Asian hiking trails can take your breath away. You can find paths suitable for both beginners and professionals. You will be amazed by various volcanic peaks, lush forests, hidden valleys, and isolated beaches.
You can explore everything Asia has to offer, from untouched natural landscapes, to remote villages, and local culture that you might encounter along the way. So what are you waiting for? Grab a backpack and go! Here, you will find some of the best hikes in Asia:
Mount Everest, Nepal
Mount Everest should be on every hiking list. You don't have to go to the top to live an adventure. There are few basecamps along the way that you can reach easily. For beginners, it's recommended to go with an experienced team. You can check out teams like https://www.kandooadventures.com/ and see what paths they have to offer.
The Everest Base Camp is probably the most iconic trail in the world. It takes you to the maximum altitude of 5645 meters, allowing you to admire the peak from up close. The trek starts in Lukla, where you can also find the most dangerous airport in the world (due to extreme weather conditions). On account of the difficulty level, it is not the best trail for first-time Himalayan hikers, but with some experience and a good team, you can surely do it!
Mount Fuji, Japan
When hiking in Asia, you should surely visit the beautiful Land of the Rising Sun, and no trip to Japan can be considered complete without Mount Fuji. It is an active volcano that towers up to 3776 meters high.
Beginners can overcome this trek with almost no risk of altitude sickness. You can choose from four hiking trails with various difficulty levels. The Yoshida Trail is the most popular and easiest one, but even this one will require good health and some hiking equipment. Along the way, you can find huts where you can buy food or have a sleepover. Nevertheless, you can finish the whole trail in less than 12 hours, and even with the morning hike in the dark, it's really worth the effort.
Snowman Trek, Bhutan
The Snowman Trek is considered to be one of the most challenging treks in the world, and it's rather recommended for experienced Himalayan hikers. It will take you 25 days to complete it. Indeed, it is a long journey through a harsh, snowy, Himalayan climate. You will encounter 11 passes during the trek above 4500 meters, including five over 5000 meters. In fact, fewer than half who set out on this trail manage to finish it. The trails are not well marked, you will have to look around carefully or carry a map to check your position. Nevertheless, the adventure will be unforgettable.
Tiger Leaping Gorge, China
Tiger Gorge in China is one of the deepest gorges in the world. Moreover, it is of great significance to Chinese culture. According to locals, the name comes from an ancient legend, in which a tiger took a giant leap across the river while escaping from a hunter.
The hike is one of the best hikes for beginners, as the trail is 22km long, but it doesn't require too much effort. You can just take your time, admire stunning views and still finish it in 2 days. With the diversity of landscapes and richness of foliage laid out before your eyes en route, this adventure gives ample opportunities to capture China's scenic beauty.
Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia
Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, and it is for sure one of the most beautiful treks in the world. You can climb to the top in about two days, and compared to the other high peaks, the climb is easy even for amateur hikers.
From the starting point at Kinabalu National Park, a series of hiking trails allow newbies to get most of the way to the top. The mountains are on UNESCO Heritage List, so there are only 135 hikes permitted per day. Although you can climb it during the rainy season, it is still advisable to go there in the dry season, which lasts from March to August.
The Bottom Line
There are many other beautiful Asian treks, like Chadar Trek or Mount Rinjani, but every one of those listed above is undoubtedly unique. Asia is a prime continent for incredible trekking paths.
If you don't mind high altitude trekking, you will see the most fantastic views in the world. You can spend hours admiring snow-capped mountains, active volcanoes, and colorful coastlines. You can also be amazed by the wildlife you may encounter, like Himalayan blue sheep and wild horses. Regardless of your advancement level, you will always find a perfect place for both your body and mind!
