My 5 top trails: The worldwide favourites from trail guide Christian Keller
Gitta Beimfohr
· 04.04.2025
Switzerland: Ellhorn Trail
Grisons / Switzerland
One of my favourite trails is right on my doorstep. Down from the Ellhorn, it runs close to the edge above the young Rhine. Even though the rocky trail remains at a respectful distance from the edge, there is no room for overconfidence! The trail maintains its height for a long time before it finds a gap in the rocky ledge and heads directly to the Rhine in technically challenging hairpin bends. As a sunset ride, it gives you maximum heart palpitations - and that for just 250 metres of ascent.
France: Mont Joly
Mont Blanc region / French Western Alps
You have to earn this trail in the middle of the highest peaks in the Alps. Even if the view during the ascent is gigantic, because Mont Blanc is usually watching the slog. But then the descent: a dream of the highest capacity class all the way down to Saint-Gervais. It begins at Mont Joly with a unique ridge ride. Here, you can casually curve through gently rolling meadow bends until the forest comes up with technical finesse. 1300 metres of the finest combination of panorama, flow and challenge. Clearly a 10 out of 10.
Greece: Terpsithea Trail
Athens / Greece
A city of millions and cool single trails don't have to be mutually exclusive. Nevertheless, I was really surprised during my recent visit to Athens. Locals took me to the Ymittos mountain ridge, which towers in the south-east of the city. A trail descent of almost 1000 metres in depth starts up here, where you have to concentrate at full physical exertion. I would describe the trail as pristine, wild and honest. Just like the classics in Finale Ligure felt 25 years ago. Best riding time: sunset. There's no better place in the world when Athens is just starting to glow below.
Peru: Olleros Trail
Lima / Peru
It's the longest descent of my life: this trail winds its way down the peaks of the Andes south of Lima. 4000 metres down - without interruption. It starts above the clouds and then plunges down to sea level. In the upper section, the descent still has a few technical pitfalls, but then becomes more and more of an unforgettable flow ride. Sometimes slick rock, sometimes sandy, always maximum fun until you fall into the goosebump-inducing arms of your buddies down by the Pacific.
India: Moriri Trail
Himalaya West / India
I also found my personal dream trail in the Himalayas. In the very north of India, on the border with China: the descent from Yalung Nyau La. It forms the final furioso of our two-week bike expedition in the Western Himalayas and provides special emotions every time. As a flawless single trail, the path winds its way through the rocky desert from an altitude of 5,480 metres down to Lake Moriri. If you get to the top, at 6000 metres, you can even celebrate 1600 metres of descent. But reaching the start at this altitude is a hero's ride at the limit of what is possible.
About the person: Christian Keller, mountainbike-reisen.ch
Until 2008, the Swiss explored the world's trails on his own. He then took over the then tour organiser Engiadina & Himalaya-Tours. Since then, Christian has been offering guided tours to the remotest corners of the world at mountainbikereisen.ch.
More episodes from the "My 5 trails" section:
Gitta Beimfohr
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