Do the work and the drudgeries of daily life seem like too much to take? Are you feeling the need to gain some perspective?
Well, the best thing you can do is grab those hiking boots and get out of your home to head towards the mountains. Be it the towering Himalayas, the snowy Alps, or the majestic Aconcagua: there’s something undeniable about the call of the mountains. For years, it has made the traveller’s heart fill with joy, and their minds brim with peace and solace.
A mountain holiday is just what you need to come back to your home with a refreshed heart and mind. And, if you have been looking for ideas regarding the finest spots for mountain holidays, here’s bringing you a detailed guide on that front.
Let’s get started!
Kilimanjaro, Tanzania:
Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, might seem like a lofty one to conquer. With the right preparation and enough training, it is a doable trek even for beginners.
It is the highest free-standing mountain on this planet at 19340 feet. This dormant volcano is in Northeast Tanzania and remains snow-covered all the year.
More than the trek, what you need to overcome is the AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). If you choose to go for an eight to ten days’ climb, your body should get acclimatized to the altitude just fine, and that would decrease your chances of getting AMS.
The views that will greet you along the way are simply awe-inspiring. From the sunrise behind the Shira Peak to the uninterrupted views of the valley below, there’s a lot to feast your eyes on in this trek.
Aconcagua, Argentina:
Aconcagua holds several feathers of distinction in its hat. It happens to be the highest peak outside of the Himalayas, the world’s highest trekking peak, and one of the seven world-famous summits.
All of these have made you think that Aconcagua is an unachievable challenge. And the remote location and height of the mountain indeed make it a challenge to scale this peak.
But, it’s a difficult but not impossible feat to trek in Aconcagua. Even an absolute novice can go for it, provided they have enough fitness. Taking the help of Aconcagua mountain guides will make the journey a lot easier.
Rainbow Mountain, Peru:
When people hear about mountain holidays in Peru, their mind naturally goes to Machu Picchu. While there is no denying the beauty of Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain is the place to head to if you want to stay off the beaten track.
Perched pretty in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, Rainbow Mountains is truly nature’s wonder. The mountains are called Vinicunca in the native language of Quechua, which means ‘seven-colour mountain.’ It truly has a kaleidoscope of golden, lavender, maroon, green, and turquoise sedimentary layers.
The journey is a bit on the difficult side with granite cliffs and glaciers on the way. But, the destination makes the journey worth it.
Mount Kenya, Kenya:
Mount Kenya often gets overlooked by travellers because Kilimanjaro tends to get all the glory. However, the truth is that Mount Kenya offers a wider range of climbing opportunities than Kilimanjaro.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that the scenic beauty of Kenya is also more than Kilimanjaro. Just consider the breathtaking triple peaks of the mountain, and you will agree to it, too.
The goal is to reach Point Lenana, which is pretty much of an achievable climb even for beginners. This point is also an amazing spot to watch the golden rays of the rising sun wash over the African plains below.
Table Mountain, South Africa:
One of the most iconic landmarks of South Africa, the flat-topped Table Mountain rises majestically at 1,086 meters above sea level.
The ones who are not into trekking can take the easy way of reaching the top via the cable cars. But, if you are looking for a more unforgettable experience, hiking is the way to go. The five-minute cable car ride can never give you the same joy as hiking up the steep route leading to the top.
Table Mountain also happens to be a biodiversity hotspot. So, you can expect to see the prettiest alpine flowers and unique wildlife such as booted eagles and jackal buzzards.
Matterhorn, Switzerland:
Matterhorn owes its fame to the near-perfect pyramid shape that it has. Moreover, it rises to a height of 4,478 meters above sea level while being situated in isolation in the middle of a singular Alpine panorama.
Thus, it’s natural that every year climbers from all around the world pay a visit to this iconic mountain.
It is important to mention that Matterhorn is a challenging feat to achieve, and you can’t do it without guides. If you are a beginner, you will find that the guiding companies will offer you a six-day package, including training sessions.
Go for that six-day package because it will ensure a safe ascent to this towering beauty.
Annapurna, Nepal:
Any list of mountain holidays remains incomplete without a mention of the Himalayas. When it comes to cultural and geological diversity, trekking to the Annapurna region of Nepal is unparalleled.
As you circumnavigate the Himalayas, you will get to witness high mountains rising all around you and the lush bamboo forest swaying gently in the cold winds. It’s an experience that can’t be put into words.
The visitors usually climb over Thorung La, which is another beautiful spot along the way. When the spectacular orange blazes of the rising sun give a fiery glow to the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, you will behold a scene like no other ever witnessed in a lifetime.
Annapurna Base Camp, Nepal: This will be an appropriate option if you have a minimum seven-day to two weeks time frame in your holiday plan. As you walk from the Annapurna Sanctuary entry gate, you will wander through the beautiful hills passing through welcoming villages and charming valley views. Compared to other treks in Nepal, the Annapurna Base Camp trek is slightly tough, demanding a little more physical strength as it is very steep and vertical with very less flat topography.
Annapurna is regarded as the most difficult and risky mountain to climb in the world. But just visualizing the state of being able to stand boldly just below that towering tough mountain will energize you to climb up the hills. And finally, when you reach your desired spot, ABC camp, you will feel as if you are an insect when you compare your size against it.
The glorious view of radiating Annapurna twinkled by the bright sunrays will heal the tiresome feeling you have had to experience all the way. The memories of having crossed the small suspension bridges that look dangerous but are not actually will make you feel no less than a character in an adventure movie.
Bidding adieu
Reading about all these amazing mountain holidays must have made you excited to want to pack your bags and head out.
So, what are you waiting for? Get your travel gear ready, and start planning for your holiday without any further delay. There are so many peaks left to explore, right?
After all, the mountains are beaconing, and you must go!
