PACAYA VOLCANO, GUATEMALA
Biggest danger: molten-hot lava, toxic vapours and crumbling terrain
After being dormant for over a century, Pacaya Volcano erupted violently in 1965 and has been erupting regularly ever since. The volcano, located just 30km (19mi) southwest of Guatemala City, is a popular tourist destination where guided groups pay a fee to be taken up to a crater. But this is not the most active (or most dangerous) crater on Pacaya.
The original “trail” has been officially closed to tourists although hard-core dedicated trekkers still make the covert hike up to the top of the mountain’s primary cinder cone. It’s best completed at night when the lava flows are more easily spotted.
It can be hot underfoot on Pacaya
CHADAR TREK, INDIA
Biggest danger: severe cold and crossing frozen rivers
One of India’s toughest treks is also one of the most dangerous hikes in the world. The route requires hikers to cross the frozen River Zanskar where the unnerving sound of gurgling water can be heard just below the ice sheet.
Once across the river, hikers still can’t relax. Much of the remaining route involves shimmying along the slippery rocks that line the riverside. Temperatures average below freezing throughout the trail, falling to -35°C (-30°F) at night when hikers usually sleep in caves below tapering icicles. Expect your nerves to be well and truly shot if you make it to the end.
A hiker alongside the icy River Zanskar
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