Recently viewed Best hiking and trekking group tours 2027
There’s hiking, and then there’s hiking with a serious sense of occasion. Think sunrise over the Himalayas, glacier-backed trails in Patagonia, volcanic landscapes in New Zealand and the quiet satisfaction of reaching a summit with a group who have shared every switchback.
The best hiking and trekking group tours take care of the logistics while putting the landscape center stage. From a soulful Himalayan expedition to family-friendly Alpine trails and a first-timer-friendly New Zealand adventure, these five trips offer very different ways to lace up your boots.
TL; DR
For a high-altitude trek with a strong social element, Flash Pack’s Nepal: Annapurna Base Camp is a 12-day Himalayan adventure created for solo travelers.
Families can head for the Alps on Exodus’ 8-day Mont Blanc Family Hiking Adventure, while Explore’s 19-day Walking in New Zealand offers a more leisurely introduction to hiking across some of the country’s headline landscapes.
For a showpiece hiking challenge within a wider adventure, Flash Pack’s 10-day Chile: Santiago to Patagonia includes the one-day Las Torres hike in Torres del Paine. Meanwhile, Adventure360’s 10-day Climb Mt Kilimanjaro – Lemosho Route sets its sights firmly on the Roof of Africa and is a solid choice for 18-30s.
Who this guide is for
This guide is for anyone comparing the best hiking group tours and trekking vacations, from enthusiastic beginners to experienced hikers ready to tackle altitude. We’ve included adventures for solo guests, families and younger participants, with activity levels ranging from leisurely walking to serious mountain trekking; and all in some of the world’s top hiking destinations.
It’s also designed to make the practical differences easy to compare, including trip length, group size, age range and the type of hiking experience you can expect.
Best hiking and trekking group tours compared
| Trip | Best for | Length | Group size | Age range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flash Pack – Nepal: Annapurna Base Camp | Soulful hiking for solo travelers | 12 days | Max 16 | 30-49 and 50-65 |
| Exodus – Mont Blanc Family Hiking Adventure | Family hiking | 8 days | Max 16 | Families – minimum age varies by departure |
| Explore – Walking in New Zealand | Beginners’ hiking | 19 days | Max 15 | 16+ |
| Flash Pack – Chile: Santiago to Patagonia | A day-long hiking challenge for solo travelers (set within a wider adventure) | 10 days | Max 16 | 30-49 and 50-65 |
| Adventure360 – Climb Mt Kilimanjaro – Lemosho Route | 18-30s hiking | 10 days | Max 12 | 18+, average age skews 20s |
Best for soulful hiking (Annapurna Base Camp, Nepal)
Flash Pack specializes in experience-led adventures for solo travelers, pairing ambitious activities with premium touches, distinctive stays and a sociable small-group format.
Trip overview
The 12-day Nepal: Annapurna Base Camp heads deep into the Annapurna region, culminating in the journey to base camp itself. It’s a proper Himalayan trekking experience, with dramatic mountain scenery and plenty of time spent on foot. Soulful experiences are a highlight, too, from guided yoga sessions to sunset sound baths and a private blessing from a Rinpoche.
Group feel
Flash Pack brings together small groups of solo travelers in two age categories – 30-49 and 50-65 – with a maximum of 16 participants and an experienced local Pack Leader. Its small-group format connects guests at a similar life stage, giving the shared challenge a naturally sociable edge.
Experience highlights
- Trek through the Annapurna Conservation Area towards Annapurna Base Camp
- Spend your days surrounded by Himalayan peaks and remote mountain scenery
- Experience Nepal on foot with expert local support along the way
- Enjoy a series of spiritual experiences, including al fresco yoga and a sunset sound bath
Who this is best for
Solo guests aged 30-49 or 50-65 looking for a physically demanding, high-altitude adventure with plenty of camaraderie and a wellness feel built in. You’ll need a strong level of fitness and be comfortable with sustained trekking and changing altitude.
Best for family hiking (Mont Blanc, the French Alps)
Exodus has decades of experience in active travel, with this family-focused Alpine adventure combining substantial walking days with a comfortable base in Chamonix.
Trip overview
The 8-day Mont Blanc Family Hiking Adventure explores the Chamonix Valley and surrounding Alps with an International Mountain Leader. There are five walking days, with around five to seven hours on foot each day.
Group feel
It’s a guided family adventure designed to make the mountains engaging for different generations. A cosy chalet provides a sociable base in Chamonix, with hearty meals waiting after days out on the trails.
Experience highlights
- Hike to Lac Blanc for sweeping views across the Mont Blanc range
- Cross into Italy to walk above Val Ferret towards Courmayeur
- Explore Alpine trails around the Chamonix Valley with an International Mountain Leader
Who this is best for
Active families who enjoy proper days on the trail. Exodus grades the itinerary Moderate & Challenging, with rough, rocky and steep sections alongside significant ascents and descents, so preparing your legs before departure is a good idea.
Best for beginners’ hiking (New Zealand’s National Parks)
Explore combines walking with classic small-group touring, making this an expansive New Zealand adventure where hiking sits alongside wildlife, scenery and road-trip exploration.
Trip overview
The 19-day Walking in New Zealand travels across both islands, combining national parks and mountain landscapes with manageable days on foot. The walking is graded Leisurely, making it one of the more accessible options in this guide.
Group feel
Explore operates in small groups, with an experienced tour leader accompanying the journey. The format mixes guided walking with sightseeing and time spent traveling through New Zealand’s diverse landscapes.
Experience highlights
- Walk amid the volcanic landscapes of Tongariro National Park
- Follow sections of the Kepler Track through mountain beech forest
- Cruise Milford Sound beneath the mountains and waterfalls of Fiordland
Who this is best for
People in good health looking for an accessible introduction to a walking vacation. Previous walking experience isn’t essential, although general fitness will help you get more from the trip and its occasional steeper sections.
Best for a day-long hiking challenge (Las Torres, Patagonia)
Flash Pack’s Chile adventure is made for solo travelers who want one major hiking achievement wrapped into a broader journey of outdoor adventure, food, wine and Patagonian landscapes.
Trip overview
The 10-day Chile: Santiago to Patagonia travels from Santiago into Chile’s wild south, with the Las Torres hike in Torres del Paine forming one of its physical centerpieces.
Group feel
Flash Pack adventures are designed for solo travelers aged 30-49 and 50-65, with a maximum of 16 participants. Guests travel alongside people at a similar life stage, with an expert local Pack Leader taking care of the logistics and a sociable group dynamic developing around the shared experiences.
Experience highlights
- Take on the full-day hike to the Las Torres lookout in Torres del Paine
- Raft along the Petrohué River amid the landscapes of Chile’s Lake District
- Pair the outdoor adventure with Chilean wine and a Patagonian barbecue feast
Who this is best for
Solo adventurers aged 30-49 or 50-65 with a solid level of fitness who want a major hiking day within a more varied itinerary. The Las Torres challenge delivers the trekking milestone, with the wider journey bringing together outdoor activities, food, wine and premium stays.
Best for 18-30s hiking (Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania)
Adventure360 specialises in budget-friendly group travel for mostly younger travelers (18-30s), with this Kilimanjaro expedition centered firmly on the challenge and delight of reaching Africa’s highest point.
Trip overview
The 10-day Climb Mt Kilimanjaro – Lemosho Route follows the scenic Lemosho Route, traveling through rainforest, moorland and high-alpine desert before the final push towards Uhuru Peak. Longer versions are available with Zanzibar or Serengeti add-ons.
Group feel
Groups are capped at 12, with guides, cooks and porters supporting participants during the trek. Adventure360 currently lists eligibility for this multi-day ascent as 18+, and the average age of its travelers is 18-25.
Experience highlights
- Watch the sun rise high on Kilimanjaro before continuing towards Uhuru Peak
- Cross the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley after tackling the Barranco Wall
- Descend from Lava Tower with views towards the Western Breach
Who this is best for
Fit younger adventurers looking for a genuine summit objective and the support of a compact trekking group. Adventure360 states that participants need a high level of physical fitness, with summit day involving around 11-14 hours of hiking.
FAQs
What are the best hiking and trekking group tours?
The best hiking group tour depends on your fitness, experience and preferred group dynamic. Annapurna Base Camp and Kilimanjaro offer sustained high-altitude trekking, Mont Blanc combines challenging Alpine walking with a family format, and New Zealand provides a gentler introduction. Flash Pack’s Chile adventure is a good fit for solo travelers who want one major hiking challenge within a broader trip.
Are group hiking tours good for solo travelers?
Yes. A shared physical challenge can create an easy way for group members to connect, particularly on multi-day treks. Flash Pack specifically designs its trips around solo guests, with departures divided into 30-49 and 50-65 age categories and groups capped at 16.
Do you need hiking experience for a trekking group tour?
It depends on the itinerary. Explore’s New Zealand trip is designed around leisurely walking, while Mont Blanc includes longer days and steep terrain. Annapurna Base Camp and Kilimanjaro add the challenge of high altitude, making physical preparation particularly important.
What is the difference between hiking and trekking?
Hiking often describes shorter walks that can be completed within a day, while trekking generally refers to longer journeys involving consecutive days on foot, often through remote or mountainous terrain. Tour companies use the terms differently, so daily walking hours, elevation and activity grading are more useful when comparing trips.
Which hiking group tour is suitable for beginners?
Explore’s Walking in New Zealand is one of the most accessible choices here. The walking is graded Leisurely and previous walking experience is not necessary, making it a useful introduction to an active group vacation.
Which hiking group tours involve high altitude?
Annapurna Base Camp and Kilimanjaro are the clearest high-altitude trekking adventures in this selection. Both require appropriate fitness and preparation, with altitude adding another dimension to the physical challenge.
Are hiking group tours suitable for people aged 50-65?
Yes, depending on fitness and the demands of the individual itinerary. Flash Pack operates adventures specifically for solo travelers aged 50-65, allowing guests to experience active trips with group members at a similar stage of life.
What should I look for when choosing a group hiking vacation?
Start with activity grading, altitude, terrain and the typical number of hours spent walking each day. Group size, age range, accommodation, luggage arrangements and the balance between hiking and other activities can also make a significant difference to the experience.
How we chose this guide
We selected five hiking and trekking group tours that show the breadth of adventures available, from leisurely national park walking to high-altitude summit challenges. We considered trip length, activity level, terrain, group size, age suitability, social dynamic and the variety of experiences included around the hiking itself.
We also prioritized trips where walking provides a genuine connection to the destination – from Himalayan trails and Alpine passes to New Zealand’s national parks, Patagonia’s granite peaks and the changing landscapes of Kilimanjaro.
