For many stairs are something to avoid because we mostly depend on elevators and lifts. If these staircases are included in attractions its sounds little absurd but it is true. Some staircases are designed so beautifully and in a very distinct manner that you found them surprising and interesting. Let us explore these dizzying descents which are mesmerizingly intricate and nearly death defying treks that surely take your breath away.
So take a peek, lace up your shoes and prepare yourself mentally to ascend one of these amazing staircases by booking flights with Carlton Leisure.
The Inca Trail, Peru
Trekking the Inca Trail to linking the city of Cuzco to Machu Pichu often features on must do travel lists and is named as one of the new Seven Wonders in the World. The Inca Trail starts at an altitude of about 2,800 meters and ends at Machu Picchu. While hiking visitor passes through the Dead Women Pass which is 4,200 meters is the highest point of the trek. The trail is also famous for its spectacular Andean scenery.
The step-well of Chand Baori, Rajasthan
In India Step wells are more than just water reservoirs. They are gathering places to hang out and escape the heat. One such unusual step well is located in a village near Jaipur is Chand Baori. The structure consists of 13 spans and has a total number of 3,500 steps, down to a depth of 30 meters. This area is very dry, so the builders gave the well shaped to maximally reserve the water. Its geometric art form of this step well makes its truly spectacular.
Heaven’s Gate Mountain, China
You’ve to climb 999 grueling steps of Tianmen Mountain of Zhangjiajie which takes you to the opening, considered to be the door to heaven and thus is famous by the name of Gate to Heaven. Chinese people consider that Tianmen cave is a heaven path to be a door linking the common world with heaven. Visitors come across various natural attractions during their journey which makes it even more fascinating.
Taihang Mountain Spiral Staircase, China
The spiral staircase with a height of 9.51 meters was recently installed is an attempt to attract tourists to the beautiful Taihang Mountain. It surely tickle your nerves so before starting the descent visitors have to fill few forms and ensure that they do not have any heart of lung problem and are under the age of 60. A slip on this narrow metal ladder can certainly lead to heaven.
Haiku Stairs, Hawaii
Just hold on your breath and get ready for a tremendous journey of Haiku Stairs on the island of O’ahu. Set in 1942 its construction was caused by the need to ensure the uninterrupted line of communication to the naval station it is located at the height of 850 meters. It is currently illegal to climb them but rules are not strictly followed and many travellers still climb it.
Universe Cascade, Scotland
This staircase is not as extreme as others but it is designed differently. It was built by an artist Charles Jencks to represent the story of the universe and its development over billions of years. The staircase is located at the Cosmic Speculation in Dumfries in Scotland. The stairs are rises up from a large pond before crisscrossing the steep hill side. Though the garden is private but they opened it for public view once in a year.
Tiger and Turtle, Germany
Like a roller coaster ride, the metal staircase with the original name of Tiger and Turtle is located on the slope of Duisburg in Germany. It is 21 meter in height and has a complex spiral shape with twists and turns and the ever-thrilling loop-the-loop. With 249 steps make up the walkway and LED lights which illuminate it can be well appreciated after dark make it no less than a classic ride.