Top 10 Treks for Busy Women Who Want a Real Challenge (and a Real Reset)
As women, we’re constantly balancing work, relationships, goals, and responsibilities. Time off feels rare. So when we do take it, we want it to mean something. That’s exactly what trekking gives you, not just a break from the noise, but a challenge that brings you back to yourself.
For me, trekking isn’t just about the views (though they are amazing). It’s about experiencing a country beyond the tourist hotspots, seeing it through its landscapes, its trails, its people. It’s about disconnecting from the digital world and reconnecting with my body, my breath, and my inner strength.
I’ve personally hiked Kilimanjaro (7-day Machame Route in 2021) and the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu three times. The Inca Trail is especially close to my heart: it’s what really started Trekking Pals. The ancient ruins you can only reach on foot, the wildflowers, the cloud forests, the laughs and struggles shared with a team…it’s magical. And Kilimanjaro? That mountain reminded me that I can do hard things, as long as I prepare for them.
So here’s a list of 10 incredible treks for busy women like you, women who don’t have months to spare but want an adventure that’s challenging, beautiful, and well-supported.
This means that I picked treks that have a good infrastructure, are logistically easy to plan, and where you are supported by a team.
Inca Trail, Peru
4-day trek | ~10-day trip
The Inca Trail is the kind of experience that stays with you forever. You’ll follow the footsteps of the ancient Inca civilization, winding through mountain passes, lush cloud forests, and more than a dozen archaeological sites only accessible on foot. The highlight, of course, is arriving at the Sun Gate and seeing Machu Picchu emerge through the mist.
What makes the trail special is the combination of nature, history, and community. The terrain can be challenging, but the support from guides and porters makes it accessible. The camaraderie formed within your trekking group is deep and genuine, a sisterhood forged on the trail.
Having done this trek three times, I can confidently say it’s one of the most powerful adventures for women craving a reset. From early morning coca tea wake-ups to sunsets over ancient ruins, it’s a journey that fills your soul.
The Inca Trail is regulated, meaning you need a permit and must hike with an authorized operator. This ensures preservation of the trail and a well-organized group experience. It’s best to book months in advance as permits sell out quickly.
We host three adventures a year to hike the Inca Trail. If you’re looking for a supportive community of women to hike with, this is your sign to join us.
Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
6–8-day trek | ~12-day trip
Kilimanjaro isn’t just the highest point in Africa; it’s a mental and emotional climb. Known as the highest freestanding mountain in the world, it requires no technical climbing skills, which makes it accessible for adventurous beginners with the right training, preparation, and mindset.
There are many routes to get to Uhuru peak (The highest point of Kilimanjaro), but the Machame Route is our favourite. It’s a scenic route passing through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert before reaching the arctic summit zone. What stood out to me most was the team effort: the porters singing a number of times, the guides checking on us constantly, and the shared stories around the dinner tent. Everyone is working toward the same goal, reaching Uhuru Peak together.
I summited Kili in 2021 during my period, and it was one of the most empowering things I’ve ever done. It proved to me that preparation and mindset are everything. If you’re ready to feel powerful, this trek delivers.
While Kilimanjaro is non-technical, altitude is a real factor and challenge. You’ll come down a different person, tougher, prouder, and more grounded.
Tour du Mont Blanc (France, Italy, Switzerland)
7–11-day trek
Tour du Mont Blanc is Europe’s most iconic long-distance hike. The loop takes you through three countries with ever-changing views from Alpine glaciers to wildflower-filled meadows to charming villages that feel frozen in time.
You don’t have to rough it either. Many guiding companies offer accommodation in cozy mountain huts or small hotels, with luggage transfers included. You’ll end each day with delicious food and a warm shower, making it ideal for women who want challenge and comfort.
Expect a mix of steep ascents, sweeping descents, and jaw-dropping mountain views. It’s perfect for women who want to feel strong and spoiled at the same time. If you are a wine and cheese lover, this trek is for you!
You’ll also enjoy the cultural blend of French, Italian, and Swiss hospitality, fresh croissants one morning, creamy pasta the next. The variety and support make it an ideal first long-distance trek for women who want both physical challenge and international flair.
W Trek, Patagonia (Chile)
4–5-day trek | ~10–12-day trip
The W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park is wild, windy, and wonderfully remote. It’s named after the shape the trail takes through three spectacular valleys. Each day brings new wonders: icy blue glaciers, jagged peaks, emerald lakes, and dense forests. It’s a journey that constantly shifts, and that’s part of the magic.
You’ll stay in mountain lodges (called refugios) or campsites, depending on the itinerary you choose. Most guided group tours include meals, permits, and support staff to help with logistics. You’ll carry a daypack and have your bigger bags transferred, making it easier to focus on the trail.
Patagonia’s weather is famously unpredictable, so layering is key. But with the right gear and mindset, this is a trek that delivers a raw and powerful connection to nature. It’s perfect for women who want a true adventure without going off the grid.
Many group itineraries include time in Puerto Natales and transfers from Punta Arenas. That means you get to enjoy southern Chilean hospitality, hot meals, warm beds, and a true feeling of accomplishment by the end of your hike.
Camino de Santiago (Sarria to Santiago)
5–7-day walk | ~9–10-day trip
The Camino de Santiago is a pilgrimage rather than a mountain trek, but don’t let that fool you; it can be just as life-changing. The most popular starting point is Sarria, with the walk to Santiago covering around 100 kilometers. It’s enough to qualify for the pilgrim’s certificate and gives you a full taste of the Camino’s spirit.
Along the way, you’ll pass through peaceful villages, forests, rolling farmland, and centuries-old churches. You’ll stay in quaint guesthouses or boutique hotels, depending on your group tour. Luggage is transferred daily, and the rhythm of walking allows for both reflection and rich conversations.
Unlike more rugged treks, this one invites introspection and connection. Many women choose the Camino during a time of transition or personal growth. It’s a gentle but meaningful physical challenge that offers space to reset.
Guided tours often include historical insights, cultural stops, and plenty of tapas! It’s ideal for women who want to move their bodies, rest their minds, and return home feeling grounded and renewed.
Annapurna Base Camp, Nepal
7–10-day trek | ~12–14-day trip
Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) offers a classic Himalayan experience in a manageable timeframe. You'll hike through terraced fields, rhododendron forests, and high-altitude landscapes until you reach the amphitheater of Annapurna Sanctuary, surrounded by some of the world’s tallest peaks.
ABC is less crowded than Everest Base Camp, but still challenging and deeply rewarding. Most guided trips include teahouse accommodation, porters to carry bags, and a strong focus on altitude acclimatization. It’s a great entry into real high-altitude trekking.
You'll pass through small villages where locals live in harmony with the mountain environment. Many women find this part of the trek to be particularly meaningful; it's a cultural immersion as much as a physical challenge.
Expect long days on your feet, early mornings, and the kind of scenery that takes your breath away both literally and figuratively. With the right prep, this trek offers transformation in just under two weeks.
Mount Toubkal, Morocco
2–3-day trek | ~9–10-day trip
Mount Toubkal is the highest peak in North Africa, yet one of the most accessible summits on this list. Located just a short drive from Marrakech, the trek can be completed in a few days and is often paired with cultural experiences in the city or the Sahara desert.
The trek itself is only 2 days, but you can choose longer versions of the trek, as there are many trails in the National Park.
You’ll start from the village of Imlil. The trail climbs steadily through Berber villages and rugged terrain before reaching the mountain refuge. From there, the summit push begins before dawn for sunrise views over the Atlas Mountains.
It’s a high-altitude trek, so preparation is still important, but it’s achievable for fit hikers. You’ll be surrounded by traditional Moroccan hospitality: mint tea, orange juice (The best oranges ever, I promise), tagines, and heartfelt conversations with your guides.
This is an excellent option for women with limited time who still want the pride of a summit and the richness of a cultural connection. Add on a few days in Marrakech or Essaouira to round out your adventure.
Laugavegur Trail, Iceland
4–5-day trek | ~8–10-day trip
The Laugavegur Trail is Iceland’s most famous multi-day hike, and for good reason. This trail runs through the heart of the highlands, passing through surreal terrain, lava fields, glacial rivers, steaming geothermal vents, and rainbow-colored rhyolite mountains.
You’ll stay in remote mountain huts, hike and cross rivers and plateaus that feel like another planet. The landscape changes dramatically each day, and the isolation adds to the spiritual and mental reset many women experience here.
Despite the raw wilderness, this trek is well-supported through guided tours that provide meals, logistics, and experienced guides. You don’t have to carry heavy gear, just your essentials for the day.
It’s an ideal trek for adventurous women who want something unique, empowering, and free from distraction. Iceland’s summer daylight means you can take your time, soak it all in, and maybe even spot the Northern Lights at night.
Salkantay Trek, Peru
5-day trek | ~10-day trip
Salkantay is the lesser-known (but equally epic) alternative to the Inca Trail. This route takes you from glacier-covered mountains through tropical jungle to the foot of Machu Picchu, without needing a permit.
It’s more physically demanding in parts than the Inca Trail but offers greater solitude and a wider variety of landscapes. You’ll hike past the towering Salkantay Mountain, descend into lush valleys, and finish with a visit to the famed ruins of Machu Picchu.
You may stay in luxury mountain lodges, eco-domes, or campsites, all with hot meals and group support. Porters or horses typically carry your gear, making the daily effort more manageable.
This is an excellent trek for women who want a challenge with a touch of comfort, and who crave that sense of doing something different, off the beaten path, but still with plenty of beauty and support.
Everest Panorama Trek, Nepal
5–7-day trek | ~10–12-day trip
Not ready for Everest Base Camp? The Panorama Trek is a shorter version that still gives you views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse without the altitude extremes.
You’ll follow part of the famous EBC trail, stopping in tea houses, crossing suspension bridges, and enjoying Sherpa hospitality in villages like Namche Bazaar. The trail ends with a visit to Tengboche Monastery, one of the most iconic spiritual centers in the region.
It’s a fantastic option for busy women who want a taste of Himalayan grandeur in a manageable timeframe. Porters, guides, and organized teahouse stays make it a safe and supported experience.
Expect breathtaking views, quiet moments of awe, and a renewed sense of strength as you walk through one of the most inspiring landscapes on Earth.
How to Choose the Right Trek for You
Each trek on this list offers something different, from high-altitude summit pushes to slower, soul-nourishing journeys. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
How much time can I take off work? Some treks can be done in a week, others need closer to two or three.
What kind of challenge am I craving? Physical, emotional, or both?
Do I want cultural immersion, solitude, or spiritual growth?
Am I more drawn to mountains, jungles, or rugged landscapes?
The great news? All of these options come with support and infrastructure, which means you don’t need to do this alone.
What to Pack for a long trek (Without Overpacking)
One common fear we hear at Trekking Pals: "How do I pack for a big trek?"
Here are five essentials every busy woman should pack for a multi-day adventure:
Broken-in hiking boots Comfort > brand. Avoid new shoes on the trail.
Moisture-wicking layers, Merino wool, or synthetic for breathability.
Rain protection. Regardless of what time of the year you’re hiking, you should always pack for changes in the weather, especially at high elevation. Things like a rain jacket, a poncho, a rain cover for your backpack, rain pants, etc, are important.
Trekking poles Crucial for joint protection on long descents.
Electrolytes + snacks. Quick energy boosts can shift your whole mood.
Something personal: A journal, a book, or a small talisman to remind you why you’re here.
(If you’re joining a Trekking Pals adventure, we’ll send you a detailed packing list tailored to your destination, and we’ll help you through it!)
Still on the Fence? Here’s What I’d Tell You
If you’re thinking, “I want this… but I’m not sure I can,” let me say this: I see you. Life gets busy. It’s hard to prioritize something just for yourself. But if your heart is pulling you toward this kind of challenge, trust it.
You don’t need to be an ultra-athlete. You don’t need to go alone. You just need to say yes to the possibility that this might change your life, because it changed mine.
I started Trekking Pals because I believe in what happens when women do hard things, whether alone or together. We become more confident, more alive, and more ourselves.
Let this be your year.
