6 of the most remote places on earth

The most remote places on earth are unique places to travel. Whilst the journey may be long, travelling somewhere so far removed from everyday life is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! From tiny arctic communities to distant Pacific islands, the most remote places on earth are cut off from the rest of the world. If your idea of adventure is journeying where very few have gone before, these far-flung destinations are ideal!

Longyearbyen – Svalbard, Norway

Around 650 miles south of the North Pole, Longyearbyen is certainly one of the most remote destinations on earth. In fact, Longyearbyen is the northernmost settlement on earth! Part of the Svalbard archipelago, flights land in Svalbard airport, just a 3-hour flight from the Norwegian capital of Oslo. Life out here can be tough, and residents are required to carry a weapon if they venture outside of town due to the dangers posed by the local polar bear population. A multi-cultural group of 2,400 calls this remote place their home. The town, built on stilts to protect against the melting permafrost, is home to one grocery store and a university.

La Rinconada – Peru

Holding the title of the highest altitude settlement on earth, La Rinconada is nestled in the high Peruvian Andes. At 5,100 metres above sea level, every breath inhaled here contains half the amount of oxygen than at sea level. Nevertheless, the residents are used to the thin air, alongside freezing temperatures and ultra-high UV levels. The defining feature here is the local gold mine, which has lured those looking to make a living from this precious metal. A 6-hour drive on unpaved roads from the nearest city, there’s no easy way to get here. With such harsh conditions, it’s little wonder this is one of the most remote places on earth!

Outer Hebrides, Scotland

The most remote place in the United Kingdom, the Outer Hebrides is famed for its windswept beaches and timeless landscapes. The larger islands of Barra, South Uist, Benbecula, North Uist, Harris and Lewis are easily reached by causeway or ferry, yet retain their remote atmosphere. Over 100 islands are encompassed within this group, most of which are uninhabited. The most remote island, North Rona, can only be accessed by helicopter. Known for their diverse species of seabirds, the Outer Hebrides are a paradise for bird-watchers.

Tibetan Plateau, Tibet

The ‘Roof of the World’, the Tibetan Plateau is one of the most remote places on earth. Few people live here, but for those that do, conditions are unforgiving. Home to an arid, cold climate, the Tibetan Plateau reaches elevations of  4000 metres above sea level on average. This remote landscape is rich in natural beauty, from sacred lakes to wildlife such as snow leopards, Arctic foxes and yaks. Surprisingly, a settlement, known as the Changtang, is located here. Home to a community of a few thousand nomads,  little has changed over the last few centuries.

Easter Island, Chile

Perhaps one of the most famous remote destinations is Easter Island. Officially known as Rapa Nui, this Pacific island is famed for its Moai statues. 2,300 miles off the coast of mainland Chile, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place of immense intrigue and mystery. Home to a visually striking landscape of volcanoes, wild beaches and ancient lava, the long journey to get here is more than worth it! In fact, tourism is the main driver of the economy of Easter Island. Debate still continues as to the purpose of the 900 moai statues, carved out of rocks by indigenous inhabitants between 1250 and 1500 CE. So, if you want to uncover this mystery for yourself, a trip to this remote destination is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Siwa Oasis, Egypt

Nestled between the Qattara Depression and the Great Sand Sea in the Western Desert, the Siwa Oasis is not a common stop on the Egyptian tourist trail. Under the hot sun of the desert, this otherworldly destination is everything you’d imagine from an oasis: palm trees, crystal-clear lakes and clay houses. A real-life desert mirage, Siwa is famed for its date harvests and locally pressed olive oil. A 5-hour bus ride from Cairo, two hundred natural springs feed this mud-brick village. Furthermore, influenced by both Egyptian and North African nomadic culture, the Siwa locals have their own language, traditions and cultural heritage. Eco-lodges provide comfortable and unique accommodation options. Plus, the surrounding salt lakes are the perfect place to cool off and enjoy a weightless bath.

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