Due to ever-growing cities and the parasitic urbanization of natural lands, it can be hard to find remote backpacking destinations these days.
Luckily, there are still some places where the natural beauty of the untamed wilderness is all you can see for miles.
Here are some of the top locations for backpackers looking to get as far away from civilization as possible.
1. Lake Baikal, Russia
Baikal is the oldest and deepest freshwater lake in the world. It stretches 400 miles through south-eastern Siberia, just north of the Mongolian border, within the cleft where Asia is splitting apart. This split will become an ocean in many years to come.
Stunning Sights
Seals frequent the waters and rocky sides of the lake, basking in the open sun to watch visitors meander by. Olkhon Island is home to a rock formation, which used to be a cave, known as Shamanka Rock.
This site was once the place where shamans carried out sacrifices to the spirits of the island.
To this day, people continue to visit to experience its beauty and captivating history.
How to Get There
Lake Baikal is a breathtaking destination surrounded by the Siberian taiga forests and large snow-capped mountains. However, it is not the easiest place to reach.
The closest international airport is located in Irkutsk, which is also a stop on the famous Trans-Siberian Railway. From there, backpackers can travel to the nearby town of Listvyanka and hop on the Great Baikal Trail, which is still being completed by residents of the surrounding towns.
This will take you around the lakeshore – a trek lasting about three days – to the village of Bolshoye. There are places to camp along the way, as well as homestays if the weather proves unbearable.
Alternatively, to get to Olkhon Island, you can take a 7-hour bus/van ride for about $20 from Irkutsk to the ferry terminal. The ferry takes about 20 minutes to arrive at the island. Once on the island, the bus (van) will take you to your guesthouse.
Check out Nikita’s Homestead which includes room and board. This is the most “happening” place on the island.
2. Svalbard Archipelago, Norway
Located in a series of islands far above the Norwegian mainland, Svalbard is home to prowling Polar bears and nimble Arctic foxes. It sits far above the Arctic Circle and is inhabited by villagers who just love to interact with international visitors. This is definitely one of the more remote backpacking destinations.
Stunning Sights
Here, travelers can experience the Midnight Sun. “Between late May and mid-August, nowhere in the country experiences true darkness,” reports Lonely Planet. In Trondheim, for example, “the first stars aren’t visible until mid-August.”
Fata morgana is an unusual phenomenon that many parts of the world will never experience.
“The clear and pure Arctic air ensures that distant features do not appear out of focus. As a result, depth perception becomes impossible and the world takes on a strangely two-dimensional aspect, where distances are indeterminable,” Lonely Planet explains.
How to Get There
Traveling to the archipelago is easiest by flight from Oslo, Norway to Longyearbyen in Svalbard, Norway. From this tourist town full of friendly locals, there are hardly any roads that lead elsewhere. For this reason, locals and travelers alike must rent snowmobiles or boats to travel to distant towns.
Some travellers also choose to explore the surrounding fjords and glaciers aboard an Arctic cruise ship, which allows access to remote parts of the archipelago that are otherwise difficult to reach.
For backpackers, it is best to pick a warmer season for travel or go with an experienced backpacker who knows how to brave the arctic winters. Blogger Stevie of Stevie on the Move shares his experiences in Svalbard and gives tips on how to save money and where to stay during the trip.
3. Torres del Paine, Chile
This expansive national park, full of wildlife and extravagant landscapes, is nestled high above the Patagonian steppe. This land was a sheep ranch long before it was converted into a park for travelers.
Here you’ll find glacier lakes, incredible hiking trails, endless forest and roaring rivers. The scenery here truly is spectacular.
Stunning Sights
Aside from the towering steppe and park itself, this area holds a beauty unique to Chile. The crystal clear Lake Nordenskjold sits before the Salto Grande waterfall.
Many visitors venture here to trek the famous “O” circuit through the pristine landscape created by this large body of water.
Lake Pehoe is another popular trek due to its breathtaking view of the mountains of Cuernos del Paine.
How to Get There
This circuit is located in Patagonia, just Northeast of Punta Arenas.
It stretches between the Los Andes Mountain Range and the Patagonian Steppe in Ultima Esperanza Province. It is easiest to purchase a plane ticket and fly to Punta Arenas – or take a bus from Puerto Montt, near Santiago, to Punta Arenas.
Here is a detailed guide on how to arrive at your destination. Keep in mind that because this is such a rugged destination, there is some outdoor gear that you’ll need to pack with you.
4. Laugavegurinn Trail, Iceland
Iceland’s southern highlands attract adventurers from around the world – but why?
According to Jennifer Pharr Davis of National Geographic, the highlands contain “lava fields, cross-glacial streams, and traverse breathtaking landscapes with geologic features that include hot springs, volcanoes, glaciers, and mountains in hues of pink, purple, blue, green, and yellow.”
Stunning Sights
This 49-mile-long trail allows trekkers to experience Iceland far away from the major cities and towns. It connects two nature reserves: Landmannalaugar and Thorsmork.
Along the way, trekkers will see mountains, pristine countryside, and a world devoid of urbanization. For ideas on how to plan this hike, check out this article for distances and accommodations (such as huts).
To learn how to travel here on a budget, check out this article by backpacker and Frugal Frolicker Lindsey.
How to Get There
It is only possible to do this hike from mid-July to mid-September, since other months are typically too snowy. You can begin in Reykjavik and travel to Landmannalaugar by riding a Reykjavik Excursions bus.
Lindsay details the entire process here, as well as prices.
5. Mount Rinjani, Indonesia
Located on Lombok Island in Rinjani National Park, this large mountain and active volcano is surrounded by lush rainforests. It is considered an incredibly difficult trek to the top, and many advise you to hire a guide to take you through the maze of forests.
However, it is possible to do without someone leading the way. Plus, this will give you the option to take it slow and really take in the scenery. This is definitely one of the best places to visit in Lombok.
Stunning Sights
Indonesia is an exotic location full of wild animals, such as the proboscis monkey, Sumatran tiger, and pygmy elephant. There are numerous colorful birds to see, as well as reptiles and wild pigs. The rainforest is a mini world in itself when it comes to the creatures that inhabit it.
Indonesia’s waterfalls are also an extravagant sight to behold. While it may be a good idea for you to mark their locations on a map before you set off, rest assured that they’re easy to stumble upon if you are exploring without a guide.
There are numerous volcanoes in Indonesia, but Mt. Rinjani is one of the most popular ones to visit.
You can hire a guide at your hostel or guesthouse, or go through a tour agent. Or, If you have a proper map and have sourced local advice and information, you can do the trek independently.
How to Get There
There are flights from Bali, Jakarta, and Surabaya, as well as from Singapore to Lombok. (Lombok is the island where Mount Rinjani is located.)
To get to Indonesia from surrounding countries, you can check out AirAsia.com for budget flights. If you fly into Bali, you can take a ferry boat over to Lombok, or a flight.
6. Golden Bay, New Zealand
At the northern tip of the South Island of New Zealand is a gorgeous remote place called Golden Bay. Whilst remaining relatively undiscovered, it has the kind of vibe that just draws you in. Plenty of backpackers plan to visit for a few days and end up staying weeks.
Life is really laid back here. Think barefoot beach walks and long cafe mornings with days shaped around the weather and tides rather than busy schedules.
Stunning Sights
Golden Bay is absolutely jam packed with natural beauty. There’s lots of wildlife and if you’re lucky enough you might even see some seal pups playing in the shallow tide. Wharariki Beach, with its dramatic rock formations and rolling dunes is maybe the main highlight.
But over the other side of the tip is Abel Tasman National Park with equally gorgeous golden beaches. There’s also the stunning Abel Tasman Coast Track to hike. Inland there’s forest walks and hidden swimming holes. Don’t miss the crystal clear freshwater Te Waikoropupū Springs – although you can’t swim in them.
How To Get There
There’s no airport near Golden Bay itself which helps keep visitor numbers low. Most backpackers drive from Nelson, crossing the winding Takaka Hill. It’s a seriously scenic journey with incredible viewpoints along the way and is all part of the charm of visiting Golden Bay.
7. Kyrgyzstan
This Central Asian nation is just starting to get the attention it deserves, but don’t worry, it’s still one of the top backpacking destinations for those looking to get away from it all.
Travel here and experience a unique culture, welcoming people, and pristine nature.
Stunning Sights
Explore Lake Issyk-Kul and its stunning shoreline, hike up to Ala Kul lake, go horseback riding to Song Kol Lake, and experience the mountain village of Arslanbob. There are numerous places to visit in Kyrgyzstan for those who love the outdoors.
For hiking and trekking, Jyrgalan is the up and coming destination. There are some new trails here waiting for you to explore, yurts for you to sleep in, and Kyrgyz hospitality to experience.
Of course, if you want to add to this epic destination, you can always tackle the Pamir Highway which runs from Kyrgyzstan to Tajikistan.
How To Get There
The capital city of Bishkek is actually really well connected. A quick search will show you various airlines and routes. Once you’re in Bishkek, a minibus can take you to Karakol and Lake Issyk-Kul. And, you can get to Jyrgalan from Lake Issyk-Kul in just 45 minutes by bus as well.
Ready for Your Next Backpacking Destination!
Most of these landmarks are accessible with the right gear and mental attitude. Just remember not to be mindful and responsible. Do everything in your power to avoid destroying the natural flora around you, and keep the trails beautiful and serene for future hikers. Happy travels!
