienced trekkers. Although the trek itself should only take a couple of days, it is definitely a difficult adventure, best tackled after a period of acclimatisation on some of the nearby smaller mountains. For those that manage to conquer Mont Blanc, the stunning alpine views are certainly a just reward for the physical exertion!

Stok Kangri

The climb to the summit of Stok Kangri may only take a few days, but it's a challenging expedition involving crampons, ice axes and steep glaciers. Aside from the stunning views of the Greater Himalaya offered from the 20,082 foot summit, part of the joy of a trekking holiday here is the exploration involved in getting there. Routes can take in remote Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, tiny villages and ruined castles making it an experience like no other.

If you've never been on a trekking holiday before, you shouldn't jump straight in for one of these. These are very much for those who have graduated off the shorter treks and feel ready for a more taxing adventure holiday. If that description matches you, then you can't go wrong with one of these routes - they may be a challenge, but the pleasure of seeing the amazing views at the end is at least doubled by the satisfaction of having successfully completed a difficult trek!