5 Most Stunning Secret Marvels on Earth

While popular tourist attractions in the world are always worth-visiting, it’s also nice and fulfilling to discover off-the-beaten-path sites and experiences. The world is not limited to same old spots that have been mentioned in books and guides for many years. So for your next vacation, instead of heading to The Eiffel Tower or The Great Wall of China, target one of these hidden destinations and discover unique sights and experiences all your own.

1. Ha’iku Stairs (Hawaii)
The breathtaking view you will witness from the top of these stairs is the reason why it is named the ‘Stairway to Heaven.’ Built in 1940s and consisting of almost 4,000 steps, the track will lead you to the peak of Oahu’s Ko’olau Mountain Range. That’s a convenient hike right there!

2. Trolltunga (Norway)
Not for the faint-hearted, Trolltunga (troll tongue) is a rock formation seated at about 700 meters (2,296 feet) above the lake Ringedalsvatnet. This tongue of rock can only be accessed by a 12-hour hike from Skjegedal village, but the mesmerizing 360 degree view certainly lends itself for some stunning photo backdrops. Just try not to look down.

3. Garajonay National Park (Canary Islands)
Just like what we often see in fairytales, this park in Canary Islands is almost always cloaked in mists, making this mesmerizing land of delicate flowers, laurisilva trees and carpets of moss seem like straight out of a dream.

4. Jiuzhaigou Valley (China)
Hike through Jiuzhaigou Valley, which is a remote region in the northern part of Sichuan, China. The valley stretches over 180,000 acres, with Tibetan villages, colorful lakes and multi-level waterfalls in it. Waters are so clear that you can perfectly see the bottom of it.

5. Rangiroa (French Polynesia)
See for yourself the fascinating sea life in Rangiroa, a ring-shaped island in French Polynesia. It’s got a gorgeous underwater world that every scuba diver must see. Dolphins, green sea turtles, hammerhead sharks and manta rays are just some of the common sea creatures you’ll find here.

6. Pongong Tso (The Himalayas)
For a less crowded destination, head to Pangong Tso, a saline lake in the Himalayas between Tibet and India. The bright blue waters are beautifully contrasted by the mountains and green shore that provide absolutely mesmerizing view.

These are just a few of the plenty of places that you don’t always see on the front page of tourist magazines and guidebooks. Have you been to some of these places?