The solace of Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Bhutan and excitement of discovery at El Mirador in Guatemala prove that the world’s most rewarding destinations to visit can also be some of the most difficult.
Get off the beaten path for your next trip by taking on one of these remote—but thrilling—destinations.
These are the world’s most difficult destinations to visit:
The Independence Mountains, Antarctica
Reaching the Independence Mountains means embarking on a multi-leg journey that could include everything from long-haul flights to the southern tip of South America to hopping on a specialized research vessel or an icebreaker that can plow through thick sea ice. That’s just to get you to the continent itself. From there, you’re likely looking at a flight in a small, rugged aircraft designed for polar conditions, landing on a makeshift runway carved out of the ice.
Once you touch down, you’ll be greeted by beautiful frosted landscapes and wildlife hardly seen anywhere else in the world. This trip is not for the fainthearted—it’s a test for true adventure travel enthusiasts looking for an adrenaline-fueled challenge.
Dogon Country, Mali
You’ll start your journey to Dogon Country with a long-haul flight to Bamako, Mali’s capital. From there, brace yourself for a bone-rattling, dusty drive across rugged terrain in a 4×4, weaving through landscapes and catching glimpses of the iconic Bandiagara Escarpment emerging from the horizon.
The Bandiagara Escarpment is a 150-kilometer-long sandstone cliff that towers over the plains below. Trek through a labyrinth of narrow pathways, steep cliffs, and hidden caves. Alongside you will be the Dogon people, who have one of the most fascinating and well-preserved cultures on the planet. You’ll be welcomed into ancient villages perched precariously on the cliffs, where mud-brick houses blend seamlessly with the rocks. The Dogon people are master storytellers, and you’ll be captivated by their legends, myths, and intricate masks that come to life during their vibrant ceremonies.
Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Bhutan
Bhutan is one of the most off-the-grid countries in the world, and The Tiger’s Nest Monastery is one of its most remote attractions. Also known as Paro Taktsang, the religious site clings to the side of a cliff, 3,120 meters above sea level. The only way to get there is to hike a steep, challenging trail. From Paro, you’ll embark on a trek that winds through pine forests, past fluttering prayer flags, and alongside chortens (Buddhist shrines). About halfway up, you’ll reach a viewpoint for the monastery before continuing on the trail, which only gets steeper as you climb.
The Tiger’s Nest Monastery is a complex of beautiful temples rooted in tradition. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche flew to this spot on the back of a tigress, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. The monastery was built around the cave where he meditated, and it’s been a place of pilgrimage ever since.
The Great Dune Sea, Sahara Desert
Forget your regular beach vacations—The Great Dune Sea is a sandy paradise without the coastline. Breathtaking sand dunes stretch as far as the eye can see, unobstructed by buildings and infrastructure.
Reaching the Great Dune Sea requires driving several hours over rough terrain from an oasis town, where you’ll need to stock up on supplies, such as water. Don’t expect to find hotels—camping is required here. You’ll be able to catch vibrant sunsets, go sandboarding, and cozy up around the fire from your campsite.
Baliem Valley, Indonesia
Nestled deep in the highlands of West Papua, Baliem Valley is a far cry from ultra-popular Bali and cosmopolitan Jakarta. To get there, you’ll fly into the mountain town of Wamena and then make your way through rugged terrain and dense forests. Trekking is the name of the game here—challenging and exhilarating. Take in breathtaking views, hidden waterfalls, and the occasional encounter with wildlife that’s as curious about you as you are about it.
This is the land of the Dani people, one of the most fascinating and resilient indigenous tribes on the planet. Here, ancient traditions are alive and well, from the unique koteka (penis gourds) worn by the men to the intricate body art and rituals that mark important events. Participate in a mock tribal war, a tradition that showcases their warrior spirit and communal bonds. Or join in a pig feast, where the meat is cooked in an earth oven and shared in a celebration of unity and sustenance.
Mount Bisoke, Rwanda
This stratovolcano, part of the Virunga Mountain Range, straddles the border between Rwanda, one of the safest countries in Africa, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The journey to reach it begins in Musanze, where you’ll take a short drive to Volcanoes National Park.
The hike up Mount Bisoke is a test of endurance and spirit. Standing tall at 3,711 meters (12,175 feet), this is a climb that will challenge your legs, lungs, and determination. As you ascend, you’ll move through different ecological zones, like the bamboo forest of the lower slopes, which is home to golden monkeys. Higher up, the vegetation changes to a mix of hagenia and lobelia, creating a surreal landscape that feels like something out of a fairytale. Keep an eye out for wild mountain gorillas—this is one of the few places in the world where they can be spotted.
Your reward for the grueling hike is the view of the crater lake, a shimmering turquoise gem in the heart of the volcano. On a clear day, the views stretch out across the Virunga Mountains, with peaks rising majestically all around you.
Forbidden Valley, Nepal
The Forbidden Valley earns its name because of its distant location in the remote Mustang region and strict permit requirements for entry. Start your journey in Pokhara, where you’ll board a flight or take a rugged jeep ride to Jomsom. From Jomsom, discovering the valley requires trekking.
This region is home to the Loba people, whose way of life has remained largely unchanged for centuries. The villages you’ll pass through are dotted with whitewashed houses and ancient monasteries that cling to the hillsides. Don’t be surprised if you’re invited into a local home for a cup of butter tea or a taste of the traditional Tsampa—embrace it.
One of the valley’s most iconic sites is Lo Manthang, the ancient walled city that serves as the cultural and spiritual heart of Mustang. The city is a maze of temples, monasteries, and royal palaces rooted in history. Plan your trip around the Tiji Festival, a spectacular three-day event that takes place annually in Lo Manthang. This celebration, filled with colorful costumes, masked dances, and ancient rituals, is a must-see.
Lake Baikal, Russia
Lake Baikal is no walk in the park. It’s remote, rugged, and requires a serious commitment. You’ll likely need to fly into Irkutsk or Ulan-Ude, both of which involve long, often pricey flights with limited direct options. From there, it’s a journey of several hours by car or train to reach the lake. The roads can be rough, especially in winter, and the weather conditions are unpredictable.
The biodiversity here is off the charts. Lake Baikal is home to thousands of unique species, including the adorable nerpa (Baikal seal), the only freshwater seal in the world, and omul, a fish so delicious you’ll be craving it long after you’ve left. Fishermen catch it fresh from the lake, and it’s served smoked, grilled, or even raw. It’s a culinary experience you won’t find anywhere else.
The local Buryat people offer a rich tapestry of traditions and history. You can visit their villages, participate in shamanic rituals, and learn about their way of life.
Aldabra, Seychelles
Located in the Seychelles, which is desirable for its tropical islands, Aldabra is the world’s second-largest coral atoll. Four main islands encircle a massive lagoon with vibrant coral reefs and an array of marine life. Aside from coral, Aldabra is home to the largest population of giant tortoises in the world—think Galápagos, but even more remote and untouched. You’ll also encounter flocks of frigatebirds, red-footed boobies, and the endemic Aldabra rail, the last surviving flightless bird in the Indian Ocean.
Aldabra is one of the most remote places on Earth, located about 1,100 kilometers southwest of Mahé, the main island of Seychelles. There are no regular commercial flights or ferries. Your journey typically starts with a flight to Mahé, followed by another flight to Assumption Island, and then a boat trip to Aldabra. We’re talking serious travel time, with logistics that can make your head spin and costs that’ll make your wallet weep.
Derweze, Turkmenistan
Derweze is a massive, flaming crater that’s been burning for over 50 years. Officially known as the Darvaza Gas Crater, this fiery pit is the result of a Soviet drilling mishap in 1971, according to urban legend. Flames shoot up into the sky, and the heat is so intense you can feel it from yards away. At night, the glow from the crater lights up the desert like a scene straight out of a sci-fi movie.
The journey to Derweze is an adventure in itself. Turkmenistan isn’t exactly known for its tourism infrastructure. Getting to Derweze involves navigating the frustrating bureaucracy of Turkmen visas, which are notoriously hard to come by. Once you’re in the country, it’s a long drive through the barren desert landscape. The Karakum Desert, also known as the Black Sand Desert, is one of the driest and most inhospitable places on Earth. It’s a land of extremes, with scorching hot days and freezing cold nights. Yet, there’s a raw, untamed beauty to it. The shifting sand dunes, the endless horizon, the clear, star-studded night sky—all of it adds to the sense of adventure.
Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland
Ittoqqortoormiit is one of the most isolated settlements in the world. You’ll need to fly to Iceland, then take a helicopter or a boat, depending on the season. Adding to the difficulty of traveling here is the weather—Ittoqqortoormiit is frigid year-round.
As a reward for the lengthy journey, you can see stunning fjords, endless icebergs, and a chance to see the Northern Lights like never before. Wilderness lovers will love spotting polar bears, musk oxen, and Arctic foxes. Go dog sledding through the Arctic tundra or kayak between towering icebergs in Scoresby Sound, the world’s largest fjord system, to make the most of your time in this untouched destination.
Salavan, Laos
Getting to Salavan, located in the southern part of Laos, involves navigating rough roads and remote paths, often in less-than-luxurious transport. Think bumpy bus rides, winding dirt roads, and maybe even a river crossing or two. Mass tourism hasn’t reached Salavan yet, which is why it’s so difficult to reach, but forests, cascading waterfalls, and tranquil villages are prizes for travelers willing to make the trip.
Tad Lo waterfall is an absolute must-see, with natural swimming pools. The Bolaven Plateau, nearby, offers some of the best trekking opportunities in Southeast Asia. Hike through coffee plantations, jungle trails, and encounter remote ethnic villages where you can immerse yourself in local culture.
Northwestern Laikipia, Kenya
Northwestern Laikipia is where the wild things are, which makes it a trek-and-a-half to reach. You’ll ride across rough terrain in a 4×4, bumping along dirt roads for miles. This is no manicured national park or luxury African safari. Instead, it’s raw, untamed wildnerness. Vast savannahs sweep horizons with rolling hills and dense bushlands. Wildlife, like elephants, lions, giraffes, and rhinos, is plenty. For an intimate experience with these creatures, go to one of the region’s private conservancies like Ol Pejeta and Loisaba.
Stay in a traditional Manyatta (homestead) to experience the culture of the Laikipia Maasai and Samburu communities in the region. Feast on nyama choma (grilled meat), ugali (a maize flour dish), and fresh vegetables straight from the garden
El Mirador, Guatemala
Visiting El Mirador is more of an expedition than a leisurely weekend on Lake Atitlán, Guatemala’s better-known tourist attraction. A sprawling, once-lost Mayan site, El Mirador is tucked away deep in the Guatemalan jungle. You’ll need to trek through dense, humid rainforest for about five days to reach it. The site was once a thriving metropolis, believed to be the cradle of the Mayan civilization, with a population in the tens of thousands. It’s an entire complex of ancient structures, including the Jaguar Paw Temple and the Monos Temple.
El Mirador is home to the largest pyramid by volume in the world, La Danta. The pyramid rises a staggering 72 meters (236 feet) above the forest floor, only receiving mainstream attention when Yes Theory, a collective of travel creators, climbed it, exposing the site to the world.
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Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
