Scale the World's Top Peaks on These Top Mountain Experiences
Humans have long looked to the mountains for spiritual answers, a physical challenge, and artistic inspiration. On these top-rated experiences, forge your own connection with the extremes of nature and altitude. Some will lead you to the peaks themselves, others will instill an appreciation for nature in general—all will be unforgettable. From Cape Town to Alaska to Indonesia, there’s a mountain experience for every corner of the earth.
1. Trek up Table Mountain
On this tour, clamor up a steep, rocky trail to reach the iconic viewpoint of Table Mountain, in South Africa, with views that stretch across Cape Town and south into the sea. Maybe you won’t be able to see Antarctica—but you could try to spot the African penguins that call the city’s Boulders Beach home.
2. Amble through the Atlas Mountains
This light hike brings you to an overlook where you will enjoy vistas of orchards and small villages tucked into the mountains. It also includes a Moroccan lunch, prepared fresh at the overlook itself, and transportation to and from Marrakech.
3. Linger along a less-trodden path to Machu Picchu
Everyone knows about the Inca Trail—which is a problem if you want some of the evocative Peruvian views to yourself. So, choose the Salkantay Trek instead, a 5-day journey that takes you through cloud forests and snowy valleys to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
4. Touch the roof of the world at Everest Base Camp
Yaks in hidden valleys. Chai, momos, and Nepali hospitality. And don’t forget the views of the highest mountain in the world. This tour takes care of all required permits, insurance, and airfare, and allows you to focus on the difficult 12-day trek itself.
5. Ponder the spiritual power of Mt. Fuji
Explore the beauty of the area around Mt. Fuji while avoiding the crowds of the summit on this private tour. Visit the Kawaguchi Asama shrine, framed by giant cedar trees, then admire views of lakes, waterfalls, and the monumental mountain itself.
6. Dance with the devil in Hobart, Tasmania
On the Australian island of Tasmania, soak in views of the capital Hobart from the summit of Mt. Wellington, before going face to face with the devil … the Tasmanian devil, that is. This tour lets you experience some of the great biodiversity this island has to offer in a small-group setting.
7. Soak in the sunrise on Mt. Batur
Set your alarm early for this one-of-a-kind experience. The guide will pick you up from your hotel in Bali and lead you on a trek to the summit of Mt. Batur, where you’ll arrive in time to see the sunrise crest over the ocean. Then, recover from your hike with a visit to a natural hot spring, included in the tour.
8. Saunter up Mt. Snowdon
The highest peak in Wales, Mt. Snowdon is ringed by sparkling lakes and snow-capped massifs. Take advantage of the knowledge of a local guide who will choose the best route for your group and educate you on Welsh history and culture along the way.
9. Practice your grip in Mammoth Lakes, CA
Near Yosemite National Park, Mammoth Lakes is a playground for adventure-seekers. With this rock-climbing experience, which is tailored for any skill level, spend half a day scaling rock faces before jumping into a mountain lake to cool off. All necessary training and equipment is provided by an experienced instructor.
10. Witness the majestic Mt. Denali from the sky
Get a new perspective on the mountains on this tour of Denali National Park. A pilot will take you and your group on a flightseeing tour that grants views of Mt. Denali, the highest peak in North America, and Kahiltna Glacier, the longest in the National Park. You can even upgrade to include a landing on the glacier itself.
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