Whether it’s Yosemite or Lauterbrunnen, more and more people are planning their trips around the most famous valleys. Nature enthusiasts know these locations can be tricky to reach. Long travel times and a lack of nearby airports often make them complicated to reach.
But the journey doesn’t have to be stressful, as you’ll discover in this guide featuring our favorite valley examples. Each includes nearby airports and transfer times to help you find the easiest routes to the valleys you’ve been dying to visit.
Key takeaways
The biggest valley is in East Africa. The volcanic Great Rift Valley runs roughly 4,000 miles long, and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is 1h27m by road from Lake Naivasha.
The easiest valley to reach is in Egypt. Valley of the Kings sits just a 20-30 minute drive (12 miles) from Luxor International Airport (LXR).
The most famous valley needs a 2h15m drive. Yosemite Valley is 94 miles from Fresno Yosemite International (FAT) via CA-41, according to Rome2Rio.
One valley has its airport inside it. Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) sits directly inside Kathmandu Valley; the taxi into downtown takes 15 to 30 minutes.
The safest bet for a short transfer is Jiuzhaigou. From Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (JZH) the drive into the valley takes only 1.5 to 2 hours one way.
TL;DR: the 10 valleys at a glance
Here’s a quick look at the names of the valleys included in our top 10 list. Each entry includes the closest airport and transfer time to help you get from A to B smoothly.
- Yosemite Valley, USA
- Monument Valley, USA
- Lauterbrunnen Valley, Switzerland
- Valley of the Kings, Egypt
- Valley of the Ten Peaks, Canada
- Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
- Great Rift Valley, Kenya
- Douro Valley, Portugal
- Jiuzhaigou Valley, China
- Hunza Valley, Pakistan
Shortlist comparison table
| Valley | Country | Closest Airport | Transfer Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yosemite Valley | USA | Fresno Yosemite International (FAT) | 2h15m drive |
| Monument Valley | USA | Page Municipal (PGA) | 2h20m drive |
| Lauterbrunnen Valley | Switzerland | Zurich (ZRH) | 2h40m train |
| Valley of the Kings | Egypt | Luxor International (LXR) | 20–30 min drive |
| Valley of the Ten Peaks | Canada | Calgary International (YYC) | 2h35m drive |
| Kathmandu Valley | Nepal | Tribhuvan International (KTM) | 15–30 min taxi |
| Great Rift Valley | Kenya | Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) | 1h27m drive |
| Douro Valley | Portugal | Porto (OPO) | 1h15m–1h30m drive |
| Jiuzhaigou Valley | China | Jiuzhai Huanglong (JZH) | 1.5–2h drive |
| Hunza Valley | Pakistan | Gilgit (GIL) | 2–3h drive |
1. Yosemite Valley, USA
Yosemite Valley is the most famous valley in the world and one of the best places to see in California. It’s a glacial, U-shaped valley in the Sierra Nevada, where dramatic rock formations like El Capitan and Half Dome and thundering cascades like Yosemite Falls can be found.
To reach Yosemite Valley, first, you’ll need to fly into Fresno Yosemite International (FAT) . From there, it’s a 2-hour, 15-minute drive covering 94 miles via CA-41, according to Rome2Rio.
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2. Monument Valley, USA
Monument Valley is a popular valley in the US that often attracts big movie buffs. Its sandstone buttes, located on the Arizona–Utah border within the Navajo Nation, have featured in several of John Ford’s classic westerns, making it one of the American Southwest’s most recognizable locations.
The nearest airport to Monument Valley is Page Municipal Airport (PGA) . Hire a car, and then it’s a 2-hour, 20-minute trip (125 miles) from there, according to Travelmath. Given how long the ride is, it’s worth extending your trip while you’re there to explore more of Arizona.
3. Lauterbrunnen Valley, Switzerland
A U-shaped valley carved by a glacier, Lauterbrunnen Valley, with its 72 waterfalls, is a strong contender for the most beautiful valley in the world. With scenery like this, it’s no wonder it inspired J.R.R. Tolkien’s Rivendell in The Lord of the Rings.
Look for cheap flights to Switzerland into Zurich Airport (ZRH) , then book a train with Trainline via Interlaken Ost, with one change. The full trip takes 2 hours 40 minutes. Once you’re there, you can easily build your plans around other things to do in Switzerland’s Alpine cities and valleys.
4. Valley of the Kings, Egypt
When it comes to major valleys in the world, the Valley of the Kings is always mentioned. A regular feature on every first-timer’s Egypt itinerary, it lies on the Nile and takes its name from the royal tombs that fill the surrounding area, including Tutankhamun’s, who once ruled the country.
Skip Cairo. Look for cheap flights to Egypt into the closer Luxor International Airport (LXR) instead. It’s just a 20- to 30-minute drive away (12 miles) after you land, a route laid out by Welcome Pickups.
5. Valley of the Ten Peaks (Moraine Lake), Canada
The Valley of the Ten Peaks is a beautiful valley where Moraine Lake’s turquoise glacial waters sit beneath a cluster of jaw-droppingly gorgeous mountains. It’s so damn pretty that it even appeared on an earlier Canadian $20 bill.
When looking for cheap flights in Canada , focus on Calgary International Airport (YYC) . The drive from here takes 2 hours 35 minutes (185 km), and it slots nicely into a real one-week Canadian Rockies itinerary.
Just be aware that personal vehicles are banned on Moraine Lake Road year-round, as stated in the Banff Blog. Instead, you’ll need to take either the Parks Canada shuttle or a commercial bus, both of which operate only from June to mid-October. Outside that window, from mid-October through late May, the lake is closed entirely.
6. Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Kathmandu Valley is packed with UNESCO sites and is the main starting point for those heading to the Himalayas and Everest region, so it’s a great place to start if you’re interested in 10 of the world’s most epic hikes. Before you leave, though, spend a few days exploring the valley itself, taking in temples like Swayambhunath, known as ’the Monkey Temple.’ No doubt you’ll spend your evenings tucking into hefty plates of momos and sipping some chiya.
Try to find cheap flights in Nepal to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) , which sits directly inside the valley. The taxi ride into downtown is just 15 to 30 minutes (about 5 km).
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7. Great Rift Valley, Kenya
At roughly 4,000 miles long, the volcanic Great Rift Valley is the biggest valley in the world and a regular stop on most East African safari routes. Visitors come to explore places like Lake Bogoria, where flamingos often gather, and see wildlife up close, including giraffes and baboons.
If you’re planning an African safari, look for cheap flights in Kenya into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi. After landing, the trip by road to Lake Naivasha takes 1 hour and 27 minutes (64 miles).
8. Douro Valley, Portugal
Now for something a little different: the Douro Valley, every wine enthusiast’s heaven. Book cheap flights in Portugal to Porto Airport (OPO) , then take the A4 for about 1 hour and 15–30 minutes, and you’ll arrive along the Douro River in the world’s oldest demarcated wine region, surrounded by rows of terraced vineyards. It’s a really cool alternative to mainstream destinations in Portugal, like Lisbon.
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9. Jiuzhaigou Valley, China
If you’re someone who likes visiting underrated travel destinations before they blow up, China’s Jiuzhaigou Valley, with its more than 100 turquoise terrace lakes, is one to watch out for. Having been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992, it remains a hidden gem, but one that’s easy to access if you find cheap flights in China to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (JZH). Land here, and the drive only takes 1.5 to 2 hours (88 km) one way!
10. Hunza Valley, Pakistan
Last but not least is Hunza Valley, where the Karakoram Highway winds past terraced orchards, towering peaks, and historic landmarks like Baltit Fort in Karimabad.
Those considering self-connecting flights to reach Hunza can piece together an itinerary with cheap flights in Pakistan via Islamabad International Airport (ISB) and Gilgit Airport (GIL) , with Gilgit offering the closest access to the valley. From Gilgit, it’s just a 2- to 3-hour (100 km) drive to Hunza. Our self-connecting flights survival guide shows you how to make journeys like these possible.
You just need to watch the weather in this region, as poor conditions around Gilgit Airport can prevent flights from landing, cause delays, or even cancellations. That’s where Islamabad can be a good backup, but keep in mind it’s 14 to 16 hours away if you travel by road.
Find cheap flights to your favorite valley with Kiwi.com
Every location on our list of valleys is reachable the same way: one commercial flight, then a transfer by car rental, taxi, bus, or train. These routes are easy to follow, so you can start planning right now.
Ready to go? Search flights on Kiwi.com today and begin building an itinerary that covers a few of these valleys around the world in one trip. Before you set off, here are some quick answers to your questions.
Frequently asked questions
Is Yosemite Valley open all year?
Yes, the valley floor is open 365 days a year. Only some of the higher-elevation roads close when there has been heavy snowfall.
Do I need a visa to visit the Valley of the Kings?
In most cases, tourists need an Egyptian visa or e-visa. Some can get a visa on arrival at Luxor International Airport (LXR) or Cairo International Airport (CAI) , but others may need to apply for an e-visa online ahead of time. Check the requirements for your specific nationality beforehand to be on the safe side.
Can I fly directly into Hunza Valley?
No, most people fly into Gilgit Airport, but flights can be delayed or canceled due to bad weather. Keep Islamabad in mind as an alternative, and stay flexible with your dates, just in case.
