Trekking in East Asia

Trekking in East Asia spans ancient pilgrimage routes, dramatic river gorges, and remote wilderness that ranges from subtropical forest to windswept steppe. The region rewards walkers with a rare combination of natural grandeur and deep cultural resonance, whether following stone paths trodden by centuries of pilgrims or crossing landscapes barely touched by roads.

Infrastructure varies widely. Japan and Korea offer superbly maintained, well-signed trails with lodging and transport, while Mongolia and parts of China demand more self-sufficiency or a guide. Autumn is prime trekking season across most of the region.

From spiritual pilgrim ways to raw high-altitude wilderness, the routes below showcase the region’s finest walking.