Categories: Travel

7 Stunning Mountain Ranges That Will Instantly Put You in the Mood for Travel

Photo by biletskiyevgeniy.com from Shutterstock | Seeking adventure at Lago di Braers lake, Dolomite Alps, Italy.

Looking forward to meeting your next adventure? We’ve compiled a list of mountain destinations that offer incredible views and unique experiences. From the Rocky Mountains to the Atlas Mountains, here are the the best places for those who love hiking and nature untouched by the hands of man.

Photo by margaret.wiktor from Shutterstock | Dream Lake, Rocky Mountains National Park, Colorado, USA.

1. The Rocky Mountains

Also knows as the Rockies, this mountain range will give you the feeling you’re on top of the world. Stretching from New Mexico to Canada, the Rocky Mountains are heaven on earth for hiking enthusiast (no matter if they are beginners or not). While you’re here, you shouldn’t miss Rocky Mountain National Park.

With over 350 miles of trails, backpacking is the best way to explore the beauty of this incredible place. However, enjoying nature in its purest form comes with some dangerous encounters too. Mountain lions, bears, moose, and wolves are some pretty dangerous animals you don’t want to see when you set up your family tent.

Photo by Olga Danylenko from Shutterstock | Hiking in Himalaya mountains.

2. The Himalayas

The Himalayas spread across 5 countries: Bhutan, China, India, Nepal and Pakistan. It is true that the beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, but most visitors agree that Nepal is the best bet when it comes to stunning views of this mountain range. In fact, Nepal Himalayas contain 9 of 14 highest peaks in the world (including Mount Everest).

Many experienced travelers are blown away by the beauty of Gokyo Lakes (five oligotrophic lakes in Nepal’s Sagarmatha National Park). Plus, the Himalayas offer a wide range of routes, for both beginners and pros. However, note that altitude sickness is a thing here, especially if you use your trekking poles above 10,000 feet.

Photo by emperorcosar from Shutterstock | The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland.

3. The Alps

They are the highest mountain range in Europe, which actually stretches across 8 countries: France, Switzerland, Monaco, Italy, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, and Slovenia. Okay….enough geography for today, let’s use our imagination: can you see yourself in this train hearing the waterfall and inhaling fresh air?

Yeah, it’s hard to picture it in your head, that’s why the Alps is a destination everyone should have the opportunity to see it at least once. If you visit the Swiss Alps, you should see the village of Zermatt and Lugano City which is actually a popular vacation destination among celebrities.

Photo by anthony heflin from Shutterstock | A sunset spot from a canoe in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky.

4. The Appalachian Mountains

Did you know that the Appalachian Mountains are among the oldest mountains on earth? According to geologists, rocks from the Appalachians are hundreds of millions years old. The Appalachians stretch from Canada all the way to Alabama in the United States; in other words, you simply cannot miss this mountain range.

The Appalachian Mountains are famous for hiking, biking, paddling, and fishing. Basically, there is something for everyone. While you’re here, make sure to enjoy the iconic Appalachian Trail, often referred to as AT. Pack your things, the adventure awaits you! (Here’s a waterproof backpack that could be useful.)

Photo by ichywong from Shutterstock | Beautiful landscape at Torres del Paine National Park, Chile.

5. The Andes

The Andes are actually our favorite mountain range and no…it has nothing to do with the cuteness of llamas. 🙂 Okay… let’s return to our mountains: the Andes are the longest continental mountain range in the world. They stretch across 7 countries: Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.

Did you know that the Andes host the highest navigable lake in the world, namely Lake Titicaca? Wait… there’s even more: if it weren’t for the Andes, we wouldn’t be eating potato chips today. How so? Well, potatoes originated in the Andes of South America.

Photo by Jose Ignacio Soto from Shutterstock | Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco.

6. The Atlas Mountains

Located in northwestern Africa, this mountain range has a lot to offer to its visitors. From Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou, a UNESCO world Heritage site to the famous Ouzoud Waterfalls, the Atlas Mountains are undoubtedly Mother Nature’s favorite sons.

Hiking paths, Berber villages, and stunning valleys create a one of a kind scenery. So, if you decide to explore the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, you can do it while riding a horse. Make sure to stop at Dades Valley, which is one of the most beautiful hiking destinations in Morocco due to the odd rock formations.

Photo by biletskiyevgeniy.com from Shutterstock | Seeking adventure at Lago di Braers, Dolomite Alps, Italy.

7. The Dolomites

Located in beautiful Italy, the Dolomites are definitely a must see destination in Europe. This mountain range is a popular spot during winter, but, as you can see in the above image, summer is also a great season. Here, hiking, biking, climbing, rafting and skiing are the most in-demand attractions.

However, you can also chill out and simply enjoy the turquoise waters of Lago di Braers or Lago di Sorapis, which are literally depicted from a fairy tale. Every nature lover will adore this place–its full of wonderful landscapes and unexplored trails.