Are you seeking an adventure that will push your limits and offer unparalleled satisfaction? Look no further than KE's top 10 most challenging trekking holidays. Discover your perfect trek below:

1. The Snowman Trek

Bhutan - Grade 11

Quite possibly the greatest trail on Earth, Bhutan's incredible Snowman Trek follows the spine of the Himalaya between Bhutan and Tibet, from Paro in the west to Trongsa in the east. During the course of this unsurpassable 25 day trek (total trip 30 days), you will cross 11 passes in excess of 4,500m, including 5 over 5,000m and visit the almost separate mountain kingdom of Lunana, one of the most remote inhabited valleys on the planet. Along the way you'll pass traditional villages, like Laya and have close-up views of stunning mountains, including Chomolhari, the astounding Jitchu Drake and the world's highest unclimbed peak, Gangkar Puensum.

What makes it?

Enjoy not only one of the world's toughest but most remote and spectacular hikes. Due to its length, altitude and the crossing of 11 high passes, this is one for experienced trekkers looking for a challenge.

2. Mugu Reconnaissance Trek 

Nepal - Grade 11

The Great Himalaya Trail is without doubt the toughest single treks in the world. However few can spare the months required to trek the thousands of miles of trail. Instead, we've picked the best section to immerse you into this incredible trek. The few fortunate travellers who visit Dolpo each season confirm that it’s home to some of the best trekking in the Himalayas. North of the stunning Phoksumdo Lake and Shey Gompa you'll continue via Samling Monastery to Bhijer and Pho, then northwards again towards the Tibetan border, before finally turning westwards to cross the Nyingma Gyanzen La (5,500m) and two further 5,000m passes in the course of a long and difficult passage to Mugu across the north-western corner of the Shey Phoksomdo National Park. This is really remote, almost off the map; the trekking and scenery is second to none with magnificent views from the high passes, south to the little-known Kanjiroba Himal and north into Tibet. 

What makes it?

The lack of any other human contact, only with incredibly friendly locals, gives a feeling of sheer remoteness matched with few other trails. This trek is highly recommended for experienced Himalayan travellers.

3. The Complete GR20

Corsica - Grade 10

You wouldn’t think that Europe’s toughest trek lies in the Mediterranean, but here it is: the GR20 running from the pretty village of Calenzana near the northern coast of Corsica, all the way down to Conca, in the south east. Over 2 weeks you’ll trek 180km of rugged mountainous terrain, with 12,000m of ascent and descent and you'll encounter a series of scrambling manoeuvres to top it all off. Dramatic coastline, mountain villages and a landscape which only can be seen by those prepared to take this challenge head on, make it all worth it.

What makes it?

Along the GR20 you will encounter a variety of terrain, which means that every day is a different challenge; whether it be hiking forested slopes, high pasture and Alpine valleys or scrambling airy ridges and rocky outcrops. This unique European trekking holiday offers the perfect combination of Mediterranean sunshine, inspiring scenery and a challenging walking adventure; you'll return home with a real sense of achievement.

4. Tour de Monte Rosa

Switzerland - Grade 9

One of the finest long-distance trekking opportunities in Alpine Europe is still relatively undiscovered. This tour circuits the massif of Monte Rosa, dipping into Italy along the way. This is Alpine trekking at its finest, with stunning views of famous peaks such as the Dom (4,545m) Weisshorn (4,596m) and the particularly memorable Matterhorn (4,478m). You'll keep to the high ground as much as possible, crossing airy passes and encountering snowfields and even walking over glaciers. This is an unsupported trek which adds an extra challenge of trekking hut-to-hut with a bit more in your backpack but this simply creates an even better sense of mountain immersion.

What makes it?

The quiet trails. This route is tougher than the classic Tour du Mont Blanc and less well-known, making it the perfect tour for those who fancy an Alpine adventure but want to get away from the busier areas.

5. Ultimate Tour du Mont Blanc

France - Grade 9

The Tour du Mont Blanc trek is already iconic, but this trekking adventure elevates the classic – literally – by taking high level routes where possible to complete the circuit around Mont Blanc. The benefits of this are numerous: quieter trails, spectacular views and the joy of hut-to-hut trekking. More than worth the extra challenge, this is the best way to experience the French, Italian and Swiss Alps in one.

What makes it?

Staying in some of the Alps most spectacularly situated mountain huts. Perched next to a glacier, with Alpine peaks sprawling before you and a beer in hand – that’s the way to finish a day of hard trekking.

6. Everest the Hard Way Trek

Nepal - Grade 9

If you'd like to trek to Everest Base Camp but are looking for an extra challenge and are hoping to avoid the crowds, this is the trek for you. Make a complete high-level circuit of the Khumbu and cross three major passes; Renjo La (5,340m), Cho La (5,420) and Kongma La (5,535m), before reaching Base Camp and having the opportunity to trek to the dramatic viewpoint summit of Kala Patar (5,550m).

What makes it?

Running this circuit of the main passes of Khumbu in a clockwise direction means you can build up your acclimatisation on uncrowded trails and in the unspoiled valley of the Bhote Kosi, leaving Everest Base Camp as the climax of the trip and also means you spend a minimum amount of time on the popular Everest Trail.

7. Traverse of the Cordillera Real

Bolivia - Grade 8

Experience the Andes at their snowy best in Bolivia’s Cordillera Real. This traverse is a high-altitude trekking challenge but more than worth it. Our itinerary will get you acclimatised with a few days at Lake Titicaca, before heading into the depths of the mountains. Over two weeks the traverse will keep you on high trails, crossing several passes which reach the height of over 5,000m. Expect lush valleys, Quechua villages and idyllic lakes – along with of course, a few fluffy friends in the shape of ubiquitous llamas.

What makes it?

This walking holiday excels in its sheer variety. From the surreal experience of acclimatising on the shores of Lake Titicaca to encountering local communities in stunning mountain scenery, there are plenty of things which make this traverse unique.

8. K2 and Concordia

Pakistan - Grade 8

Moving along the Himalayan chain, Pakistan’s Karakoram present a wild personality of their own. Anyone who’s been will tell you: these mountains are like no others on earth. Kicking off the adventure in Baltistan, where you can be assured of a warm welcome from our partner (the same one we’ve been connected with for 40 years), you’ll then head into the heart of the Karakoram and from there begin trekking, aiming to reach the foot of the second highest mountain on earth, K2. As your route takes you over the Baltoro Glacier and up and past the granite faces of the Trango Towers, you’ll start to realise why the Karakoram has captured the hearts and minds of so many of the world’s greatest adventurers. It has to be seen to be believed.

What makes it?

Nowhere else on earth can you stand so close to so many of the world’s highest peaks; as well as K2, you’ll be gazing up at Broad Peak (8,047m) and Gasherbrum (8,080m).

9. Traverse of the Picos de Europa

Spain - Grade 8

Close to Spain's northern coast, the Picos de Europa is a region of stunning steep-sided valleys, isolated villages and picturesque limestone peaks. This walking holiday makes a continuous west to east traverse passing through the separate massifs that comprise this dramatic mountain range. This is a real walking mountain journey with significant amounts of ascent and descent on most days, on predominantly good trail and thrilling sections on scree, over bare rock and across boulder fields.

What makes it?

By making use of the charming mountain refuges, this route goes deep into the mountains, ensuring you enjoy the very best of the region and complete a real mountain journey.

10. Choquequirao to Machu Picchu

Peru - Grade 8

Anyone who loves the mountains needs to explore the Andes and see Machu Picchu at least once in their lifetime. This is the way to do it a little differently. Trek a longer, more challenging route than the Inca Trail to reach Machu Picchu, with the added reward of seeing the incredible lost fortress of Choquequirao too. Your journey will include hiking along canyons, exploring the rugged Cordillera Vilcabamba and standing in awe of snowy 6,000m peaks, including Salkantay. One epic route with two jaw-dropping Inca sites to explore.

What makes it?

The fortress itself. More remote and challenging to access than Machu Picchu, Choquequirao is far less visited and still offers you the chance to explore Inca ruins in relative solitude.