tucked away in remote mountain ranges these Villages seem Untouched by time from ancient settlements perched on cliffs to secluded communities nestled deep in valleys join me we're going to count down 15 amazing Villages hidden in the mountains let's start with number 15 gimal in Switzerland gimal is an Alpine Village that's high in the Bernie Overland region it sat on a Ledge above the LA bran Valley and it gives some incredibly dramatic views of the Swiss Alps now what's made this place particularly special is that it's been deliberately resisting modernization so it remains an authentically traditional
Swiss Mountain Village unlike its more famous neighbors like Muran or vengan there are no crowds of tourists ski resorts or even vehicles and this is all the result of a plan by local villagers to have gimo classified as an avalanche Zone which prevented the construction of large hotels and developments it is therefore or a picture perfect Village of traditional Swiss Chalet with colorful flower boxes and narrow paths that wind between small farms cows and goats Grays in The Meadows and most of the locals still rely on farming cheese making and smallscale tourism while they're offer
glimpses of Lifestyles that's been long forgotten elsewhere in Switzerland from there for example you can find roots that lead to stunning viewpoints like the shorn or the Jung trra region or take gentler walks through flower fill Meadows and dense forests the local economy here relies mostly on tourism but there's still a strong tradition of farming too with so little land available though most Farmers produce hay on small plots of land which is used to feed their herds of cows well despite being hidden in the mountains it is relatively easy to get to as it's a
stop on the schlitt Bon this makes it a perfect base for exploring the wider area while also staying in another town where there's a better choice of hotels number four 14 manong Nepal manong is a remote Mountain Town that's in the Anapa range surrounded by amazing Landscapes and a starting point for some of the Himalayas most spectacular experiences at an altitude of about 11,500 ft or about 3500 m manong is a stop on the anera circuit trekking route so it's visited by people from around the world who at first know very little about it the
town itself is a blend of traditional Tibetan style architecture colorful prayer flags and narrow Stone paved streets with tea houses and shops it is a beautiful place to be and this also means that the village is the ideal spot for acclimatization as trekers prepare for higher altitudes particularly the thorung law pass which is at a height of over 17,700 ft or 5400 M and it requires you to have become used to the low oxygen air before attempting prayer Wheels money walls inscribed with Buddhist mantras and the scent of burning burning Juniper create a sense of
spirituality throughout this place the bragga monastery which is on a cliff near manong is one of the Region's oldest and most important monasteries offering visitors a chance to experience the local religious traditions this is a region that's largely Untouched by human development Beyond The Village so it's rich in biodiversity golden eagles Himalayan blue sheep and rare snow leopards live in the surrounding Landscapes it's also a place that's quite unusual in the Himalayas and it's in the rain shadow of the anera range so it receives significantly less rainfall than other parts of Nepal as a result
it's a dry almost desert-like region with eroded Cliffs and rock formations historically the local economy here relied on agriculture and the hurting of the axe but now these are mainly done to show visitors the old traditions and most businesses in The Villages are set up to cater to tourists whether they're just passing through on tracks through the anera mountains or specifically traveling to visit manang itself number 13 AIT benh hadu Morocco AIT benh hadu is an ancient Village and it's a UNESCO world heritage site that is frozen in time with its casbas earn architecture and
historical sites it's found in the foothills of the high Atlas Mountains the Fortified Village or casar is a classic example of traditional Moroccan clay architecture dating back to the 17th century Aid benh hadu is an important stop on the trans Saharan trade route connecting the Saharan region to the cities of Marakesh and Beyond Merchants traveling with Goods like gold salt and spices would stop here to rest trade and secure their Caravans and it was the location and defensive design of the casar that made it so important as a safe haven during those Journeys a lot
of the buildings here have crenelated Towers on top further adding to The Village's fortress-like appearance in a region where water is scarce the villagers historically utilize ized a Katara system which is a clever ancient underground irrigation Network that distributed water from the nearby aquafer the system was vital for sustaining life in this desert environment and ensuring the success of agriculture in the surrounding area today walking through the narrow streets feels like stepping into the past The Village's core is uninhabited with many of the original residents having moved to a modern settlement across the river however
a few families still live there keeping to the traditional ways of Moroccan life the journey there is fascinating too the route to the cassar takes you through Landscapes of arid Hills Palm Groves and valleys with the Atlas Mountains providing an incredible backdrop number 12 Kar tropical in Malaysia Kar tropical is a surprising Resort that replicates a French Village in the tropical Hills of pong it was inspired by the alsas region in northeastern France this Retreat is a blend of European architecture and Malaysian Hospitality located about an hour's drive from koala lumur it was based on
the medieval town of kar in France this Resort town was officially opened in 2000 and covering an area of around 80 acres it has since become a popular destination for families couples and anyone seeking a unique cultural experience at the core of the village is its Central Square where visitors can explore Boutique shops cafes and restaurants there you'll find street performances art displays and the occasional music Ensemble and it's also where you'll find a clock tower and a beautiful Fountain there's also a Botanical Garden which showcases the diverse plant life of the region and it's
a great spot to sit back and unwind this is of course purely a tourist Village and many of the buildings here are simply French themed facades in front of clusters of hotel rooms it was the idea of a former Malaysian prime minister who after visiting Karm had fallen in love with it so much that he convinced a local businessman to replicate it the cool climate of the buraya Hill stands around 2600 ft above sea level and it gives respit from Malaysia's tropical heat while exploring the village and its surroundings and at times it's a bizarre
experience where you'll almost feel like you've been suddenly transported to Europe number 11 holot Austria holot it's a village that became known for its perfect setting by a stunning Lake and for being surrounded by the duckstein Alps it's often described as one of the most beautiful villages in the world it's got an old world charm with its narrow streets traditional wooden houses and natural beauty sat on the western shore of Lake halad the calm Waters here reflect the surrounding mountains creating beautiful scenes that have drawn artists photographers and travelers for hundreds of years there's a
huge amount of History here too as it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe with evidence of human activity dating back to the Neolithic period it was such an influential Place back then that the term hot culture is even used by archaeologists to describe the early Iron Age in Central Europe visitors here can still see the salt mine located high above the village a guided tour through the mine offers a journey into the past where you can learn about the techniques used to extract salt and the lives of the miners who worked
there thousands of years ago the need for water during salt mining meant that around 400 100 years ago 13,000 hollowed out trees were connected to help transport water to where it was needed this was seen as the only solution to the growing demand as for a long time the only way to reach the town was by boat or narrow Trails it was only in 1890 that the first road was built and now of course access is far easier The Market Square is the heart of hot with its colorful houses a fountain and seasonal decorations it
makes it look like it's been taken straight out of a fairy tale it's these along with the 16th century evangelical church with its towering Spire that's one of the main features of hot Skyline that show the historical architectural style of the village and why it was made a UNESCO world heritage site with a population of Just Around 800 people as many as 10 to 30,000 people are visiting Each Day in 2020 plans were put into place to limit the number of bus tours that have access and things now seem to be under control number 10
Mesa in Georgia Mesa is a small townlet that's in Georgia's Fetti region and it's surrounded by the Caucasus Mountains the High Altitude settlement which is around 4,900 ft or about 1500 m above sea level has become known over the years for its incredible Landscapes culture and Rich history that stretches back centuries this small community is known for its ancient language music and its Traditions many of which have been preserved due to its rela isolation it's also part of a UNESCO world heritage site because of its cultural significance and the unique architecture particularly its iconic span
Towers these towers which are known as Koski were built in the 9th and 12th centuries and their stone fortifications that were used as defensive structures and refuges during times of conflict almost every family in mysa traditionally owned a tower and many of them still stand today with some of them having now been converted into museums or guest houses offering visitors a chance to experience the history of the place for themselves there are various other historical and cultural landmarks such as the sanetti Museum of History and ethnography which is a large collection of artifacts including ancient
manuscripts religious icons and traditional spon weapons the spons are also known for their polyphonic singing which is a unique vocal style that's been recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO attending a performance of swan pany is like anything you've seen before offering a taste of spiritual and communal life in the region a big draw for the town though is the natural beauty with the surrounding mountains and valleys offering a hiking trail suitable for all skill levels one of the most popular TS here is the root to chaladi Glacier which takes you through forests and
along the river to see the base of the spectacular Glacier for more experienced adventurers the multi-day Trek from AA to usuli which is another remote Village at the foot of Mount sakaro George's height Peak will take you through some of the most iconic landscapes in the Caucasus surprisingly though even with Just Around 2,000 permanent residents it does actually have its own airport which is mainly used to support the tourism industry number nine parangan Indonesia parangan is a small village in West Sumatra Indonesia and it's one that's often said to be one of the most beautiful
in the world it's on the slopes of Mount Mar Ry which is an active volcano and as well as being a place with stunning natural beauty it's also one of the most important places to the culture it's actually believed to be the oldest manang Kaba Village and it's according to local Legend it's the birthplace of the people this group is known for its matrilineal Society unique traditions and distinctive Styles The Village's location is believed to have been chosen based on spiritual guidance with its closeness to mount marapi giving it a sacred Aura the village is
best known for its Tri traditional rumag gadang or big houses which are Central to their architecture these wooden homes have curved pointed roofs resembling Buffalo horns which are set to represent strength and resilience unusually the town also has a Sor which is a communal living quarters for all of villages unmarried males and since this tradition isn't adhered to as strictly now it's one of the only ones like it that are still standing anywhere in the country found at an altitude of just over 1,600 ft above sea level The Village enjoys a cool climate making it
a refreshing escape from Indonesia's tropical heat the villagers here keep to age old traditions and rituals that have been passed down for Generations the nagari or Village structure is the communal lifestyle of the people here in this system extended families share responsibilities and resources which encourages a sense of togetherness and cooperation and visitors here are welcomed by the warmth and Hospitality of the locals who are eager to share their customs and stories the saru mosque built in a traditional style is a place of worship here but also a center for education and Community Gatherings the
hot springs are still used by locals for bathing and are said to have healing properties and these remnants combined with the spiritual atmosphere of this Village create a sense of connection to the ancient world number eight lofu Cyprus lofu is a village in the liol district of Cypress and it's a hidden place that offers visitors a look at the Island's culture and Rural Landscapes found in the trudos Foothills at an altitude of around 2600 ft or about 800 M this Village's history dates back to the Byzantine period its name luul means Hill in Greek and
during the Ottoman era and into the early 20th century it thrived as an Agricultural Center producing wine and olives however in the mid 20th century they saw many of its residents move to urban areas leaving the Village near deserted in recent years though efforts to restore and preserve it have revived its charm making it a popular destination for people looking for an authentic experience of Cyprus at the center is the Church of the Virgin Mary which is a stunning 19th century structure that stands pride of place in the Central Square the beautiful church built in
a neogothic style features stonor and a bell tower that rises above the village Skyline inside you can see Fresco and icons to get a feel for the spiritual heart of the community the folklore museum is here too is an interesting place it's housed in a restored traditional home it's got displays about the daily lives of the villagers in the past and Exhibits include household tools farming equipment and traditional clothing plus examples of the Agricultural and domestic practices that sustain the community for Generations the village is home to several traditional tavernas where visitors can try authentic
cypriate dishes including Sula or grilled meat too or slow cooked lamb and fresh Village bread baked in Wood Fired ovens The Village's surroundings here are beautiful too in every direction there are Vineyards almond trees and Olive Groves with a landscape that changes with the season the village is a starting point for nature trails that lead through Scenic Landscapes offering many opportunities for hiking and picnicking in the countryside and up into the mountains moving on to number seven sent deas BAS Spain sanil deas bodegas which is in the province of kadis in southern Spain is one
of the most unique and beautiful villages in the country famous for its whitewashed houses that have been built into and beneath massive overhanging rock formations it is a dramatic blend of Nature and architecture the village is in a Gorge that's been carved by the Rio Trejo for thousands of years unlike other white villages in Andalusia which are found on hilltops Sentinal is actually with within the gorge itself walking through the village you can see streets like Castel Soul meaning the caves of the Sun and calakas DEA Sombra meaning caves of the shade where the light
Shadow and stone create a surreal environment the rock formations here provide natural insulation keeping the Interiors cool in the summer and warm in the winter these cave likee homes have been in use for hundreds of years but people have used the valley for much longer than that there's evidence of human settlement in the cave as far back as the Neolithic period And The Village did play an important role during the Reconquista as its position made it a stronghold for the Moorish resistance the other part of its name deas bodegas translates to mean of the wineries
during the Middle Ages the area became famous for its Vineyards and the cool caves were used to store wine and olive oil although The Vineyards were largely destroyed during a plague in the 19th century the village is still closely linked with its food and is particularly famous for its toito olive oil and sweets with a population of around 3,000 people there's plenty to do here including several festivals throughout the year including sanas Santa or Holy Week during which religious processions pass through the narrow streets the surrounding area is well worth visiting too as centenal is
part of the Sierra de Cadiz region which has plenty of Scenic hiking trails Olive Groves and more amazing landscape number six cheat cool Indian chit is a small village in the can District of himal Pradesh in India it's found at an altitude of over 11,000 ft along the banks of the baspa river and it's the last publicly accessible Village on the Indo Tibetan border with the Army controlling a restricted area Beyond it the crystal clear waters of the baspa river flow through the valley providing a Lifeline to the village and adding to its charm but
the village is at such a height that in Winter most of the around 900 100 residents are forced to move to a lower altitude before returning once the snow is receded the locals mostly from the canari community are warm and welcoming as their culture is deeply rooted in Tradition with a dialect and Customs that have Hindu and Buddhist influences the most important structure here is the village Temple complex which is where you'll find the mati Devi Temple this Temple is dedicated to the local deity Monti Devi and is made from wood with intricate carvings it's
believed to be up to 500 years old and it's the spiritual and cultural hub for this community the basa Valley itself is perfect for leisurely walks bird watching and photography with the plant and animal life here being very diverse while the nearby rcham Village and sangla Valley are also worth exploring for their natural beauty as life here has remained mostly unchanged in recent decades it's increasingly becoming a more popular place for tourism particularly for those who enjoy fishing as the basa river is known for its trout the river's clear waters and the scenery here make
it a perfect spot and then during the winter months the region transforms into a snowy Wonderland attracting visitors who will want to see the full beauty of the Himalayas the village is also free from the usual tourist sites like large hotels and busy marketplaces making it perfect for those looking for a break from urban life number five aay France aay in France is a medieval village that's high up on a hill that overlooks the Waters of the French Riviera it's often described as an eagle's nest because of its clifftop location aay is one of the
most beautiful places on the kot DOR in a position that's between nce and Monaco aay is a blend of history art and nature today though it's a quiet place that relies on tourists who want to learn more about its culture and explore the surrounding Countryside it is a beautiful place to be and at an altitude of, 1400 ft above sea level this Village has views of the Mediterranean Coastline with the Deep Blue Waters stretching out as far as the eye can see the narrow streets of the village itself are lined with ancient stone houses many
of which have been converted into Boutique shops art galleries and cafes Vines drape over walls adding bursts of color to the village and every corner seems to reveal a hidden Courtyard a doorway or even a Terrace so you can't help but explore one of the most famous landmarks in aay is the Church of notrad de assumption the Baroque style church was built in the 18th century and it's a surprising contrast to the beauty of the landscape the church is a quiet Sanctuary for reflection and offers a look into the spiritual history of the village elsewhere
you can find the ancient walls narrow passageways and fortified Gates that date back to when it was a medieval stronghold and the small ESS Museum showcases the Region's history along with plaques throughout the village that reveal historical facts as you're walking around n is said to have walked this path while composing parts of Thus Spoke zarathustra and as you follow in his footsteps you'll see amazing views of the coastline and get an idea of why he found it so inspiring number four bashari Lebanon bishari in Northern Lebanon is a UNESCO world heritage site at an
altitude of around 4,900 ft above sea level offering amazing views of valleys Cliffs and snowcapped Peaks it's known as the land of the Cedars bashari is a stunning mountain town and also a center of Lebanese identity art and spirituality the cuisine here is a particular highlight featuring Lebanese dishes such as Kiba tabula and Messa all made even better by the crisp Mountain Air and stunning views bashari is probably most famous as the birthplace of gibron Khalil gibron the Lebanese American poet philosopher and artist best known for his book The Prophet G Bron's Legacy is clear
throughout the town where his spirit and work are celebrated at the gibron Museum housed in a former Monastery this Museum contains a collection of gabon's personal belongings manuscripts and over 400 of his artworks the monastery of St Anthony of kosaya is one of the Region's first printing presses which dates back to the 16th century and was used to produce some of the earliest books in Syriac and Arabic bashari is also known for its closeness to The Cedars of God or the arzal Rob which is an ancient Cedar Forest that has huge cultural significance these trees
some of which are over a thousand years old are celebrated as symbols of Lebanon and have been mentioned in religious texts including the Bible the Cedars of God are a living relic of lebanon's ancient Heritage and visiting this Forest is said to be a spiritual experience hermitages and monasteries many carved directly into the cliffs can be found across the valley and among them is the monastery of St Anthony of kosaya which is one of the oldest monasteries in Le on and has played a major role in preserving the marinite Christian Heritage the town is a
popular destination for skiing and snowboarding too in the winter months with nearby Cedar ski resort offering slopes for all skill levels in the warmer months too there are plenty of hiking trails taking visitors through amazing Landscapes and cascading waterfalls number three St Veron France ST veran which is in the French Alps is a stunning Mountain Village known known for its beauty historic charm and place as one of the highest inhabited villages in Europe sitting at an altitude of 6700 ft it offers visitors a rare combination of Alpine Landscapes traditional architecture and a peaceful atmosphere the
village is named after St varanis who was the bishop of cavillon in the 6th century and was said to have driven away a dragon well its history stretches back even further though with archaeological evidence showing that the area was inhabited during the BR On's age its structures here are traditional wooden and stone Chalet these homes with their sloping roofs and weathered Timbers are built to withstand these Alpine Winters and the village is also famous for its painted Sund dials which dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries can be found on the walls of homes
and public buildings currently it has a permanent population of around 300 people but Rises during the height of summer and winter when the tourists add to those numbers the natural surroundings here are are simply stunning The Village is set against a backdrop of Peaks Meadows and Crystal Clear streams the regional natural park here is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts with activities like hiking mountain biking and horseback riding in the summer and skiing snowshoeing and CrossCountry skiing in the winter thanks to the high altitude and lack of light pollution the night skies here are really clear providing
perfect conditions for looking out at stars planets or other Celestial phenomena but cultural heritage here is something that's deeply ingrained in life it showcases the Traditions crafts and daily life in the region visitors can learn about the agricultural practices woodworking skills and religious Customs that have shaped The Village over the centuries and even take guided tours around the remains of copper mines which were one of the main sources of revenue for the people in the region from the Roman era until the 19th century number two Santa Elena Costa Rica Santa Elena which is in the
Mont Verde region of Costa Rica is a mountain town that's famous for its Cloud forests it's found at an elevation of about 4700 ft above sea level but this small and Lively town is a gateway to the Mont Verde Cloud Forest Reserve and other natural wonders in the surrounding region it's a place with extremely unpredictable weather and being in the cloud forest mist and rain and sunshine can all happen within a single day the cooler climate also provides a refreshing escape from the heat that's found along the Coastline the town's connection to conservation and sustainability
is a deep one and it goes back to the 1950s when a group of Quaker settlers from the US moved here to escape conscription during the Korean War they established dairy farms and worked to preserve the area's natural beauty laying the foundation for mon verde's development as a hub for environmental stewardship nearby is the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve which is slightly higher in elevation than monting and has a more quiet and less crowded experience while still having the same Rich biodiversity hiking through its Trails reveals stunning scenery dense vegetation and opportunities to spot unique
Wildlife such as howler monkeys hummingbirds and exotic orchids Beyond ecotourism though the town also supports coffee Farmers as Mont Verde is also part of Costa Rica's coffee growing Highlands it's here that some of the finest coffee in the world is grown and while much of it is exported it's best tried close to the source for those interested in cultural experiences atena offers opportunities to take part in other local traditions and crafts The montverde Institute located nearby arranges workshops and programs on topics ring from sustainability to the history and culture of the region visitors can explore
artisian markets where handmade jewelry pottery and textiles showcase the creativity and skill of the local people number one shirakawago Japan shirakawago which is in the remote shogawa River Valley of Japan's gefu prefecture is a magical Village that transports you back in time with its traditional architecture rural Landscapes and Rich culture designated as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1995 shirakawago is best known for its iconic gaso zukuri houses which is a unique architectural style that was developed over centuries to adapt to the Region's Winters it's a region where there are two other historic Villages too
but shirakawago is the most famous and with a name that translates to mean White River old district is a part of the larger and more modern town of shirakawa the term gho zakuri translates to mean prayer hands construction referring to the steeply sloped thatch roofs of the houses in the village which look like hands pressing together in prayer this design allows heavy snow to slide off easily protecting the structures during the Region's long Winters these multi-story houses some of which are over 250 years old were traditionally used by extended Farm families and included space for
silkor worm cultivation in their attics the Interiors are fitted with wooden beams and tatami mats keeping things simple and functional but beyond the architecture shirakawago is a place where a traditional way of life is maintained the region is known for its production of textiles handmade paper and Woodcraft and visitors can take part in workshops to create their own crafts providing a deeper connection to the culture the village is also a center for preserving Japanese agricultural practices with rice farming still being a vital part of its identity festivals here are a big part of life too
such as the Dooku Festival held in October which features traditional music dance and the serving of Dooku which is a local type of unrefined sake even with its increasing popularity as a tourist destination shirao is keeping a sense of authenticity and peacefulness many residents still live in the gashos of kuri houses and keep to Traditions that have been passed down for Generations making it a fantastic place to visit it if you get the chance tourists are expected to respect the local way of life while being welcome to experience as much as possible thanks for watching
everyone I'll see you next time thank you to our channel members
