July 15, 2024
News
Are you tempted to spend your holidays away from the main tourist destinations without crowds? Nowadays, there are not many attractive destinations left in the world that remain untouched by mass tourism. Here are 5 tips for undiscovered travel gems in countries where Caritas Czech Republic helps people get back on their feet. Whether you are a hiking enthusiast or want to discover historic cities, you will find plenty of options in our list.
1. Altai Tavan Bogd National Park in Mongolia
Altai Tavan Bogd National Park is located in the westernmost province of Mongolia, which is also the gateway to the Mongolian part of the Altai Mountains. It is the largest and most remote nature reserve in the country. Hikers, in particular, will find a great place to visit. In addition to Mongolia's highest mountain, Khüjten, several treks in the national park are suitable for less advanced tourists. The reward for climbing these peaks will be unforgettable views of pristine mountains, lakes and glaciers.
In addition to its beautiful nature, the park has an exciting history and culture. Enjoy visiting the Petroglyphic Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Central Asia's most preserved rock art record. You will only encounter a few people while wandering through the national park, but you should visit the local nomads, such as the Kazakhs and Tuvins. They will happily shelter you and give you a taste of their distinctive cuisine.
2. Mountain region of Adjara in Georgia
Despite its relatively small size, Georgia has a very diverse landscape. There are sandy beaches, mountain ranges and deserts. Nevertheless, this Transcaucasian country is still somewhat overlooked by tourists. If you like to spend your holidays by the water and at the same time are attracted by the mountains, Adjara, a region in southwest Georgia, will be the right fit for you.
Adjara is home to beautiful beaches on the eastern coast of the Black Sea. That is why you will run into locals vacationing here during summer. Due to its geographical location, this region is a bit rainier than the rest of the country, making it one of the greenest places in Europe. You will appreciate the lushness of the local landscape when you wander in the mountains. The unspoilt mountain landscape full of coniferous forests is sure to impress. In the Adjara Mountains, you will encounter hospitable Georgians in remote villages, several national parks, and tobacco plantations.
3. Barotseland in western Zambia
The destination of most travellers heading to Zambia is the famous Victoria Falls. But if you want to see wild African nature without the crowds, Barotseland is the place for you. This historic area is located in a relatively remote region in the west of the country, far from the main tourist routes. Even so, Barotseland has plenty to offer travellers.
One of the attractions is the Barotse Floodplain on the Zambezi River, one of Africa's largest wetlands. It is also home to a quarter of a million people living on small islands on the river. If you like fishing, make sure to visit between May and August when you can catch big tiger fish. Liuwa Plain National Park is located on the wetland. Here you can see wildebeest, zebra, and cheetahs, as well as more than 300 species of birds.
4. Iraqi Kurdistan
What comes to mind when you hear the Middle East? All desert and unstable political situation? Iraqi Kurdistan, the autonomous Kurdish region in north-eastern Iraq, breaks these stereotypes. It is a safe region with a unique landscape of green mountains, rivers, canyons and lakes. Many tourists overlook Kurdistan unfairly, so you will only come across a few people here.
The natural beauty can be admired mainly in the region of Duhok and Irbil, which stretch along the borders with Turkey and Iran. The two highest mountains in the country, Hallgord and Cheekha Dar are also located here. However, you should make time to visit the Kurdish cities in your itinerary. According to UNESCO, Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. In addition to the citadel, you will find authentic bazaars and street food stalls where you can try traditional Iraqi delicacies.
5. Northern Moldova
Would you like to enjoy a holiday without the crowds but do not want to travel too far? Northern Moldova is an excellent alternative for those who want to spend their holidays in Europe but want to avoid the main tourist destinations. Nature lovers can take a trip to the local caves. One of them, Criva Cave, is the eighth-longest cave in the world. You should not miss a trip to Naslavtsia, which offers the most beautiful view of the Dniester River ever. You can see the heart of the Dniester from the hills here, a small heart-shaped island in the middle of the river. The region has earned the nickname Moldovan Switzerland for its beautiful nature.
If you like to spend time in the city, northern Moldova still has plenty to offer. In Soroca, you can visit a 15th-century fortress and in Bălți, Moldova's second-largest city, do not miss a visit to St Nicholas Cathedral. Whether you plan a trip to the countryside or the city, be sure to stop by one of the local food markets. These are renowned in northern Moldova.
How does Caritas Czech Republic help?
Caritas Czech Republic helps people in these countries to get back on their feet. We are dedicated to developing health and social services in Georgia and Moldova. In Zambia, we support refugees and build farmers' resilience to climate change. We are providing permanent shelters for people in Iraq and helping them return to work. We actively support young people in Mongolia and focus on protecting the local environment.
