Ooh, I'm glad this topic appeared on the homepage this week (even if it was due to a spam post), since it's allowed me to reminisce for a couple of hours on previous fun hiking adventures.
Since I'm not American, I would have to pick the South-West of the US as my all-time favourite overseas backpacking destination, but I guess that doesn't really count for this particular item
So, I think I will go for the Everest region in Nepal as my number one for hiking. In addition to the non-stop awesome scenery, and the opportunity to visit base-camp, it has the benefit of a multitude of tea-houses along the trails, offering food and basic accommodation, and wonderful hospitality. The area is also easily accessible from Kathmandu, so long as you don't mind the 'thrilling' landing in a tiny plane on one of the shortest runways in the world !
The first time I visited, I made the mistake of trying to be too clever ! By attempting to avoid the October crowds and arriving in the 'shoulder season' of September, I spent much of my time engulfed in thick cloud, with only tantalising glimpses of the mountains. The next time I visited in November, when the large tour groups were heading back to Kathmandu, and I had the region virtually to myself. Although it was cold, it's almost guaranteed to be sunny all day, every day at that time of year.
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