These Places Are Super Hard To Get To. Who's Brave Enough To Pick Some?
- by Jessica Rae
- – on
- in Lifestyle
For adventurers who are willing to go the extra mile, there are many places on earth that very few people have ever been to. This is due either to their remote locations or other forms of inaccessibility, such as a lack of harbors or airstrips. There are still many uninhabited places in the world, places just waiting for those who are looking for a less "touristy" kind of experience.
Today we challenge our readers to visit or skip on these hard-to-reach locations and at the end of the quiz, we'll reveal what type of adventure we think they'd enjoy!
To reach some of these locations might require physical endurance and for others, patience might be the order of the day. Some of them are off-limits to visitors so anyone waiting to see them might have to get creative with their holiday planning. But for those people who want to see rare views and have bragging rights about the most remote places in the world, all the planning, and all the money spent would be more than worthwhile. The only question is just how badly they want to get to their dream destination.
Easter Island (Chile)
Easter Island is a remote volcanic island in Polynesia. Challenges: only one airline flies to Easter Island and flights don't happen that often. Also, it's quite pricey. Why it's worth it: Visitors can marvel at the giant stone carved heads protruding from the ground all over the island. Remember to pack: a camera!
Svalbard Archipelago (Norway)
Svalbard is one of the world’s northernmost inhabited areas situated between mainland Norway and the North Pole. Challenges: Getting there will involve some careful planning involving sea and air travel. Why it's worth it: Svalbard is home to the Global Seed Vault, which stores seeds to ensure they would survive a global catastrophe. Remember to pack: an extra pair of gloves!
Kure Island (US)
Kure Atoll (or Ocean Island) is an atoll in the Pacific Ocean and makes up part of the Hawaiian Islands. No-one lives on the island and it's one of the least visited destinations in the United States. Challenges: Kure Island is the world's most northerly coral atoll. Why it's worth it: Plenty of birdlife and shipwrecks to explore. Remember to pack: A snorkel.
Mount Everest (Nepal/China)
At 8,848m, Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world by elevation. Only around 4000 people have ever reached the summit. Challenges: Visitors need to have serious climbing skills and be in peak physical condition for this grueling two-month challenge. Why it's worth it: Bragging rights of course! Remember to pack: Only what you need because it's a long way to the top.
St. Kilda (Scotland)
St Kilda is the remotest part of the British Isles and one of Scotland's six World Heritage Sites. There has been no permanent population here since 1930 when they were all evacuated. Challenges: You'll need to travel by boat and the trips are dependent on the weather. Why it's worth it: Incredible birdlife. Remember to pack: Snacks!
Paracel Islands (China)
The 130 small coral islands and reefs that make up the Paracel Islands are located in the South China Sea. Challenges: The Paracel Islands are occupied by China but also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan. This means the islands are off-limits to anyone except Chinese nationals. Why it's worth it: This is the home of Dragon Hole, the deepest underwater sinkhole in the world. Remember to pack: The embassy's emergency telephone number.
Lake Baikal (Russia)
Lake Baikal in Russia is considered to be the oldest and deepest freshwater lake in the world. Challenges: Prepare for a long, long train ride. Why it's worth it: Two-thirds of the 2000+ varieties of plants and animals here are found nowhere else on Earth. Remember to pack: Ice-skates!
St Peter and St Paul Rocks (Brazil)
The Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago are a group of 15 small islets and rocks in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Challenges: Unless you are part of a research team you have little chance of setting foot on these islands. Why it's worth it: Not much to see but there'd be serious bragging rights for having made it here. Remember to pack: Everything, no-one lives here.
Pitcairn Island (British Overseas Territory)
For those looking to get away from it all, Pitcairn Island is one of the world's most remote islands. Challenges: It will take 2 days by air and a further 2 days by boat to reach the island. And there are only boats four times a year. Why it's worth it: Get to meet the 50 people living here. Oh, and there's internet connection! Remember to pack: A laptop.
Annapurna (Nepal)
Situated in the Himalayas, the Annapurna I sits at an elevation of 8091 m. Challenges: Visitors will need 8 to 25 days to hike the Annapurna Circuit. Needless to say, fitness is a requirement for this adventure. Why it's worth it: Only 191 people have ever reached the summit. Remember to pack: Warm clothes.
Desolation Island (Antarctica)
The Kerguelen Islands (also known as the Desolation Islands) are a small group of islands in the southern Indian Ocean about 2,100 miles from Madagascar. Challenges: There's no airport so visitors need to travel by boat. And there are no permanent inhabitants on the islands. Why it's worth it: Untouched natural beauty in one of the most isolated places on Earth. Remember to pack: A jacket, there's an icy wind here.
Cocos (Keeling) Islands (Indian Ocean)
About midway between Australia and Sri Lanka, in the Indian Ocean, are a string of 27 coral atolls and two islands called the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Challenges: The airport only has a single paved runway so flights are limited. Why it's worth it: One of the most beautiful places on Earth. Remember to pack: Your swimsuit.
Ciudad Perdida (Colombia)
Ciudad Perdida (also known as The Lost City) was built by the Mayans in the 11th century but was lost for centuries until it was rediscovered in the 1970's. Challenges: The Lost City can only be reached via a difficult six-day hike through the jungle. Why it's worth it: Visitors can marvel at ancient ruins said to date back to 800CE. Remember to pack: A good pair of walking shoes.
Novaya Zemlya (Arctic Ocean)
Novaya Zemlya is an archipelago in the Arctic Ocean in northern Russia where most of the 2500 residents travel by snowmobile or reindeer. Challenges: Travellers need a special permit to visit here. Why it's worth it: Plenty of polar bears and space to think. Remember to pack: English to Russian phrasebook.
Macquarie Island (Australia)
Halfway between New Zealand and Antarctica, in the southwest Pacific Ocean, lies Macquarie Island. The island, which was discovered in 1810, is home to about 20 to 40 people at any time. Challenges: You'll need to travel 665 miles from New Zealand to get there. Why it's worth it: It's a World Heritage site and home to thousands of penguins. Remember to pack: A camera.
K2 (Asia)
Nicknamed Savage Mountain, K2, is the second highest summit in the world but much more dangerous than Everest. Challenges: Adventure seekers would need to clear 9 to 12 weeks in their schedule to complete this intense steep climb. Why it's worth it: Only around 300 people have ever reached the summit. Remember to pack: A big dose of courage.
Navassa Island (Haiti/US)
Navassa Island is an uninhabited island in the Caribbean, overseen by the US but also claimed by Haiti. Challenges: Entry to Navassa is restricted and anyone who wants to visit this island needs to obtain a special-use permit to do so. Why it's worth it: The thrill of a deserted island. Remember to pack: Drinking water, as you won't find any here.
Tristan da Cunha (Saint Helena)
Tristan da Cunha is a remote group of volcanic islands in the south Atlantic Ocean and the most remote inhabited archipelago in the world situated about 1,500 miles from the nearest inhabited land, Saint Helena. Challenges: The islands are only accessible by sea via a seven-day sail from Cape Town, South Africa. And that's during the 60 days a year that the harbor allows for boat access. Why it's worth it: Beautiful wildlife. Remember to pack: Something to read on the boat trip.
Mount Bellamy (Papua New Guinea)
The Kokoda Track hiking track in Papua New Guinea will take visitors into the heart of the Owen Stanley Range of Mountains. Challenges: Explorers need to be fit and ready to face this four to ten-day hike. Why it's worth it: Once in a lifetime views. Remember to pack: First aid kit.
Kalalau Trail (Kauai, Hawaii)
The 11-mile Kalalau Trail takes visitors up steep inclines, through jungles, and onto the cliffs. Challenges: Uneven terrain and the constant danger of mudslides. Why it's worth it: This hiking trail is the only way to access the breathtaking Na Pali Coast. Remember to pack: Good quality hiking boots as the trail can be treacherous.
Bouvet Island (Norway)
Bouvet Island is a small, uninhabited island in the South Atlantic Ocean. It's the most remote island in the world; 994 miles from Antarctica and 1603 miles from the coast of South Africa. Challenges: There is no one living on the island, it's freezing cold, and there is no harbor. Only research parties visit there. Why it's worth it: Bragging rights. Remember to pack: Everything.
Deception Island (Antarctica)
Deception Island is part of the South Shetland Islands in the Antarctic Peninsula. Challenges: Several weeks travel time as there are no airstrips. Why it's worth it: The land sits atop a submerged volcano which creates hot springs which are open to visitors. Remember to pack: A bathing suit!
Mount Sidley (Antarctica)
At 4 285 m, Mount Sidley is the highest dormant volcano in Antarctica. This mountain range sits in one of the most remote places on the island, land that has not even been claimed by any country yet. Challenges: Just getting there will be difficult enough and then there's still an epic climb to look forward to. Why it's worth it: Less than 25 people have ever climbed Mount Sidley. Remember to pack: A diary; it's going to be a long trip.
Raoul Island (Kermadec Islands)
Raoul Island is the largest of the Kermadec Islands, located about 680 miles from New Zealand's North Island. Challenges: There is no safe harbor so the only way to access the island is with a small boat during calm weather. Why it's worth it: Breathtaking views. Remember to pack: Shorts and lots of water.
Floreana Island (Ecuador)
Floreana Island is an island of the Galápagos Islands and has a population of around 100 people. Challenges: Reaching the island can be tough as the ferry runs only once or twice a week. Why it's worth it: Unique wildlife. Remember to pack: Any luxuries you may need as there is only one store on the island.
Motuo County (China)
With few links to the outside world, this location is almost untouched. Challenges: This is one of the last regions of China still inaccessible by conventional road. The journey there involves hiking through The Himalayas, and crossing on a perilous 200-meter suspension bridge. Why it's worth it: Beautiful views and bragging rights. Remember to pack: Plenty of food and water.
Bora Bora (French Polynesia)
Bora Bora is a small South Pacific island known for its luxury resorts. Challenges: Depending on where you are in the world it could take quite a few flights to reach this island. And it's also quite expensive. Why it's worth it: Some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Remember to pack: A credit card.
Tromelin Island (Indian Ocean)
This tiny flat island can be found in the Indian Ocean about 310 miles north of Réunion, and 280 miles east of Madagascar. Challenges: There are no harbors so the only access is via a small landing strip. Why it's worth it: The thrill of a deserted island. Remember to pack: An iPod.
Desventuradas Islands (Chile)
The Desventuradas Islands (also known as Islands of the Unfortunate Ones) are a group of four small islands located in the Pacific Ocean about 530 miles off the coast of Chile. Challenges: Difficult to reach. Why it's worth it: Birds maybe? Remember to pack: Water, as there is none on the islands.
Niue (Independent island country)
Niue is a small, self-governing island in Oceania located halfway between Tonga and the Cook Island. Challenges: The only way to reach this island is via plane from Auckland. There is only one airline which offers flights once to twice a week. Why it's worth it: Secluded white sand beaches. Remember to pack: A beach bag.
