To complete this journey, you must possess exceptional endurance and survival skills.
There are many long hiking trails around the world, such as the Appalachian Trail (USA), the Greater Patagonia Trail (South America), and the Te Araroa Trail (New Zealand). However, there is one trail known as the longest in the world, with a total distance of 23,068 km, which is six times the length of the Appalachian Trail.
The trail begins in Cape Town (South Africa) and ends in Magadan (northeast Russia).
The longest hiking trail in the world.
While it is entirely possible to walk this route, it would be a grueling journey as the trail passes through 16 countries and crosses six different time zones. Furthermore, you will encounter deserts, war zones, and some of the coldest places on Earth. Additionally, visa restrictions in many countries, language barriers, and complex weather conditions make the journey even more challenging.
The total walking time is approximately 4,500 hours, equivalent to 188 days. However, in reality, it may take up to 3 years to complete the journey at a steady pace, including time for rest and sleep. Some have even compared this trek to climbing up and down Mount Everest 13 times.
The Grueling Journey from West to East
According to the YouTube channel RealLifeLore, the trail actually begins at L’Agulhas – the southernmost point of Africa. From there, you will walk through South Africa and into Zimbabwe. In Zimbabwe, you will face the black mamba – the most dangerous snake in Africa.
Next, you will traverse Mozambique, Malawi, and Zambia. After that, you will reach Tanzania and Uganda. Here, another threat awaits you: the risk of malaria.
Following your journey through Sudan, you will enter the vast Sahara Desert, where temperatures can soar to 47°C.
The trail traverses the Sahara Desert.
You may also cross war zones.
The scenery around the Black Sea is quite impressive.
The final stop before leaving Africa is Egypt. To reach Asia, you need to cross the Suez Canal. After that, you will continue to Israel, Jordan, Turkey, and then to Georgia. You can enjoy the beauty of the beaches along the Black Sea.
The last country on your journey is Russia, but with its vast territory, you will still need to walk approximately 10,000 km, starting from the seaside city of Sochi – the host of the 2014 Winter Olympics.
Leaving Sochi marks the beginning of a trek across Russia to the far eastern regions. Notably, you will pass through Siberia, where temperatures can drop to -39°C.
The final stretch is from Yakutsk to Magadan, Russia. This area features the Kolyma Highway, known as the coldest road in the world, with a total length of 2,031 km. The danger here lies in the slippery road conditions caused by accumulated ice and snow. The journey concludes in the port city of Magadan in the Russian Far East.
Temperatures in Siberia can drop to -39°C.
The journey concludes in the port city of Magadan in the Russian Far East.
With all these hardships and challenges, it is understandable why no one has ever completed this journey.
