Mountaineering and trekking is not an easy task. It is one of the outdoor adventures that may require hours of training, technical knowledge about mountaineering, and decent experience. That said, climbing Mt. Everest is probably almost every mountaineer’s dream. But only a few lucky ones turn it into a reality. The highest mountain peak in the whole wide world, Mt. Everest, is around 29,029 ft (8848 meters).
If you wonder how to gain experience in trekking before you make plans for climbing some of the gigantic and challenging mountains, we’ve got you. Here’s a list of five mountain treks that are perfect for beginner and intermediate climbers.
Before we head over to the list, you must know that even intermediate mountaineers might require some professional guidance. Alpine Ascents International is an inspiring and renowned team of mountain guides that help adventure enthusiasts fulfill their dream of climbing some of the deadliest mountain peaks in the world.
Mt. Fuji, Japan
Japan is not all about bullet trains and tall buildings. It also has beautiful and gigantic mountains, and Mt. Fuji is one of them. Standing tall at 3776 meters, Mt. Fuji is the tallest mountain peak in Japan. It is one of the visually appealing mountains in the world, with a snowcapped peak. Besides, the best time to climb this mountain is between early July till the end of September.
This is the climbing season when all the trails are open to the crowd for trekking and hiking. Moreover, the mountain comprises four different courses: Yoshida, Subashiri, Fujinomiya, and Gotemba Trail. It is better to plan your ascent before the sun rises because nothing beats the sunrise view from the summit of Mt. Fuji. Also, beware of the steep and rocky terrains in between.
Mt. Whitney, California
The United States of America is a combination of fast-paced urban life and picturesque wilderness. Furthermore, this country is full of dense forests, scenic rivers, and breathtaking mountains. Mt. Whitney in California is one of them, standing at an altitude of 14,505 ft. The most popular and easy route to climb the summit is through Mt. Whitney Trail, which may take up to 16 hours to complete.
Most mountaineers complete the 20-mile round trip in a single day, but you can also split your hike into two days by camping at the nearest camping site. If you are a fan of magnificent lakes and picturesque views, this trek will be a worthwhile experience. The months from July to September are an ideal space of days to plan your hike at Mt. Whitney.
Mt. Temple, Canada
Snowcap mountains and sweet water lakes are the first things that come to our mind when we think of Canada. Mt. temple is one of the Alberta mountains, situated in the Banff National Park. The 11,600 snowy mountain towering over Lake Louise must be on your checklist. If you are thinking about the best time to climb the peak, it is around July to September. That said, look out for thick layers of snow even during the summer months.
Plan your trek on a clear day to enjoy the breathtaking 360-degree view of the surrounding regions and the summit. The trail is a nine-mile round trip that you can complete in a single day. You can also find several camping sites in the Lake Louise area if you wish to spend a night in the wilderness.
Photo by Roberto Nickson on Unsplash
Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Next on the list is the tallest mountain of Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro. With an altitude of 19,340 ft, this mountain is open for hiking and trekking all year round. However, it is better to avoid climbing the mountain during certain months when the precipitation is high. For instance, April, May, and November could be one of the worst times to plan your hike at Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Your trekking experience could get even better if you plan to climb the mighty mountain on a full moon day. Besides, the time taken to complete the entire trek can range between five to nine days. So, if you wish to witness the astounding views of the full moon from the summit, it’s better to begin your trek at least five days before the date of the full moon night.
Photo by Joel Peel on Unsplash
Mt. Toubkal, Morocco
Let’s end our list with Mt. Toubkal, situated in the Toubkal National Park, Morocco. It stands tall, touching the skies, at an altitude of 13,671 ft. Moreover, it is one of the most underrated mountain treks that deserves more attention for its breathtaking views and challenging trails. The mountain is open for adventure enthusiasts all year round. However, the ideal time to climb Mt. Toubkal would be around Spring or Autumn months, ranging from April-May and Sep-Oct, respectively.
Some people even prefer skiing during the winter months. The Toubkal Circuit is one of the best trails to reach the summit, around a 60 km round trip. The best part about this trail is that you can witness some of the magnificent oasis valleys, panoramic ridges, and mountain passes.
Final Thoughts
That sums up the list of five mountain treks ideal for novice and intermediate mountaineers. Hopefully, it helps you plan an itinerary that suits your requirements. However, always remember to carry necessary gear and have proper guidance from experts when challenging mountain treks.