15 Spectacular Valleys You Have To Strike Off Your Bucket List

Someone rightly said, ‘to continue to climb mountains, one must continuously descend back into the valleys.’

Valleys are probably one of the most beautiful natural creations ever. You can see everything in a valley, from snow to flowers, and from dry rugged mountains to silent streams of water. And thankfully, the earth has plenty of them, and all of different kinds.?

Take a look at 15 of the most spectacular valleys across the globe. Should definitely be on your bucket list.?

1. Khumbu Valley, Nepal?

Khumbu valley is also known as the Everest region. Interestingly, the Khumbu glacier is believed to be the result of the last ice age. The valley is famous for untouched mountains that are usually covered with snow. Go here for chilly weather and mind-boggling treks.?

2. The Valley Of Geysers, Russia?

The name ‘Valley of Geysers’ does half the job of convincing anyway. This beautiful valley has the second largest number of geysers in one place. In 2008, it became one of the wonders of Russia. It doesn’t have a great tourist footfall because it’s at a remote location, and the only way to get here is via helicopter. ??

3. Douro, Portugal?

The Douro valley is a magical place. You can visit the place on road, train, cruise and helicopter. On your way, you’ll spot beautiful scenery of rivers and vineyards together at one place. There’s endless colour and natural beauty here so it's easy to mistake this for heaven.?

4. Kaghan Valley, Pakistan ?

Well, our neighbours in Pakistan have several spectacular valleys, but we’ve shortlisted this one. Kaghan is known for its mountains, lakes and waterfalls that’ll call you to visit the place again and again!?

5. Danum Valley, Borneo ?

The Danum valley covers an area of 43,800 hectares. It is home to one of the biggest, most important and best-protected pristine lowland forests in south east Asia. It is situated in south-eastern Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. If you ever visit here, watch out for the rare Borneo pygmy elephant.?

6. Jiuzhaigou Valley, China?

Jiuzhaigou valley is proof that China has the best of nature. The valley has a dream view that consists of blue lakes, waterfalls, snow-covered peaks, gorgeous forests and traditional flavours of the local tribes. That’s not all - there are numerous lesser known species of plants and animals that you’ll find here as well.?

7. Valle de le luna, Chile?

Valley de la Luna is not really a valley, but a vast maze of canyons and giant spires. The formations, technically made out of clay and sandstone, were created by the persistent erosion of mountains caused by strong winds and rains that are common in this region. However, it’s the serene setting that leaves you curious. Several species of cactus grow here, but that doesn’t take the charm away. Instead, it adds to it. Lucky tourists might be successful in spotting the odd lizard or viscacha, an animal that looks like a cross between a fox and a rabbit.

8. Harau Valley, Indonesia?

The Harau valley is located in West Sumatara, Indonesia, and is a place that’ll force you to become an artist. The scenic beauty of this place cannot be described in words. There are canyons, rock formations and rice fields in between, and honestly, the area is best enjoyed via homestays.?

9. Haa Valley, Bhutan?

Another one in the neighbourhood, the Haa valley should be on top of your priority list when visiting Bhutan. Enclosed by beautiful mountains, sunsets here can almost stop time. Hike up to the monastery and the world will be in your arms. Or that's what it feels like.?

10. Ziro Valley, India?

The Ziro valley at Arunachal Pradesh is a UNESCO world heritage site. There are a variety of places to visit here, including the Meghna Cave Temple, which is almost 5000 years old. There are also a few hillocks that you can visit. The entire town makes for a good trekking experience. The leading attraction of Ziro is Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. Its landscape is decorated with mountains and paddy fields, and the presence of the Apatani tribe is extremely fascinating.

11. Valley of the Ten Peaks, Canada?

The Valley of Ten Peaks is located in the famous Banff National Park in Canada. As its name suggests, it is actually surrounded by ten gigantic peaks. The road leading to this valley is lake bound which makes the drive a delightful experience, and many a visitor has been rendered speechless. ?

12. Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland?

Located in the middle of the Alps, Lauterbrunnen is probably that place we’ve all seen in Yash Chopra’s romantic films. 72 thundering waterfalls, remote valleys, colourful alpine meadows and quiet little inns are bound to make you feel romantic. This place is a perfect getaway if you’re looking to travel with your special someone. ?

13. Barun Valley, Nepal?

Situated in eastern Nepal, the Barun valley is pretty much uninhabited. It is one of those places where you can see raw nature. The terrain stretches from Sargmatha National Park to the high plateaus of Tibet where you can spot a curve created by the Arun river. Barun valley is a place of stunning contrasts that includes really high waterfalls and deep gorges.?

14. Hunza Valley, Pakistan?

The Hunza valley in Pakistan is a mountainous valley that is home to several peaks that measure over 6,000 feet. Barren land, quaint villages, beautiful hilly mountains and the silence around the Baltit fort makes this place a fairy-tale valley!?

15. Spiti Valley, India?

Spiti is unique because it is a desert valley, located in the middle of the Himalayan mountains in Himachal Pradesh. Spiti meaning ‘middle land’ was named so because of its location between Tibet and India. Amidst high scale peaks, there are red brick homes in the middle of green barley fields.

So when are you planning your trip?