Great posture, even after all this time
Easter Island
One of the world’s most isolated, inhabited islands, Easter Island has been shrouded in mystery since its discovery by Dutch explorer, Jacob Roggeveen on Easter Sunday, 1722. Made famous by the collection of monumental statues, called Moai, which litter the coastline of this small Polynesian island, debate still rages as to the origins and intended purpose of these sculpted monoliths.
Tilicho Lake, Nepal
High in the Annapurna range of the Nepalese Himalayas lies Tilicho Lake, the world's highest body of water. At 4900m above sea level, the lake is a determined three day hike from Manang, through inhospitable terrain, ice and snow. The glacial lake, some 2.5 miles (4 km) long, was not explored until 2005 when a Russian diving team conducted the world’s highest scuba dive here.
McMurdo Station, Antarctica
Antarctica's largest community is built on the bare volcanic rock of Hut Point Peninsula on Ross Island, the farthest southern solid ground, accessible by sea. Established in 1956, it has grown from an outpost of a few buildings to a complex facility of more than 100 structures including a harbour and outlying airport (Williams Field) with landing strips on sea ice and shelf ice. Arrival at McMurdo is most easily achieved in early summer (from October to December) and the year round population of this tiny city ranges from 250 through the winter to over 1100 during the summer. There is even a hut to visit, containing Scott of the Antarctic’s provision, left untouched since the early 1900s.
Cape York Peninsula, Australia
Described as one of the last remaining wilderness areas on earth, Cape York Peninsula, located in North Queensland in Australia, contains undisturbed eucalyptus woods and rainforest recognised for their environmental significance. The region has two seasons, Wet (from November to April) and Dry (May to November) and visiting the cape during the rains is almost impossible. The Peninsula Developmental Road starts at Lakeland where you can fill up on food and supplies, after which there is nothing for almost 456 miles (734 km) – although in odd numbered years, a stop-over in June at Laura will bring you straight into the Aboriginal Dance and Cultural Festival.
"The year round population of this tiny city ranges from 250 through the winter to over 1100 during the summer. There is even a hut to visit, containing Scott of the Antarctic’s provision, left untouched since the early 1900s."
Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland
Located at Scoresby Sound, Ittoqqortoormiit is located among the largest fjord complex in the world. Named after William Scoresby, a British Arctic explorer and whaler who first mapped the area in 1822, the region around Ittoqqortoormiit is harsh, with winters lasting for nine months of the year, during which time the sea remains frozen. However, the few tourists who make this journey are rewarded by unique landscapes and wildlife which includes polar bears, seals and muskoxen.
Pitcairn Island
This small, volcanic outcrop, situated in the South Pacific roughly 1350 miles (2170km) east south-east of Tahiti has a current population of around 50 people – all direct descendents of the mutineers on the Bounty who settled here in 1790. The wreck of the Bounty is still visible underwater in Bounty Bay and traces of the mutineers remain all over the 2 miles (3.2km) long island, particularly around Fletcher’s Cave where Fletcher Christian is said to have gone in solitude, to survey the island.
Motuo County, China
Called ‘Lotus Holy Land’ by Tibetan Buddhists, Motuo is referred to in Buddhist scripture as Tibet’s holiest region. A significant symbolic destination for travellers and adventurers, it is the only county in China that still has no access to roads, making it one of the most untouched places in the world. Currently the only way for an outsider to gain access to Motuo is by crossing the Himalayas and then a 656 feet (200 metre) suspension bridge. But the charm of an expedition to Motuo lies in the very challenge of reaching this amazing place.
Tristan da Cunha
The most remote, inhabited archipelago in the world, Tristan da Cunha is a volcanic island, 2,816 kilometres (1,750 mi) from South Africa. The population of 275 people share just eight surnames: Glass, Green (Dutch), Hagan, Rogers (American), Lavarello, Repetto (Italian), Swain (English), and Patterson - a recent addition when a Tristanian married an Englishman and returned to settle on Tristan. All land on the island is communally owned and further land acquisition or settlement is strictly forbidden, although tourists are welcome and many inhabitants sell crafts and rare stamps throughout the year.
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