Which Tourist Attractions Require Hiking? How Difficult Are They?

Travelers often seek out natural landscapes and mountaintop views to break free from the usual city pace. But not all stunning sights come easy. Some of the most breathtaking tourist attractions around the world require a bit—or a lot—of hiking. Whether you're looking for a short scenic climb or a multi-hour trek, it's essential to understand which spots demand physical effort and what level of difficulty they entail.

This guide breaks down various famous destinations—both in China and internationally—that require hiking to reach, categorized by difficulty level, elevation gain, trail conditions, and estimated time. If you're someone who loves panoramic vistas but wants to know what you’re getting into, this is for you.

Easy Hikes (Beginner-Friendly)

These attractions involve mild inclines, well-paved paths, or steps. They are suitable for most people, including families with children or elderly travelers.

Elephant Trunk Hill – Guilin

While this iconic limestone formation doesn’t require much of a hike to view from afar, accessing the small pagoda on top involves a gentle walk up stone steps. The trail is shaded and scenic.

• Distance: Less than 1 km round-trip

• Time: 20–30 minutes

• Trail: Stone-paved steps

• Difficulty: 1/5

• Recommended for: All ages

Mount Phousi – Luang Prabang, Laos

This small hill in the heart of the old town offers one of the best sunset views in Southeast Asia. The steps are steep but short.

• Distance: About 300 steps

• Time: 20 minutes up

• Trail: Concrete stairs

• Difficulty: 1.5/5

• Tip: Bring water and arrive early before sunset to get a good spot

Fushimi Inari Taisha – Kyoto, Japan

Known for its thousands of vermillion torii gates, this shrine on Mount Inari offers a hike that can be as short or as long as you like.

• Distance: 4 km round-trip if you do the full circuit

• Time: 1.5 to 2 hours for the full loop

• Trail: Stone steps and forest paths

• Difficulty: 2/5

• Optional: You can turn back at any point

Moderate Hikes (For Active Travelers)

These hikes require decent stamina and may involve longer climbs, uneven trails, or steeper grades. Suitable for those who exercise regularly.

Yellow Mountain (Huangshan) – Anhui, China

While Huangshan offers cable cars, some visitors opt to hike the traditional stairways to truly immerse in the granite peaks and "sea of clouds." Expect thousands of stone steps.

• Distance: 7–12 km depending on route

• Time: 3 to 5 hours uphill

• Trail: Stone-carved stairs and paved paths

• Difficulty: 3/5

• Alternative: Take cable car up, hike down

Tiger Leaping Gorge – Yunnan, China

One of China’s best multi-day treks, this trail follows a river gorge between snow-capped mountains. It involves cliffside paths and scenic farmland.

• Distance: 22 km (Upper trail)

• Time: 2 days

• Trail: Dirt paths, rocky switchbacks

• Difficulty: 3.5/5

• Tips: Accommodations along the trail, but pack light

Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) – Norway

This epic cliff above Lysefjord is a bucket-list hike in Scandinavia. The route includes rocky sections but is well-marked and extremely popular.

• Distance: 8 km round-trip

• Time: 4 hours total

• Trail: Stone and gravel, occasional steep parts

• Difficulty: 3/5

• Highlight: Unreal views from the cliff's edge

Mount Batur – Bali, Indonesia

A sunrise hike on this active volcano involves a predawn start, but the reward is watching the sun rise over Lake Batur.

• Distance: 5 km round-trip

• Time: 2–3 hours

• Trail: Dirt, volcanic ash, slippery at points

• Difficulty: 3/5

• Guides: Required for safety reasons

Challenging Hikes (For Experienced Hikers)

These trails require solid fitness, proper footwear, and ideally, some hiking experience. Steep ascents, elevation gain, and trail length are major factors.

Mount Emei – Sichuan, China

One of China's four sacred Buddhist mountains, Mount Emei has thousands of stone steps stretching from the base to the Golden Summit at over 3,000 meters elevation.

• Distance: 40+ km depending on route

• Time: 1–2 days of hiking

• Trail: Steep stairs, forest, temples

• Difficulty: 4.5/5

• Tip: Many take buses or cable cars for part of the way

Half Dome – Yosemite National Park, USA

This legendary hike includes a steep ascent up cables near the summit. Permits are required, and the climb is physically intense.

• Distance: 26 km round-trip

• Time: 10–12 hours

• Trail: Dirt, granite, cables

• Difficulty: 5/5

• Gear: Gloves recommended for cables

Mount Hua (Huashan) – Shaanxi, China

Often called the “world’s most dangerous hike,” Huashan involves narrow cliff paths and steep staircases. However, most visitors take the cable car partway and hike the peaks.

• Distance: Varies (up to 12 km per peak)

• Time: 4–8 hours

• Trail: Stone steps, ridgelines, wooden planks

• Difficulty: 4.5/5

• Caution: Not ideal for those with fear of heights

Trolltunga – Norway

A long and demanding hike to a cliff that juts out like a tongue above a fjord. The photo opportunities are epic, but the trail is not for beginners.

• Distance: 28 km round-trip

• Time: 10–12 hours

• Trail: Rocky terrain, alpine environment

• Difficulty: 5/5

• Season: Best from June to September

Hidden Gems With Moderate Hiking

Some less touristy attractions also involve climbs, but reward you with a peaceful atmosphere and incredible scenery.

Sanqing Mountain – Jiangxi, China

Famous for bizarre granite peaks and Taoist temples. There are cable cars, but hiking the old trails offers a spiritual experience.

• Distance: 10–15 km depending on route

• Time: 5–6 hours

• Trail: Stone paths, forest boardwalks

• Difficulty: 3/5

• Atmosphere: Misty and serene

Angels Landing – Zion National Park, USA

This famous trail involves steep drop-offs and chains to assist the final push. Permits are now required due to safety concerns.

• Distance: 8.7 km round-trip

• Time: 4–5 hours

• Trail: Sandstone, chains, narrow ridges

• Difficulty: 4.5/5

• Restrictions: Not suitable for those afraid of heights

Seoraksan – South Korea

This national park has multiple hiking routes to different peaks. The Ulsanbawi Rock trail is steep but well-constructed.

• Distance: 8 km round-trip

• Time: 3–4 hours

• Trail: Metal staircases, stone steps

• Difficulty: 3.5/5

• Bonus: Buddhist temples along the trail

How to Choose the Right Mountain Hike

Before committing to a mountain destination, consider the following:

• Fitness Level: Are you used to hiking or long walks? Start with moderate routes if unsure.

• Time of Day: Early morning is often best for mountain hikes—cooler, fewer crowds, and safer in case of weather shifts.

• Gear: Wear supportive shoes, bring a raincoat or windbreaker, and always carry water and snacks.

• Local Conditions: Ask about weather, wildlife, and trail closures. Some routes are inaccessible during the rainy season or winter.

• Permit Requirements: Some destinations like Half Dome or Angels Landing require advance booking.

Honorary Mentions: Hikes With Cable Cars

Some famous mountains technically allow you to skip the hike via cable car or tramway, but for those who want the exercise, hiking options are available:

• Mount Tai (Taishan), China: Climbing from the base is a rite of passage, with over 7,000 steps. Alternatively, take the tram halfway.

• Mount Pilatus, Switzerland: Multiple trails to the summit with a train ride or gondola as backup.

• Eiger Trail, Switzerland: A scenic hike at the base of the Eiger with views of glaciers and alpine meadows.

Summary Table of Hiking Attractions by Difficulty

Whether you're a casual traveler or a seasoned mountaineer, there’s a climb out there that will reward your effort with awe-inspiring beauty. From ancient pilgrimage steps to thrilling ridgelines, hiking tourist attractions is more than exercise—it’s an immersive journey into nature, history, and culture.