17 Deadly Destinations That Only the Boldest Tourists Dare to Visit
For some travelers, the ultimate thrill lies in pushing boundaries and facing danger head-on. The global adventure tourism market is projected to reach $1,682.28 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 9.66% from 2024 to 2032.
More thrill-seekers are venturing into perilous territories. Here are 17 of the world’s most dangerous destinations that only the boldest tourists dare to visit.
Death Valley, California, USA
This desert lives up to its name, the hottest place in the world, where it’s not uncommon to see temperatures of up to 134°F (56.7°C).
With constant threats of dehydration and heatstroke, visitors are advised to bring lots of water and not to hike during the day’s heat. Nevertheless, its desolation fascinates brave travelers, realizing that the landscape can not be kept alive.
Mount Everest, Nepal
Mountaineers have long dreamed of conquering the world’s tallest peak, but it’s unsafe. Altitudes higher than 29,000 feet make oxygen levels low, temperatures subzero, and the possibility of avalanches.
Over 200 bodies remain on Everest, stark reminders of the perils involved. Only those with proper training and preparation should consider this expedition.
Snake Island (Ilha da Queimada Grande), Brazil
Located off Brazil’s coast, this island is home to the golden lancehead viper, one of the world’s deadliest snakes. With an estimated 1 to 5 snakes per square meter, just stepping on this island will kill you. As you might expect, it’s completely off-limits to the public, accessible to researchers, and only with strict supervision.
The Danakil Desert, Ethiopia
Frequently surpassing 120°F (50°C), the Danakil Desert’s extreme heat combines with toxic gases and sulfuric acid pools, making it one of the most inhospitable places on Earth.
Known as “the gateway to hell,” this landscape is dotted with bubbling lava lakes and mineral formations. This surreal location is best experienced only through guided tours.
North Sentinel Island, Andaman Islands, India
The Sentinelese people, an uncontacted tribe whose hostility to outsiders is legendary, live on this small island in the Indian Ocean. Their way of life remains untouched by modernity, and they’ll fight you if you touch their island. Entering the region is dangerous and illegal, as it is protected by law to preserve the tribe’s culture.
Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, Ukraine
The world’s worst nuclear disaster is still a risky tourist spot. Though radiation levels have decreased enough to allow supervised visits, some areas still pose serious risks. Despite the risk, adventurous travelers still take the time to visit ghost towns like Pripyat, where the superficial layer of Soviet life has been left to rot.
Svalbard, Norway
This Arctic archipelago offers surreal landscapes and wildlife, but presents challenges. For the past two decades, authorities have required people to pack rifles for protection against polar bear attacks and subzero temperatures.
Without proper planning and adequate preparation, you’ll not survive a second in the frozen wilderness.
Lake Natron, Tanzania
Lake Natron appears deceptively serene. It is a unique, caustic lake with a surface that can calcify animals. The water is highly alkaline, reaching a pH of almost 10.5, and can burn or blind in contact. But the brave souls who visit are attracted by the place’s otherworldly appearance and population of giant flamingos.
Jazirat al-Hamra, UAE
This eerily abandoned Arabian ghost town is believed by locals to be haunted. Though the risk to physical health is minimal, the eerie atmosphere and desolation will most likely give even the bravest of travelers goosebumps. Shadows of its former life remain in the form of crumbling buildings and deserted alleys.
Mount Washington, New Hampshire, USA
Known for “the world’s worst weather,” Mount Washington has recorded wind speeds over 231 mph combined with life-threateningly low temperatures. Although it is only 6,288 feet tall, extreme conditions have caused so many accidents and deaths that it’s one of the deadliest mountains to climb.
The Afar Depression, Ethiopia
In this tectonically active region, the Erta Ale volcano and its lava lakes continually erupt. Dangerous gases and frequent earthquakes define the Afar Depression, a geological wonder that poses a serious risk for unprepared travelers. Here, you must rely on safety measures and guides.
Sinkholes of Xiaozhai Tiankeng, China
These massive “heavenly pits” are a testament to the power of nature. The enormous sinkhole measures 2,100 feet long, 1,760 feet wide, and 2,172 feet deep. Their sheer size makes them treacherous; a visitor could fall in.
In addition, the sinkholes possess uncharted cave systems and cave systems filled with underground rivers, posing further risks for spelunkers and researchers who plunge into them.
Valley of Death, Kamchatka, Russia
This valley, located near the Kikhpinych volcano, emits high levels of toxic gases, which can cause animals and, at times, humans to die within minutes without protection. Visitors must wear gas masks and use specialized equipment to survive in this hazardous environment.
Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands
Situated in the Pacific Ocean, Bikini Atoll is an isolated, beautiful paradise with crystal clear waters alive with coral reefs, and also the site of extensive 20th-century nuclear testing. Radiation levels here remain dangerously high, making it unsafe for prolonged visits despite its visual appeal.
Oymyakon, Russia
Standing atop the coldest inhabited place on Earth, the Siberian village gets down to -90°F (-68°C). Gear and expertise are essential for survival, as frostbite and hypothermia are constant threats. Only the genuinely adventurous endure such an extreme climate.
Dallol, Ethiopia
We see a hellish landscape beyond belief. This volcanic crater is part of the record for the hottest place on Earth, even when uninhabited, with the average daily temperature soaring to 94°F and regularly reaching 120°F.
The extreme heat is only the start of Dallol’s dangers. It is a very lethal environment, and if you’re not highly prepared, you’ll die. Besides, this region’s political instability increases the risk for tourists.
Gates of Hell, Turkmenistan
It has been burning for 50 years or more as a fiery spectacle. This massive gas crater, whose width is as wide as 230 feet while the depth is 98 feet, has a steady inferno from inside that has drawn in tourists worldwide.
The problem is that the ground around it is unstable, and the heat from the crater radiates to such an extent that visitors must pick their way very carefully to avoid falling into the pit of blazing lava.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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