Which holiday destinations pack the most dramatic punch?
Feeling adventurous? Here are 8 spots that are well off the beaten path
1. Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
Ethiopia is full of dramatic landscapes that make you feel as if you’ve landed on a different planet. Unesco World Heritage-listed Simien Mountains National Park is one of them, and, with its dramatic cliffs, rocky escarpments and sweeping vistas, it’s one of Africa’s most beautiful ranges. Kick back and quietly spy on groups of gelada monkeys playing, or keep watch on the magnificent walia ibex, an endangered species found only in the northern mountains of Ethiopia.
2. Nubra Valley, Ladakh
North of the Leh Valley in Ladakh district in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, at the point where the Nubra and Shyok rivers meet, lies the enchanting Nubra Valley. Here, craggy spurs, thrillingly stark slopes, boulder fields and arid mountains are dotted with sand dunes, monasteries, ruined palaces and green oasis villages that remain untouched by the mainstream. Come here to marvel at the scenery, which is best experienced on guided hikes while learning about legendary merchants, mercenaries and monks.
3. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Take a deep breath of fresh air and soak up all that makes up Grand Teton National Park, located just north of the town of Jackson, in the US state of Wyoming. Here, 310,000 acres of sage flats, lush valleys, mountain meadows and alpine lakes await. You might recognise the famously photographed locations of Mormon Row and the Moulton Barns, but Grand Teton’s celestial snowy peaks are also well worth a high-five and a few snaps from nature lovers.