Patagonia? AT? PCT? Himalaya? Yukon? Some much needed advice sought!

UPDATE ON 27/03/12: I've decided to plumb for the PCT. It seems very daunting to try and get all my planning done in time (I only have a month). The main issue is getting a loose itinerary drawn up so that I can plan food drops. It's something that takes many people many months before to plan! Yikes!

I would also very much like someone to start the trail with, or to take me under their wing for the first few days as I get used to it!

The main sticking point will be gaining a visa in time. I've scheduled the earliest possible appointment with the US Embassy in London which is April 5th. Hopefully they approve it and get my passport back to me by the 16-17th.

Hi Reddit, I was hoping you'd be kind enough to share some advice.

I'm a 22 year old Brit and have just completed first a Geology degree, and more recently a Geophysics masters. I wanted to take a year off before committing to any major job, but that year is in danger of dwindling away without a major Trek being involved!

Now, i've had an urge to just get up and go and start planning/booking right away. I have come across a few ideas that all appeal to me, however with it being April/May soon the logistics for certain areas/hikes may not be appropriate.

I'm in good physical condition, keeping myself fit and very active, but I've got a very limited trekking history: a few day treks from our base at the Kasbah du Toubkal in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco whilst doing some glacial reconstruction work out there; have walked around & camped a few times in the Peak District in the UK for 3-4 day stretches for the Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award (many years ago now!); and have spent 4 weeks camping in Wyoming/South Dakota whilst undertaking a palaeontology project out there (though there was a 'cook truck' which made things much easier for food in the evenings).

I'll throw some of my initial ideas out here, and hope for as much advice as I can get from some of you!

• The Gokyo trek in the Himalayas (or similar) - to incorporate the lakes and passing through the likes of Phortse, Namche, & Dole on the way to that summit. I believe it is Spring out there in the coming months so this may not be as much of a problem as some of the other options listed below. It also may be the most 'rewarding' if possible?

• Alternatively, Patagonia is something that has always appealed to me. Everything about the area looks incredible! Termas de Callao and Paso De la Nubes or others through the Lake District seem like they would be simpler treks for a few days then something like the 'W' of the Torres Del Paine or Fitzroy or El Chalten. Either way, my inkling is that perhaps these would be better booked with certain agencies as such? It also seems that this may be out of the question for me, as April/May very much sounds like the very end of the season out there.

• Then I encountered talk of the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail. The latter's views look amazing, and am I right in thinking it incorporates trails such as the John Muir Trail? Looking at the facebook link of the PCT class of 2012 and the discussions had on there, it leads me to believe I may be too inexperienced to attempt that anyhow, and with me having to start late (April or May) would I be better off starting off further North then the official start for the through-hike? Would I be better served to not even consider that, and perhaps consider starting the Appalachian Trail further North?

• Any other suggestions? I'm clearly open to suggestions farther afield! Perhaps the Donjek Glacier Route through the Yukon with a group/guide may be a more reasonable goal for myself? I've been to British Colombia a few times but never on a proper hike.

Money-wise, After all is said and done, with my qualifications I hope to get a job in the energy industry (provide further scope to travel and pay well) and I am in a lucky enough position to be able to borrow money from family. Obviously I don't want this to be too excessive, but mentally I've set myself a budget of £2000-2500 pounds (perhaps more or less depending on what equipment/gear and flights would be needed).

As you can see, I need advice as to weather any of these suggestions are at all possible in the immediate future or am i being completely unreasonable/absurd? Or If I would be better served to wait until September/October comes around, and what you think is and isn't viable for someone like myself.

There's such a huge breadth of knowledge on here so any opinions are welcomed and greatly appreciated!