3 Dangerous Hill Trek Routes You Have Never Heard Of

Taking a long walk in the mountains is one of the most effective ways to remove yourself from the hustle and bustle of the city and reconnect with nature. It can also be the perfect solution for dealing with stress and burnout. However, the best thing about it is that there are many different treks and hike routes you can choose from depending on your experience level.

After you completed a Poon Hill trek route or some other beginner-friendly trek, you might be willing to put your trekking skills to the test. Luckily, there are plenty of more challenging hill treks that can serve as your testing ground. From El Caminito del Rey in Spain and The Snowman Trek in Bhutan to Mount Huashan in China, these hiking trails are not recommended for the faint-hearted as they all are a demanding test of physical limits.

Nevertheless, if you would like to learn more about them, we would be more than happy to provide you with details. Here is all you need to know about some of the world’s most dangerous trek routes.

El Caminito del Rey, Spain

El Caminito del Rey is a very popular tourist attraction in Spain. Also known as “the king’s pathway” or “the walkway of the king,” this trek has been featured in many movies and TV shows. It was created in 1905 to allow workers to move between two power plants easily; several years later, it was crossed by king Alfonso XIII – hence the current name of the walkway. Its recent popularity is mainly due to its appearance in the 2012 Spanish thriller The End.

Here, you can find 500-meter high limestone cliffs that are up to 30 meters wide. The King’s Pathway is built along these cliffs, so you will have to climb steep steps — frequently without any safety railing, and you can easily slip off if you are not careful enough.

The trail is around 7.7 km long, with almost 3km being boardwalks. It is definitely not suitable for people who are afraid of heights, but if you are looking to test your courage, this trail should be on your bucket list. To make your hiking experience safer, you may want to wear a helmet and take your time while walking along this path.

The Snowman Trek, Bhutan

The Snowman Trek, located in the isolated region of Lunana, is one of the most popular treks in the country. It takes you through the Himalayas to reach Black Mountain Glacier, which is also called Chomolhari peak. It is visible almost everywhere in the country because it crosses eleven passes over 4500 meters above sea level. The Snowman Trek can be completed in 2-3 weeks, depending on how fit you are. Nevertheless, you have to be in good physical shape to be able to do this trek route successfully without getting tired too much or getting altitude sickness.

Along this trail, you will have to walk through alpine river valleys, lush forests, alpine meadows, and open grasslands. This trail includes lots of uphill climbs, which are exhausting at times but also very rewarding when you get to see the view from the top. However, you should keep in mind that there are some hidden risks that may cause serious injury or even death if you don’t consider them before starting it. For example, you might encounter snowstorms and blizzards on this trek which can be extremely dangerous if you don’t have the proper gear. You will also have to deal with narrow trails that can be difficult to navigate during bad weather conditions and dangerous animals such as leopards and bears.

Mount Huashan Trail, China

Mount Hua is a sacred mountain range located in Shaanxi Province, and it is one of the Five Great Mountains of China. The full name of this mountain is Mount Hua Shan – literally ‘Hua’ means flower and ‘shan’ means mountain,

This mountain has become very popular among tourists, especially after completing its cable car ride in the 1990s. Once you reach your destination at the top, there are a lot of things to explore, such as temples and shrines dedicated to Taoism, Buddhism, and even Confucianism. In addition to that, there are plenty of bizarre rock formations which you can climb up on if you feel brave enough.

However, climbing up Mount Huashan is not just about testing your mountaineering skills but also your mental strength since it involves a lot of obstacles such as cliff edges and steep staircases made out of solid granite blocks. As a result of its hard-to-navigate terrain, many deaths have been reported here, so you should go with a guide if you want to complete the hike safely.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are plenty of different dangerous mountain trek routes out there that can make for a great adventure. The best thing about them is that you get to experience the breathtaking view from the top and get a chance to take in the fresh air and breathe in nature. However, if you decide to go on these trails, you have to be aware of the risks and be prepared for them.

The next time you go hiking, make sure you choose a trek path that is suitable for your physical ability. Always follow proper safety protocol when hiking and be prepared to deal with any possible hazards that may arise during your trek.