The 6 Best winter destinations in Asia for your December travels

The 6 Most stunning winter destinations in Asia for your December travels

daphne

21 Nov 2017

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Harbin, China
You might want to visit the "Ice City" of China, Harbin, if Beijing is too mundane for you. December is already well into Harbin's long winter and the annual Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival also returns then. Besides that, Harbin is also home to the largest and most grand ice sculptures.
2/6
Shirakawa-go
Declared a UNESCO world heritage site, Shirakawa-go is famous for their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses (some of which are more than 250 years old). You can stay warm and cozy in the huts and enjoy the beautiful lights at night.
3/6
Seoul, Korea
From December to February, the temperatures in Seoul can go as low as the negative degrees. But it's totally worth it when you can shop in the streets of Myeongdong and enjoy the warmth from the delicious street foods. Feeling too cold? Korea's famous jijimbangs (a traditional bathhouse or saunas) await you!
4/6
Lhasa, Tibet
Tibet might not be the most popular travel destination, especially in the winter season, but it is very wallet friendly with hotels, airlines and travel agencies often dishing out great travel discounts. You get to enjoy the clear skies, panoramic views and visit the highest ancient palace in the world, the Potala Palace!
5/6
Gokyo Ri, Nepal
Winter in Nepal invites trekkers to trek to Everest Base Camp to catch a glimpse of their breathtaking Mount Everest. Aside from the breathtaking scenery, travellers can experience unique Sherpa culture by visiting monasteries and museums along the way.
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Ladakh, India
Be enchanted by the alpine mountains, magnificent lakes and of course, the Shanti Stupa. The beautiful never-ending Pangong Tso Lake is also in Ladakh! Now you can reenact the ending scene from the famous Bollywood movie, 'Three Idiots'!

Your dream Winter Wonderland holiday – minus the hefty plane ticket and long flight.

Are you on a heavy schedule or a tight budget but still want a Winter Wonderland travel experience this festive season? We’ve got just the destinations for you! In the gallery above are the top 6 snowy destinations in Asia for a dreamy, wintry vacation – only with a relatively shorter plane ride as compared to a trip to Europe. Bonus: they’ll make a great holiday destination if you’re bringing along your entire family!

There are so many countries in Asia with a breathtaking winter experience that are just as, if not more, beautiful. Check them out in the gallery above!

Daphne Leo

Photos: Getty Images

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