Walking is\u2026well, walking. Hiking is a <\/strong>lot<\/em><\/strong> of walking and trekking is a <\/strong>lot<\/em><\/strong> of hiking. But let\u2019s break these terms down together so you know what you\u2019re getting yourself into before you set out on your next \u2018hike\u2019.\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n We all use these terms interchangeably, or at least I know I\u2019m guilty of it. I\u2019ll replace \u2018hike\u2019 with \u2018trek\u2019 or \u2018walk\u2019 with \u2018hike\u2019 just to add some flare, but are they actually different? Yes!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Arguably, the best way to visit a destination is to be in it<\/em> but hiking through a landscape and trekking to a bucket list spot are going to be two very different trips. If you don\u2019t know where to get started, that\u2019s okay. With more than 100 active trips to more than 30 countries, Intrepid has the hassle-free options and you get the choice.\u00a0<\/p>\n Watch the sunrise over the tallest peak in the world as you trek to Kala Patthar and witness the best views of Everest<\/a>. Or maybe you want to retrace the steps of the Incas on a trek to Machu Picchu<\/a> high in the Andes. Looking for more of a soul search than high altitudes? Take the pilgrimage of the Camino De Santiago<\/a> and find out firsthand why this is known as one of the most spiritual walks in the world.\u00a0<\/p>\n Table of Contents<\/strong>:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Trekking, hiking and walking <\/a>are all just different approaches to using your own two feet to explore nature. Technically, they\u2019re all walking<\/em> but differ in aspects like duration, terrain, difficulty and gear. Let\u2019s quickly cover the basics:\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Think of trekking <\/strong>as the marathon of outdoor pursuits \u2013 it\u2019s demanding, requires serious mental prep and there\u2019s no turning back once you\u2019ve started. You\u2019re out there for days (sometimes weeks!), climbing high-altitude trails with minimal comforts. But don\u2019t fret; when you trek with Intrepid, you\u2019ve got a solid crew to lean on that handles logistics and makes sure you\u2019re safe, even at dizzying heights.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Hiking,\u00a0<\/strong>on the other hand, is like the friendly neighbourhood 5K \u2013 it\u2019s something most people can tackle with a decent level of fitness.<\/span> You\u2019re in control of your route, the difficulty level and length. Plus, when you hike with Intrepid, you\u2019ll have plenty of freedom to explore at your own pace with transportation to the trailheads.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Trekking<\/strong> is for those who want a bit more unpredictability. You\u2019re 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\u2019t 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n Hiking<\/strong> is nature\u2019s version of a guided tour; you\u2019ve 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Trekking<\/strong> requires some serious gear \u2013 camping equipment, days or weeks\u2019 worth of food, multi-use clothing and sometimes crampons if you\u2019re dealing with icy conditions. If you\u2019re thinking, \u2018Hold up, there\u2019s no way I\u2019m hiking for a week carrying all that!\u2019 you don\u2019t have to \u2013 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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n If you don\u2019t 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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n As far as hiking <\/strong>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\u2019re taking on some more rugged and rocky terrain, walking poles are a nice bonus.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n While walks <\/strong>are generally easy and don\u2019t need any physical prep, you\u2019ll want to be in decent shape to hike <\/strong>uphill climbs, downhill descents and rocky paths that keep your legs working a wee bit harder than a casual walk.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Walks <\/strong>usually follow paved paths and smooth surfaces, while\u00a0hikes\u00a0<\/strong>are on more rugged and uneven terrain, such as hills, mountains and forests<\/span> and require more effort.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When it comes to trekking in the Himalayas<\/a>, the options are endless, but they all offer the same sense of accomplishment and views that are worth the inevitable challenge. Whether you\u2019re aiming for Everest Base Camp<\/a> or wandering through the Markha Valley in Ladakh, you\u2019ll be in untouched lands in the world\u2019s most magnificent mountain ranges.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n 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\u2019ll need to be in top shape to tackle this journey. The overwhelming sense of accomplishment will be worth every step.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n There are seven different routes you can take to scale the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro<\/a> and Intrepid offers a range of options to fit your style. It\u2019s your hike, so you choose.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n 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\u2019s highest peak.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n When you take on the Alps with Intrepid, you\u2019ll unwind in cosy hotels and lodges, enjoy hearty meals and have your luggage smoothly transported for you each day.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n A heads up: The Tour du Mont Blanc<\/a> involves 4-8 hours of hiking daily, so make sure you\u2019re in good health to hit Col Ferret and Voza Pass with the rest of the crew.<\/p>\n A great alternative to Mont Blanc is a trip to the Dolomites in Italy. <\/p>\n Explore the lunar-like landscapes of Jordan<\/a> on foot as you hike through Wadi Rum\u2019s 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\u2019s eerie silence.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n While the hiking is relatively easy, with minimal hours and elevation, remember that this is the desert \u2013 so expect plenty of sun, heat and little shade. If you\u2019re used to hiking through meadows and snow-capped peaks, I dare you to switch it up a bit and take on the desert.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If just reading about these epic treks has you feeling a bit breathless, why not take a stroll along the Lycian Way in Turkey<\/a>? Spend half a day exploring this ancient, history-rich coastline and finish with a refreshing swim in the Blue Lagoon.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n And when you travel with Intrepid, you\u2019ll cap off your adventure with a home-cooked Turkish dinner as a guest in a local homestay \u2013 what\u2019s not to love?\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\nLet\u2019s define it: trekking vs hiking vs walking<\/h2>\n
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Walk, hike or trek: your choice<\/h2>\n
Trekking vs hiking<\/h2>\n
Difficulty & duration <\/h3>\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Peru_Machu-Picchu_997A2228.jpg\")
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Terrain <\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Chile-Patagonia-trekking-002.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nGear<\/h3>\n
Hiking vs walking<\/h2>\n
Iconic treks across the world<\/h2>\n
The Himalayas, Asia <\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Nepal-Everest-base-camp-group-pose.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nTrek into the heart of the Himalayas<\/h2>\n
Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania <\/h3>\n
Conquer the roof of Africa<\/h2>\n
Iconic hikes across the world <\/h2>\n
Tour du Mont Blanc, Europe<\/h3>\n
Your Alps adventure awaits<\/h2>\n
Wadi Rum, Jordan<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-jordan__petra_walking_tourAR306512.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nHike through desert and dunes<\/h2>\n
Iconic walks across the world <\/h2>\n
Lycian Way, Turkey<\/h3>\n
Take it easy in Turkey<\/h2>\n
Great Wall of China<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Peru-Cusco-Inca-Trail-day1-porters-passing-by-16-1.jpg\")