![]() Hikers will find suspension bridges, river valleys, waterfalls, rhododendron forests, remote villages, Buddhist monasteries and colourful prayer flags as they stay in guesthouses along the way. Starting from Lukla (2,860m), a 40-minute flight from Kathmandu, the route hits maximum altitudes of 5,545m. "It's a trail to the furthest edges of human habitation, across glaciers, beneath the world's highest peaks, in a landscape of profound spirituality."Ĭlimbing Mount Everest might be beyond the legs, lungs and wallets of many travellers, but this trek that takes in Everest Base Camp is an opportunity to hike through majestic Himalayan mountainscapes. "The Gokyo Lakes trek is a cracker," said Salter. The ascent can be done in two or three days, but Salter recommends taking six to nine days to explore the high plateau, where hikers will find bathing pools at "the Jacuzzis", the Crystal Valley that's filled with quartz, and Maverick's Rock, Roraima's highest point (2,810m), plus the concrete marker where three countries – Venezuela, Guyana and Brazil – meet. The trailhead is around 90km from Santa Elena de Uairén, from where travellers can organise guided expeditions. "This triangular ship of rock carries a lost world on its deck." "The sheer sides and flat summit of Mount Roraima are unlike anywhere else on the planet," said Salter. Here, water cascades from the towering cliffs into rainforests that contain plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth, including the Roraima bush toad. According to the Indigenous Pemon and Kapon cultures' folklore, the 15km-long and 5km-wide massif is the stump of a giant tree that once provided all the fruit and vegetables for the world. Iconic Mount Roraima is the highest peak in the Pakaraima chain of eastern Venezuela's tabletop mountains. Here, Salter chooses five of his favourites. From the Inca Trail (Peru) to the John Muir Trail (US), the West Highland Way (Scotland) to the Milford Track (New Zealand), famous hiking routes inspire travellers to test their mettle and experience some of the most astounding natural landscapes on the planet, while lesser-known trails offer a chance to discover hidden corners of countries and cultures. Salter has compiled more than 50 of the world's best hiking routes in his new book Remarkable Treks: Plan the Walking Trip of a Lifetime on the World's Most Spectacular Trails. They're physical challenges with sensory rewards – wildlife, botany, scenic grandeur, new music, old stories and shared experiences with fellow travellers on life's footpath." ![]() "They're a way to discover new climates, new terrain, new altitudes and new cultures. "The most remarkable treks take us to other worlds – places unfamiliar to us," said author and global trekker Colin Salter, who discovered the pleasures of hiking as a young man, escaping from the confines of boarding school to explore Scottish mountains with friends. ![]() But some journeys contain more steps than others. Be sure to ask about the park's seasonal Bat Flight Programs and Night Sky Programs while you're at the visitor center, as these only happen at certain times of the year.Every journey starts with one small step, to paraphrase Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu. Note that only backcountry camping is available within the park, and every camper is required to secure a permit from the park's visitor center upon arrival (camping facilities and other accommodations can be found seven miles away in Whites City or 20 miles away in Carlsbad). The park is also a great place to spot bats in the caves in late summer and early fall. While most ranger-guided tours at Carlsbad Caverns National Park remain temporarily suspended due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, you can book a spot on the 1.5-hour King's Palace Tour, which offers a look at the unique rock formations found inside the cavern, such as helictites, soda straws, and draperies, among others. Keep in mind that timed entry reservations are required for anyone who wants to enter Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
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