Easy Extreme Journeys: Deserts, Glaciers & the Polar Circle

Text by Li Xinyi | Edited & Reported | Source: Monocle Editorial Team | Photos Provided by Jungfrau Tourism Board, Zoe Lee

 

Are desert trips, mountain treks, or seeing glaciers atop Europe’s rooftop out of reach? We’ve handpicked seemingly challenging travel experiences from around the world that actually require no special training and are open to everyone. Don’t miss the chance to admire the stunning alpine glaciers of Europe and the majestic mountain ranges of the Himalayas, experience the wonder of desert life, ride a reindeer sled through the icy polar circle, or even dance with sharks. These unforgettable adventures are ready for you—just pack your bags and go.

1. A Frontier Desert Adventure in India

The Indian city of Jaisalmer, known as the “Golden City,” features buildings made entirely from a unique golden-yellow sandstone found locally. At dusk, when bathed in the glow of the setting sun, every house radiates a dazzling light. Located just 100 kilometers from the Pakistan border, it is also a key military stronghold in India.

 

A camel safari through the deserts near Jaisalmer is the main reason many visitors come here. Tours range from one day to half a month, involving traveling across the dunes on camelback and spending nights under the stars. Accommodation varies depending on price—there are luxury tents with toilets, traditional Rajasthani round huts, or you can even sleep right on the sand with nothing but the desert beneath you.

Near Jaisalmer, there are several sand dunes where travelers can ride camels along beautiful ripple patterns, soak in the desolate atmosphere of the desert, admire stunning desert sunsets, gaze at the starry night sky, and enjoy the profound silence. In the morning, you can sip masala chai and enjoy a traditional breakfast in the desert—truly a blissful experience.

 

Camel safaris are led by guides who take you through several desert villages. Villagers often invite travelers in for a visit and a photo, and tipping is customary afterward. Some of these villages include abandoned settlements once attacked by Pakistan. Sleeping out in the open on the desert border between India and Pakistan at night, coupled with summer temperatures soaring above 40°C—and even hotter in the desert—makes this a true extreme journey. But travelers need not worry: guides provide ample food and water, and shade is sought during the hottest parts of the day. Just remember to pack sunscreen and book your safari through recommended travel agencies.

2. Trekking the Annapurna Range in Nepal

Pokhara, located in central Nepal, is the most famous tourist destination outside the Kathmandu Valley. Situated at an altitude of 800–900 meters, the area is home to three lakes, including Phewa Lake, and surrounded by the peaks of the Annapurna mountain range. Trekking in Pokhara is an essential part of any Nepal trip—the Annapurna range, part of the Himalayas, is both accessible and offers breathtaking mountain vistas.

Backpackers in Pokhara can book treks ranging from four days and three nights to a full month. The classic four-day, three-night route leads to Poon Hill, whose viewpoint offers sweeping views of the Annapurna range from an elevation of 3,193 meters. For those looking to avoid altitude sickness, this is the ideal choice to get your mountain trekking fix.

 

Trekking packages include guides and porters, as well as meals, lodging, and afternoon tea. Along the way, you’ll encounter ethnic groups such as Tibetans, Sherpas, and Gurkhas. The easiest way to identify them is by their homes—those adorned with prayer flags belong to Tibetans and Sherpas. Sherpas are famed for their mountaineering skills, while Gurkhas are known for their bravery, with their curved kukri knives as a symbol.