As far as the eye can see, there are perilous gaps and rotting planks held up by little fragments of corroded cable. A huge body of water is hidden underneath you. The bridge sways side to side due to the roaring wind, and as you grab a railing to cling onto, you feel your heart begin to race. Contrary to gephyrophobes, a lot of daredevils go in search of perilous hiking trails and bridges solely for the thrill. Gephyrophobia, or the dread of bridges, can be brought on by a severe fear of heights.
Trift Bridge, Switzerland
Trift Bridge is the longest pedestrian-only suspension bridge you’ll find in the Alps. The 557 feet long bridge strung 328 feet above the Trift gorge is located in an area that receives more or less 20,000 visitors per year. Don’t look down the bridge. Suspended at a spine-tingling height, the bridge may sway in windy conditions. Keep your eyes locked on the magnificent surroundings and you’ll be fine.
Yosemite’s Half Dome, USA
Rising more than 4,737 feet above Yosemite Valley and 8,848 feet above sea level, Half Dome is the signature landmark of the park. Despite an 1865 report declaring that it was “perfectly inaccessible, being probably the only one of the prominent points about the Yosemite which never has been, and never will be, trodden by human foot,” George Anderson reached the summit in 1875.”
Keshwa Chaca
Peru Keshwa Chaca is believed to be the last remaining Inca rope bridge. To build it, the Incans used natural fibres available locally. Each June, the people of the nearby communities renew Keshwa Chaca even though a wider and safer bridge has been built for normal use. The hand woven bridge is 118 feet long and hangs 220 feet above the Apurimac River.
Hussaini Bridge, Pakistan
It takes a brave (or nuts) soul to cross the next bridge on the list. Believe it or not, the people who live in the Hunza Valley, Pakistan and need to travel to a nearby town or village cross the Hussaini Bridge on a regular basis. It is located above Lake Borit, in the Upper Hunza. The Hussaini Bridge attracts countless hikers who want more than the typical “leg stretcher” walk.
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru
The world-wide famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu consists of three overlapping routes: Classic, Mollepata, and One Day. Visiting this World Heritage site involves climbing lots of steep and narrow stairs. The trail is extremely strenuous, but well worth it. The Incans were great mathematicians and engineers and they are the ones who invented the floating steps, steps that appear to seamlessly float from the wall.
