7 Best Treks in Asia for Adventurous Travelers

Vietnam’s Northwest region of Sapa is characterized by spectacular mountains and plunging valleys subdued by thick mist drifting across the dramatic peaks throughout the day. The alpine town stands near the border with China and provides access to sensational thrills ranging from half-day treks leading to the cultural Hmong or Dao villages to multi-day excursions bound for the summit of Fansipan, the tallest peak in Vietnam. The high altitude provides Sapa with a cool climate year-round and spectacular views of the renowned jade rice terraces and pristine highland nature such as the Bamboo Forest and Ta Phin Cave.

The Snowman Trek is one of the most challenging long hikes on the planet. The trail takes ardent hikers an average of 25 days to complete due to the combination of unpredictable weather and the effects of its high altitude. Its uniqueness derives from the pristine landscape and lack of tourists, rewarding brave and adventurous trekkers with an experience all to themselves. Active visitors will enjoy the remote valleys, towering peaks, epic mountain passes, small traditional villages, the sweeping beauty of the Rhododendron forests, and the possibility of spotting Himalayan blue sheep, bearded vultures, and the elusive snow leopard.

The Annapurna Circuit represents one of the oldest treks through Nepal’s mountainous terrain revered for its access to the country’s golden temples, epic views of the Himalayas, images of jungle wildlife, and connections to secluded alpine villages. The immense trek crisscrosses the rugged mountain region to remote settlements embodying Nepalese culture and holy sites dedicated to the Hindu and Buddhist religions, giving adventurers access to the country’s rich cultural heritage during their trek. Thorong La Pass’ natural grandeur is reflected in the winding rivers snaking between the soaring mountain peaks, images you will lap up.

The trek from Dingri to Mount Everest embraces the splendor of the mountain considered sacred among Tibetans and Nepalese. Few visitors trek to the famous base camp from Tibet, with most hikers and climbers reaching Everest from Lukla in Nepal. Their loss as the treasures uncovered during the trek from Tibet far exceed those from the Nepalese trail, immersing you in the remoteness of the Himalayas graced with incredible sunsets casting golden light on Chomolungma’s snowy peak and the possibility of ascending up the glacier to the Advanced Base Camp at 18,897 feet above sea level.

Japan has loads to offer active travelers beyond the borders of its modern cities. The island has an intriguing origin story, with volcanic activity shaping the archipelago into a landscape covered two-thirds with mountains and hot springs. These gorgeous natural features remain the highlights of the Kirishima Range, a hiker’s paradise boasting 15 active summits shaped like perfect cones and ten glistening lake craters. Adventurers may visit the sparkling waters of Onami Crater Lake, view the vibrant caldera of Karakuni Peak, or explore the enchanting mythology that explains the beauty, complexity, and spirit of the mountains.

Sumatra, Indonesia embodies the wonder of pathways hidden beneath steaming volcanic peaks, weaving around the edges of sleepy lakes and leading deeper into the wilderness where secluded orangutans make their home. A trek beginning from the village of Bukit Lawang will take you into the gorgeous, untouched surroundings of Gunung Leuser National Park. The warmth and rain of the tropical landscape can make the terrain muddy along the undulating hills and shallow rivers, which accounts for a challenging yet rewarding hike featuring wildlife like macaque, Thomas leaf monkey, and the iconic Sumatran orangutan.

The Shaanxi Province is home to the thrilling hike across Mount Hua. Adventures across the sacred mountaintops of Huashan massif are remarkable, and the trail’s approximately six-hour ascension up the mountainside includes a steep, narrow set of stairs bordered by sheer cliffs, as well as a ladder carved into the stone. One of the hike’s most famous features is the “plank in the sky,” consisting of a narrow wooden platform stretching across the mountainside, connecting a gap in the natural trail. Brave hikers may inch along the plank with their back to the mountain as they face the open sky, rewarded on the other side with an unparalleled sunrise.

Adventure-seekers and trekking enthusiasts will find no shortage of sensational hiking experiences across Asia, from the forested climbs in Vietnam’s Sapa mountains to the temple-dotted trails of Nepal’s mountainous Annapurna Circuit. Ready to plan a trek in Asia? Contact a Zicasso travel specialist by filling out a Trip Request or calling us on 1-888-265-9707.