Brains
Are you looking for an incredible vacation full of breathtaking views, or views that will quite literally take your breath away? Book a stay at any of these five ultra-high elevation hotels and prepare to take in unforgettable sights right out your window, all within the comfort of your room.
#5 The Lodge in Breckenridge, Colorado: 10,200 Feet
Located at a mind-numbing 10,200 feet above sea level, this Colorado resort provides unparalleled views of the town below, Boreas Pass, the front range of the Rockies, and easy access to Breckenridge Ski Resort. Even with its location over 2 miles above sea level, the town is known for its lively après scene and one-of-a-kind hiking experiences. Be sure to pay a visit to Isak Heartstone, the friendly local troll statue just outside of town. Just don’t lose your breath on the short hike there!
#4 Glacier Hotel Grawand, Schnalstal, Italy: 10,538 Feet
Perched at the top of a glacier high in the Italian Alps sits a hotel unlike any other, the Glacier Hotel Grawand. Only accessible by gondola in the winter, this one-of-a-kind location is situated at 10,538 feet of altitude. The hotel sits in the heart of the Val Senales ski area on the Grawand Glacier in South Tyrol and boasts ski-in/ski-out conditions from September to May. Just imagine waking up to amazing views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks and deep valleys in the heart of the South Tyrolian Alps.
#3 InterContinental Lhasa Paradise, Lhasa, Tibet, China: 12,100 Feet
At this point in the list, we are getting to the hotels where those prone to altitude sickness may want to reconsider visiting. Perched above the clouds at a staggering 12,100 feet of elevation in the ancient city of Lhasa sits this luxury property. Only minutes away from the Dali Lama’s former home, the Potala Palace, and the striking Jokhang temple you’re right in the center of it all. Just make sure to strap on your oxygen mask before you head out the door.
#2 Yeti Mountain Home Kongde, Everest Region, Nepal: 13,944 Feet
You know you’re in some extreme elevation when you’re sleeping in Yeti territory. Deep in the Himalayan mountains, at the base of Everest, sits the lodge, resting at 13,944 feet. Located away from the busy centers of the Namche Bazaar and Lukla along the hike to base camp, this high-elevation retreat offers visitors the chance to get in touch with the amazing nature of the high Himalayas and meet and spend time with the local Sherpa people. Just keep an eye out for the Yeti; locals say they aren’t known for their friendliness.
#1 Hotel Tayka Del Desierto, Ojos de Perdiz, Bolivia: 15,091 Feet
15,091 feet above sea level, you’ll be gasping for breaths in this Mars-like landscape. Constructed from volcanic rock, this humble accommodation sits smack in the middle of the red sand desert of the Siloli Desert. Nearby travelers can visit the aptly named Laguna Colorada and Laguna Verde, which translates to colored red and colored green lakes respectively. Guests can also check out the out-of-this-world Salar de Uyuni salt flats or to Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake.
While these locations may seem extreme or potentially a strain on your health, studies have shown that spending time in the high country also comes with some unexpected health benefits. According to the National Health Institute “living at high altitude is associated with lower mortality from cardiovascular diseases, stroke and certain types of cancer.” All the more reason to book a stay at one or all of these amazing destinations.
