Top 5 Classic Multi-Day Treks Worth Training For
- David Loyless
- Sep 4, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 12, 2025
There’s something timeless about putting one foot in front of the other and discovering the world at human speed. Classic treks are more than just hikes -- they’re journeys that reveal landscapes slowly, letting you earn every panoramic view, every mountain pass, and every fireside meal in a remote lodge.
Whether you’ve logged hundreds of miles already or are preparing for your first serious trek, the trails on this list are worth the training, the planning, and the investment. They represent the gold standard of long-distance hiking: breathtaking scenery, rich culture, and that sense of achievement only a classic route can offer.
The World's Most Iconic Trails
Some adventures leave a mark long after your boots are packed away. These treks are iconic not just for the beautiful vistas and endless photo ops, but for the sense of achievement they inspire.
Tour du Mont Blanc (France/Italy/Switzerland)
Distance: ~110 miles
Elevation Gain: ~32,800 ft
Best Season: Mid-June to mid-September
Duration: 7–12 days
Highlights: Alpine villages, flower-strewn meadows, hearty mountain cuisine, and cheese fondue with a view of the highest peak in Western Europe
Permits: Not required for the trip itself, but hut reservations should be made well in advance.
The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) circles the Mont Blanc massif, passing through three countries and offering nearly every type of alpine scenery you could imagine. You’ll pass rustic chalets, sip café au lait in tiny hamlets, and crest passes that feel like the top of the world.
Training Tip: This trek is best tackled with a solid foundation of endurance hiking and some hill work. Back-to-back hiking days with a loaded pack (15–20 lbs) are the best prep.
Gear Note: A high-quality pair of trekking poles can make a massive difference on the long descents -- we recommend renting a pair in Chamonix, since you cannot fly with them in carry-on luggage.
W-Trek (Torres del Paine, Chilean Patagonia)
Distance: ~50 miles
Elevation Gain: 8,200 ft
Best Season: November to March (Patagonia summer)
Duration: 4–5 days
Highlights: Iconic granite towers, wind-whipped lakes, glaciers calving into turquoise water, and condors soaring overhead.
Permits: Required for park entry and campsite/hut reservations -- book at least 6 months ahead in peak season.
The W-Trek is a Patagonian rite of passage. Its name comes from the "W" shape of the route as it carves through the Torres del Paine National Park, offering side trips to the base of the towers, the French Valley, and the Grey Glacier.
Training Tip: Train for variable terrain and unpredictable weather -- think long day hikes with layers and some wind resistance training.
Gear Note: A waterproof hard-shell jacket is non-negotiable here. Look for one with pit zips and a generous hood -- we recommend Patagonia’s Torrentshell or Cotopaxi's Impermeo as good benchmarks. Be sure to check out our Weather-Smart Packing Guide for more.
Everest Base Camp (Nepal)
Distance: ~80 miles (round trip)
Elevation Gain: ~8,200 ft (elevation at Base camp is 17,600 ft!)
Best Season: Pre-monsoon (March–May) and post-monsoon (late September–November)
Duration: 11–14 days
Highlights: Buddhist monasteries, suspension bridges draped in prayer flags, and a glimpse of the roof of the world.
Permits: TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) and Sagarmatha National Park entry permit
This is the trek that makes mountaineers out of hikers -- without the technical climbing. Everest Base Camp (EBC) is as much about the journey as the destination: the tea house culture, the stories of Sherpa guides, the slow acclimatization as you rise into thin air.
Training Tip: Cardiovascular endurance is key, but so is learning to manage altitude. Practice hiking with slower pacing and rest days.
Gear Note: Consider bringing a lightweight down jacket like Patagonia's Down Sweater Hoody -- it will become your best friend at higher altitudes.
Milford Track (New Zealand)
Distance: ~34 miles (one way)
Elevation Gain: ~5,800 ft (most of this is on Day 3)
Best Season: Late October to late April (New Zealand summer)
Duration: ~4 days
Highlights: Alpine tarns, lush beech forests, waterfalls, and the dramatic Southern Alps.
Permits: DOC (Department of Conservation) permit for overnight stays in Fiordland National Park
The Milford Track packs a lot into its relatively short length. It’s ideal for those who want a classic trek in a manageable timeframe, often combined with New Zealand’s other Great Walks.
Training Tip: A few weekend hikes with 1,500–2,000 ft elevation gain will set you up well.
Gear Note: Lightweight, waterproof hiking boots with excellent traction -- the Salomon X Ultra is a solid option.
Inca Trail (Peru)
Distance: ~26 miles
Elevation Gain: ~8,200 ft (tops out at 13,828 ft at Dead Woman's Pass)
Best Season: May to September (dry season)
Duration: ~4 days
Highlights: Ancient Incan ruins, lush cloud forests, and the unforgettable first view of Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
Permits: Required, sell out fast (6–8 months ahead), only available through licensed tour operators
This is the trail where history and adventure walk hand in hand -- without the need for ropes or crampons. The Inca Trail is as much about the ancient stone steps and cloud-kissed ruins as it is about the final, breathtaking reveal of Machu Picchu at sunrise.
Training Tip: Stair training is your friend. Mimic the endless stone steps you'll encounter.
How to Prepare
Gear up: See our guide How to Build a Versatile Adventure Clothing Packing List
Train smart: Start with 2-3 local hikes per week, and work your way up
Plan ahead: Popular routes book early, especially in Patagonia and Peru
Make sure your documents are in order: Some of these routes cross borders and require permits -- check out our three-part series on Permits, Visas & Logistics: Visas & Entry Requirements, Protected Area Permits & Trails, and Last-Mile Travel Tips.
Classic treks demand preparation but repay you in memories that last a lifetime. Pick your route based on season, your fitness level, and your appetite for challenge, then start training early. A well-chosen pair of boots, a comfortable pack, and a few extra weeks of cardio can be the difference between a grueling march and a life-changing adventure.
Make It Personal
Ready to tackle one of these iconic treks? We can tailor your journey based on your fitness level and adventure appetite. Be sure to ask us about custom trekking itineraries.
