It’s such an exhilarating experience to explore the corners of the earth that almost seem untouched by the outside world. These awe striking locations feature something for everyone, from freezing Arctic climates to tropical paradises, the choice is yours! Let’s get away from the tourist traps and venture off to some of the most beautiful and secluded places in the world.
Oymyakon, Russia
This town in Russia is one of the coldest places on earth, its average temperature is a whopping -58, frostbite can occur within a matter of a few minutes here. It is home to approximately 500 people, who spend 21 hours out of their day living in complete darkness. Due to it’s the frigid weather its residents are unable to grow crops, they rely heavily on frozen fish, reindeer meat, and macaroni to sustain their diets.
To get to this remote location you will need to travel by plane to the nearest town, about 560 miles away from Oymyakon and then drive on the road that natives affectionately call “The Road of Bones”.
Siwa Oasis, Egypt
Despite being isolated in the middle of the Egyptian desert, Siwa truly is the diamond in the rough.
Those who visit this hidden oasis boast its beauty in both its culture and experiences. Spending their days immersing themselves in the Siwi peoples culture, listening to their unique language, eating locally grown dates and olives, or taking a dip in Cleopatra’s mineral spring bath.
Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland
This quaint little town in Greenland called Ittoqqortoormiit is home to 450 residents. So remote that in order to visit you will need to catch a ride on a helicopter.
Those that live there enjoy an array of activities including camping, watching the northern lights,dog sledding, and hiking the tundra. Despite its icy existence it is a true wonder of the world and a bucket list destination for many.
Socotra Island, Yemen
Although not as remote as some of the others on this list, Socotra Island is hands down one of the most unique places in the world!
It is home to over 800 rare plants, including the native Dragon’s Blood Tree which is known for its blood-red colored sap. The island is on the Gulf of Aden in Yemen and is home to 40,000 people, however it is slow to progress, building its first ever road in 2011. If exploring otherworldly landscapes and basking on pristine beaches is your thing, then a visit to the isolated Island of Socotra is for you.
La Rinconada, Peru
This little town can be found three miles up in the mountainous province of Puno, Peru, right next to a gold mine. It is noted as being the highest city in the world, and it is also one of the most poverty stricken, with the majority of its residents living below the poverty line.
It lacks many basic amenities such as running water and a sewer system, yet is still home to close to 30,000 people. To reach the city you will have to brave a 6 hour ride on unpaved rugged roads, most likely in the back of a local’s old beat up truck, there are no bus routes or transit services that go to La Rinconada. Isolated is an understatement.
Palmerston, Cook Islands
Palmerston is a small island with a lagoon in the Pacific Ocean. Its stunning landscape of white sandy beaches and isolated existence is the basis of its appeal.
Although rough seas make it less accessible, creating difficulty for those who might want to visit. The island is only visited by a cargo ship with supplies maybe twice a year, it only has two phones on the entire island, and a whole 62 residents. It is the epitome of a well hidden gem.
Supai, Arizona
If you want to visit Supai, Arizona you will need to be comfortable riding horses, hiking eight miles, or hitching a ride on a helicopter. It is such a remote village that it is the only place in the United States that the mail is delivered by a mule!
It is predominantly occupied by an ancient tribe called the Havasupai; they have lived in this canyon for centuries. What it lacks in convenience it makes up for in character, featuring beautiful turquoise waterfalls, red rock canyons, and the pools of Havasu Creek.
Bantam Village, Cocos Islands
Batam Village, Cocos Island in Australia is home to approximately 448 people to which most are Cocos Maylays. It’s extremely rich in culture, and thanks to its extreme isolation its people have been able to protect their native language and religious beliefs.
Being located in a tropical latitude means the Island has warm and consistent temperatures year round, adding even more to its general appeal. Isolated yes, mundane I think not.
Torshavn, Faroe Islands
Torshavn is definitely a bustling city yet still has its small town values. It is the capital of Faroe Island and also the tiniest capital city in the entire world, though it be tiny it is mighty!
The city is known for its hospitality, and its locals take a lot of pride in their home and historical roots.
Coober Pedy, Australia
Coober Pedy is somewhere you would expect to only see on the big screen, with most of its residents living underground to get away from the blistering heat.
It is located in the outback of Australia, mostly known for being the largest producer of opals in the whole world. It truly is a place of wonder and history.
Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada
Iqaluit is located in the Everett Mountains of Canada, it was known as Frobisher Bay from 1942 till 1987 when traditional Inuktitut name was given back.
You can catch the northern lights, watch the Arctic Winter Games, or walk the famous “Road to Nowhere” if you take the trek to Iqaluit, Nunavut.
Changtang, Tibet
Changtang is a well protected area, so much so, you need a permit in order to enter. It is a vast plateau at an extremely high altitude and is the second largest nature preserve in the world.
The people of this land known as Changpa are nomadic herders, they live in extremely unpredictable and harsh weather conditions, yet the plateau has over half a million inhabitants. Changtang gives isolation and entirely new meaning.
Villa Las Estrellas, Antarctica
Villa las Estrellas Villa Las Estrellas (Spanish for ‘Star Town’) is one of only two permanent settlements in the Antarctic. Getting to it takes a long two day boat journey from Ushuaia, Argentina.
If you choose to visit, be sure to pop into the local gym and souvenir shop.
Barrow, Alaska
Barrow, Alaska is just an hour and half flight away from Anchorage, Alaska. Despite its close proximity it feels like it’s a million miles away from anywhere, there are no roads that lead to Barrow making it a very contained space.
Because it is at the very top of Alaska it experiences some pretty severe extremes, the most notable being 65 days of straight darkness during the winter. It takes a special person to live in a place like Barrow, can you imagine not seeing the sun for 65 days?
Tristan da Cunha, British Overseas Territory
Tristan da Cunha is home to a population of 258 people, all sharing one of only seven surnames. It is a volcanic isle in the middle of the South Atlantic, and is said to be the most remote island chain in the world.
If you would like to visit you will need to strategically plan your trip and hop aboard one of the three ships that make nine trips to the isle each year.
