For me the mountains have been a place of reflection, somewhere I like to go to untangle my web of thoughts. It is true, the range of emotions atop a mountain that you have just reached is unimaginable. Perhaps there is no other feat that can hold a candle to the rush of excitement that over whelms your very soul during such instances.
While the majority pursue holidays to be a time for both the body and mind to clock off, there is a community of adventure seekers who like to live life on the edge with all sorts of escapades in the higher altitudes that give them a sense of accomplishment and ultimately, bliss.
So for those who are intrigued to love life on the edge amidst tall pine trees and even snow clad mountain tops, here goes:
01. ST. MORITZ
Places to visit:
Diavolezza, Lake St. Moritz, Muottas Muragl.
St. Moritz lies on the southern slopes of the Albula, just below the Piz Nier. It is the birthplace of Alpine winter tourism and is famous for its high end ski resorts that are no doubt the most visited in Switzerland. The glaciated valley is a beautiful backdrop to all the festivities that happen year round, visited by those who have a flair for gourmet needs and events of international calibre. While St. Moritz may not be the typical holiday in the mountains in which you rough it out, it is indeed a favourite among many.
02. GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN
Places to visit:
Clingmans Dome, Roaring fork motor nature trails.
North Carolina is home to the smoky mountains that has been aptly named courtesy of the natural fog that covers the area all year around. This hill station is definitely worth the visit as it is not only the most visited national park of the mainland but is also an accredited world heritage site by the UNESCO.
03. FAIRBANKS, ALASKA
Places to visit:
Running Reindeer ranch, Alyeska pipeline viewing point.
It comes as no surprise that Fairbanks, Alaska makes it to the list of the top most visited hill stations. It is breathtakingly beautiful and immediately envelopes one with a sense of peace. It is the perfect destinations for long chilly winters and good times by the rivers Tanana and Chena.
04. GRAND CANYON
Places to visit:
Bright Angel trail, Grand Canyon south Rim, Mather point.
If there is one mountain range anybody from around the world would know of, that would be the Grand Canyon. Situated in the state of Arizona in the USA, it is most probably the most visited destination of mountain lovers. What is unique about the Grand Canyon is that it allows you to enjoy nature in peace as well as push you to dip your toes into the more adventurous aspects of a holiday in the mountains.
05. TREDBO
Places to visit:
Tredbo river track, Cascades trail, mount Kosciuszko national park.
Tredbo in Australia is a great place to enjoy the snow and to indulge in ski sports. Rock climbing, trekking and cycling are also few of the most favourite past times of everybody who make it here. Panoramic views are a specialty of the altitude that stands 2037 metres above sea level. Each year Tredbo’s summer blue festival reaches a large audience that shares a passion for both the hills and music.
06. KAKADU NATIONAL PARK
Places to visit:
Ubirr, Junlom waterfall creek, Cahills crossing.
The Kakadu national park is home to abundant wildlife and gorgeous natural water fronts, particularly tall water falls that add character to the unique formation of the rock that is also set to accommodate great camping expeditions and wildlife cruises.
Each year over 200,000 visitors come into enjoy the aboriginal land formation of the Kakadu national park that is the best natural example of rock in the land down under.
07. DARJEELING
Places to visit:
kanchenjunga mountain, padmaja naidu himalaya zoological park, tinchuley village.
Tiger hill, the highest point of lesser Himalayas captures the sun rise beautifully. Once a summer retreat to the British like any other hill settlement of the subcontinent, the major attraction of the mountain range in west Bengal, India is the toy train ride which is also an acclaimed world heritage site. This is where few of the remaining steam coaches operate to take passengers from the eastern Himalayas to the lush green plantations on the higher elevations of the mountain.
08. DA LAT
Places to visit:
Bao Dai’s Summer Palace, Datanla Waterfalls, Lake of Sighs.
Da Lat in Vietnam was originally built by the French to enjoy the cool weather by the hills. Today it is visited by many to indulge in biking, hiking, trekking, canoeing and many other spring like outdoor activities that happen amidst the rolling green grass, surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Gorgeous lakes, flower gardens and lush forests set alongside the French colonial style architecture in Da Lat makes it a great exploration site from which much can be derived.
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