Trekking in Asia
The best treks in Asia, from Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Sanctuary to the jungles of Borneo and the Great Wall of China.
Asia is home to the highest mountain range on Earth, the mighty Himalaya, and the trekking here, particularly in Nepal, is simply the best in the world. Legendary peaks such as Everest, Annapurna and Kanchenjunga draw walkers from across the globe, while Bhutan and the Indian region of Ladakh offer remote, culture-rich alternatives.
Beyond the Himalaya, the jungle-clad island of Borneo, shared by Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei, has the finest tropical trekking in Asia, home to Mount Kinabalu and the vast caves of Gunung Mulu. China‘s Great Wall, meanwhile, offers a walk like no other.
Further south, Thailand is known for its hill-tribe treks in the north and lush rainforest walking around Khao Sok, while Indonesia’s volcanic islands add a fiery twist. Most Himalayan trails are best in spring and autumn, and Southeast Asia is best explored in the dry season. These are the treks worth building a trip around.
Asia's Best Treks#
Everest Base Camp, Nepal / Tibet Just about every trekker’s dream is to take on Mount Everest’s base camp. Although it sounds daunting, the trek is demanding yet not technical, and most competent walkers can manage it provided they are very fit, take several days to acclimatize and don’t suffer from altitude sickness. The base camp lies at a heady 5,400m and the view across the Khumbu icefall to the peak is spectacular.
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, Nepal Slightly less energetic than the Everest Base Camp trek yet no less dramatic, the trek into Nepal‘s Annapurna territory is a classic Himalayan walk and a must for the adventurous. The trail climbs through bamboo forest to emerge amid the great amphitheatre of the Annapurnas, and is best done in spring or autumn.
Chomolhari Trek, Bhutan The ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’ in the eastern Himalaya is a mystical kingdom with some superb trekking. The Chomolhari trek is the finest of them and ranks with Nepal’s best walks, taking in the unique culture and landscapes of Bhutan.
Kanchenjunga, Nepal Lying in eastern Nepal close to the Indian and Tibetan borders, Kanchenjunga is the world’s third-highest mountain and a serious trekking destination. Its remoteness offers a uniquely quiet experience, complete with spectacular valleys, ridges and staggering scenery.
Ladakh, India In the far north of India, the Buddhist region of Ladakh, nestled between the Himalaya and the Karakoram (home of K2), is the country’s highest plateau and gloriously remote. This ‘land of high passes’, of jagged mountains and otherworldly landscapes, is best explored with a local guide.
The Great Wall, China One of humanity’s greatest achievements is a must for anyone into walking, history and sightseeing. Stretching over 6,400km across China, the wall’s most accessible sections lie near Beijing, including the steep and dramatic Badaling, while quieter ‘wild wall’ stretches reward those seeking solitude.
Gunung Mulu, Malaysia A UNESCO World Heritage site on the island of Borneo, better known as Mulu, offers some of the best trekking in Southeast Asia. Beyond its extensive trails and abundant wildlife lies the Sarawak Chamber, the largest enclosed natural space on Earth and an unmissable sight.
Kinabalu National Park, Malaysia In the Sabah region of Borneo, Malaysia‘s Kinabalu National Park is crowned by Mount Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s highest peak at over 4,000m. Despite the altitude, the climb is a well-organised, non-technical trek through several climatic zones.
Volcano Trekking, Indonesia Trekkers drawn to volcanoes should head for the active islands of Java and Sumatra in Indonesia. The 2,300m Mount Bromo in East Java offers some of the country’s most iconic sunrise walks, while the legendary Krakatoa is immense in scale.
Hill-Tribe Trekking, Chiang Mai, Thailand Trekking to hill-tribe villages is a signature experience of northern Thailand. Best in the November-to-February dry season, treks typically run over two or three days through jungle and Lisu and Akha villages. Choosing a responsible operator in Chiang Mai is well worth the effort.
Khao Sok National Park, Thailand One of Thailand‘s finest parks, Khao Sok in the south is a tangle of ancient rainforest, limestone karsts, waterways and a vast jungle lake. Wildlife is rich, the giant rafflesia flower blooms here, and access and accommodation are excellent.
Manaslu Circuit, Nepal A quieter alternative to the Annapurna and Everest routes, circling the world’s eighth-highest peak over the high Larkya La pass. Remote villages, Tibetan-influenced culture and dramatic scenery reward those who make the effort. Teahouse lodges keep it accessible.