There are areas on our planet so strange and alien that they appear nearly extraterrestrial. These places, from islands that are inaccessible to mountains that are remote, are not much explored and often unknown. Some of them are dangerous and inaccessible, and some are guarded by political or natural obstacles. Although their mystery draws one in, most of them have been untouched for centuries by man. Whether due to extreme environments or cultural beliefs, these regions have maintained their mystery. In this article, we’ll explore six such places, each offering a glimpse into the unexplored and enigmatic parts of our planet that are still waiting to be discovered.
6 secret places on Earth that remain a mystery
Parts of Amazon rainforest (Vale do Javari)
The Amazon Rainforest, spanning multiple countries in South America, is known for its incredible size and biodiversity. Within this vast expanse lies the Vale do Javari, a region in Brazil that is home to several uncontacted indigenous tribes. This area, which is larger than Austria, is difficult to access due to dense vegetation and treacherous terrain. The Brazilian government has placed strict restrictions on non-indigenous people entering the Vale do Javari, protecting both the tribes and the land. As a result, the region remains one of the most unexplored parts of the world, with much of its ecosystem still a mystery to scientists.
Gangkhar Puensum mountain
Gangkhar Puensum, located in Bhutan, is the world’s highest unclimbed mountain, towering at 24,836 feet above sea level. While several attempts have been made to reach its summit, all have been unsuccessful. In 2003, Bhutan made the decision to prohibit climbing the peak out of respect for the spiritual significance it holds. This ban, along with the challenging terrain, makes the mountain one of the least explored places on Earth. It’s unlikely that anyone will attempt to climb it again soon, as Bhutan's mountaineering restrictions remain in place.
Northern Greenland Ice Sheet
Northern Greenland is one of the most remote and inhospitable places on Earth, covered by vast ice sheets and glaciers. The extreme cold, darkness, and difficult terrain make exploration a daunting task. Much of this part of Greenland remains unexplored, as the ice sheet hides any potential discoveries beneath it. While some areas have been surveyed, northern Greenland remains largely inaccessible, with only limited research taking place in certain parts. The region’s frozen landscape and remoteness contribute to its mystery and its status as one of Earth’s final frontiers.
Star Mountains, Papua New Guinea
The Star Mountains, located in the remote western part of Papua New Guinea, are one of the least explored regions of the world. The country itself is known for its rugged, mountainous terrain, which makes travel and exploration extremely difficult. The Star Mountains are no exception, with vast stretches of land still unexplored. In fact, scientists believe that this area is home to many undiscovered species of plants and animals. The challenge lies in the difficulty of access and the harsh conditions, making it a perfect example of a wild, unexplored frontier.
Mariana Trench
The Mariana Trench is the deepest part of the ocean, stretching across the western Pacific Ocean for 1,580 miles. The trench’s lowest point, Challenger Deep, plunges 35,827 feet below sea level—far deeper than Mount Everest is tall. While parts of the trench have been explored, vast areas remain unexplored due to its dark, dangerous, and difficult-to-reach nature. The 2012 solo descent by James Cameron into the Challenger Deep is one of the few significant explorations. Scientists continue to study the trench, as it holds valuable insights into the Earth's geological activity and marine life.
North Sentinel Island
In the Bay of Bengal lies North Sentinel Island, part of the Andaman Islands chain. This tiny island, just five miles long, is home to the isolated Sentinelese tribe. Despite its small size, it remains largely unexplored. Visits to the island are banned by the Indian government, and attempts to approach have proven dangerous. The tribe has attacked outsiders with arrows in the past, making it one of the most protected and deadly places on Earth. The Indian Navy enforces these restrictions to preserve the tribe’s way of life and protect them from outside diseases.
There are still many uncharted territories on Earth, from the deep oceans to dense forests and remote mountain ranges. These unexplored areas hold countless mysteries waiting to be uncovered by future explorers.