I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in. — John Muir
When we first set out on our journey years ago, treks — especially of the long, multi-day variety — weren’t a priority on our activity list. Sure we enjoyed hikes and walks, but trekking wasn’t something we actively sought out. Instead, over the years we’ve found ourselves increasingly drawn to long walks in the mountains that allow us to disconnect from the busy world while connecting more with nature and ultimately ourselves. These days, we make an effort to take at least one long trek annually as a way to recharge and refresh.
We don’t always wish to disconnect entirely from humanity, though. Instead, we are attracted to treks that feature a cultural component, one where we encounter and engage with local people, often through homestays. These types of treks not only challenge us physically by pushing us to do more than the usual, but they often stir us emotionally by forcing us to widen the cultural lens through which we view the region and our world.
Finally, this approach provides us the opportunity to contribute to the local economy and community by staying with local families.
Having recently finished two treks this year, we began fielding questions about others we’d recommend, especially as we tend to choose ones that are lesser known, in unusual destinations. Taking a cue from the Offbeat Travel Destination List we published earlier this year, we offer our Offbeat Treks List, this time in conjunction with the adrenaline junkies over at Expedia.
Without further delay, we offer 11 of our favorite offbeat treks — some multi-day, others daylong — from around the world. We believe the following are worth a look if you are interested in unusual and immersive experiences, both in nature and local culture.
SEE ALSO: 10 of the best hiking trails in the US
Peaks of the Balkans: Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro
Days: 12
Distance: 200 km / 124 miles
Why: To experience challenging climbs and stunning views from peaks in a relatively unknown part of Europe, while staying with local families in their farmhouses and shepherd huts along the way. This trek through the Accursed Mountains (sometimes referred to as the Albanian Alps) reminds us that sometimes the areas with the most beautiful landscapes are also the ones most difficult ones to live in. The Peaks of the Balkans, a relatively new concept trail, allows you to venture into areas and across borders that had previously been no-go zones for decades. The abandoned bunkers and border guard towers you’ll find along your way stand testament to this.
Update: We have just published the Peaks of the Balkans Beginner’s Guidewith all you need to know regarding itineraries, recommended routes, packing, accommodation, and other practical details for this trek.
How we did this trek: We booked our Peaks of the Balkans trek and guide with Zbulo! Discover Albania.
Gheralta Mountains: Tigray Province, Ethiopia
Days: 1-2
Distance: 10-15 km / 6-9 miles, but the challenge is more in the free climbing
Why: To see 1,000-year old Ethiopian Orthodox churches carved high into the cliffs in a landscape reminiscent of the red rock deserts of Arizona and Utah. In order to reach those churches you must do some free-form rock climbing. The experience includes a few sheer drops that might send those with vertigo into a temporary, protective fetal position (We speak from experience, by the way).
However, there are rewards. In addition to the stunning views throughout the climb, you’ll have the opportunity to go inside remote cliff-side churches whose interiors are covered with 600-800 year old frescos– all with a monk or priest in as your guide. Although there are several treks in this area, the two we opted for were those up to the Daniel Korkor and Maryam Korkor churches. We suggest climbing them in that order, since tackling the former will help prepare you for the latter.
How we did this trek:Highlights of Ethiopia Tour
Read more:
More photos: Trekking in Ethiopia’s Gheralta Mountains
Lost City Trek: Sierra Nevada Mountains, Colombia
Days: 4 (can also do 5-6 day treks are also available)
Distance: 46 km / 28 miles
Why: To trek through the jungles of Colombia’s Sierra Nevada Mountains to reach Teyuna, the capital of the ancient Tayrona civilization. When travelers consider trekking in South America, their thoughts most often go to Machu Picchu and Torres del Paine in Chilean Patagonia. While we can recommend both of these treks, we suggest the Lost City trek if you seek an experience of the sort that is a little less developed, a little less known. Our Wiwa indigenous guide also shared stories with us that were passed on to him by the shaman (holy men) about the ancient Tayrona civilization and the city of Teyuna. This combined cultural and historical context added to the entire experience.
How we did this trek:Lost City Trek
Read more:
- The Lost City Trek: All You Need to Know
- Trekking the Lost City with an Indigenous Guide
- Colombia Travel: First Impressions
More photos:Lost City Trek Photos
See the rest of the story at Business Insider