best solo travel destinations for hiking and trekking

Solo hiking and trekking are some of the most fulfilling ways to explore the world, offering a chance for self-discovery, physical challenge, and a deeper connection with nature. Whether you’re an experienced adventurer or a beginner, there’s a trail for you.

Here’s a list of 19 Best Solo Travel Destinations For Hiking And Trekking, featuring budget-friendly options, stunning highlights, and the best times to visit.

19 Best Solo Travel Destinations For Hiking And Trekking:

19 best solo travel destinations for hiking and trekking. From challenging mountain trails to serene nature paths, each destination offers the perfect adventure for solo explorers seeking both thrill and tranquility.

1. Annapurna Circuit, Nepal

Backpacker Budget: $30–$40/day
Mid-range Budget: $50–$70/day
Highlights: The Annapurna Circuit is one of the most popular trekking routes in the world. This trail offers diverse landscapes, ranging from subtropical forests to alpine meadows, with panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Solo trekkers can also immerse themselves in local cultures by visiting villages along the way.
When to go: March–May and September–November
Source: Wikipedia

2. Tsergo Ri, Nepal

Backpacker Budget: $20–$30/day
Mid-range Budget: $40–$60/day
Highlights: Tsergo Ri offers a slightly less crowded alternative to the popular Langtang Valley trek. The summit provides stunning views of Langtang Lirung, Shishapangma, and other snow-capped peaks. It’s a relatively short trek, making it an ideal option for those with limited time.
When to go: March–May and September–November
Source: Wikipedia

3. Kungsleden Trail, Sweden

Backpacker Budget: $40–$60/day
Mid-range Budget: $70–$100/day
Highlights: Kungsleden is one of the most famous long-distance hiking trails in Europe, running through the Swedish Lapland. It stretches over 440 kilometers, offering vast wilderness, high mountains, tranquil lakes, and the chance to see reindeer. The trail is well-marked and has huts for rest stops, making it perfect for solo travelers.
When to go: June–September
Source: Wikipedia

4. Selvaggio Blu, Sardinia, Italy

Backpacker Budget: $50–$70/day
Mid-range Budget: $80–$120/day
Highlights: This coastal trek is one of the most challenging in Europe, taking you along steep cliffs and rugged paths with views of the Mediterranean Sea. The Selvaggio Blu trek offers an exciting mix of natural beauty, solitude, and a true test of endurance.
When to go: March–June and September–October
Source: Wikipedia

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5. Cammino 100 Torri, Sardinia, Italy

Backpacker Budget: $60–$80/day
Mid-range Budget: $100–$150/day
Highlights: This trail, which spans 1,284 kilometers, is named for the 100 historic coastal towers it passes. The trek offers a combination of stunning coastal views, Mediterranean landscapes, and the cultural richness of Sardinia’s ancient villages.
When to go: May–June and September–October
Source: Wikipedia

6. Zermatt & Matterhorn, Switzerland

Backpacker Budget: $80–$100/day
Mid-range Budget: $150–$200/day
Highlights: Zermatt is the gateway to one of the most iconic mountains in the world, the Matterhorn. The region offers an array of trekking options that vary in difficulty, from gentle walks through alpine meadows to challenging hikes with views of glaciers and snow-capped peaks.
When to go: June–September
Source: ShesCatchingFlights

7. Banff & Jasper National Parks, Canada

Backpacker Budget: $60–$80/day
Mid-range Budget: $100–$150/day
Highlights: Banff and Jasper offer some of the most scenic hiking in North America, with turquoise lakes like Moraine and Lake Louise, towering peaks, and abundant wildlife. These parks are perfect for solo travelers who want to experience the Canadian Rockies’ natural beauty.
When to go: June–September
Source: UpgradedPoints

8. Torres del Paine, Chile

Backpacker Budget: $70–$90/day
Mid-range Budget: $120–$180/day
Highlights: Located in Patagonia, Torres del Paine is known for its dramatic granite towers, turquoise lakes, glaciers, and diverse wildlife. The park offers multi-day treks, including the famous W Trek, which is perfect for solo hikers.
When to go: November–March
Source: UpgradedPoints

9. Huaraz & Cordillera Blanca, Peru

Backpacker Budget: $30–$50/day
Mid-range Budget: $60–$90/day
Highlights: The Cordillera Blanca mountain range offers some of Peru’s most spectacular trekking experiences, including treks to high-altitude lakes and glaciers. Solo hikers can enjoy stunning views of snow-capped peaks like Huascarán and Alpamayo.
When to go: May–September
Source: PureHiker

10. Sapa & Ha Giang Loop, Vietnam

Backpacker Budget: $20–$40/day
Mid-range Budget: $50–$70/day
Highlights: Located in northern Vietnam, Sapa and Ha Giang are known for their terraced rice fields, ethnic minority villages, and beautiful mountain landscapes. The region offers numerous trails suitable for solo travelers looking for culture, nature, and adventure.
When to go: March–May and September–November
Source: PureHiker

11. Laugavegur Trail, Iceland

Backpacker Budget: $70–$90/day
Mid-range Budget: $120–$180/day
Highlights: Iceland’s Laugavegur Trail offers a strikingly diverse landscape, with volcanoes, glaciers, geothermal hot springs, and rhyolite mountains. It’s a popular destination for solo trekkers due to its well-marked trail and stunning scenery.
When to go: July–August
Source: Wikipedia

12. Dolomites, Italy

Backpacker Budget: $50–$70/day
Mid-range Budget: $90–$130/day
Highlights: The Dolomites offer some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes in Europe, with jagged peaks, alpine meadows, and charming huts where trekkers can rest. Solo trekkers can enjoy a combination of challenging and moderate trails.
When to go: June–September
Source: SoloTravelerDestinations

13. Cambria & Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, USA

Backpacker Budget: $30–$50/day
Mid-range Budget: $60–$90/day
Highlights: This peaceful coastal trek in California takes solo travelers along beautiful ocean views, pine forests, and stunning bluffs. It’s ideal for those looking for a more relaxing hiking experience.
When to go: Year-round
Source: SF Chronicle

14. Balloch & Loch Lomond, Scotland

Backpacker Budget: $40–$60/day
Mid-range Budget: $70–$100/day
Highlights: Loch Lomond offers a peaceful, scenic hiking experience with loch-side trails, dense woodlands, and tranquil waters. The surrounding national park is perfect for solo hikers who want to enjoy Scotland’s natural beauty.
When to go: May–September
Source: Scottish Sun

15. Oulu, Finland

Backpacker Budget: $30–$50/day
Mid-range Budget: $60–$90/day
Highlights: Finland’s Oulu region offers unique swamp hikes, floating saunas, and vibrant cultural events. Solo travelers can explore its tranquil forests and beautiful landscapes year-round.
When to go: Year-round
Source: The Sun

16. Jordan Trail, Jordan

Backpacker Budget: $50–$70/day
Mid-range Budget: $90–$130/day
Highlights: This 650-km trail spans the length of Jordan and offers an incredible mix of desert landscapes, historical sites like Petra, and Bedouin culture. Solo trekkers will appreciate the quiet solitude and historical immersion.
When to go: October–April
Source: Lonely Planet

17. Valais Region, Switzerland

Backpacker Budget: $70–$90/day
Mid-range Budget: $120–$180/day
Highlights: The Valais region is home to the famous Matterhorn and the famous Glacier Trail, offering opportunities for solo hikers to trek through snow-covered valleys and vast, untouched alpine meadows.
When to go: June–September
Source: Swiss Alpine

18. Skyline Trail, Canada

Backpacker Budget: $60–$80/day
Mid-range Budget: $100–$150/day
Highlights: Located in Jasper National Park, the Skyline Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in the Canadian Rockies. It offers panoramic views of glaciers, waterfalls, and alpine meadows, with the chance to spot wildlife like elk and grizzly bears.
When to go: July–September
Source: Summitborn

19. Mount Rinjani, Indonesia

Backpacker Budget: $40–$60/day
Mid-range Budget: $70–$100/day
Highlights: Mount Rinjani is an active volcano located in Lombok, Indonesia. The trek to the summit is challenging but rewarding, offering incredible views of the crater lake, waterfalls, and the surrounding island.
When to go: April–November
Source: Mount Rinjani Trekking

Common Questions:

Q1: What are the best solo hiking destinations?

A1: Some of the best solo hiking destinations include the Annapurna Circuit (Nepal), Kungsleden Trail (Sweden), Torres del Paine (Chile), and the Laugavegur Trail (Iceland).

Q2: Is solo hiking safe?

A2: Yes, solo hiking can be safe if you take proper precautions such as researching the trail, informing someone of your route, carrying adequate gear, and knowing your limits.

Q3: What should I pack for solo hiking?

A3: Essentials for solo hiking include a map, first aid kit, water, food, a compass, a headlamp, appropriate clothing, and a portable charger.

Q4: When is the best time to go solo trekking?

A4: The best time for solo trekking varies by location, but generally, spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are ideal for most regions, offering mild weather and fewer crowds.

Q5: How do I prepare for a solo hike?

A5: Prepare for a solo hike by planning your route, training in advance, testing your gear, and ensuring you’re physically and mentally ready for the challenge.

Q6: What are the most popular solo trekking trails?

A6: Popular solo trekking trails include the Annapurna Circuit (Nepal), the Dolomites (Italy), and the Inca Trail (Peru).

Q7: How can I stay safe while hiking alone?

A7: Stay safe by informing someone of your plans, staying on marked trails, carrying a GPS or map, and avoiding risky weather conditions or challenging terrains beyond your capability.

Rima KH Aliza