Walking is…well, walking. Hiking is a lot of walking and trekking is a lot of hiking. But let’s break these terms down together so you know what you’re getting yourself into before you set out on your next ‘hike’.
We all use these terms interchangeably, or at least I know I’m guilty of it. I’ll replace ‘hike’ with ‘trek’ or ‘walk’ with ‘hike’ just to add some flare, but are they actually different? Yes!
Arguably, the best way to visit a destination is to be in it but hiking through a landscape and trekking to a bucket list spot are going to be two very different trips. If you don’t know where to get started, that’s okay. With more than 100 active trips to more than 30 countries, Intrepid has the hassle-free options and you get the choice.
Watch the sunrise over the tallest peak in the world as you trek to Kala Patthar and witness the best views of Everest. Or maybe you want to retrace the steps of the Incas on a trek to Machu Picchu high in the Andes. Looking for more of a soul search than high altitudes? Take the pilgrimage of the Camino De Santiago and find out firsthand why this is known as one of the most spiritual walks in the world.
Table of Contents:
- Definition of trekking, hiking, walking
- Trekking vs hiking
- Hiking vs walking
- Iconic treks
- Iconic hikes
- Iconic walks
Let’s define it: trekking vs hiking vs walking
Trekking, hiking and walking are all just different approaches to using your own two feet to explore nature. Technically, they’re all walking but differ in aspects like duration, terrain, difficulty and gear. Let’s quickly cover the basics:
- Trekking: a multi-day hike through rural or wilderness areas, often on unmarked paths or challenging terrain to a specific destination. Think Torres Del Paine in Patagonia or Mount Toubkal in the High Atlas Mountains.
- Hiking: a walk in nature for pleasure, commonly on looped or out-and-back marked and established trails varying in difficulty, typically a day activity. Think Canadian Rockies or Yosemite National Park.
- Walking: a basic, everyday activity on flat or paved surfaces, often done for exercise, transportation or leisure and doesn’t require intense physical effort. Think the grasslands of northern Thailand or New Zealand’s Queen Charlotte Track.
Walk, hike or trek: your choice
Trekking vs hiking
Difficulty & duration
Think of trekking as the marathon of outdoor pursuits – it’s demanding, requires serious mental prep and there’s no turning back once you’ve started. You’re out there for days (sometimes weeks!), climbing high-altitude trails with minimal comforts. But don’t fret; when you trek with Intrepid, you’ve got a solid crew to lean on that handles logistics and makes sure you’re safe, even at dizzying heights.
- Requires an excellent level of fitness, training and mental prep
- Little to no flexibility for difficulty levels and what route you take
- High altitudes that often require acclimatization
- Basic accommodation away from civilization: refuge base camps, shelters and tents
- Differs from backpacking because it is a longer, more demanding trip that requires more specialized equipment than just a backpack of camping gear
Hiking, on the other hand, is like the friendly neighbourhood 5K – it’s something most people can tackle with a decent level of fitness. You’re in control of your route, the difficulty level and length. Plus, when you hike with Intrepid, you’ll have plenty of freedom to explore at your own pace with transportation to the trailheads.
- More leisurely and can be done if you’ve never hiked, as long as you’re in decent shape
- Provides the option of choosing a trail based on your capabilities
- Shorter trails, with the option to pick a few hours of hiking or a full day
- Basic accommodation in or near civilization: guesthouses, hotels or tents
Hiking is more about enjoying the scenery and getting your heart rate pumping, while trekking challenges you to push through the elements to reach a specific goal.
Terrain
Trekking is for those who want a bit more unpredictability. You’re out in remote, often untamed landscapes where trails are barely visible. The terrain can be rugged, uneven and a little wild, requiring careful navigation. This may sound both exciting and intimidating, but when you travel with Intrepid, you don’t have to be a pro to join (just in decent shape); your expert local leader and crew will guide you safely through the unmarked terrain while you focus on your footing, catching your breath and taking in the views.
Hiking is nature’s version of a guided tour; you’ve got your marked trails, your distance signs and a well-trodden and varied path through hills, forests or mountains. The trails are often maintained and clearly marked for easy navigation for a balanced mix of nature and structure, designed for casual and seasoned hikers alike.
Gear
Trekking requires some serious gear – camping equipment, days or weeks’ worth of food, multi-use clothing and sometimes crampons if you’re dealing with icy conditions. If you’re thinking, ‘Hold up, there’s no way I’m hiking for a week carrying all that!’ you don’t have to – Your local porters and crew will carry the heavy stuff, so you can just toss on a day pack and your team will handle the rest.
If you don’t want to add a tent to your checked luggage, Intrepid will handle that part, too, and the team will provide a sleeping mat and a small duffel bag for your stuff. You can also rent sleeping bags and walking poles to minimize your packing list.
As far as hiking goes, sturdy hiking boots or sneakers with a solid grip will do just fine. You will also want to carry a backpack with water, snacks and light layers. If you’re taking on some more rugged and rocky terrain, walking poles are a nice bonus.
Hiking vs walking
While walks are generally easy and don’t need any physical prep, you’ll want to be in decent shape to hike uphill climbs, downhill descents and rocky paths that keep your legs working a wee bit harder than a casual walk.
Walks usually follow paved paths and smooth surfaces, while hikes are on more rugged and uneven terrain, such as hills, mountains and forests and require more effort.
Iconic treks across the world
The Himalayas, Asia
When it comes to trekking in the Himalayas, the options are endless, but they all offer the same sense of accomplishment and views that are worth the inevitable challenge. Whether you’re aiming for Everest Base Camp or wandering through the Markha Valley in Ladakh, you’ll be in untouched lands in the world’s most magnificent mountain ranges.
This is no feat to be taken lightly; with altitudes soaring over 16000 ft (5000m) and up to 8 hours of trekking each day in unpredictable weather, you’ll need to be in top shape to tackle this journey. The overwhelming sense of accomplishment will be worth every step.
Trek into the heart of the Himalayas
Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
There are seven different routes you can take to scale the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro and Intrepid offers a range of options to fit your style. It’s your hike, so you choose.
The Marangu Route is a favourite for beginners, thanks to its gentler slopes and direct path to the top. Another popular way up the mountain is the Machame route, which is often said to be the most scenic of all the routes up Kili.
Expect to hike for 6-8 hours a day as you camp along the way and wake up to traverse rainforests, alpine meadows, mountain deserts and glaciers as you head up to summit Africa’s highest peak.
Conquer the roof of Africa
Iconic hikes across the world
Tour du Mont Blanc, Europe
See the Alps in their full glory on a circuit route from France that winds through snow-capped peaks, lakes, glaciers and rolling pastures as you make your way through Switzerland and Italy.
When you take on the Alps with Intrepid, you’ll unwind in cosy hotels and lodges, enjoy hearty meals and have your luggage smoothly transported for you each day.
A heads up: The Tour du Mont Blanc involves 4-8 hours of hiking daily, so make sure you’re in good health to hit Col Ferret and Voza Pass with the rest of the crew.
A great alternative to Mont Blanc is a trip to the Dolomites in Italy.
Your Alps adventure awaits
Wadi Rum, Jordan
Explore the lunar-like landscapes of Jordan on foot as you hike through Wadi Rum’s massive sand dunes, rock bridges and canyons, including Um Fruth Rock Arch. Spend your nights camping beneath a clear and starry sky in the desert’s eerie silence.
While the hiking is relatively easy, with minimal hours and elevation, remember that this is the desert – so expect plenty of sun, heat and little shade. If you’re used to hiking through meadows and snow-capped peaks, I dare you to switch it up a bit and take on the desert.
Hike through desert and dunes
Iconic walks across the world
Lycian Way, Turkey
If just reading about these epic treks has you feeling a bit breathless, why not take a stroll along the Lycian Way in Turkey? Spend half a day exploring this ancient, history-rich coastline and finish with a refreshing swim in the Blue Lagoon.
You can choose to walk a section of the trail or tackle the entire route while you admire the Mediterranean, white sand beaches and hillside paths once walked by ancient Greeks and Romans.
And when you travel with Intrepid, you’ll cap off your adventure with a home-cooked Turkish dinner as a guest in a local homestay – what’s not to love?
Take it easy in Turkey
Great Wall of China
It doesn’t get much more iconic than the Great Wall of China. Unless you want to take on the 5,000-mile (8000 km) trek across the entire thing (which I doubt you do), you can opt for just a stroll along the ups and downs of a short portion of it.
There are multiple walkable sections on the Great Wall, with Mutianyu being the most popular since it’s well-preserved and great for people of all physical levels. The difficulty really just depends on how much you want to do, and when you’re ready to rest those legs, go ahead and take a toboggan ride to the base. Then, unwind with Intrepid at a local guesthouse for a dumpling-making demonstration – you deserve it.
Step into China's history
Trek & hike with confidence
When you choose an active trip with Intrepid, you’re not just taking on a physically rewarding trip; you’re joining a community that values safety, sustainability and local culture at the forefront. With small groups and an exceptional 2:1 traveller-to-guide ratio on select treks, you can focus on your own journey while the crew ensures your safety.
Intrepid takes your well-being seriously by providing acclimatisation days and carrying oxygen cylinders on certain treks, giving you the best shot at reaching those epic summits. Plus, your local leader brings a wealth of knowledge, adding to your journey with cultural insights so you can take in even more than just the views. You’ll also be in safe hands with a leader trained in outdoor first aid. And don’t worry about gear – your kind porters will carry your bags so you can just enjoy the trail.
These trips aren’t just about exploring stunning landscapes but also supporting local initiatives that empower communities for an adventure that’s both rewarding and responsible.
