World Expeditions Announces the UK’s Top-Voted Trekking Destinations for 2026

British travellers have voted Nepal their number one trekking destination worldwide, according to recent data from trekking and adventure holiday specialist World Expeditions.

In a global survey of nearly 12,000 trekking enthusiasts, voters from the UK said that the landlocked South Asian country of Nepal, known for its iconic Himalayan circuits and breathtaking scenery, came out on top. Nepal received 251 votes from British travellers, ahead of 236 for Patagonia, and 192 for Japan.

The findings came from World Expeditions’ ‘World’s Best Treks Survey’, carried out between January and April 2026, in which 11,952 trekking enthusiasts across the UK, Australia, New Zealand and North America voted for their top hiking destinations around the world.

While Nepal was number one for UK votes, Japan, however, topped the list for voters globally overall. Of the total votes worldwide, Japan received 2,107 votes followed by Nepal’s 1,949 votes.

How the UK Voted: Top 5 Trekking Destinations
#1: Nepal
#2: Japan
#3: Patagonia
#4: Inca Trail
#5: Bhutan

Home to eight of the world’s ten highest peaks (and eight of the 14 overall highest peaks above 8,000 metres), Nepal’s network of trails spans from the iconic and well-known Everest and Annapurna Circuits and stunning Gokyo Lakes, to the remote, seldom-visited but hugely rewarding regions of Dolpo, Mustang, Manaslu and Kanchenjunga.

Nepal’s number one position on this list is no surprise; the country has long captured the imagination of British adventurers and trekkers since the golden age of Himalayan mountaineering in the early 1950s, with the iconic 1953 British Everest expedition in which Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit, followed in the 1970s by routes such as the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp becoming established trekking circuits.

Sue Badyari, CEO, World Expeditions, says: “British trekkers have always had a special relationship with Nepal and the Himalaya — it runs deep in their adventure DNA. What’s fascinating about this data is the contrast: while Japan has captured the global trekking imagination, UK adventurers remain drawn to the high Himalaya. For the most experienced trekkers, Nepal is still the ultimate destination.”

Here are World Expeditions’ top Nepal treks – from the iconic to the lesser-visited:

The iconic trek: Everest Base Camp in Comfort
The Everest Base Camp trek is one of the world’s most iconic trekking experiences, taking trekkers deep into the heart of the Himalayas along historic mountain trails shaped by generations of Sherpa culture. World Expeditions’ all-inclusive guided trek offers the chance to stay in its exclusive Eco Comfort Camps, sustainably designed and supremely comfortable semi-permanent camps with standing-height tents, raised beds, thick mattresses, heated dining areas and clean toilet facilities. The trek follows the classic route through the Khumbu region, passing through traditional villages set beneath the towering peaks of Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse, with time to explore the Namche Bazaar at 3,440m and visiting the Thyangboche Monastery at 3,860m, and the highlight being the ascent of Kala Pattar, known as the best viewpoint for panoramic views of Mount Everest. Regular departures from September through May, 17 days from £2,090pp.

A quieter Everest experience: Gokyo and the Renjo La in Comfort
Ranked by World Expeditions’ staff as the best trek in the Everest region, this trek is ideal for those seeking a quieter Everest experience, avoiding the crowds of the main Base Camp route without compromising on big mountain views. Fully supported by experienced guides and crew, trekkers will walk through Sherpa villages and yak pastures on route to the striking turquoise lakes of the Gokyo Valley and climbing Gokyo Ri for one of Nepal’s best and broadest views of 8,000m peaks. Departures in Jan, Mar, Apr, and Sept-Nov, from £2,290pp for 17 days.

The rarely-trekked Himalayan crossing: Annapurna to Mustang Traverse via Teri La (NEW)
Few treks can rival the exhilaration of the journey through the ancient kingdom of Mustang, crossing the remote Teri La Pass (5,540m), a challenging and rarely trekked high Himalayan crossing. This three-week journey links the lush, hidden valleys of the Nar Phu region with the stark landscapes of Mustang, stretching to the borders of Tibet. Trekkers will become immersed in the deeply rooted Tibetan Buddhist culture of Mustang, passing through isolated settlements and fascinating monasteries on the wat to the walled city of Lo Manthang, and taking in magnificent views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs and the snow-capped peaks of the Saribung Range. 21 days from £3,990pp, departing 27 Sept 2026 and 15 Sept 2027.

The family trekking experience: Annapurna Family Adventure in Comfort
With a maximum elevation of just 1,900m, this family trek through the Annapurna foothills provides a relaxed pace for families to enjoy the Himalaya without concerns around altitude, following World Expeditions’ carefully considered safety protocols every step of the way, and staying in the company’s exclusive Eco Comfort Camps. The trail meanders through vibrant rhododendron forests and terraced hillsides, framed by showstopping views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and the sacred peak of Machapuchare. Along the way, families visit traditional Gurung villages, wander local markets, and meet local communities. Departures in Jan, Apr, Sept & Dec, from £1,690 per adult and £1.410 per child.

The epic, little-done length of Nepal trek: The Great Himalaya Full Traverse, Nepal
This 150-day, 1,000 mile trek journeys the full length of Nepal, the only country where the Great Himalaya Trek can be done so far. Once completed, the full trail – known as “trekking’s Holy Grail” – will be the longest and highest alpine walking track in the world connecting Nepal, China, India, Bhutan and Pakistan), opening up wild and remote parts of the Himalaya to attract trekkers away from busy areas. World Expeditions was the first and remains the only operator to commercially offer the Full Nepal Traverse of the trail. This almost five-month journey commences in the far east of the country in the Kanchenjunga region, traversing the country to the Tibetan borderlands, seeing all of Nepal’s 8,000 metre peaks, witnessing villages where the culture has remained intact for centuries, and encountering some of the wildest and remote mountain environments imaginable – exploratory in the truest sense of the word, and only to be considered by those with extensive trekking and mountaineering experience. 150 days from £25,690pp, taking place 10 Mar-6 Aug 2027.

And two itineraries in the global number one trekking destination, Japan:

The UNESCO Pilgrimage Trail: Kumano Kodo Self-Guided Trek
Japan’s sacred Kumano Kodo is a UNESCO status Pilgrimage Trail, twinned with the Camino de Santiago and hugely significant as being the birthplace of Japan’s spirituality. This five-day trek journeys along the most rewarding sections of the classic Nakahechi route, travelling village to village, staying in traditional ryokans and hot spring onsens, and visiting the iconic Nachi Falls, one of Japan’s most revered spiritual sites. Daily departures year-round, from £990pp for five days.

Japan’s newest trail: Michinoku Coastal Trail Self-Guided Hike
Discover Honshu’s remote and untamed northeast coast on Japan’s newest long-distance trail, the Michinoku Coastal Trail. Winding through rugged headlands, forested paths, fishing villages and dramatic seascapes far from the usual tourist routes, this seven-day trek’s highlights include the cliffs at Kitayamazaki, the Kabushima Shrine and welcoming family-run inns and ryokans. Daily departures Apr-Nov, from £1,465pp for seven days.