This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.
For couples seeking adventure outdoors, one of the most exciting ways to do this is on a mountain range. When you’re on top of a mountain, you’ll be reminded of the immensity of the world, and you’ll appreciate the beauty of nature even more. What’s more, sharing this wonderful experience with your partner can make your relationship grow even stronger.
Check out the best destinations for mountain climbing couples.
Scotland
The Scottish mountains may not be the biggest mountains worldwide, but they boast some of the world’s most scenic views. From the majestic Ben Nevis to the glens of Perthshire and the stunning mountain range of the Cairngorms, Scotland’s mountains will make your mountain climbing adventure truly exciting.
As the highest mountain in Scotland, Ben Nevis is where most climbers would go for their Scottish mountain climbing adventure. Located near the town of Fort William, about three hours north of Glasgow, Ben Nevis is part of the Grampian Mountain Range.
There are two main routes to the summit – the Mountain Path and the Carn Mor Dearg Arete route. Although it’s possible to conquer the mountain in a day, consider spending overnight when climbing Ben Nevis. Pitch your tent in the nearby Scottish camping sites that open to stunning views of the Highlands.
The Pap of Glencoe, a small mountain with breathtaking views, is another popular location for an exciting mountain climbing adventure. It might be smaller than the surrounding mountains of Glencoe, but don’t let the height fool you.
The route to the top is incredibly steep and boggy. Yet, when you get to the top, you’ll be rewarded by the breathtaking views of the giant peaks of the Mamores and Ben Nevis, down to Loch Linnhe.
USA
Along with its sheer size, the U.S. is home to numerous mountain ranges, making it an excellent destination for mountain climbing couples. The country boasts dozens of different mountain ranges that stretch across the entire country and come complete with climbing options well suited for all levels of mountain climbers.
Yosemite National Park is one of America’s greatest climbing areas. Here, you can enjoy an endless variety of challenges – from the sustained crack climbs of Merced River Canyon to the multi-day climbs on the big walls of the Valley.
But Yosemite is not just a playground for mountain climbers. Its crags and walls are an integral part of a protected wilderness designed for people to enjoy in a natural state.
Alaska’s Denali Mountain in Denali National Park is another popular destination for mountain climbing. Towering above the other glaciated peaks of the Alaska Range, this mountain provides a real challenge for even the most expert mountaineers.
Washington’s Mount Rainier is another great mountain to climb in the United States. It’s an active volcano with two massive craters at its summit, making it even more interesting to conquer.
France
When mountain climbing French mountains, people immediately think of the Alps, specifically Mont Blanc. But there are several other ranges in France with beautiful and challenging trails, including the Massif Central in the south, the Pyrenees, and the Vosges and Jura in the northeast.
The Northern Alps, home to Mont Blanc, offers some of the best hiking opportunities in France. With an altitude of 4,810 meters, Mont Blanc is the highest peak in Europe. Unless you and your partner are both experienced climbers, getting to the summit may not be realistic.
If you prefer something easier to conquer, consider Mourre Nègre. It may have the tallest peak in the Luberon massif, but it offers a relatively easy ascent at the height of 1,125 meters.
Along the French-Swiss border, you’ll find the Jura Mountain range, which offers gentler climbs away from the crowds of the country’s more popular mountain ranges. Its highest peak, Grand Colombier, rises to only 1,534 meters, yet the views from the top are definitely spectacular!
Tanzania
Tanzania is home to Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. Mount Kilimanjaro consists of three volcanoes – Mawenzi, Shira, and Kibo. If you and your partner are looking for a real adventure, Mount Kilimanjaro is sure to provide you with the excitement you are seeking.
A romantic alternative to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is to take a luxury safari tour to enjoy Tanzania and take in one of the most spectacular locations in the world.
During your tour, you’ll be exploring Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, which offers some of Africa’s most scenic safari journeys. Covering an area of more than 75,000 hectares, it is home to a variety of wildlife, in particular mammals, and most of them are endangered.
There are plenty of good accommodations in Tanzania. But for couples who love adventure, your best bet is to stay at a safari lodge in one of the conservation areas that lie by the shadow of Kilimanjaro. It’s also possible to spend a couple of nights in a tent at the base of the mountain during your climb to Kilimanjaro.
Bhutan
Unlike the more popular countries along the Himalayas, such as Tibet and Nepal, the mountain trails of Bhutan remain largely unexplored. Part of the reason is that the country prevents climbing peaks more than 6,000 meters as part of their local spiritual beliefs. Because of this, Bhutan is home to the highest unclimbed peak in the world, the Gangkhar Puensum.
But if you wish to visit Bhutan, there are plenty of high-altitude treks available for visitors to explore. And since there are very few tourists that come to this remote country, you’ll almost have the entire trail to yourself.
One of the most scenic treks to take in Bhutan is the Druk Path, linking the capital of Thimpu to the town of Paro. The route will pass through local villages with spectacular mountain scenery and beautiful monasteries along the way.
Another popular spot for trekking in Bhutan is around the valley of Gantey. Home to some of the country’s most beautiful religious sites and monasteries, you can easily explore the area on foot.
While Bhutan may not have plenty of options for giant peaks to climb, it has many scenic trails that are largely unexplored and have truly spectacular views.
