A Guide to Our Favourite Mountain Destinations

Mountains are among the most awe-inspiring features of our planet, from the snow-capped peaks of the Alps and the Himalayas to the slopes of Kilimanjaro and Kazbegi. The best luxury mountain vacations offer the chance to experience these landscapes up close, whether you want to trek through them on foot or delve deeper into their culture and history.

Every continent has its own summits to see, and our travel designers are well versed in the particularities of each region; Jack has hiked his way through the Middle East, while Lizzie’s expertise stretches all the way from Mexico to Patagonia. No matter what kind of mountain trip you have in mind, here are some tips from our team to make it an unforgettable adventure.

There are several factors to consider when planning a mountain vacation. The right destination depends on what kind of climate, terrain and activities you’re interested in. If you’re travelling with children, you might need to consider things like altitude and trail accessibility. Avid hikers may prefer more remote destinations or challenging treks. And if hiking isn’t your thing, there are plenty of places with additional experiences to complement the usual outdoor activities.

In any case, we can help you select a spot that perfectly matches your preferences – and fits into a longer itinerary, if needed. Our team of experts will put their years of travel experience to use as they craft the ideal itinerary for you, attending to even the most minute details. To help you get inspired, here are a few of our favourite mountain destinations across the world.

We’ve curated the following list to offer some insight into the world’s best places for mountain adventures and vacations of all kinds, including recommendations for where to stay, what to see and how to fully enjoy each spot.

The Himalayas might be the world’s most well-known mountain range, boasting not only Everest and Annapurna but thousands of other peaks. This is a dream destination for seasoned hikers, though there are trails for all experience levels. Set out on the Shakti Ladakh Village Experience for an immersive journey through Ladakh’s landscapes and local communities. Or stay at Shinta Mani Mustang, one of our favourite luxury mountain retreats, in the Annapurna region of Nepal.

Peru is home to the magnificent mountain scenery of the Andes, including the Sacred Valley and Colca Canyon. Beyond the legendary Inca Trail, you can embark on several different multi-day treks through Peru to see natural wonders like Vinicunca (the ‘rainbow mountain’) and archaeological sites such as Choquequirao. This is also among the world’s best places for train travel in the mountains, with the sumptuous Hiram Bingham and Belmond Andean Explorer.

New Zealand’s South Island boasts its highest mountain – Aoraki/Mount Cook – and a long list of other peaks that you can traverse via hiking, mountain biking or even kayaking. After sunset, the area’s unusually dark skies come to life with shimmering stars, which you can admire from the Mount John Observatory or from the privacy of your suite at The Lindis. Farther south, Fiordland National Park offers fjords, waterfalls and the picturesque Mitre Peak (Rahotu).

You’ll find some of the best hiking trails in the world in Patagonia: the southernmost region of South America that spans both Argentina and Chile. Torres del Paine National Park stands out for its relatively low elevation, which means you can take on incredible hikes like the W Trek without needing to acclimatise. Or make your way to El Chaltén for the spectacular glacial scenery of Laguna de los Tres: a challenging full-day trek featuring views of Mount Fitz Roy.

Ascending Africa’s tallest mountain is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We can organise private guided hiking tours of Mount Kilimanjaro lasting roughly a week, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on the climb. After your journey, spend some time in Tanzania’s national parks and reserves for world-class safaris and wildlife spotting. Don’t miss the Mahale Mountains for the chance to spot chimpanzees and several other primates.

Set between the Sahara and Africa’s northwestern coast, the High Atlas Mountains are an absolutely essential destination in Morocco. Although it’s just a few hours from the bustling medina of Marrakesh, this region feels a world apart; think silent forests, tranquil valleys, small villages and rocky slopes that are blanketed with snow in the colder months (November–April). We suggest staying at Kasbah Tamadot for a relaxing retreat with optional outdoor excursions.

The Alps are the quintessential mountains of Europe, and Switzerland is home to more than one of their most stunning peaks. Visit the world’s highest railway station at Jungfraujoch or choose from a long list of hikes featuring glittering glaciers, azure lakes and picture-perfect chalets. Base yourself in Gstaad or St. Moritz for an extra touch of glamour. And for an especially romantic stay, our travel designer Meg suggests The Chedi in the fairytale village of Andermatt.

Norway’s Lyngen Alps may share a name with their southern counterparts, but these mountains have their own distinctive allure. Located in the country’s northern reaches near Tromsø – well above the Arctic Circle – these snow-capped peaks are juxtaposed with gorgeous fjords and lakes. Spring (March–May) is ideal for snow sports and seeing the northern lights, while summer (June–August) is the best time to go hiking here.

Situated between Central Asia and Europe, Georgia has a captivating combination of highly unique heritage, cuisine and geography. For mountain scenery, Kazbegi National Park is the place to be. Here you can scale the staggering Mount Kazbek or opt for shorter hikes to Gergeti Trinity Church or the Gveleti waterfalls. Rooms Hotel Kazbegi is the perfect home base for exploring the park – and sampling sensational Georgian food and wine.

The perfect packing list for a trip to the mountains will vary depending on your exact destination, the climate and altitude, which activities you plan to participate in and many other elements.

Basic items to bring include:

• Comfortable shoes for hiking or walking.
• Layers of clothing to be prepared for various weather conditions.

Our travel designers can advise you on additional details according to your specific itinerary.

There are plenty of ways to ensure that your mountain adventure is as enjoyable as possible. We can help you choose which countries and destinations to combine in order to create a well-rounded itinerary with time for active exploration, relaxation and cultural immersion.

Talk to your travel designer about how much time you want to spend hiking and what other activities you can add to balance out your experience, from luxury spa treatments to cooking classes.