Why Everyone Should Take a Mountain Trip at Least Once

Heaven on Earth

There is something simply breathtaking about visiting the mountains. When I say mountains, I mean those massive, rugged mountains with the snow-white peaks. Although let’s be clear, I’m not talking about strenuous activities like mountain climbing, trekking, skiing and the like. If you are interested in such activities, you already know how amazing these mountains are and need no convincing! I, however, am talking about just being surrounded by these magnificent creations and experiencing that feeling of complete and utter awe.

“The mountains are calling and I must go.”

– John Muir

Picture This…

Let’s broaden this picture and get a real feel of what visiting these regions would be like.
There is excitement at the start of the trip, waiting in anticipation for what’s to come. Soon, you catch your first glimpse of a far-off peak. You think to yourself, “Could that really be a mountain in between those clouds? Surely not, it’s way too high up!” A little closer and you can see that it is indeed a snow-white peak. It takes your breath away. As you travel on, these peaks seem to become the new normal, but the only thing is, they are far from normal.

Why You Should Choose a Mountain Vacation

If you’re not already convinced, here are 7 reasons to travel to the mountains.

1. A Place to Forget Your Worries

Did you notice the houses and people in the photo above? They are quite easy to miss in front of the massive mountains. Look again and imagine yourself in the midst of this particular scenery, looking up at the snow-capped tops. It is humbling. This is a glimpse into what it feels like.

It brings great joy to witness just how magnificent and inspiring nature can be. When there are towering mountains before you, their sheer magnitude becomes pretty unbelievable. You start to realise that you and your problems might be quite insignificant. It can help to stop worrying about futile things and instead take some time to be thankful and show gratitude.

Even when you reminisce about these beautiful moments, you can often feel that awe and wonder within you. This may sound silly to you, but believe me when I say that I, too, once thought the same. And I was then proved wrong.

2. The Incredible Journey

The long drives up and down the winding roads are thrilling. You get to see the constant changes in the surroundings as you travel at different altitudes. There is anticipation at almost every turn and bend, which usually never disappoints. You would probably hear no impatient questions like, “Are we there yet?”

3. Amazing Natural Sights to See

Have you ever felt that feeling of pure exhilaration when you can’t believe what you see? Well, almost all mountainous scenery inspires this feeling. There are usually several amazing places to visit nearby, like rivers, streams, lakes, valleys, passes, waterfalls, etc. It’s a dream come true for all nature-lovers.

4. Just…Peace

To be in the midst of magnificent mountains brings a sense of peace and calm. You could be in the valley looking up at the towering peaks or at the top looking down at the beautiful valley. You could be by the crystal clear river or even in the middle of a small alpine town. Everywhere and everything around is just so peaceful. You would probably feel like switching off your phone to avoid unwanted disturbances; if only you didn’t need that camera!

5. Bring Out Your Adventurous Side

There are numerous things to do for the adventurous. Hiking, climbing, camping, river rafting, mountain biking, skiing, and even paragliding in some places. However, if these activities aren’t your cup of tea, you could just sit back and relax with an actual cup of tea and enjoy the views! Or maybe you could start with a few short hikes. It is said, “The best view comes after the hardest climb.” Now, this might not sound too tempting to the not-so-adventurous, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be the hardest climb; even a small hike to the nearest lookout usually helps to take back some even better memories.

6. Stunning Photos (No Filters Needed)

For those who love photography or those who love to get that flawless backdrop for their social media posts — this is the place for you. Almost every sight is worth capturing. You will surely have a gallery full of photos and videos once your trip is over. Although don’t get too caught up in this, leave enough time to appreciate the beauty through your own eyes, too.

7. The Weather

On a trip, the weather plays an important role. These mountainous regions have a cooler, more desirable climate (except in peak winter!). And, of course, the air up there is so fresh. Both winter and summer in these regions have their own perks. Winters can be the perfect time to witness a snow-covered paradise. In summer, valleys are filled with beautiful, blooming flowers, and all the places worth visiting would be accessible.

You can choose the perfect season to visit, depending on what type of experience you want.

Plan Your Trip Well

As incredible as it may sound, there are also a few things to keep in mind while planning this trip.

1. Pick an ideal destination: To help ensure a great trip, thorough research and a good itinerary are required. Destinations that have grown to be too popular can sometimes take away the charm of the place, and you may be left disappointed. Try to avoid these, or, if you plan a trip to a touristy place, try to arrange for some time to explore the lesser-known areas around.
2. Proper clothing: Appropriate clothing is a must. Be sure to pack your thermals, a good jacket, boots and lots of layers. The sight before you might be jaw-dropping, but this would not matter if you are shivering because you forgot to pack your warm boots/gloves.
3. Altitude sickness: Altitude sickness might be a problem for destinations located at a very high altitude. It is good to be aware and prepared for such situations.
4. Motion sickness: Travelling on numerous winding mountain roads may not be a pleasant journey for some. Medication to prevent motion sickness can help ease any discomfort.
5. Unpredictable weather: The weather in these areas can be unpredictable. It is best to have a good idea of the weather predictions during your intended stay. In winter, some routes may even be closed due to sudden snowfall or landslides. It is always a good idea to have backup plans.

An Experience Like No Other

It is quite obvious that every detail cannot be captured in writing, pictures or videos. You might even think that others’ portrayals are not all that impressive. However, it is a completely different story once you are actually there. Destinations like these have to be experienced. Once you do, you too can attempt to describe your experience; however, I think it is likely that you would not be able to come close to the actual thing.

Originally published at https://discover.hubpages.com on July 9, 2020.