When it comes to the best hikes in Asia, there are a plethora of choices. From the Himalayas of Nepal to the ancient monasteries of Bhutan, the beautiful mountains of Indonesia, and the surreal valleys of Vietnam, Asia is a paradise for hikers.
Asia has a rich cultural and geographical diversity as it is the largest continent, with 48 countries. It has the world’s tallest mountain, Mount Everest, charming countryside, exotic beaches, dense jungles, deserts, and many more. Similarly, Asia has one of the extreme climate variations, with a wide variety of flora and fauna. There are numerous adventurous as well as relaxing hiking destinations where you are guaranteed an extraordinary experience.
With so many options, it is difficult to make a choice. Our list consists of easy trips as well as challenging ones. Now, let us explore the best hikes in Asia!
Table of Contents
8 Best Hikes In Asia
Everest Base Camp Trek
- Country: Nepal
The Everest Base Camp Trek is Nepal’s classic and most popular trekking destination. It is also among the world’s best trails and sought-after travel destinations. The immersive journey takes you to the rural Khumbu region close to the world’s tallest mountain. Hence, the scenic trails of rhododendron forests to the base camp and the captivating panoramas of some of the highest mountains in the world entice thousands of trekkers yearly. EBC is also a cultural experience as you will traverse Sherpa settlements while staying at cozy teahouses and enjoying the local hospitality.
To trek to Everest Base Camp, you must take a 30-minute flight to Lukla, where you will begin your journey. The trail goes through the Sagarmatha National Park and takes you to the heart of the Khumbu region, the Everest Base Camp (5,364 m), and Kalapatthar (5,644 m) above sea level. Likewise, you will get to observe the stunning Khumbu Glacier and Khumbu Icefall. Himalayan Leaders offers a carefully curated Everest Base Camp Trek package from USD 2,055 per person.
Mount Rinjani
- Country: Indonesia
Mount Rinjani is one of the highest mountains in Southeast Asia and an active volcano on the island of Lombok, Indonesia. Mount Rinjani is the country’s second-highest mountain, with a height of 3,726 meters. The mountain lies in the Gunung Rinjani National Park. Hikers can witness numerous tropical flora and fauna of Southeast Asia during the journey. Hence, it is popular among biologists.
The island on which Mount Rinjani sits lies next to the Bali Beach. Within the mountain is a crescent-shaped lake, Segara Anak, a beautiful aquamarine crater lake. The locals consider the place sacred and perform rituals and prayers. While the trip offers grand views, reaching the top requires effort. It usually takes 4 to 5 days to climb Mount Rinjani. The starting point can either be Senaru or Sembalun Lawang villages. Mount Rinjani is one of the best hikes but not the hardest hike in Southeast Asia.
Sapa Valley
- Country: Vietnam
The Sapa Valley is a picturesque valley in the Northwest region of Vietnam. Hiking in the Sapa is a more relaxing experience. You get to explore the deep valleys of the country with beautiful rice fields and traditional villages. You can see golden rice fields ready for harvest from the end of September to early October. It is a relatively easy journey suitable for beginners and families with kids. There are several routes with varying difficulty levels to Sapa. En route, you will travel through serene rural trails, passing by traditional houses and diverse flora and fauna.
Similarly, the Sapa Valley trip offers some of the best side trips. You can go walking and trekking to surrounding villages while wandering through the rice fields. Similarly, you can visit the ethnic Sunday market full of color or take a cable car ride to the summit of Mount Fansipan (3,143 meters). The stunning landscapes, unique ethnic minority culture, and beautiful side trips make Sapa Valley an incredible hiking destination.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
- Country: Nepal
Annapurna Circuit Trek is another classic trail of Nepal that lies in the Annapurna region. It encircles the entire Annapurna massif, which makes the trip a challenging journey. Thus, it is a famous trek among adventure and thrill seekers. The routes of the Annapurna Circuit take you through dense forests of rhododendrons, oaks, and firs. Similarly, you will traverse beautiful traditional Gurung and Magar settlements. You will also get to witness mesmerizing mountain views.
Likewise, you will also visit ancient temples and monasteries during the trek. During the trek, witness some of the best sunrise and sunset views with snow-capped peaks in the background. Also, cross a high mountain pass of Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters) above sea level. ABC offers a unique experience. Be a part of an unforgettable hiking trip with Himalayan Leaders’ 12 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Tiger Cave Temple
- Country: Thailand
The Tiger Cave Temple, locally known as Wat Tham Suea, is a beautiful Buddhist temple on the hilltop of Southern Thailand. It is a holy and sacred temple that sits at a height of 309 meters. The cave has tiger paw prints, and there is a huge golden statue of Buddha and a Pagoda at the hilltop. Along the way and from the top of the hill, you can witness breathtaking views of limestone cliffs and forests around Tiger Cave.
You will have to climb 1260 steps of stairs to reach the top, which takes 25 to 45 minutes, depending on your pace. The short waking hours make for a great one-day hike. There are organized tours to the Tiger Cave Temple for a hassle-free touring experience. Or, you can plan your hike yourself. It is around 8 km northeast of Krabi Town and takes 15 minutes via roadway. But if you take a detour from the Ao Nang tourist area near Railay Beach, it takes around 30 minutes.
Bali Coast To Coast Trek
- Country: Indonesia
Bali, Indonesia, is famous for its beautiful beaches and tropical vibes. The Coast To Coast Trek offers a unique hiking experience on the tropical island of Bali. It shows a different side of Bali, far from crowded beaches and tourist spots. The trek covers around 100 km (62 miles) area. The hiking trails through dense forests, rice fields, plantations, beautiful waterfalls, and hot springs. Similarly, the tranquil trails and tropical flora and fauna of Bali will provide a great hiking experience.
The trek to Coast To Coast begins from Batu Tampih Beach, on the island’s south coast. Then, you will hike past several traditional agricultural villages and ascend to one of the highest volcanoes in the area, Mount Batukaru (2,276 meters). En route, you will come across several temples and sometimes get to see local ceremonies. Get away from the crowded tourist areas of Bali and explore the island’s unseen side.
Langtang Valley Trek
- Country: Nepal
Langtang Valley Trek is a tranquil journey combining thrilling adventure and rich culture. It is one of the most underrated but best treks in Nepal, and it lies close to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. You’ll trek through UNESCO World Heritage Site, Langtang National Park, lush forests of rhododendrons, and highland alpine meadows. Similarly, the trek allows you to explore the off-beat routes, the stunning Valley of Glacier (Langtang Valley), and the diverse and untouched Himalayan biodiversity. You will also visit the ancient Buddhist monasteries of Langtang Gompa and Kyajin Gompa.
The Langtang Trek is a moderate and short journey suitable for everyone. Additionally, the trip offers views of the breathtaking peaks of the Himalayas. It is an ideal getaway for escaping city life and the busy trekking routes of the country. The starting point of the trek is Syabrubesi. You have to take a jeep or roadway to get there. Experience the best of Langtang Trek with Himalayan Leaders, whose package starts from USD 1,555 per person.
Ak Suu Transverse
- Country: Kyrgyzstan
Many hikers love challenging ventures that push their physical limits. Ak Suu Transverse in the Ak Suu region of Kyrgyzstan is a perfect option for them. The trek usually takes around seven days, where you will explore the exotic landscapes of the country. Similarly, its trekking trails take you over eight high passes, among which the Ala-Kol Pass (3,886 meters) is the highest. You will also trek past glistening glacial lakes, and diverse landscapes while witnessing the snow-capped mountains.
Ak Suu Transverse is more suitable for experienced hikers. Its starting point is from Jyrgalan, a small ecotourism village. The trek takes you to remote villages and picturesque valleys. Its unspoiled natural beauty and stunning views will leave you awe-struck. Likewise, you get to interact with semi-nomadic natives and glimpse their primitive lifestyle. Although a demanding hike, Ak Suu Tranverse is undoubtedly one of the best Asia hikes.
Some Other Popular Hikes In Asia
- Mount Fuji, Japan
- Kolsai Lakes, Kazakhstan
- Tiger Leaping Gorge, China
- Angkor Wat, Cambodia
- Jordan Trail, Jordan
Safety Tips During Hike
Take a look at some of the safety tips that you should follow for safe hiking:
- Thoroughly plan and prepare for the hike.
- Do your research and prepare your itinerary.
- Avoid hiking alone, as exploring new places in a group is safer.
- Hire a local guide for a safer and enhanced experience.
- Stay alert; if you have small children, always keep them in sight.
- Keep yourself hydrated.
- Pack smart and carry what is necessary.
- Carry a GPS, map, or a guidebook to track your progress.
- Be mindful and respectful of the local culture and customs.
Conclusion
Asia is an excellent trekking and hiking destination, as there are numerous options for every kind of hiker. Whether you need easy hikes that are beginner and kid-friendly or adventurous and challenging trails, Asia has them all. These Asia hikes are an excellent opportunity to explore the unseen parts of each country.
Since it was not possible to list every beautiful hiking destination on the continent, we handpicked a few. So, this was our list of the best hikes in Asia, and they are also the most popular ones. Additionally, Asian people are known for being friendly and warm to their guests. So get out of your comfort zone and embark on an unforgettable adventure in Asia.
