After the tenth loop around MacRitchie Reservoir or a familiar weekend trip to Mount Kinabalu, the seasoned trekker starts to crave something more remote. The Dolomites or Patagonia might be stunning but crowds can spoil your summit celebration sometimes. From the high-altitude meadows of Central Asia to the ancient forests of Romania, the world is opening up new paths for those willing to step off the beaten track.

Where to Hike in 2026: Eight Up-and-Coming Trails

Here are eight up-and-coming new hiking destinations that offer solitude, scenery, and a much-needed break from the tropical heat.

1. The Southwestern Tien Shan, Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is quickly becoming the ultimate destination for intrepid Singaporeans. Known as the ‘Switzerland of Central Asia’, the southwestern Tien Shan region offers a landscape of turquoise lakes and jagged limestone peaks. Unlike the crowded trails of the European Alps, you will often find yourself alone here, with only the occasional nomadic herder for company.

Singaporeans currently enjoy visa-free entry for up to 60 days, making this one of the most accessible frontiers in the region. A typical day involves crossing a high mountain pass and descending into a valley to find a cluster of traditional yurts. While the weather is fickle even in July, the hospitality of the Kyrgyz people is legendary.

2. Via Transilvanica, Romania

If you love the idea of a long-distance pilgrimage but want to avoid the throngs of tourists on the Camino de Santiago, Romania has the answer. The Via Transilvanica is a 1,400-kilometre trail that cuts a diagonal line across the country. It connects distinct cultural regions and several UNESCO World Heritage sites, acting as a living medieval museum.

As you walk, you will pass through Saxon villages where horse-drawn carts are still common. The trail is excellently marked with individually carved andesite milestones, ensuring you can focus on the pastoral beauty rather than your maps. It offers a moderate challenge, focusing more on endurance and cultural discovery than technical climbing.

3. Arunachal Pradesh, India

For those who wish to stay closer to home, Arunachal Pradesh offers a stunning alternative to the commercialised routes of Nepal. This remote corner of the Indian Himalayas focuses on ‘homestay-led trekking’. This approach allows you to stay with the local Monpa and Apatani people, providing a deep look at Tibetan Buddhist and tribal cultures. Popular routes include the Seven Lakes Trek in Anini of Dibang Valley.

You will hike through lush rhododendron forests and over high mountain passes decorated with colourful prayer flags. While you will need to arrange a Protected Area Permit before you travel, the reward is a quiet, spiritual journey through the ‘Land of the Dawn-Lit Mountains’.

4. Via Adriatica Trail, Croatia

Croatia is famous for its sapphire coastline, but the Via Adriatica Trail offers a different perspective from the limestone ridges above. This 1,100-kilometre route follows the rugged interior, traversing national parks like Northern Velebit and Biokovo.

The trail features dramatic white cliffs and deep sinkholes that will test your fitness. However, the reward is a constant view of the Adriatic Sea in the distance. It is the perfect blend of alpine trekking and Mediterranean beauty.

5. The Heysen Trail, South Australia

The Heysen Trail in South Australia has different sections for hikers of all experience, from day walkers to seasoned hikers. If you prefer a touch of luxury with your outback adventure, the Arkaba Walk in South Australia is a premier choice. This private 60,000-acre conservancy offers a ‘safari-trekking’ experience where the focus is shared between the hike and active wildlife conservation.

You will walk through red soil and ancient cypress pine forests, spotting kangaroos and emus in their natural habitat. At night, you can sleep in traditional canvas ‘swags’ under a blanket of stars before enjoying a high-quality meal at a restored 1850s homestead.

6. Hoang Su Phi, Vietnam

While Sapa remains a favourite for many Singaporeans, the Hoang Su Phi district in Ha Giang province offers a more authentic experience. This area houses some of the most breathtaking rice terraces in all of Vietnam, sculpted into steep mountainsides.

The trekking here is rugged and remote. You will need to move through ethnic villages belonging to the Nung and Dao people, staying in local homestays where the food is fresh and the rice wine is plentiful. It can be an intense sensory experience, as visibility can drop severely without warning.

7. Peaks of the Balkans: Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro

For those who want to ‘smash borders’ on foot, the Peaks of the Balkans trail is one of Europe’s last true hiking frontiers. This 192-kilometre circular route traverses the Accursed Mountains, crossing between Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro.

Because you cross international borders in unguarded mountain areas, you must arrange special border permits at least two weeks in advance. The reward is a journey through a region where time has stood still. You will wake up to the sound of cowbells and enjoy rustic feasts whipped up by local shepherdesses in remote stone huts.

8. The Kunisaki Peninsula, Japan

Japan offers more than just the crowded slopes of Mount Fuji. The Kunisaki Peninsula on Kyushu is home to the Kunisakihantou Minemichi Long Trail. This route follows the ancient paths of monks who practiced the ascetic traditions of Rokugo Manzan.

The trail winds through cedar forests, past towering stone Buddha carvings, and into quiet temple grounds. After a day of climbing steep ridges and navigating rocky steps, you can retreat to a traditional inn to soak in an onsen (hot spring). It is a meditative, spiritual trek that highlights the quieter side of Japanese culture.

Plan Your Next Escape For Immersive Adventure

The world of hiking is shifting away from bucket-list snapshots and towards meaningful, slower immersion. Whether you choose the high-altitude plateaus of Kyrgyzstan or the rice terraces of Vietnam, these new hikes in 2026 require preparation but offer stories that few other travellers will ever share.

Are you ready to swap the city skyline for a mountain horizon? Lace up your boots, check your passport, and start planning your next great adventure today.

Also read: Hiking in Southeast Asia: 6 Lesser-Known Mountains to Catch the Sunrise