Most travellers go after the energy of busy markets, crowded landmarks, and humming city streets. But there exists another kind of journey, one that leads far away from human noise and deep into the planet’s quietest corners. These are places where the nearest town may be hundreds of kilometres away, where horizons run uninterrupted, and where sometimes the silence is deafening. In places like frozen deserts, far-flung islands, and wind-beaten cliffs, time seems to slow down, and nature asserts its dominance in everything, and every way possible. For those who yearn to disconnect, to breathe in unspoiled wilderness, and to feel what it’s like to stand alone at the edge of the world, these lonely places become unforgettable.

Here are some of the loneliest places on Earth that you can actually visit.

Tristan da Cunha, South Atlantic Ocean

This is the most remote inhabited archipelago in the world. So remote that it’s a multi-day boat journey from Cape Town. Tristan da Cunha is the very definition of isolation. This volcanic island chain is home to just around 250 people. There is no airport here, and people can reach this place only by a week-long ship crossing. For those willing to undertake this journey, expect to see dramatic cliffs, seabird colonies, and a way of life untouched by modern noise. The village of Edinburgh of the Seven Seas is considered the world’s most isolated settlement. This is also the only settlement here.

Pitcairn Island, South Pacific

With a total population of only around 50 people, one wonders how and why anyone would visit this place. The answer is: By a supply ship from Mangareva, French Polynesia, and because it is a unique destination. Famous as the refuge of the HMS Bounty mutineers, Pitcairn Island is one of the least-visited, and also the least populated inhabited places on the planet. Travellers need to time their arrival with the island’s infrequent supply vessel. Those who come are rewarded with pristine waters, rare Polynesian–European culture, and incredible stargazing.

McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica

It’s normal to have doubts on this one. This is one of Earth’s driest, coldest, and most Mars-like environments. The Dry Valleys look like another planet with no snow, no ice, no vegetation, and almost no life. Here’s what’s interesting: Tourists rarely reach these remote Antarctic regions due to strict scientific protection, but those who do come via guided polar expeditions or similar supervised visits. Here, tourism is managed by the Antarctic Treaty System, and one needs to join an organised expedition.

Svalbard, Arctic Norway

This is one of the world’s northernmost inhabited regions, and is home to some uniquely popular settlements like Longyearbyen, Barentsburg, and Ny-Ålesund. Here, visitors are positively in the country of polar bears, glaciers, and endless Arctic light or darkness. Longyearbyen is accessible, but it is one of the most hostile places on the planet concerning the environment. Fun fact: People are not allowed to die in Longyearbyen because the permafrost makes it impossible for the corpses to decompose. Those who are unlikely to make it, are transferred to towns outside Longyearbyen.

Easter Island (Rapa Nui), Chile

Did you know that Easter Island is the world’s most isolated inhabited island with an airport? Rapa Nui sits alone in the vast Pacific Ocean, nearly 3,700 km from mainland Chile and 2,000 km from the nearest island. Despite its isolation, it is a popular cultural destination thanks to its iconic Moai statues.

Faroe Islands, North Atlantic

These remote, windswept islands between Iceland and Norway are home to steep green fjords, cloud-wrapped mountains, and tiny turf-roof villages, the Faroe Islands offer beautiful solitude. Even in peak season, many hiking trails feel empty, and the weather—ever-changing mist, wind, and sudden sunlight—creates a dramatic sense of isolation.

Socotra Island, Yemen

Known for its lonely, and otherworldly landscape with minimal population, Socotra is another fascinating place that needs to be visited at least once. Socotra is often called the most alien place on Earth thanks to its Dragon Blood Trees, bottle-shaped desert flora, and untouched beaches. The island remains isolated due to limited connectivity and controlled tourism.

Aitutaki & Atiu in Cook Islands

This is where you will find remote Pacific atolls with tiny populations. Aitutaki is famous for its dreamy lagoon, but beyond its small resorts, the island feels almost deserted. Atiu, even more isolated, has only a few hundred residents and caves filled with rare birds like the kopeka. Both islands offer untouched lagoons and silent beaches.

Isle of Skye’s Quiraing, Scotland

This desolate destination is known for its windswept geological formations. Although Skye is popular, the Quiraing’s otherworldly landscapes often feel abandoned, especially at dawn or in poor weather. Jagged cliffs, rock pinnacles, and vast moorlands stretch out silently, giving travellers a powerful sense of standing at the edge of the world.

Namib Desert, Namibia

This is the oldest desert on Earth with endless dunes. The Namib’s colossal dunes, ghost towns swallowed by sand, and rocky desert plains create a surreal, empty world. The Skeleton Coast, known for shipwrecks and fog, is one of the most hauntingly silent places on Earth. Even popular spots like Deadvlei feel untouched if you arrive early.

Nepal is the country with the most mountains, home to 8 of the world’s 10 tallest peaks including Mount Everest. Learn why Nepal is so mountainous, how the Himalayas formed, and how these peaks shape its culture, identity, lifestyle, and landscapes.

Nepal is known as the country with the most mountains because almost its entire landscape rises into the Himalayas. The country is filled with steep hills, deep valleys, snowy ridges, and sky-high peaks that create one of the most dramatic terrains in the world. Nepal is home to 8 of the world’s 10 highest mountains, including Mount Everest, which makes it the ultimate mountain destination. Its rugged geography shapes its climate, culture, lifestyle, and global identity.

Why Is Nepal Known as the World’s Mountain Capital?

Nepal holds this title because the mighty Himalayan range runs almost fully across the country. These huge mountains were formed when the Indian Plate slammed into the Eurasian Plate, lifting the land upward and creating some of the tallest peaks on Earth. Today, nearly 75% of Nepal’s land is mountainous or hilly, making the country one of the highest and steepest in the world. The rapid rise in height from plains to peaks creates stunning landscapes that are rarely seen anywhere else.

Nepal’s Most Famous and Iconic Mountains

1.Mount Everest

Mount Everest stands at 8,848.86 m and is the highest point on Earth, making Nepal famous worldwide. Thousands of climbers dream of reaching its summit every year, and its icy slopes challenge even the most experienced mountaineers. Everest has also shaped Nepal’s tourism industry, creating jobs, guiding opportunities, and global recognition.

2.Kanchenjunga

Kanchenjunga rises to 8,586 m and is known for its remote beauty and powerful presence. It lies on the Nepal–India border and is surrounded by deep forests, glaciers, and valleys untouched by large crowds. Climbers admire its difficulty, and locals believe the mountain is home to protective deities.

3.Lhotse

Lhotse stands at 8,516 m and forms a massive wall of ice and rock beside Everest. It is famous for its steep faces and challenging climbing routes. Together with Everest and Nuptse, Lhotse creates one of the most striking mountain formations in the Himalayas, attracting climbers and photographers every year.

4.Makalu

Makalu reaches 8,485 m and is easily recognized due to its perfect pyramid shape. It is extremely difficult to climb because of its sharp ridges and unpredictable weather. The mountain rises dramatically from the surrounding valleys, creating breathtaking views and a sense of untouched wilderness.

5.Cho Oyu

Cho Oyu stands at 8,188 m and is considered one of the more approachable high peaks, making it popular among experienced climbers preparing for Everest. Its wide slopes offer outstanding Himalayan views. The mountain sits near the Nepal–Tibet border and is known for its gentle terrain compared to other giant peaks.

Amazing Facts About Nepal’s Mountain

1.Nepal Has 8 of the 10 Highest Mountains in the World

This makes Nepal the most altitude-rich country on Earth. No other nation has such a dense cluster of extreme-height peaks. These massive mountains attract scientists, explorers, trekkers, and climbers from around the globe.

2.Altitude Rises From 60 m to 8,848 m in One Country

Nepal has one of the sharpest height changes in the world. Within just a few hundred kilometers, the land rises from lowland jungles to the top of Mount Everest. This creates unique climates, wildlife zones, and breathtaking landscapes.

3.The Himalayas Are Still Growing Every Year

Nepal’s mountains rise a few millimeters annually because the tectonic plates beneath them continue to push together. This means the Himalayas are still young and active, leading to dramatic landscapes and frequent geological changes.

4.Nepal Is a Global Hub for Trekking and Mountaineering

Millions of visitors come every year for famous treks like Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, and Langtang Valley. Tourism provides jobs, supports local communities, and makes Nepal one of the world’s top adventure destinations.

5.Mountains Are Sacred in Nepali Culture

Many peaks are believed to be the homes of gods and spirits. People pray before climbing, celebrate mountain festivals, and pass down stories that show deep respect for the mountains. These beliefs shape Nepal’s cultural identity.

These are some of the best destinations you should definitely check out for some of the best sky views.

Some places on Earth offer skies so breath taking that they feel almost unreal. These destinations are known worldwide for their spectacular sky views.

Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, New Zealand: A protected dark-sky region where the Milky Way shines brightly; ideal for astrophotography and peaceful night viewing.

Atacama Desert, Chile: One of the driest places on Earth, Atacama’s zero humidity and high altitude create crystal clear skies perfect for spotting galaxies and meteor showers.

Death Valley National Park, USA: One of America’s darkest national parks, famous for its dense star fields, meteor showers and sweeping horizon to horizon sky views.

Mauna Kea, Hawaii: Sitting above the clouds at nearly 14,000 ft, Mauna Kea offers one of the clearest night skies on the planet, with unmatched stargazing and observatories.

Wadi Rum, Jordan: The vast desert landscape, untouched by artificial light, offers dramatic sunsets and star filled skies framed by ancient sandstone cliffs.

Discover the world’s 10 most desirable countries to visit, as voted by Wanderlust readers. From Japan’s timeless traditions to Costa Rica’s lush rainforests, plan your ultimate 2026 travel adventure.

Travel is ever-changing—what’s trending today might be forgotten tomorrow. Yet, some destinations possess a timeless allure, calling travelers back again and again. These are the places that don’t just promise a trip—they promise an experience, a story, and memories that linger long after the journey ends. According to Wanderlust’s Readers’ Choice Awards (RCA), voted on by over 200,000 avid travelers, these are the countries that captured the imagination of the global travel community. The award celebrates destinations, tour operators, and travel brands that consistently inspire wanderers to explore, discover, and fall in love with the world all over again. Here’s a closer look at the 10 most desirable countries to visit, as chosen by Wanderlust readers:

1. Japan

Japan tops the list for the first time in over a decade. Beyond the neon-lit streets of Tokyo and the iconic temples of Kyoto, travelers are discovering Shikoku’s wild coastlines, Kanazawa’s artisanal wonders, and the serene islands of Okinawa. Japan’s mix of innovation, precision, and age-old traditions leaves an impression that stays with you long after you return home.

2. Costa Rica

A paradise for nature enthusiasts, Costa Rica brims with lush rainforests, exotic wildlife, and eco-adventures that thrill the senses. From zip-lining through the clouds to relaxing on quiet beaches, this Central American jewel blends adventure with serenity effortlessly.

3. Canada

Canada’s vast landscapes—towering Rockies, tranquil lakes, and vibrant cities—offer the perfect playground for explorers. Whether it’s hiking through Banff, kayaking in British Columbia, or savoring Montreal’s culinary delights, Canada promises both adventure and cultural richness.

4. Australia

From the architectural marvel of the Sydney Opera House to the rugged Outback, Australia captivates with its diversity. The Great Barrier Reef, golden beaches, and dynamic food and arts scenes make it a destination that feels both vast and intimate at the same time.

5. Peru

Peru’s ancient wonders meet breathtaking natural landscapes. Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, wander the colorful streets of Cusco, or lose yourself in the Amazon rainforest—Peru offers a journey through time and nature like no other.

6. South Africa

South Africa’s dramatic scenery and rich wildlife make it a haven for adventure. From safaris in Kruger National Park to coastal drives along the Garden Route and the vibrant cityscape of Cape Town, every corner tells a story.

7. United States

The U.S. continues to captivate travelers with its endless variety. Iconic cities like New York, natural wonders like the Grand Canyon, and a melting pot of cultures and landscapes ensure there’s something extraordinary waiting for every traveler.

8. New Zealand

New Zealand is a dream for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Towering fjords, snow-capped peaks, rolling hills, and sparkling beaches create a cinematic landscape that feels both epic and intimate. Bungee jumping, hiking, or simply soaking in the scenery—New Zealand rewards every traveler’s curiosity.

9. Brazil

Brazil pulses with life and color. From the rhythm and spectacle of Rio’s Carnival to the quiet majesty of the Amazon, the country is a thrilling blend of vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and endless surprises.

10. Ecuador

Ecuador offers a compact yet diverse adventure. Explore the Galápagos Islands’ unique wildlife, trek the Andes, or wander colonial towns alive with history and color—Ecuador invites travelers to discover and connect with its rich tapestry of landscapes and culture.