The twenty hikes featured in this lavishly illustrated guide cover every inhabited continent and range from a daring passage along the glaciers of the Karakorum to an age-old pilgrimage route through northern Spain, but they do have one thing in common: adventure. All the treks are of at least five days' duration and present formidable challenges, like the hazards of extreme terrain or the need for self-sufficiency in landscapes traversed only by hardy locals. Hikers who successfully meet these challenges are rewarded with the sights and experiences of a lifetime - a breathtaking vista of the ruins of Machu Picchu, a delicious meal in a remote Greek mountain village, or even an encounter with New Zealand's kea, the world's only species of alpine parrot. Compiled by passionate trekkers who know their respective regions intimately, these accounts reveal the best routes and side trips along the world's most exciting trails, from the lofty, rugged spine of America's Continental Divide to the snowy craters of Mount Kilimanjaro. Supplementary descriptions with detailed maps, equipment recommendations, and contact addresses will give enterprising hikers all the information they need to plan their own expeditions, while more than 200 full-color photographs of lush valleys, windswept plains, and jagged peaks will thrill armchair travelers. Whether you intend to undertake an adventure trek yourself or just relish one vicariously, this book will extend the limits of your experience with nature and bring you closer to the great outdoors. Book jacket.