13 Travel Destinations That Are Nearly Impossible to Visit

1. Inland Antarctica

If you crave adventure in the most isolated places, Inland Antarctica should top your list. Venturing into the heart of this icy expanse means you’re tackling one of the most challenging destinations to reach on Earth.

While the South Pole draws visitors, areas like East Antarctica present a greater hurdle. Temperatures here can plummet, making it the coldest spot on the planet. Your journey will likely involve a combination of flying and some serious trekking.

Travel to this frozen frontier is not just challenging but also incredibly rewarding. Gazing at the vastness of Antarctica’s interior landscape, where few have set foot, is a remarkable moment that few travelers get to experience.

2. Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland

Ittoqqortoormiit, nestled in East Greenland, is a must-see for adventurous souls. Don’t let the town’s remote location deter you; the journey is part of the charm! Home to spectacular Arctic wilderness, Ittoqqortoormiit offers breathtaking northern lights and endless summer daylight.

Winter here is majestic. Try dog sledding, or if you’re feeling bold, plunge into ice fishing amidst the Greenlandic extreme cold. Summers here mean welcoming boat tours, exploring the world’s largest fjord, and possibly sighting polar bears.

3. Mount Kailash, Tibet

Mount Kailash is truly unique. At over 6,500 meters tall, it towers above the Tibetan Plateau, yet climbing is forbidden. Buddhists and Hindus consider it sacred, believing it to be the abode of deities.

Pilgrims from across the globe come to walk the Kailash Kora, a trek that circles the base, taking part in a centuries-old tradition of spiritual journeying.

The trek is challenging with high altitudes and lengthy travel required even to reach the starting point. Weather can be unpredictable, making it a place that few can say they’ve witnessed.

4. Alert, Canada

If exploring extreme landscapes excites you, then Alert, Canada, might just be what you’re looking for. Perched at the top of the world, Alert is the northernmost permanently inhabited place on the planet.

The sun barely rises in winter, and in summer, it’s daylight all day long. Getting there is no small feat, requiring a flight from Oslo or Tromsø, but for those who make the journey, the rugged Arctic scenery is truly unmatched.

5. Pitcairn Islands

Visiting the Pitcairn Islands is a journey to one of the planet’s most secluded spots. Your adventure here transcends the ordinary, showcasing vibrant wildlife and pristine nature.

The islands are a haven for marine life, and you can witness extraordinary seabird colonies. With less than 50 inhabitants, Pitcairn Island is a tiny speck in the vast Pacific, making it all the more special for those seeking solitude far from crowded tourist spots.

6. Choquequirao, Peru

Tucked away in the Andes, Choquequirao is a true adventurer’s haven. Your journey starts in the quaint village of Cachora, a scenic three-hour drive from Cusco. The path to Choquequirao is challenging but rewards you with spectacular views and a rare glimpse into ancient Inca civilization.

These ruins, sitting majestically above the Apurimac River, are still partly shrouded in the mystery of the jungle, offering a serene alternative to the more frequented Machu Picchu.

7. Taktsang Palphug, Bhutan

Tucked away in Bhutan’s cliffside, Taktsang Palphug, more famously known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery, awaits. This stunning monastery sits precariously on a granite cliff about 3,000 feet above the Paro valley.

To reach it, you’ll hike up a path that’s surrounded by beautiful forests with blue pines and rhododendrons. The hike takes about 2 to 3 hours, and you’ll encounter prayer wheels and flags waving in the mountain breeze.

While the travel to this site is challenging, the views and serene spirituality you’ll find are your reward. It’s a remarkable place that perfectly embodies Bhutan’s commitment to preservation and spirituality, making it one of the most unique travel destinations around the globe.

8. Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles

The Aldabra Atoll is a natural masterpiece in the Seychelles, remote and largely untouched. Known as one of the largest raised coral atolls in the world, your journey here is a step into a vibrant ecosystem.

With the largest population of giant tortoises, it’s a sanctuary like no other. Exploring its diverse habitats, you’ll find unique flora and fauna, making Aldabra a top destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

9. Lake Baikal, Russia

Lake Baikal is a natural wonder nestled in the heart of Siberia. As the world’s deepest and oldest freshwater lake, its crystal-clear waters hold a fifth of the Earth’s unfrozen fresh water. When winter blankets the region, the lake transforms into a spectacular icy expanse.

Travelers can enjoy the sight of the Trans-Siberian Railway tracing the lake’s edge, revealing breathtaking views. In summer, the surrounding forests and mountains invite you for a serene escape.

Your taste for adventure will be satisfied by exploring Baikal’s unique wildlife, like the iconic nerpa seals – they’re the only freshwater seals in the world! And if you’re a foodie, the smoked omul, a fish found nowhere else, is a must-try.

10. Hang Son Doong Caves, Vietnam

Discovered by a local in 1990, Hang Son Doong is a natural wonder tucked away in Vietnam’s Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Its name means ‘Mountain River Cave’, and it proudly holds the title of the world’s largest cave. Venturing into its vastness, you find a microclimate with its own weather system.

As you roam through its enormous chambers, you’ll witness the tallest stalagmite known as ‘The Great Wall of Vietnam,’ standing at over 70 meters tall, which is a spectacular part of the cave’s natural architecture detailed on Vietnam Travel. Son Doong offers a unique adventure with colossal cave pearls, ancient fossils, and a deep river flowing through its heart.

11. Montecristo, Italy

Montecristo is a true hidden gem, tucked away in the Tuscan Archipelago. Visiting this secluded island is a unique challenge due to strict access rules, which maintain its pristine condition.

Each year, just a limited number of visitors are allowed to explore its untouched landscapes, keeping it distant from the usual tourist buzz. It’s a rare opportunity to witness the island’s unspoiled nature, with chances to see it restricted to specific times of the year.

12. Tristan da Cunha, South Atlantic Ocean

Did you know Tristan da Cunha is the world’s most remote inhabited archipelago? Your adventure spirit will be put to the test as this island sits over 2,000 miles from the nearest continent.

This volcanic wonder in the South Atlantic Ocean boasts rugged landscapes and is home to unique wildlife. Getting there is a challenge, with trips departing infrequently from Cape Town, South Africa. It’s a genuine escape from daily life, where a small community lives in harmony with nature.

13. Bouvet Island, South Atlantic Ocean

Bouvet Island is like a secret hideaway in the ocean, it’s so remote! Discovered by a French explorer, it’s covered by a thick glacier, making it look like a snowball in the sea. If you’re a nature lover, you’ll be stunned by its raw beauty.

Bouvet Island belongs to Norway and is untouched by humans, so it’s super peaceful. It’s the perfect spot for those seeking solitude, but reaching it is a true adventure. Seriously, it’s a challenge just to catch a glimpse of this icy wonderland!