5 vibrant mountain getaways for your next trip
You won’t believe these beautiful mountains exist in the world while you scroll on your phone! These are some of the most colorful mountains that one can visit all over the world. These geological marvels seem like a painting with bands of crimson, green, violet, and ochre colors all over them. It is considered that these mountains came into existence as a result of ancient sedimentation, tectonic upheaval, and slow erosion, which has exposed mineral-rich layers over millions of years.
These mountains have breathtaking beauty and will definitely leave you astonished. Let’s look at them:
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Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain), Peru
This mountain stands at a height of 5,036 m, is located near Cusco, and has stripes of pink, red, green, yellow, brown, lavender, and white, which are caused by oxidized minerals like iron-rich clays, calcareous sandstones, ferromagnesian clays, marlstone, and sulphide-rich layers. The best time to visit this mountain is during the dry season, like August, for vibrant colors and minimal rain. Adventure enthusiasts can trek to this mountain as well from nearby villages. This colourful phenomenon has happened in recent years as a result of glacial melting. This mountain is also considered a sacred site by local communities.
Zhangye Danxia, China
This mountain is located in China, and unlike the colorful mountain of Peru, this mountain has extensive stretches of rolling hills and cliffs which have a spectrum of colours all over it, like red, orange, yellow, green, and even blue and brown in some areas. These captivating colors are a result of millions of years of geological formations. This mountain has layers of sandstone and minerals which were deposited and compressed and uplifted by tectonic movements. These mountains also got sculpted into different shapes because of wind and rain erosion. The Zhangye Danxia mountain was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well, highlighting its exceptional natural beauty and geological significance.

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Serranía de Hornocal, Argentina
This mountain is also known as “Hill of 14 Colors” near Humahuaca, which has stripes of red, green, yellow, purple, and ochre which has formed after folded sedimentary layers of limestone over 600 million years. This mountain spot is lesser known than the mountains in Peru or China, but the remote location makes it even more special. It has a lot of folds that are a result of tectonic collisions between the Nazca and South American plates and creates a zig-zag-like ridge on the mountain.
Landmannalaugar, Iceland
This mountain is located in Fjallabak Nature Reserve and is a breathtaking mountain with vibrant rhyolite over it. It displays shades of red, pink, green, and yellow which have been caused by the cooling of silica-rich magma. This area also has significant geothermal activity with hot springs, erosion, and ice; all of this contributes to make a beautiful landscape. This mountain is a paradise for hikers as it offers a variety of trails, including the Laugavegur trail. This is also a perfect location for photography because of the striking colors of the mountains and the beautiful landscape around. This mountain provides an unforgettable experience with its stunning natural beauty and hiking trails.

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Rainbow Range, Canada
This mountain is located in British Columbia’s Chilcotin Plateau. This mountain is dated to 7–8 million years ago and has volcanic lavas and sands which have mineralized into stripes of red, yellow, orange, green, and pale grey. The highest point in the Rainbow Range is Tsitsutl Peak, which gives it the name ‘rainbow’ as well. The best time to visit this range is from July to September. This is a beautiful mountain range with vibrant colors and a variety of hiking opportunities.
When seeking a mountain escape, a “vibrant” getaway can mean different things to different people. It could be about the bright colors of the landscape, the lively cultural scene of a mountain town, or the sheer adrenaline of adventurous activities. Here are five mountain getaways that offer a vibrant experience in different ways:
- The Dolomites, Italy: This UNESCO World Heritage site is a playground for both nature lovers and adventure seekers. The mountains themselves are breathtakingly vibrant, known for their unique jagged peaks and the spectacular “enrosadira” phenomenon, where the rock faces turn a vibrant pink or orange at sunrise and sunset. Beyond hiking and climbing, you can explore charming alpine villages, savor Michelin-starred cuisine, and experience a rich blend of Italian and Austrian cultures.
Maps
The Dolomites comprises a mountain range in the northern Italian Alps, numbering 18 peaks which rise to above 3,000 metres and cover 141,903 ha. It features some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes anywhere, with vertical walls, sheer cliffs and a high density of narrow, deep and long valleys. A serial property of nine areas that present a diversity of spectacular landscapes of international significance for geomorphology marked by steeples, pinnacles and rock walls, the site also contains glacial landforms and karst systems. It is characterized by dynamic processes with frequent landslides, floods and avalanches. The property also features one of the best examples of the preservation of Mesozoic carbonate platform systems, with fossil records.
Brief Synthesis
The nine components of The Dolomites World Heritage property protect a series of highly distinctive mountain landscapes that are of exceptional natural beauty. Their dramatic vertical and pale coloured peaks in a variety of distinctive sculptural forms is extraordinary in a global context. This property also contains an internationally important combination of earth science values. The quantity and concentration of highly varied limestone formations is extraordinary in a global context, whilst the superbly exposed geology provides an insight into the recovery of marine life in the Triassic period, after the greatest extinction event recorded in the history of life on Earth. The sublime, monumental and colourful landscapes of the Dolomites have also long attracted hosts of travellers and a history of scientific and artistic interpretations of its values.
Criterion (vii): The Dolomites are widely regarded as being among the most attractive mountain landscapes in the world. Their intrinsic beauty derives from a variety of spectacular vertical forms such as pinnacles, spires and towers, with contrasting horizontal surfaces including ledges, crags and plateaux, all of which rise abruptly above extensive talus deposits and more gentle foothills. A great diversity of colours is provided by the contrasts between the bare pale-coloured rock surfaces and the forests and meadows below. The mountains rise as peaks with intervening ravines, in some places standing isolated but in others forming sweeping panoramas. Some of the rock cliffs here rise more than 1,500 m and are among the highest limestone walls found anywhere in the world. The distinctive scenery of the Dolomites has become the archetype of a “dolomitic landscape”. Geologist pioneers were the first to be captured by the beauty of the mountains, and their writing and subsequent painting and photography further underline the aesthetic appeal of the property.
Criterion (viii): The Dolomites are of international significance for geomorphology, as the classic site for the development of mountains in dolomitic limestone. The area presents a wide range of landforms related to erosion, tectonism and glaciation. The quantity and concentration of extremely varied limestone formations is extraordinary in a global context, including peaks, towers, pinnacles and some of the highest vertical rock walls in the world. The geological values are also of international significance, notably the evidence of Mesozoic carbonate platforms, or “fossilized atolls”, particularly in terms of the evidence they provide of the evolution of the bio-constructors after the Permian/Triassic boundary, and the preservation of the relationships between the reefs they constructed and their surrounding basins. The Dolomites also include several internationally important type sections for the stratigraphy of the Triassic Period. The scientific values of the property are also supported by the evidence of a long history of study and recognition at the international level. Taken together, the combination of geomorphological and geological values creates a property of global significance.
Integrity
The nine component parts that make up the property include all areas that are essential for maintaining the beauty of the property and all or most of the key interrelated and interdependent earth science elements in their natural relationships. The property comprises parts of a national park, several provincial nature parks and Natura 2000 sites, and a natural monument. Buffer zones have been defined for each component part to help to protect it from threats from outside its boundaries. The natural landscapes and processes that are essential to maintaining the property’s values and integrity are in a good state of conservation and largely unaffected by development.
Management and protection requirements
As a serial property, the Dolomites require an adequately resourced, inter-provincial governance arrangement that ensures all five provinces with territory in the property are bound together within a common management system, and with an agreed joint management strategy and a monitoring and reporting framework for the property as a whole. Common policies and programmes for the management of public use and the presentation of the property are also required for the property and its buffer zones. The property requires protection from tourism pressures and related infrastructure. Each of the component parts of the serial property requires its own individual management plan, providing not only for the protection and management of land use, but also the regulation and management of human activities to maintain its values, and in particular to preserve the qualities of its natural landscapes and processes, including extensive areas which still have wilderness character. Areas that are subject to more intensive visitation need to be managed to ensure visitor numbers and activities are within the capacity of the property in relation to the protection of both its values and the experience of visitors to the property. Adequate resources and staffing, and coordination between the staff teams in the different components of the property are also essential. - Banff, Canada: Nestled within the Canadian Rockies, the town of Banff is surrounded by a symphony of color. The turquoise waters of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are iconic, and the dense pine forests contrast beautifully with the snow-capped peaks. The town itself is a hub of activity, with a lively arts scene, boutique shops, and a wide array of restaurants. Whether you’re hiking in the summer or skiing in the winter, the sheer scale and beauty of the landscape will leave you feeling re-energized.
- Rocky Mountain peaks, glacial lakes, and adventure come together in Banff National Park – Canada’s first national park and the flagship of the nation’s park system. Banff is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Activities and experiences
- Explore activities and attractions in Banff National Park.
- Plan your visit
- How to get here, local attractions, and facilities and services.
- Camping and over night accommodations
- Types of accommodations, equipped camping, and nearby accommodations.
- Fees
- Daily visitor fees, camping and program fees, and more. Free admission for youth.
- Passes
- Banff National Park entry and service fees help support visitor services and facilities.
- Park regulations
- Banff National Park is a protected area with rules that need to be followed. Learn more about how you can be a responsible park visitor.
- Nature and science
- Learn about the conservation work being done to protect Banff National Park’s wilderness.
- Stewardship and management
- Planning and management guiding documents, public consultations, information for businesses and residents, filmmakers, photographers and special events.
- Indigenous connections
- Parks Canada is working with Indigenous groups with longstanding connection to Banff National Park to strengthen connections with traditionally used lands…
- Contact Banff National Park
Location: Banff Visitor Centre
1-403-762-1550
banffinfo@pc.gc.ca
Location: Lake Louise Visitor Centre
1-403-522-3833
lakelouiseinfo-infolakelouise@pc.gc.ca
Banff Dispatch Service (non-urgent)
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
1-403-762-1470
More contact information
Hours of operation
Banff National Park is open year-round.
More on hours of operation - Bhutan: For a truly vibrant cultural and spiritual experience, look no further than the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. The country is a land of colorful Buddhist monasteries, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and a deep reverence for nature. Trekking through the mountains to iconic sites like Tiger’s Nest Monastery offers a journey of both physical challenge and spiritual discovery. The vibrant festivals, known as “tshechus,” are a spectacle of masked dances and traditional music, providing a deep dive into the country’s unique heritage.
- 1720 – Chinese imperial army invades and temporarily establishes control over Bhutan.
1772-73 – British intervention.
1864-65 – Further intervention by Britain.
1907 – Ugyen Wangchuck is chosen as hereditary ruler.
1910 – Treaty giving Britain control over foreign relations.
1949 – Treaty signed with newly-independent India guaranteeing non-interference in Bhutan’s internal affairs, but allowing Delhi influence over foreign relations.
1958 – Slavery abolished.
1974 – First foreign tourists allowed in.
1988 – Census leads to branding of many ethnic Nepalis as illegal immigrants. Government also introduces other measures to stress Tibetan-based Bhutanese culture, antagonising minority ethnic Nepali community.
1990 – Violent ethnic unrest and anti-government protests in southern Bhutan pressing for greater democracy and respect for Nepali rights. Thousands of ethnic Nepalis flee to Nepal.
1998 – King cedes some powers to national assembly.
1999 – Limited television and internet services allowed; several dozen political prisoners released.
2007 – Bhutan signs a landmark agreement with India which revises ties with its neighbour, giving Bhutan more say over its foreign and defence policies.
2013 – Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay says Bhutan’s much lauded concept of Gross National Happiness is overused and masks real problems such as increasing debt, chronic unemployment, poverty and corruption.Image source,Getty Images
Image caption,Melting glaciers caused by climate change are a growing concern in Bhutan - Telluride, Colorado, USA: This former mining town in the San Juan Mountains offers a vibrant mix of rugged Western charm and sophisticated culture. The box canyon setting is dramatic, with waterfalls and towering peaks surrounding the town. Telluride is famous for its year-round festivals, including a renowned film festival and music festivals. The skiing is world-class, and in the warmer months, the trails are perfect for hiking and mountain biking. The town’s Victorian-era architecture and welcoming atmosphere create a lively and unforgettable mountain experience.
- Telluride is the county seat and most populous town of San Miguel County in the southwestern portion of the U.S. state of Colorado.[4] The town is a former silver mining camp on the San Miguel River in the western San Juan Mountains. The first gold mining claim was made in the mountains above Telluride in 1875, and early settlement of what is now Telluride followed. The town was founded in 1878.[5]
- Telluride sits in a box canyon. Steep forested mountains and cliffs surround it, with Bridal Veil Falls situated at the canyon’s head. Numerous weathered ruins of old mining operations dot the hillsides. A free gondola connects the town with its companion town, Mountain Village, at the base of the ski area. Telluride and the surrounding area have featured prominently in popular culture, and it is the subject of several popular songs. It is especially known for its ski resort and slopes during the winter, as well as an extensive festival schedule during the summer, including the Hot Air Balloon Festival, which traditionally occurs the first weekend in June.
- The Telluride Historic District, which includes a significant portion of the town, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is also one of Colorado’s 20 National Historic Landmarks. The town population was 2,607 in the 2020 United States census.[6]
- History
- Mining days
- Gold was first discovered in Colorado near present-day Denver, setting off the Pike’s Peak gold rush of 1858. The Smuggler gold vein above Telluride, and placer gold in the San Miguel River, were discovered in 1875.[7]: 51, 54 John Fallon made the first claim in Marshal Basin above Telluride in 1875 and settlement followed. The town of Columbia was founded in 1878. The Telluride, Colorado, post office opened at Columbia on July 26, 1880, since the United States Post Office Department would not approve the name Columbia. Columbia (Telluride since 1887) has been the seat of San Miguel County, Colorado, since the county was created on March 2, 1883. The Town of Columbia was incorporated on February 10, 1887, but the town changed its name to the Town of Telluride a few months later. The town was named after valuable ore compounds of the chemical element tellurium, a metalloid element which forms natural tellurides, the most notable of which are telluride ores of gold and silver. Although gold telluride minerals were never actually found in the mountains near Telluride, the area’s mines were rich in zinc, lead, copper, silver, and ores which contained gold in other forms.
- Transportation
- Telluride is served by Telluride Regional Airport. Scheduled flight options are limited, due to the airport’s somewhat short runway and frequent closures under bad weather, so most passengers going to Telluride use Montrose Regional Airport, 67 miles (108 km) to the north.
- Free public transportation is provided in Telluride. The bus system, called Galloping Goose, makes a complete loop around the town.[18] A gondola lift links Telluride with Mountain Village.[19]
- Telluride’s free gondola is the only one of its kind in North America. It stops at four stations: Telluride, St. Sophia, and two stops in Mountain Village.[20] It was the first leg of a transportation agreement for the Telluride Region that was stipulated as part of the Mountain Village zoning expansion that would provide free gondola service from the Town of Telluride and the Mountain Village to the Aldasoro Development, the West Meadows Development, the Valley Floor Development, and the West Meadows Development to virtually eliminate the use or need for a car in the Telluride Region of San Miguel County. It is a 13-minute ride and reaches an elevation of 10,540 feet (3,210 m) at the San Sophia station.
- Regional bus service is provided by the San Miguel Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART).
- Telluride is part of Colorado’s Bustang intercity bus service network. It is on the Durango-Grand Junction Outrider line.[21]Major highways
- State Highway 145 is part of the San Juan Skyway. It connects Telluride to Cortez and Naturita. This road also gives access to State Highway 62, the main route to Denver, Montrose and other important places in Colorado.
- In popular culture
- American heavy metal band Pantera’s 1990 Cowboys from Hell album cover includes a picture taken in 1910 of what was called the “Cosmopolitan Saloon” in Telluride, Colorado with the bandmembers pasted over it.[22]
- Clive Cussler‘s 1998 novel Atlantis Found is partially set in Telluride. The novel features signs of an ancient civilization being found in an underground chamber next to a mine outside the city.[23]
- In Justin Cronin’s 2010 novel The Passage, Telluride is the site of a secret military compound used to test a purported “longevity drug” on death row inmates.[24][25]
- The production of The Hateful Eight directed by Quentin Tarantino began filming near Telluride in January 2015.[26][27]
- The Coen brothers 2018 film The Ballad of Buster Scruggs used Telluride as a filming location for the vignette “All Gold Canyon”, based on a short story by Jack London.[28]
- The Kia Telluride SUV is named after the town.[
- Pokhara, Nepal: Known as the “City of Lakes,” Pokhara is a stunning mountain getaway with a different kind of vibrancy. Situated on the shores of Phewa Lake, the city offers panoramic views of the Annapurna mountain range, including the iconic Machhapuchhre, or “Fishtail” mountain. The lakeside area is a lively hub of activity, with cafes, restaurants, and shops. You can go paragliding for a bird’s-eye view of the mountains, go boating on the lake, or simply relax and soak in the breathtaking scenery. It’s a perfect base for trekking and offers a more relaxed, bohemian atmosphere compared to the bustling capital of Kathmandu.
Facts about Pokhara
Pokhara is the paradise of the natural scenery in Nepal. It’s been known as the city of Lakes with a spectacular snowy view and covered the surroundings by greenery makes tourists a memorable moment. In Pokhara, the Annapurna region is the starting point for the trekking. It gives you a new experience to adventure the Himalaya ranges with a romantic climate. Pokhara has a viewpoint like hill station Sarangkot to feel and mesmerize the beauty of nature. It’s been center of attraction of so many historical museums, temples, and architecture throughout the world. Here some of the interesting and amazing facts are listed out about Pokhara.
1. The Land of Lakes and Mountains
Pokhara is famous for its beautiful scenic lakes and mountain. The lakes like Phewa and Begnas along with the other nine lakes and mountains like Annapurna Himalayan Range, Nilgiri, and Mt. Machhapuchchhre and other 20 incredible mountains can be visited and feel the natural vibes in them. It’s been called ‘Land of Lakes’ or the ‘city of Lakes’ in Nepal due to its impressive and attractive lakes situated in between the mountains that are covered with snow, and surrounded by greenery. Pokhara has been the best tourist place to get relaxation. Sailing in the colorful boats on the lake with the amazing backdrop of the mountains will always be a memorable moment.
2. The Picasso of Pokhara!
The Barahi temple situated in the middle of the Phewa Lake is one of the best places to visit in Pokhara. It is like the Picasso of Pokhra! It is located in the Kaski District of the Gandaki zone in western Nepal. The people near Barahi temple worship the Goddess Durga. Here we can see both Hindu and Buddhist followers visit for worship. The view of the temple in the middle of the lake is so admired. You can’t express them in your words. Don’t miss to take pictures while you are in the Barahi temple.
3. The Paradise view for Nature Lover
The view from the highest point of the mountains in the early morning is like a heavenly feeling. You have to sacrifice some of the valuable times in the early morning for the most admirable and romantic morning vibes that the first sunray hits the mountains. When you are in Pokhara don’t miss to visit the hill stations like Sarangkot Hill, Annapurna Range, Dhaulagiri range, Manaslu Range or any other hill station to witness the morning vibes of the sun. We should never miss the chance to feel and mesmerize the beauty of nature. It’s an amazing and awful experience that can’t be described in words.
4. The Museums to be admired
Pokhara is also famous for its historical museums. It is also known as ‘The City of Museums’. There are so many museums in Pokhara. Here some of the most famous and popular museums throughout Nepal are Pokhara Regional Museum, International Mountain Museum, Annapurna Museum, and the Butterfly Museum. The International museum located in Pokhara. Every year more than seventy thousand international and neighbor tourists visit this museum. You can see the culture, geologies, displays of history, and the Himalaya ascents are displayed. The Annapurna Butterfly Museum also welcomes you with its more than 660 varieties of species of butterfly. The museum was established in 1965 in the city of Pokhara.
5. Pokhara’s Insane Zip Flyer
After completion of all your destinations and tourism places, you must take a part in this Pokhara’s uttermost zip-lining. The zip flyer in Pokhara is the tallest, fastest, and steepest in the world. You are going to be mad after having this zip lining trip. If you are crazy about your life then zip lining makes life craziest moment and trip forever. You can cover almost all beautiful and thrilling site views while you having this zip lining. It has a maximum speed of 120 km/hr, with a vertical height of 610 meters. Ziplining is one of the top sites seeing which makes you a count on it.
6. Seti – The Mysterious River
The Seti Gandaki River is the holiest river in Nepal. It is also known as the Seti River. It is located in the western Nepal. The Seti River is close to so many holy places and takes part in so many Hindy mythology stories. The river starts from the base of the Annapurna and flows southeast of Pokhara. Some of the tributaries of Seti River are Khudi Khola, Pudi Khola, Souraudi Khola, Mardi Khola, etc. The epic book Mahabharata’s writer Veda Vyasa was born on the bank of Seti River in Damauli.
7. Devi’s fall: The fall named after David’s Death
Once a foreigner named David was on the tour of Pokhara valleys. He had his wonderful and memorable moments in Pokhara, suddenly flood gates are opened and he slipped into that fall which takes to the underground passage and no one had found him again in that fall. It is like a Hell’s fall and it is also known as Patale Chango. Devi’s fall is the most beautiful waterfall surrounded by slippery rocks and lush greenery. It gives you the most exciting turns in between of the fall. No one should Miss Devi’s fall while you are on the trip of Pokhara. Devi’s fall gives you lots of memories with its unique atmosphere.
8. To get in touch with traditional vibes – Visit the Old Bazaar
The old bazaar is located about 4 km north of lakeside of Phewa Lake. In this old bazaar the houses are built in Newar architecture using red brick and sell their goods, and some sell rare architecture furniture. The old bazaar is famous for its Newari style of architecture and design. Once it was the main trading and commercial zone which is located between Tibet and Kathmandu. You can find nativity and culture of the Nepalese atmosphere you cannot find it in nowadays in lakeside and in between hundreds of hotel. There is a temple known as Bindhyabasini Temple. Here locals worship Bhagwati as Goddess and every Saturday there will be a sacrificed in the temple.
9. See World Peace Pagoda through Zip Line
The World Peace Pagoda is also known as Shanti Stupa. In Sanskrit, Shanti means peace. Hence the shanti stupa means Peace Pagoda. Shanti stupa was built as a symbol of peace. It is situated at the height of 1100 meters on the Anadu Hill. There are two of the Peace Pagoda’s in the world: Shanti Stupa in Lumbini, and Shanti Stupa in Pokhara. It becomes one of the best and pleasant tourist attractions in Pokhara. The panorama view of the Annapurna Range makes your heart with lots of joyfulness. You can witness the World Peace Pagoda with lots of experiences with the help of zip line you can visit the Pagoda.
10. Pokhara’s Mystic caves
Pokhara has numerous rock-cut caves. The caves have been formed due to the flow of water action. Pokhara cave stimulates a view of an entirely different city hidden under the caves. Pokhara is famous for its ten mystical caves. But the Bat’s cave or Chamera Gupha becomes one of the popular tourist places in Pokhara. The cave is made up of limestone. The cave Mahendra cave is also a popular cave which is next to the Bat’s cave. In the middle of the Mahendra cave, there is a statue of Lord Shiva, which is nearly 600 years old. The people who come to the Pokhara do visit the caves along with a good guidance.
11. Never miss trekking experience in Pokhara
Pokhara is one of the best places trekking in Nepal. The city has a panorama view of high mountains and beautiful scenery of morning vibes. Pokhara offers you Annapurna, Machhapuchare, Nilgiri and some other mountains for the best trekking experience. While having trekking you may lead to the villages and you can learn and experience their culture and their traditions. There are some major trekking places like the Everest region, Annapurna Region, Langtang Region, Mustang Trekking. There are multiple trekking choices available in Pokhara, ranging from day hikes to week-long treks. Don’t miss trekking in Pokhara.