On your bucket list, do you have destinations that place you higher than most people ever go?
Click start to play today’s Spell It, where we ‘name’ some of the highest tourist destinations worth visiting.
Admittedly, high-altitude destinations are not for everyone. It’s important to respect your physiology. For instance, for many people who live near sea level, mild altitude sickness can begin at 5,000 feet. Drinking plenty of water and using oxygen can help you feel better.
If you’re up for the challenge of climbing to the highest points, and get your doctor’s clearance for good measure, here are some places you can visit later this year:
1. Tibet
While Mount Everest, which borders Tibet and Nepal, is quite literally the biggest tourist magnet in the region, you can find other towering points in this high desert region that are less intimidating. As soon as you arrive at Llhasa, you’re already at an elevation of 12,000 feet. Once you acclimatise, you can walk counterclockwise – called a kora – around the foot of Mount Kailash, a mountain in western Tibet that’s sacred to four religions.
2. Peru
When American archaeologist and politician Hiram Bingham, who studied Machu Picchu in the early 20th century, travelled there, he only had the option of horseback. That gradual means of ascent helped him acclimatise to the high altitude. Today, though, with flights to Lima and Cusco, which lies at an altitude of 11,000 feet, it gets a little trickier to adjust. Still, these cities are at least 3,000 feet lower than Machu Picchu, so if you’re interested in exploring the ancient Incan ruins, it’s worth staying in these cities for a couple days before trekking higher.
3. Switzerland
Few places around the world can rival the gorgeous mountain scenery of the Swiss Alps. The Bernese Oberland area tops the list for many travellers, and the country’s third highest peak is the Jungfrau, which sports snowy tops all year round. You can take a scenic train to the summit, which is Europe’s highest train station. With spectacular views, and a variety of outdoor sports activities, there’s something for everyone to do there, whether you’re extremely fit or in regular shape.
From Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, to Kathmandu in Nepal, there are plenty more high-altitude spots that can make it to your travel wishlist.
Where would you like to go? Play today’s Spell It and tell us at games@gulfnews.com.
