5 of the Best Easy Day Hikes in the World
Whether you’re a seasoned hiking pro or a complete beginner, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of being out in nature, surrounded by stunning scenery and breathtaking views.
And the good news is you don’t have to be a super-fit adventurer or have specialised equipment to enjoy some of the best hikes the world has to offer.
Some of the most awe-inspiring views and the world’s best hikes are actually quite accessible. They can be easily done as a day trip on a normal holiday without requiring you to be an experienced hiker or have a ton of gear.
Get ready to be inspired!
1. Jordan: The Back Door to Petra
This hike from Little Petra to the monastery at the archaeological wonder of Petra is a great way to take in the amazing wonders of Jordan and get a real feel for the history and culture of the country. If you’re looking for the best hike in Jordan, this is definitely a contender.
The hike is mostly downhill, takes around two hours, and is easy enough for older kids and those with moderate fitness levels. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water with you, as there isn’t anywhere to stop on the trail.
You can do this hike as part of our Jordan Essentials or Egypt & Jordan Adventurer trips. Your local guide will be happy to advise you on the route and help you to arrange transportation to the start of the trek.
2. Tokyo, Japan: Mt. Takao Omotesando Hiking Trail
Japan’s mountains, climate, and well-maintained trails make it one of the best countries for hiking. Whether you want to embark on one of the multi-day pilgrimage trails or just have a gentle stroll, there are plenty of options.
The Omotesando Trail is a popular hike on the outskirts of Tokyo that takes you to the summit of Mt. Takao. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of Mt. Fuji and the surrounding countryside.
The 4-kilometre trail is paved and easy to follow, so it’s suitable for people of all ages and easy to do as a day trip from Tokyo on one of our Japan itineraries. It passes through several temples and shrines, making it a great way to take in some of the local culture too. When you reach the summit, you have the opportunity to extend your hike by walking the summit loop or several other well-marked trails.
While the first kilometre of the trail is very steep, it’s also possible to take a cable car halfway up the mountain for a more leisurely ascent.
3. Athens, Greece: Mount Ymittos Trail
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city with one of its best-kept secrets. This picturesque walking trail is just 20 minutes from Athens city centre and takes you through fragrant pine forests and Byzantine monasteries.
There are various routes and trails to take up the mountain. Behind the Kaisariani Monastery, there’s also a Botanical walk that takes you through the ruins of a Christian basilica and a picnic area where you can buy cold beers and refreshments.
The numerous trails mean you can customise the length and difficulty of the hike to suit your fitness level and preferences. There you’ll find awe-inspiring panoramic views of the cityscape below.
4. Chaing Mai, Thailand: Doi Suthep Monk Trail
Doi Suthep is a mountain near the city of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. It’s home to some of the most spectacular temple complexes in the region and is surrounded by lush green jungle.
True to its name, you’ll see strips of orange monk’s robes marking the trail along the way, and monks do use the trail to get up and down the mountain, too, so it’s best to dress modestly.
After around 50 minutes, you’ll reach Wat Pha Lat, a temple halfway up the mountain, which is surrounded by picturesque gardens and Buddhist shrines.
From here, you have the option to continue a steeper and more challenging hike to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep – the famous temple at the summit of the mountain. The temple is one of the most sacred sites in Thailand and is worth a visit even if you don’t “conquer” the summit.
5. Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
The lush green terraces of the Cameron Highlands offer some of the most picturesque and easy hiking trails in Malaysia, with plenty of cafes and restaurants around to reward you at the end of your hike.
The trails are numbered from 1 to 14 and rated by difficulty, so you can easily choose a route to suit your fitness level. The hikes also offer varied scenery, from jungles and waterfalls to charming tea plantations.
If you prefer to hike with a guide, there are plenty of local guides in the town of Tanah Rata who will show you the most interesting spots and tell you about the history and culture of the area.
Let Your Feet Lead the Way
No matter how physically fit or experienced with hiking you are, there’s always something new to discover when you hit the trails.
We hope this list has inspired you to explore the amazing outdoors and get your hiking shoes on. Remember, all Click and Trip trips include the services of a local guide so you can get some tips on the best walks and day hikes, wherever you are.
