Venture beyond the familiar, and the world reveals its deepest rewards. In May’s edition of our employee travel photo contest, we’re celebrating journeys that go beyond the ordinary: stories of discovery, connection, and wonder found off the grid. Each of these winning entries is more than just a souvenir, it’s a bridge linking people, places, and cultures, inspiring us all to seek out our own ‘roads less traveled’.
Here are the five winning photos that remind us of the world’s endless inspiration, one step off the beaten path at a time.
Shangri-La’s Heartbeat
Adina Aziz
Customer Service Team
“Sometimes, the most unforgettable journeys begin with a simple detour, a road less traveled that becomes a bridge to the extraordinary. For me, that bridge led to Balagezong in Shangri-La, China, a hidden gem where the earth rises to meet the snow-capped peaks, and where Tibetan culture pulses through the land like a sacred heartbeat.
I never imagined that such raw beauty and serenity could exist, tucked quietly away from the bustle of mainstream tourism. The landscapes, towering mountains draped in mist, ancient cliffs that whispered stories of time, and valleys echoing with the chants of local prayer.
But what truly moved me were the people. Along the way, I met warm-hearted locals whose smiles needed no translation. Their customs, rituals, and way of life were so different from my own, yet strangely familiar in their humanity. We shared laughter, and moments of quiet understanding. In their presence, I didn’t feel like a stranger, I felt connected.
Balagezong wasn’t just a destination, it was a transformation. I lost myself in its paradise and, in doing so, found something deeper, a reminder that the world is still full of wonder, and that beauty often hides where we least expect it.
This was more than a trip. It was a bridge, to new cultures, new friendships, and a renewed sense of awe.”
Colors of Persia
Alex Petrov
Product Team
“The photo was taken in Nasir al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz, Iran, when the morning sun shines through colored glass painting the room and everyone inside in bright colors – a beautiful alliance of human and nature creation! It was a colorful start to a colorful day when I visited and explored Persepolis, the capital of Achaemenid Empire, and learned so much about the Persian history and culture. The day ended with shining, sparkling colors of Shah Cheragh which is another masterpiece of Persian architecture!”
Beyond Borders
Rezha Maharoh
Customer Service Team
“The road less traveled is often bumpy—sometimes literally. On a motorbike journey in Vietnam from Hanoi to Cao Bằng, we got lost when our signal dropped, dealt with a flat tire in the middle of nowhere, and rode for kilometers just to find the nearest ATM. All of that, just to see the Ban Gioc Waterfall.
The waterfall sits right on the border between Vietnam and China. From where we stood, we could see tourists arriving from both sides. The Chinese side had more development—a fancy hotel and restaurant—while the beauty on the Vietnamese side remained more natural and almost untouched. The contrast was striking at first. But once we were all out on the water, taking in the same breathtaking view, those differences did not matter. We were just people, united in awe.
Travel has a way of breaking down barriers and bringing us together. The road less traveled may be challenging, but it leads to places where we can connect through shared experiences and mutual appreciation.”
Lessons from the Mountain
“This is me on a winter expedition in January 2025 to the summit of Tserko Ri, an almost 5000 meters peak located in the remote Langtang Valley in the Nepal Himalayas. Winter is not the usual climbing season due to unfavorable weather, but I wanted to challenge myself.
I was slowly pushing myself up where the air is thin, forged upward on unforgiving terrain that demands everything you have. Each step pushed me beyond my comfort zones. But just 20 meters below the summit, very strong wind forced me to turn back. I was struggling but kept pushing—until nature demanded respect over ambition. In that moment, I discovered something profound: sometimes courage means knowing when to give up.
This experience fundamentally changed my outlook on life. I learned to respect nature’s power, recognize human limitations, and understand that wisdom sometimes means accepting defeat. The mountain taught me that the most meaningful journeys aren’t about conquest—they’re about humility.”
Kindness in Kashmir
“This photo was taken in April 2025 during my journey through the breathtaking valleys of Pahalgam, Kashmir. It captures a solitary car winding its way along a deserted mountain road, flanked by snow-dusted pines and the majestic, cloud-shrouded peaks of the Himalayas.
Far from the bustling tourist spots of Kashmir, this stretch was quiet, almost untouched, and felt worlds away from the chaos of city life. Choosing this less-frequented route meant venturing into areas where tourists are rare and locals are eager to share their stories.
On this trip, I was fortunate enough to visit the homes of the Kashmiris, sit by their fires, savor homemade bread, and hear the tales of life in the mountains-stories of resilience, hope, and community that rarely make it into guidebooks. It was here that I learned to appreciate the simple joys of travel: A warm cup of kahwa; a traditional Kashmiri green tea infused with spices, the unhurried conversations with shepherds tending their flocks, and the hospitality of strangers who welcomed me as one of their own.
Whenever I look at this photo, I’m reminded that the most meaningful discoveries in life don’t always have to be places, but the people we meet and the stories we carry home in our hearts. It’s a gentle nudge to seek out genuine connections, to listen deeply, and to cherish the kindness found on the road less traveled.”
Want more travel stories?
Click below to explore past winning entries and unique perspectives from Agodans across the globe:
- January: How Food Brings the World Together: 5 Stories from Agodans
- February: From Elephants to Engagements: Stories of Bridges We Build
- March: Windows to the World: 5 Travel Stories from Agoda Employees
- April: Birthday Wishes: 5 Travel Stories from Agodans
- May: The Road Less Traveled: 5 Travel Stories from Agodans (You’re here!)
- June: Colors that Connect: 5 Travel Tales from Agoda Employees
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