Asia: 10 Hiking holidays to fulfil your wanderlust

Happy Trails: 10 Hiking holidays to fulfil your wanderlust

Amanda Lim

12 Oct 2015

updated the 20 October 2015 à 09:58

1/10
Mount Aso, Japan
The majestic Aso-san volcano caldera is the world’s largest at 128km in circumference. The outer crater is about 90,000 years old and is home to towns and villages. Be sure to keep updated while on your trek, as the summit is frequently off-limits due to toxic gas emissions from the still active volcano.
2/10
Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Just 300km from Kuala Lumpur is Cameron Highlands, a quiet idyllic village famous for its tea plantations. The highlands are a popular destination for tourists who want to escape the equatorial heat of the region. There are over 10 trails with ranging difficulties to accommodate trekkers of all experiences.
3/10
Fansipan, Vietnam
Standing at 3143m, Fansipan is the highest mountain in the region. While it is considered a basic climb, it still takes three whole days to conquer her. To get Fansipan you have to set out from Sapa town that is 9km away.
4/10
Gunung Tahan, Malaysia
Kota Kinabalu may be the most famous mountain to climb, but if you want a real taste of the Malayan jungles, try trekking through Gunung Tahan. This journey will take a week to accomplish and requires participants to be physically fit. The rewards are getting to spot tigers, leopards, elephants and rhinoceroses in the 130 million year-old rainforest.
5/10
Ijen Crater, Indonesia
The Ijen crater is a favourite among hikers and mountaineers because of its breathtaking beauty. The main draw of Ijen is the magnificent turquoise lake that is 2148km above sea level that is sure to astound you with its beauty
6/10
Mount Everest Base Camp, Nepal
To live a fraction of an adventurer’s dream, take a journey to the base of Mount Everest. While conquering Everest is an intense and potentially fatal journey, hiking to the Everest Base Camp is a trip that many hikers can easily accomplish.
7/10
Mount Ophir, Malaysia
For amateur trekkers, Mount Ophir is a good training ground to start. This trail in Johor is popular for beginners as a clear trail leads to the peak of the mountain, which stands at 1276 metres. However, it still takes a day to make the journey.
8/10
Nong Khiaw, Laos
The 100 Waterfall Trek in Nong Khiaw was only recently discovered in 2009 and is still a quiet and remote location to get to. Tourists can reach Nong Khiaw after a three-hour journey from Luang Prabang. Though not physically demanding, trekkers will need a full day to tackle the journey.
9/10
The Great Himalayan Trailm Nepal
For aspiring Christopher Columbuses and Marco Polos, this trail is for you. The Great Himalayan Trail spans 4500km and will take you up to the highest routes. Apart form the stunning scenery, you will be able to catch rare glimpses of wildlife such as snow leopards and red pandas. This journey can only be completed in four to six months depending on the weather.
10/10
The Snowman Trek, Bhutan
For hardcore hikers, the Snowman Trek is an adventure of a lifetime. It is compulsory to join a guided tour if you want to take up the challenge. The trek covers over 300km and takes about 25 days to complete, but hikers will be rewarded with stunning sceneries, interesting cultures and remote monasteries.

The most satisfying and beautiful Asian treks that you have to experience in your lifetime.

Asia is home to lush green landscapes, exotic cultures and wild untouched nature. The best way to experience all the wonders of the continent is simply to travel on foot. Whether hiking up to a summit or searching for a hidden waterfall, all trekkers know that the journey itself is the destination.

Trekking into the wilderness is not for the fainthearted, but reserved for adventurers who are made out of pure wanderlust. Such a journey needs good planning, resilience, and the willingness to rough it out far away from the nearest resort hotel.

If a journey like that still sounds appealing to you, then head to our gallery and check out the 10 destinations you can explore on foot.

Amanda Lim

Photo: Getty Images

Film Famous: 10 Movie destinations to visit in your lifetime

Asia’s Best: 10 Resorts that will put you in the heart of nature

Vineyard Vacations: 10 Trips every wine lover should take

Fuss-free Fragrances: 10 Solid perfumes for the...