Update (October 2026): This geographical guide has been reviewed and updated with corrections to forest classifications, protected-area designations, characteristic tree species, and practical access information. Some of these forests are easily visited through established national parks and hiking trails, while others require demanding expeditions through remote regions. The selection remains a personal appreciation of ten extraordinary coniferous forest landscapes around the world.
The Christmas tree is a plant with a fairy tale image. Its conical shape brings a lot of joyful moods, and in the Northern Hemisphere, it reminds of beautiful snowy winter. But do you know what kind of tree it is in the wild nature? There are gorgeous forests around the world that consist of these trees. They are coniferous trees, and the forests they form are called various names- taiga, boreal forest, alpine forest, and more. Let’s make a journey to the 10 most beautiful coniferous forests in the world!
Table of Contents
Christmas tree
The image of a Christmas tree is well-known. Usually, it is a coniferous tree in perfect conical shape (because there are coniferous trees in shapes that are the same as the shapes of most broad-leaved trees). It has a sharp peak, and its branches descend symmetrically, sometimes like the sleeves of a gentle arm. Like this:
Or this:
However, in reality, natural Christmas trees that we use are not so perfect, but have a round shape like this:
Or this:
For this reason, the modern artificial Christmas trees tend to fit much better our imagination.
Tradition and image
The tradition of Christmas trees comes from the 16th century in Germany, as a distant association to the Biblical story of Jesus’ birth. It represents heavenly grace. The decoration on the tree is like hanging fruits, and these fruits are gifts. Finally, the star on the top represents the Star of Bethlehem.
And since the Christmas trees originate from Europe, which is in the Northern Hemisphere, it naturally began relating to winter, snow, and a “white fairy tale”.
Christmas trees grow in cold areas- in the far north or in the high mountains. So, they create not only a “snow winter” association but also an association of high alpine environment or wild boreal forests in our minds- this is their birthplace.
But what kind of trees are the Christmas trees?
Coniferous trees
Christmas trees are usually coniferous trees, particularly spruces, firs, and sometimes pines. However, conifers are a much larger group that also includes larches, cedars, cypresses, redwoods, hemlocks, and many other trees. Most conifers are evergreen, but some, such as larches, lose their needles in autumn. Not all of them have the familiar symmetrical shape of a traditional Christmas tree.
Sometimes, pines are used as Christmas trees, but their shape is not perfect. Spruces and firs fit much better the “Christmas tree” image- their shape is much closer to it. In general, it is often difficult to distinguish these two coniferous types- they can look almost the same. But only a closer look at their needle leaves can show what kind of trees they are.
So, in searching for Christmas trees in nature, we have to look for spruce and fir. They are also divided into many different species- some closer, others- farther from the “Christmas tree” image. And there are large forests on the Earth that literally consist of “Christmas trees”- wild, gorgeous, in harmony with freezing winter or harsh alpine landscape.
Types of coniferous forests
In general, geographically, there are three types of coniferous forests- tropical, temperate (mountainous), and boreal taiga.
Tropical coniferous forests
They are located mainly in the wet tropical regions- in Central America, in the lower foot of the Himalayas, partly in the mountains of South China, and in the mountains of Southeast Asia. In the Southern Hemisphere, specific coniferous forests can be seen in New Caledonia.
Some of the species have a “Christmas tree” shape, but since they almost never see snow and cold winter, they are somehow “too far” from the ideal. And in general, the whole environment has a totally different image- an image of “tropical paradise”, or hot-and-wet jungle.
Temperate (mountainous) coniferous forests
These are the coniferous forests in the high mountains that are located in the Northern Hemisphere, in the temperate geographic zone. They grow in the mountains of Europe- in the Alps, Carpathians, Balkans, Pyrenees, as well as in Norway.
In Asia, they grow in the wet regions of Turkey and Iran, but also in Tianshan, Karakoram, Himalaya, and Eastern Tibet. And in North America, they can be seen in the Rocky Mountains of the USA and Canada.
Depending on the geographical latitude and climate, these forests grow at a different altitude, creating a local vertical conifer zone. In this type of forest, you can see some of the perfect “Christmas trees”, in their best environment- and not only one, but millions of them.
In the north, these forests gradually descend to sea level, where they mix with the third type of coniferous forests- the boreal taiga.
Boreal taiga
This is one of the largest forest areas on Earth. There are two taiga regions- one in Eurasia, and one in North America. The boreal taiga grows on the vast northern plains in Russia, Finland, Canada, and partially Alaska (in Alaska these forests mix with the temperate mountain forests).
In the boreal taiga, you can find many of the same species that grow in the mountains. But there are also other species that are typical only for the taiga. And the taiga forests are not entirely coniferous- in some places, they are mixed with deciduous (broad-leaved) forests.
And again, this is the other place where you can find millions of perfect “Christmas trees”- again, mainly spruce or fir. Although the terrain is not mountainous but mostly flat, the harsh winter climate and the deep wilderness of these forests again provide a great “Christmas trees” feeling.
Include a travel insurance as a part of your trip preparation by pressing the button below: 
Exploring the Earth is fantastic! However, there are various hidden dangers that may ruin your journeys. Don’t allow that to happen, or at least reduce the consequences as much as possible!
The 10 best coniferous forests in the world
So, let’s go on a journey to the 10 best coniferous forests in the world. All of them belong to the temperate, and to the boreal taiga forest areas. And in each of them, you can see countless of the best, most beautiful, and most gorgeous “Christmas trees” in their best wild home.
Hemsedal Forest, Norway
The wet oceanic climate of Norway is a perfect environment for coniferous forests. Here, summer is cool, and winter is not extremely cold. There are mountains that rise to 1000-1500 m altitude, only in some isolated places reach 2000 m and above. So, the coniferous forests in Norway are temperate mountainous.
There are many beautiful coniferous forests in the country, but one of the best of them is the forest in Hemsedal. It is located in the southern part of Norway, in the mountains between Oslo and Bergen. This forest is not so large in area. In fact, it is divided into clusters around the valleys and the summits.
Here you can see some of the most gorgeous “Christmas trees” in Europe. They are mainly spruces- the main species is the Norway spruce (Picea abies). Here you can see gorgeous, slender, and sharp-peaked spruces. Combined with the surrounding landscape of valleys, mountains, and rivers (with some waterfalls), the Hemsedal coniferous forests are a real forest paradise!
How to visit and explore Hemsedal Forest
Hemsedal is a resort village, located 200 km from Oslo, and 276 km from Bergen. There are buses from both of the two cities, two or three times daily. The buses from Oslo travel to Trøimhallen bus station in Hemsedal village. And the buses from Bergen are not direct, but you have to change to another bus from Eraker or Saltkjelen.
The total travel is about 5-6 hours by bus. You can also travel to Hemsedal by car which is much more convenient and faster- for about 4-5 hours.
Once you arrive at the village, you can enjoy hiking in the nearby mountainous area. There are a lot of stunning places you can enjoy. One of the most beautiful spots is Rjukandefossen Waterfall- in fact, this is the most iconic place of Hemsedal. The view is breathtaking, with a combination of a waterfall and the gorgeous “Christmas trees” around it.
Pallas-Yllastunturi Forest, Finland
Finland is mostly a flat country, full of lakes and rivers. Only in its northern parts, we can see some low hilly areas. The country stretches from north to south and a large part of it is covered by forests. These forests are a part of the large Eurasian boreal taiga zone. In the south, the coniferous trees are mixed with deciduous trees, but the north is “more coniferous”, and the higher hills are in a gradual mix with the Arctic tundra.
And here, in the north, where the boreal taiga touches the polar region, you can visit one of the most beautiful “Christmas trees” landscapes in Finland. This is the Pallas-Yllästunturi Forest, which today is turned into one of the most popular national parks in the country.
Here the coniferous trees are again mostly spruces. But unlike those in the temperate coniferous forests of Norway, the spruces in Pallas-Yllästunturi are thinner, lower, and sharper, which is more typical of the boreal taiga. Besides spruces, there are also some pines and birches. And in the hills of the national park, the forest gradually gives place to the polar tundra.
How to visit and explore Pallas-Yllästunturi Forest
Pallas-Yllästunturi is the third-largest national park in Finland. It is located in the far north of the country, in Lapland, at 1023 km from Helsinki. So, to reach the national park from Helsinki requires a journey that crosses the whole country from south to north.
Buses are traveling from Helsinki to Pallas-Yllästunturi. However, they are not direct, but you have to change them in the cities of Kolari, Rovaniemi, or Muonio. These buses are overnight, and the whole trip takes 16-17 hours. Other options are traveling by train to Kolari, or by air to Kittila, then again by bus to Pallas-Yllästunturi. And of course, you can go driving through the taiga forest of Finland, for about 12 hours.
Once you reach Pallas-Yllästunturi, you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking on permitted routes, canoeing, skiing, and watching the Northern Lights in winter. There is no general entrance fee. However, camping is allowed mainly near designated rest areas, campfire sites, and wilderness huts, with additional possibilities for short-term camping in certain remote zones. Some areas have seasonal or permanent access restrictions, and campfires are prohibited during wildfire warnings. Before exploring the park, check the official Pallas-Yllästunturi visitor rules.
Virgin Komi Forests, Russia (Komi)
The largest boreal taiga forest in Europe is located in the Komi Republic, a part of Russia, in the northeastern ends of the West Russian Plain and the mountains of Ural. Basically, Ural is a low mountain chain, more like a low hill that seldom rises higher than 1000 m altitude. So, the forest there is not a mountainous type, but just a part of the taiga.
And this taiga area in Komi that is located on the Ural Mountains is called Virgin Komi Forests. It is a very sparsely populated area, where you can walk for a day without meeting a single human. It is so wild and virgin that the area is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The “Christmas trees” that can be seen there consist mainly of Siberian spruce and Siberian fir. These trees are usually thin, high, and sharp. In this area, they are mixed also with Siberian Larch, which is a coniferous tree but without a “Christmas-tree-like” shape.
How to visit and explore the Virgin Komi Forests
The Virgin Komi Forests are not a single compact forest or a particular tourist destination. They form an enormous UNESCO World Heritage Site covering approximately 26,500 km² in Russia’s Komi Republic, along the western slopes of the Northern and Subpolar Ural Mountains. The protected property includes Yugyd Va National Park, the Pechora-Ilych Nature Reserve, and the Yaksha Forest District. The wider taiga ecosystem continues eastward across the Ural Mountains, but those neighboring forests should not be confused with the actual UNESCO World Heritage boundaries. For the official geographical extent, see the UNESCO World Heritage map of the Virgin Komi Forests.
The Virgin Komi Forests include two major protected areas with different access rules. In the south, the Pechora-Ilych Nature Reserve is a strictly protected area, where ordinary visitors cannot wander freely outside authorized routes and activities. One of its most remarkable attractions is the group of Manpupuner rock pillars, but visiting them requires special arrangements and permission. Farther north, Yugyd Va National Park offers other possibilities for wilderness exploration, although entry registration, permits, and route restrictions may apply. Before planning a journey, consult the UNESCO information about the Virgin Komi Forests and the current rules of the respective protected-area administration.
Reaching these places is not so easy. There are almost no paved roads to the forests, so, visiting this area is adventurous- only by 4×4 vehicles on dirt roads, by bike, or by trekking expedition. Good starting points are the towns at the Pechora Riverbank, like Pechora, Danilovka, and Priuralskyi. The town of Pechora is reachable by train from Moscow, but the other towns- only by local boats and 4×4 vehicles.
But this is not the wildest forest. There is a more remote and wilder place than this- far eastward, deep in Siberia…
Tungus Taiga, Russia (Evenkia)
This is one of the wildest and less populated regions on the Earth, close in population to the uninhabited areas of Antarctica, Greenland, and Northwestern Tibet. In a territory as large as France and Spain together, there are no more than about 17 000 people. This is Evenkia, an autonomous district within Krasnoyarskiy Krai province in Russia.
The area is mostly known for the Tunguska Event- a meteoroid explosion that happened in 1908. It devastated a large area of the boreal taiga, but left no crater and probably didn’t kill anyone (or maybe only three people).
The boreal taiga of Evenkia belongs to the East Siberian Taiga zone. It grows on large and low plateaus, divided by long curving rivers, tributaries of the Yenisei River. The forests consist mainly of coniferous trees, as well as some deciduous (birch and more). Not all the coniferous trees are “Christmas trees”, but there are still a lot of Siberian spruces and firs. And everything is incredibly wild, far from human civilization!
How to visit and explore the Tungus Taiga
It is difficult. There are only two ways to visit the Tungus Taiga that are less difficult.
The first way is to fly to the village of Vanavara from Krasnoyarsk. Vanavara is known as the nearest settlement to the Tunguska Event site. But be prepared for a wild multi-days adventure. There are dirt roads that lead to Tunguska State Nature Reserve. And you must obtain a permit from Vanavara to enter the reserve. Once you are there, you can follow one of the trails to the meteoroid site.
Another option is to fly to Tura, the capital of Evenkia. Again, there are planes to Tura only from Krasnoyarsk. And once you arrive there, you can penetrate deep in the boreal taiga in the area, only in a wild adventure expedition style.
All other ways like off-road travel or on land expeditions that cross Evenkia are extremely challenging and normally require a team of professional survivors. But if you manage to arrange or join something like this, it would be a fantastic experience.
Yakutia Highland Forests, Russia (Sakha Republic)
We looked at the wildest coniferous forests in Europe, then to at the wildest coniferous forests in the whole world. Now, let’s look at the coldest coniferous forests in the world- the “Christmas trees” forests of Yakutia.
Probably, you have heard about Oymyakon, one of the famous Poles of Cold in the Northern Hemisphere? It is among the coldest permanently inhabited settlements on Earth, with an officially recorded temperature of approximately −67.7°C in 1933. Even ordinary winter days can bring extreme cold, with temperatures dropping far below −40°C. And this frozen landscape is not entirely treeless: sparse larch forests and other cold-adapted vegetation survive in the surrounding valleys and mountains.
And Oymyakon, as well as the other rarely scattered villages in this harsh land, are not established on naked tundra, but most of them are surrounded by sparse forests of coniferous trees. Some of them again consist of Siberian spruces and firs. They are not tall, but they are thin and sharp. Covered by snow and ice, they are like taken from a “Christmas” fairy tale.
How to visit and explore the Yakutia Highland Forests
There are two cities, located on both sides of this area. The first one is Yakutsk, the capital of Yakutia (Sakha Republic). And the second one is Magadan- a city at the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk. These two cities are connected by one of the most adventurous roads in the world, called the Kolyma Highway, or the “Road of Bones” (built by GULAG prisoners during the time of Stalin).
One of the most adventurous ways to explore the forests of Yakutia is to travel along the Kolyma Highway, connecting Yakutsk with the Magadan region. A detour toward Oymyakon takes you even deeper into the extreme continental landscapes of northeastern Siberia. However, this is a demanding road journey, and conditions vary considerably between seasons. Winter brings severe cold, ice, and limited daylight, while summer may bring mud, heavy rain, and difficult river crossings on secondary routes. The best season depends on your expedition goals, vehicle, and the exact route. Always verify the current road conditions before departure.
Traveling along the Kolyma Highway requires serious preparation, especially when exploring remote side roads and forest areas. Some settlements have limited public transport connections, but these are not a practical substitute for a carefully planned expedition across the entire region.
For longer journeys, an experienced local driver or expedition operator with suitable vehicles and knowledge of the seasonal conditions can be extremely valuable. Before booking, verify that the operator actually offers the route you want, rather than relying on old travel company names or advertisements. Along the way, you can enjoy extraordinary landscapes of sparse Siberian forests, frozen rivers, mountain valleys, and immense wilderness.
Tongass Rainforest, USA (Alaska)
Let’s go to North America. Here we can see a lot of gorgeous forests of “Christmas trees”, many of them growing in mountains. But some of them are located at the sea coast- not just at the coast, but on islands, fjords, bays, and straits.
This is the case with Tongass Rainforest- a wild forest area, located at the southernmost angle of Alaska, USA. This area is a seacoast archipelago, called Alexander Archipelago, but also includes the mountains and coastline formations of the nearby continent. Due to the high precipitation in Tongass, it is called “rainforest”, because the growth of the woods is closely related to the rain and snow.
Tongass Rainforest is a temperate mountainous forest, and it is not entirely coniferous. There are also broad-leaved trees and some alpine tundra with glaciers in the high altitude zones. But the coniferous trees still prevail, and many of them look like “Christmas trees”- these are Sitka spruces and Western hemlocks (fir-like conifers, but in a different sub-family). And all of this forms deep wild virgin forests with rich wildlife.
How to visit and explore Tongass Rainforest
There are several entry points for visiting and exploring this place. You can come here from the rest of Alaska, or from neighboring Canada- mainly by air, or by water. These entry points include Juneau, and the smaller towns of Port Protection, Petersburg, Craig, Hoonah, Sitka, Wrangel, and a few more.
The Tongass is not a national park but the Tongass National Forest, managed by the United States Forest Service. Covering nearly 17 million acres (about 69,000 km²), it is the largest national forest in the United States and includes extensive designated wilderness areas. Different parts of the forest have different access and recreation regulations, so it is best to choose one or two areas to explore rather than try to visit the entire forest. For current hiking routes, cabins, permits, and conservation rules, see the official Tongass National Forest information.
In Tongass, you can do a lot of activities like hiking, canoeing, camping, or just combinations of the above. There are cabins in various places on the islands or on the continent, so you can spend the night there. You can watch the wild bears and many other local animals. Just don’t forget that this is a protected and managed national forest, so follow the applicable rules for wildlife, camping, recreation, and designated wilderness areas.
Great Bear Rainforest, Canada (British Columbia)
The forests of Tongass proceed further southeastward, and a similar environment can be found in the other rainforest at the Pacific Coast- Great Bear Rainforest. It includes most of the western Canadian coastline, without Vancouver and Haida Gwaii islands. Here the nature is presented by seacoast, islands, fjords, valleys, high mountains, and glaciers.
Like Tongass, this is a temperate rainforest in a specific terrain, where high mountains meet the seacoast, and where rain and snow play a significant role. It is a bit smaller than Tongass in size but still presents the same features.
Here, in the Great Bear Rainforest, you can see wild forests, mainly coniferous, and in some places- mixed with broad-leaved trees. Again, the local “Christmas trees” consist of Sitka spruce and Western hemlocks. There are also other conifer trees (like Western red cedar), but they don’t look so “Christmas”.
How to visit and explore the Great Bear Rainforest
The Great Bear Rainforest can be explored from several coastal gateways, including Bella Coola, Bella Bella, and Prince Rupert, while Port Hardy on Vancouver Island is a useful southern starting point for ferry and marine travel connections. However, the Great Bear Rainforest is not a single national park. It is a vast coastal rainforest region containing numerous protected areas, Indigenous territories, and managed forest landscapes. Access arrangements differ between locations, and some experiences require local boats, guides, or permission from the relevant communities. For more information, see the official Great Bear Rainforest information from British Columbia.
Keep in mind that most of the routes are adventurous since the road network is very limited here. So, you can travel mainly on foot, or on water, and thus you can enjoy your own adventurous expeditions that include hiking, canoeing, cruising, camping, and other activities.
Great Bear Rainforest is also home to extraordinary wildlife, including grizzly bears, black bears, and the famous white-coated Kermode bears, often called spirit bears. Different parts of this vast region have different conservation and access rules, and some areas are managed in partnership with Indigenous communities. Always respect wildlife viewing requirements, local permissions, and the regulations of the particular protected area you visit.
Gifford Pinchot Forest, USA (Washington)
This is one of the most beautiful coniferous forest regions in the USA outside Alaska. It lies in the Cascade Range of southwestern Washington, a volcanic mountain chain with a cool, wet climate influenced by the Pacific Ocean. The combination of abundant precipitation, high mountains, volcanic landscapes, and different elevation zones supports extensive temperate coniferous forests. Unlike the northern boreal taiga, these forests belong mainly to the temperate forest ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest.
The forest area is located between three iconic peaks- Mt Rainier, Mt St. Helens, and Mt Adams. All of them are volcanoes, as Mt St. Helens is well-known for one of the most devastating eruptions in human history that destroyed a part of the mountains. Besides these mountains, there are many other peaks with alpine features. There are also a lot of lakes, rivers, and streams.
And below the alpine zone, much of the landscape is covered by lush forests of magnificent conifers. The most characteristic trees include Douglas-fir, western hemlock, western redcedar, and Pacific silver fir. At higher elevations, you can also find mountain hemlock, noble fir, subalpine fir, and other cold-tolerant conifers. Many of these trees have the tall, symmetrical appearance of natural Christmas trees, especially when growing in dense mountain forests.
How to visit and explore the Gifford Pinchot Forest
Gifford Pinchot National Forest is a federally managed national forest in southwestern Washington, south of Mount Rainier and around the Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams areas. It can be approached from Seattle, Portland, and several smaller towns along the Cascade Range. U.S. Highway 12 provides an important northern access route, while other forest roads lead toward trailheads, lakes, and volcanic landscapes. The exact driving time depends on the destination, seasonal road closures, and weather conditions.
There is no general entrance fee for driving through Gifford Pinchot National Forest, but some trailheads and developed recreation sites require a parking or recreation pass. Certain locations have used a daily fee of USD 5 per vehicle, while other areas require different passes or reservations. Additional permits may be necessary for activities such as climbing Mount St. Helens, camping in restricted backcountry areas, or commercial and special uses. Check the requirements for your exact destination through the official Gifford Pinchot National Forest website.
With those permits, you can enjoy a lot of activities in the forest- hiking, mountain biking, kayaking (canoeing) in the lakes and rivers, mountain climbing, or just relaxing. There are mountain hotels and lodges where you can spend the night. Also, you can sleep in one of the campsites.
Now, let’s back to Asia.
Terskey Alatau Forests, Kyrgyzstan
In the middle of Asia, we can see a gorgeous mountain range, one of the highest on Earth. This is Tian Shan (Tianshan)- the Heavenly Mountains. These mountains extend with multiple branches from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan on the west to the middle of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in China.
Most of Tianshan is covered by alpine grasslands and glaciers. But there are also some forests- one of the most beautiful coniferous forests on the Earth. They grow mainly on the northern slopes of the ridges. And the largest cluster of these forests is located in one of the Tianshan sub-ranges- Terskey Alatau, south of Issyk Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan.
These forests of “Christmas trees” consist mainly of the Asian spruce (Picea Schrenkiana)- a gorgeous tree with a sharp conical peak. This spruce can be seen in many other parts of Tianshan, but here, with the beneficial effect of the Issyk Kul Lake these spruce forests are the best.
How to visit and explore the forests of Terskey Alatau
The best starting point to explore Terskey Alatau is the city of Karakol, located near the southeastern coast of Issyk Kul. There are regular public vans (called “marshrutka”) from Bishkek to Karakol, and the whole trip is around 4-5 hours. Or, you can rent a car from Bishkek to Karakol, however, the mountain roads deep in Terskey Alatau are not proper for normal cars.
There are several valleys on the northern side of Terskey Alatau. The best and the most popular of them are Jeti Oguz, Karakol, and Arashan. Dirt roads start from the city of Karakol and the nearby villages to the south and penetrate deeply into the valleys.
In Jeti Oguz Valley, the road reaches the resort of the same name, as well as some local points of interest. In Karakol Valley, you can reach Ayu-Tor Ryce Camp. And in Arashan, you can go to the hot springs mountain resort Altyn Arashan. All these places are connected by a spectacular hiking route that also includes the alpine Ala-Kol Lake.
West Himalayan Forests, Pakistan
Finally, we arrive in the Himalayas, the highest mountain range on the Earth. It is known for Mt Everest and the other 8000-ers. And the image of the Himalayas in many people’s minds is this- giant snow-capped peaks, glaciers, deep gorges, and unique local culture.
But how about forests? There are tropical and subtropical forests in the foot and the lower branches of the Himalayas. But are there gorgeous alpine coniferous forests of “Christmas trees”? They would fit perfectly this fantastic mountainous landscape.
Yes, there are such forests, in the west and in the east of the Himalayas. And those in the west contain more gorgeous “Christmas-shaped” trees. They are Pindrow firs and Morinda spruces. These trees can be found in Nepal and India, but mostly in Pakistan, in Azad Kashmir, Chitral, and Swat areas.
How to visit and explore the West Himalayan Forests
First, of course, you have to go to Pakistan. The capital Islamabad, as well as Lahore, can be a good starting point for traveling to the mountains in the north-northeast. There are domestic flights to Chitral, as well as local buses to the main cities in the coniferous forest areas- Chitral, Swat, Dasu, and Neelum River Valley.
And if you are looking at the most gorgeous coniferous forests of all, you have to travel to Neelum River Valley. It is located in Azad Kashmir. The main towns and villages, as well as mountain resorts and hotels, are located in a chain, following the valley- Sharda, Kel, Phullawai, Taobat, and more.
However, exploring the Neelum Valley requires additional planning because parts of it lie close to the Line of Control between Pakistan-administered and India-administered Kashmir. Foreign visitors may face special permissions, security checks, or temporary access restrictions, particularly in the upper valley and areas close to the ceasefire line.
Don’t assume that a No-Objection Certificate can always be obtained easily from a local office or that every settlement is open to foreign tourists. Before traveling, confirm the current rules with the relevant Pakistani and Azad Jammu and Kashmir authorities, and check an official travel advisory for Pakistan.
More forests of “Christmas trees” around the Earth
These are the 10 most beautiful coniferous forests in the world, at least according to travelers’ (and mine) opinion. Of course, there are many other coniferous forests that are also very beautiful. I would also mention the forests in the plains of Canada, Labrador, more of Alaska, more of the Rocky Mountains in California, Oregon, Montana, Wyoming, and other states.
In Europe, I would mention the forests in Sweden, in the Alps, in the Balkans (the mountains of Rhodopes, Rila, Prokletije, and more), in the Carpathians, and in the northern East European Plain.
In Asia, I would mention the coniferous forests in Northern Turkey, in the Caucasus, in Northern Iran, in Altay, Mongolia, Northeastern China, in Sakhalin. And also, I would mention more forests in the Great Tibetan Plateau (Eastern Tibet) and the Himalayas.
No matter which of these forests you go to explore, hike, and enjoy, the specific wild feeling there is somehow related to Christmas (although, of course, the routes of Christmas are totally different and come from the Land of Israel, where Jesus was born). And the wild and gorgeous beauty of the Christmas trees, as well as their fragrance always brings joy and longing for nature.
Want to see more charts of best natural features and go to explore them?
Take a look at the following ones:
Best coral places for scuba diving
Most beautiful karst hills in China and Southeast Asia
Check some travel books about the coniferous forests:
Disclaimer: Journey Beyond the Horizon is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites at no additional cost to you.
Like it? Pin it here⇓! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!
You may also like
Hi, we are Krasen and Ying Ying. Krasen is from Bulgaria, and Ying Ying is from China. We are passionate about geography and history, and we believe that the best way to experience it is by exploring the Earth in reality, not in a school, and not virtually.
So, we created this blog Journey Beyond the Horizon, where we share geographical knowledge, travel guides and tips how to experience it when you explore our planet, and a lot of inspiration.
And we wish you a happy journey, not just virtually, but most of all- in reality.
Enjoy!
Krasen and Ying Ying
Hi, we are Krasen and Ying Ying. Krasen is from Bulgaria, and Ying Ying is from China. We are passionate about geography and history, and we believe that the best way to experience it is by exploring the Earth in reality, not in a school, and not virtually. So, we created this blog Journey Beyond the Horizon, where we share geographical knowledge, travel guides and tips how to experience it when you explore our planet, and a lot of inspiration. And we wish you a happy journey, not just virtually, but most of all- in reality. Enjoy!
