Trekking - A-Z of unusual destinations

When Eric Shipton coined the phrase "a blank spot on the map", the great explorer would never have realised how fast our world would shrink in such a relatively short period of time.

The mountains of the Greater Ranges have been well explored and duly mapped; once-remote regions of the Himalaya, South America and Africa have all embraced trekking tourism as a mainstay of their local economy. The growth in trekking companies in recent years bear testament to the number of hillwalkers, backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts who are happy to pay someone to organise their adventure for them. At the same time, trekkers are always looking for new destinations, and the travel companies have duly obliged as more and more countries recognise that the natural wonders within their own boundaries could have international appeal.

While the majority of trekkers might choose from a huge variety of popular routes in Europe or South America, knowing that they will be rewarded with fantastic scenery and tried-and-tested itineraries, for an increasing number of trekkers nothing less than the truly unusual will do.

This group of adventurers is looking for brand-new treks in less-visited countries. They will be hoping for unexplored wilderness or a hiking challenge beyond their normal boundaries. And, of course, the tour companies are making it their business to meet those new demands.

From the heartlands of Mongolia to the fire mountains of Nicaragua and the little-visited Simien Mountains of Ethiopia, the portfolio of utterly different treks is expanding fast. Join us as we pick the best of a range of the new kids on the trekking block.

BHUTAN: The mystical land-locked South Asian nation offers a paradise of wilderness with Himalayan peaks, gorgeous green valleys and rare fauna and flora. Walkers are spoilt for choice in this extraordinary Buddhist kingdom, sandwiched between India and Tibet, as it is almost entirely mountainous except for an eight to10-mile wide strip of subtropical plains in the far south.

Treks range from a few days through the densely forested foothills to weeks among the snow-capped peaks on the Tibetan border. But if you only make one trek, go for the Druk Path. The famous trail takes you though alpine forest and rhododendron shrubs to a hilltop with views of the tranquil Para valley.

Who goes there: Dzongs and the Druk, with Walks Worldwide; Bhutan's Laya Chomolhari, with Peregrine Adventures; the Land of the Thunder Dragon, or the Laya Trek, with Exodus; various treks with KE Adventure, Wild Frontiers, Himalyan Kingdoms and Community Action Treks; the Land of the Thunder Dragon, or the Laya Trek, with Exodus.

BOLIVIA: This land-locked South American country is hotly tipped as an exciting new destination for trekkers. If you've done, or want to avoid, the highly popular Inca Trail, then the high Andean mountains of Bolivia, just across the Peru border, are for you. South of Bolivia's capital La Paz is the rugged range of Cordillera Quimsa Cruz, comprising more than 80 peaks above 5000m. From the northern edge of the range, multi-day treks take you to a remote world of striking rock spires, snow-capped peaks, high passes and alpine meadows.

Who goes there: Bolivia Climber, and The Flight of the Condor, with KE Adventure.

CUBA: The achingly trendy Caribbean island is already famed for its faded colonial splendour, romantic revolutionaries and white sand beaches. While the tourist hotspots, such as the capital Havana and Santiago de Cuba, are worth visiting, there is a wealth of unspoilt mountain walking to be found on the island. The best tip is the Sierra Maestra mountains, to the south-east of the island, where you'll find the highest peaks in Cuba (1972m), as well as a wonderful array of flora, fauna and bird life.

Who goes there: Trekking holiday in Cuba, with Responsible Travel; Camino de Cuba, and Cuba Natura, with Exodus

ETHIOPIA: The little-visited country received a welcome popularity boost after being featured on David Attenborough's acclaimed documentary Planet Earth last year. There is no chance of an overnight tourist boom, however, and the adventurous walker can still relish in the absolute isolation of the magnificent, jagged Simien Mountains. Many argue that this mountain range, located to the north of the African country and home to the country's highest peak at 4546m, is the most beautiful on the whole continent. UNESCO certainly believes the area is a one-off, having declared it a World Heritage Site.

Who goes there:Ethiopia - The Simien Mountains, and Lalibela and the Simien Mountains, with Exodus; short walks with Wild Frontiers; Ethiopia's Simien Mountains, with KE Adventure.

FALKLAND ISLANDS: The archipelago in the South Atlantic is a wild and enchanting place where nature rules - and few travellers ever get to go. Huge populations of penguins (including the rare rockhopper penguin) and sea lions, as well as 60 species of migratory birds populate the scenic islands, where trekking possibilities across moorlands, rugged hillsides and along rocky coastlines are endless. Trips are rare to this unique part of the world but a few do crop up. If you spot one, and you have the financial means, grab the opportunity for a once in a lifetime journey.

Who goes there: An Incredible Journey to the Ends of the Earth (The Falkland islands and Patagonia), with Walks Worldwide; some short walks included in a Peregrine trip, as well as an Exodus expedition, both entitled Antarctica, The Falkland Islands and South Georgia.

GEORGIA: A small country at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia takes in some of the best views of the high, snow-capped Caucasus mountains. Areas of this distinctly non-touristy Eurasian country are beginning to open up thanks to adventurous trekking companies, although the Foreign Office still deems much of the country unsafe for travellers. Check out treks into the wild and wonderful Caucasus Mountains, including an ascent of Mount Elbrus, Europe's highest peak.

Who goes there: Across the Caucasus, with Wild Frontiers; Georgia Revealed, with One World Journeys.

GUATEMALA:Last year almost 1.4million travellers visited Guatemala, a beautifully scenic country in Central America. But don't let this put you off finding your trek with a difference. Vast areas of remote rainforest and high mountains allow the intrepid hiker to get away from the main tourist haunts.

Your best bet is the Highland region where you can choose to hike along the spectacular Zunil mountain range, or along the edge of arguably one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, Lake Aititlan. To the north of the region, the rainforest area of the Peten provide various hiking options between numerous Mayan archaeological sites and alongside myriad exotic wildlife. Meanwhile, to the south, a string of impressive volcanic peaks - including the active Fuego - provide the fitter walker with a memorable chance to summit some truly unusual peaks.

Who goes there: Highland Explorer Trek, with Walks Worldwide; Guatemala's Magnificent Seven (a trek to the summits of seven volcanoes), with KE Adventure; Guatemala - Land of the Maya, with Classic Journeys.

KAZAKHSTAN: Intrepid walkers are slowly finding their way to Kazakhstan's Tien Shan, a range that is also known as the Celestial Mountains. For many centuries the existence of these dramatic mountains in this huge, kidney-shaped Central Asian country was known only to traders using the Old Silk Road. But better transportation possibilities and a calmer political outlook have seen a few companies make inroads into the range that stretches 1600km through Kazakhstan. Look out for trips to the base camps of two of the country's biggest peaks, Peak Pobeda (7439m) and Khan Tengri (7010m).

Who goes there: Ultimate Tien Shan, with KE Adventure; Celestial Mountains, with Himalayan Kingdoms.

LIBYA: This North African country was out of bounds for so long that it could easily have been forgotten by travellers. But now, thanks to improved links with the western world, Libya is being accessed by a few of the more adventurous travel companies.

Intrepid trekkers will be well rewarded for their efforts as the country offers some truly unspoilt trekking possibilities, from the pristine Sahara desert to the contrasting volcanic mountains.

Of note are the Acacus Mountains in the far south-west of Libya, characterised by amazing rock formations and impressive canyons. At Jebel Acacus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, travellers are also rewarded with rarely seen pre-historic rock art.

Who goes there: Libyan Explorer, with Walks Worldwide; Libya Unveiled, with Wild Frontiers; Camel Trekking in the Acacus, with KE Adventure.

MONGOLIA: The intrigue of nomadic culture and a lust for unexplored mountains are two factors attracting trekkers to Mongolia. While most people will only know the country, located in the heart of the Asian continent, because of its links with the world-renowned warlord Genghis Khan, there is so much more to discover. In the isolated western province of Uvs two dominating twin peaks, Mount Kharkhiraa (4037m) and Mount Turgen (3678m), and their accompanying mountain passes, offer wonderful trekking opportunities - and the chance to meet welcoming nomadic herders. This is a wild, unkempt region where huge glacial valleys, alpine pastures and sparkling blue lakes offer eye candy for the weary walker.

Who goes there: The Nomads and the Ibex Trek, and The Genghis Khan Trek, with Himalayan Kingdoms; Mongolian Altai Trek, with KE Adventure.

MOROCCO: The smart trekker has left the much-visited Atlas mountains behind for the new-found Rif mountains. More Spanish than Arabic, this range of mountains is located on the scenic northern point of the African country. Described by those who have already been as exotic but safe, the Rif offer the ideal destination for walkers put off by the usual hustle and bustle of more touristy Morocco but who do not want to travel too far from the UK.

Who goes there: Rif Mountains Circuit, and Rif Mountains Explorer, with Walks Worldwide.

MUSTANG: For so long the desert landscapes and fabled walled city of the Kingdom of Mustang were but a mystery to outsiders. Despite the end of this embargo in 1992, still only a limited number of people have been lucky enough to visit. If you have the money and the time to take a tour to this district of Nepal, our advice is to jump at it. Mustang sits at an elevation of more than 2500m and has been completely untouched by modern life for centuries. Following traditional trade trails over dusty but scenic mountains and between mud and stone-built villages, the Mustang trekker will discover an extraordinary landscape peppered with remote fortresses and monasteries.

Who goes there: Mustang - The Hidden Kingdom, with Community Action Treks; Mustang - the Forbidden Kingdom, with KE Adventure.

Nagaland: The curiously named Nagaland is a must for trekkers looking for the newest and most unusual destination. Bounded by Assam in the west, Burma in the east and Arunachal Pradesh to the north, Nagaland is a mostly mountainous Indian state. Though boasting the Naga Hills, which rise to 2000ft, and mountains further south-east that reach 6000ft, the most suitable trekking is found at lower level. Walkers will embark on village-to-village trails through tropical and sub-tropical evergreen forests with the ever-magnetic backdrop of fantastic blue skies and numerous mountain caps.

Who goes there: Nagaland - the Forbidden Frontier with Himalayan Kingdoms.

NAMIBIA: Best-known for the massive Namib desert, stretching for 1300km along the coastline, and superb game parks, the African country is less visited by serious walkers who are easily put off by the thought of miles and miles of trekking over sand. But trekkers should think again. An unusual trip to Namibia takes in the starkly beautiful Nauklaft Trail. Located in the Namib-Nauklaft National Park and at the edge of the Namib desert, the Nauklaft Trail takes the walker along 120km of steep, rough and challenging terrain. The rewards are in the mesmerising desert views.

Who goes there: Nauklaft Trail Trek, with Bufo Venture.

NICARAGUA: A rocky spine of volcanoes has become a hot new destination for fit adventurers. Running parallel to the Central American country's Pacific coastline, the rugged line of volcanoes, some still active, offer unusual walking opportunities and far-reaching views. Don't miss the chance to peer into boiling lava pools and take the occasional dip in warm crater lakes.

Who goes there: Nicaragua's Fire Mountains, with KE Adventure.

OMAN: The Sultanate of Oman only recently opened its arms to tourism and, as such, is still one of the best-kept secrets of the Middle East. The country's craggy mountains along the north and south-east coastlines provide endless opportunities for exploration by foot with numerous tiny pathways leading to canyons and ancient villages. For dramatic views of the Gulf, hike through the Al Hajar range of mountains, which reach 3000m. Our tip is to go to Oman before everyone else finds out about it.

Who goes there: Oman - Persian Steps to Ancient Pasts, with Walks Worldwide; Oman Adventure Trekking, with KE Adventure (this year's TGO Reader Trek).

PATAGONIA: A region of South America that spans both Chile and Argentina, Patagonia has long been the dream destination of serious trekkers. But while Chilean Patagonia has been relatively well-walked, Argentinean Patagonia still offers a voyage of discovery. The jagged and towering Patagonian Andean mountains have been sculpted by 12 million years of glacial action offering fit walkers the sublime combination of stunning glacial scenery and abundantly diverse wildlife. Our tip is the fabulously untamed country around the base camps of the two world-famous peaks called Corro Torre and Fitzroy. For the less intrepid, look out for trips to the Los Glaciares National Park.

Who goes there: Research and Exploration Trip, with Global Vision International (GVI); Trek to Cerro Torre and Fitzroy, with Himalayan Kingdoms.

PERU: Choquequirao is nicknamed the second Machu Picchu, but is far less visited than its famed sister site. Comparable in size and splendour, the Inca outpost offers a tranquil alternative for trekkers. Meaning Cradle of Gold, the citadel Choquequirao was constructed way back in the 15th century and became the last stronghold of Inca resistance to the Spanish domain. A trek to the Choquequirao site offers a challenging adventure, first descending an awesome canyon of the Apurimac River and ascending again for almost 2000m. Heading north from Choquequirao, through a remote area called Vilcabamba, there are numerous Inca roads and trails that offer some of Peru's finest views and trekking possibilities.

Who goes there: Choquequirao and the Vilcabamba, with KE Adventure.

SLOVAKIA:At the heart of Europe is mountainous Slovakia, featuring most spectacularly the High Tatras. More than 25 of the peaks are at least 2500m and the range boasts all the usual giant mountain attributes in abundance, including emerald lakes, roaring waterfalls and glacier-carved valleys. One of the best-kept secrets of the High Tatras is the area called the Mala Fatra, boasting gorgeous gorges, rocky towers and crystal caves. Don't leave the area without a visit to the Tatras National Park, now dedicated to the conservation of the Slovakia's rare alpine ecosystems.

Who goes there: Trek Slovakia, with KE Adventure; The Slovakia Tatra, with Sherpa Expeditions.

SOUTH AFRICA: For an exhilarating trek away from the madding crowds, the Cape Trail looks set to become a classic. Connecting Table Mountain with the Cape of Good Hope, walkers are treated to a wonderful setting including mountains, beaches, cliff tops and forests. The trail stretches 50km and traverses the Peninsula Mountain range, recently incorporated into the new Table Mountain National Park.

Who goes there: Mountains in the Sea - The Cape Trail, with Walk Worldwide.

TURKEY: There's more to Turkey than the much-visited package holiday hotspots. In fact, the remote Mount Ararat, reputed in the Book of Genesis to be the resting place of Noah's Ark, has only recently come on to the average trekker's radar. At 5156m, and located in the remote north-east of Turkey, the dormant volcano offers a tough but non-technical climb and has long been the training ground for European climbers hoping to make big peak expeditions in the Himalaya. Reaching its summit, at more than 1000m higher than any of the neighbouring mountain peaks, is a most satisfying experience. Many tours also combine the ascent of Ararat with some fine trekking in the Pontic Alps to Mount Kackar.

Who goes there: Mount Ararat and Kackar Mountains, with Sherpa Expeditions; Mount Ararat Climb, with KE Adventure; Mount Ararat and Trans-Kackar Trek, with Himalayan Kingdoms.

CONTACTS

Bufo Ventures, 01539 445445, www.bufoventures.co.uk

CATreks, or Community Action Treks, www.catreks.co.uk

Classic Journeys, www.classicjourneys.com

Exodus Travels, 0208 772 3782, www.exodus.co.uk

Global Vision International, www.gvi.co.uk

Himalayan Kingdoms, 0845 330 8579, www.himalayankingdoms.com

KE Adventure Travel, 01768 773966 www.keadventure.com

One World Journeys, www.oneworldjourneys.com

Peregrine Adventures, www.peregrineadventures.com

Sherpa Expeditions, 0208 577 7178, www.sherpaexpeditions.com

Walks Worldwide, 01524 242000, www.walksworldwide.com

Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel, 0207 736 3968, www.wildfrontiers.co.uk

World Expeditions, www.worldexpeditions.com