Three Places to Visit

Today being the Earth Day, it reminds me of the three extremely remote places I wish to travel – Pitcairn Islands, Qaanaaq in Greenland, and Mt. Kailash/Manasa Sarovar in Tibet.

1. Pitcairn Islands: It is the world’s most remote and least populated jurisdiction. It has a population of only 48 people. The only way to get here is to fly to Tahiti and then ride a ship for two days. Apart from seeking solace for myself at this distant place, I wish to learn what motivates such a small population to dwell in the middle of nowhere. I hope Pitcairn Islands will give me a glimpse into the future by thousands of years, for this how the earth is going to be when most of the land goes under water.

Location of Pitcairn Islands in the middle of Pacific Ocean
(Picture courtesy: wikitravel.org)

2. Qaanaq, Greenland: Qaanaq is 60 miles north of the Arctic Circle making it the second most northern place with human habitation. Once again, I am intrigued by what motivates people to live in these extreme climatic conditions. I definitely do not want to go here in winter, because summer will be cold enough. I also wish to take a dip in Greenland’s hot springs, and get a bunch of good photographs of glaciers and colorful homes.

A Picture of Qaanaaq
(Picture courtesy: www.citynewphotos.com)

3. Mt. Kailash/Manasa Sarovar: Manasa Sarovar is the highest fresh water lake in the world. There is also a spiritual element for my wish to travel to this place, for it is one of the holiest places for Hindus. While Manasa Sarovar is a fresh water lake full of life, Rakshastal, another big lake that lies right next to it is just opposite. The latter is salt water lake, and supports no aquatic life. How can nature be so perfect in symbolizing the coexistence of good and evil, light and dark, sweet and bitter, pure and impure?

Mount Kailash in the backdrop, Oval shaped Manasa Sarovar
on the right, Rakshastal on the left.
(Picture courtesy: wikipedia.org)