For an avid mountain hiker, there is no mountain too high to climb. It gives them a race-pounding, heart-racing, mind-blowing experience surely they will never forget. If you are not into climbing or trekking by heart, but you want to see a magnificent view from the top, then you can surely try out these mountain vacation trips that would warm your heart and feed your soul. Here are some of the best mountain vacations you need to try.
1. Climb Ben Nevis in Scotland
Ben Navis, which means a mountain with its head in the clouds in the Gaelic language, is one of the most iconic mountains in Scotland. Some million years ago, Ben Nevis was once a massive active volcano that has exploded on itself. Amateur climbers can climb up UK’s tallest mountain, but given its almost zero visibility and its extremely below-freezing temperature on its summit, it should never be underestimated for it is a sure test of stamina, grit, and fitness. Before you go for a climb, make sure to know the weather forecast first and bring your essentials such as food, water, First Aid Kit, and directional tools in case of emergency. Also, you have to be geared appropriately for this once-in-a-lifetime climb.
2. Skiing in the French Alps
Skiing in the French Alps is a world-class experience you shouldn’t miss. They have a lot to offer from world-renowned famous resorts to customary Alpine villages where skiing is part of their day-to-day living. These mountains are also home to the mighty Mont Blanc, highest mountain in Western Europe that offers limitless possibilities for your skiing experience. Skiers, from families to couples, flock every winter in the French Alps to ski to their heart’s content. The Les 3 Vallées, the world’s largest connected skiing area, has the best snow-sure, high-altitude terrain for your snow skiing experience. Whether you are looking for a ski touring or mountaineering holiday, it doesn’t matter if you are a pro or a beginner, the resorts offer to assist you in your snowcapped Alps experience.
3. Rock Climb the Atlas Mountains
Climbing the famous Atlas Mountains of Morocco is an accomplishment that’s hard to counterfeit. With over 13,671 feet, Mount Toubkal which is at the heart of the Atlas Mountains is considered to be North Africa’s tallest mountain and the most popular trek for mountain climbers. Mountain climbing in Toubkal doesn’t require the usual climbing gears such as ropes, crampons, or safety harness, but don’t be fooled, for it still poses as a challenge even to experienced hikers as well. The trails are easy to track because they are clearly marked.
4. Climb Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya’s Point Lenana, with over 4895 meters height, is a challenging yet gratifying climb you should include in your list. The summit offers a wide array of picturesque views and make climbing tours of Mount Kenya very popular. This tall summit is dotted with rock spires, high tarns, glaciers, distinctly beautiful flowers and birds, and a weird-looking hyrax (that has evolved from the elephant) will surely make this climbing experience worthwhile. There are two popular trekking points you could choose from – Naro Moru and Sirimon. It is highly recommended to ascend and descend each of the routes because they offer a variety of experiences you shouldn’t miss.
5. Mount Kilimanjaro
If you are a trekker by heart then you should not miss Africa’s highest summit, Mount Kilimanjaro. Also considered as the tallest free-standing mountain on earth, Mount Kilimanjaro located in Tanzania is a place of folklore and legend. Summiting for over 5,895 meters, Mount Kilimanjaro doesn’t require technical skills to its climbers, in fact, even children and an 89-year-old woman have successfully reached the summit covered with ice. There are numerous climbing trails in going to Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit including the Marangu and the Machame. The usual duration for a Kilimanjaro trek takes about five to six days. But, the success rate of reaching the peak of the mountain is only about 50% mainly because of altitude sickness experienced by the climber. It is recommended to take an extra day for acclimatization, or the process of being accustomed to the climate, for more chance of a successful climb to the top.