Berliner Höhenweg — The Zillertal High-Route

The Berliner Höhenweg (also known as the Zillertaler Runde) is one of the most prestigious high-altitude treks in the Alps. This 8-day circuit traverses the heart of the Zillertal Alps Nature Park, staying consistently between 2,000 and 3,000 meters. The route is characterized by steep granite passes, ancient glacial plateaus, and overnight stays in historic, palatial huts like the Berliner Hütte—a designated monument. It is a world of sharp ridges, emerald reservoirs, and the last remaining glaciers of the Zillertal range.

Mount Emei (Emeishan) is one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China and a UNESCO World Heritage site (alongside the Leshan Giant Buddha). Rising steadily from the Sichuan basin to 3,099 meters at the Golden Summit (Jinding), hiking Emei is an endurance trek with deep cultural roots. The full hike from the base usually takes 2 to 3 days, involving a relentless ascent up tens of thousands of carved stone steps. The trail weaves through dense forests, passing numerous active Buddhist temples where hikers can rest, eat vegetarian meals, and sleep. The mountain is famously inhabited by Tibetan macaques. The major reward is reaching the Golden Summit, home to a towering, multi-faced golden statue of Samantabhadra, often standing above the 'Sea of Clouds'.