Top 10 walks in Asia
Although Asia is an awfully large continent we’ve hand-picked our top 10 walks that we think cover all bases. Hot thermal springs for a soak – tick; hospitable and comfy guesthouses – yup; smooth stone pilgrims’ pathways – oh yeah. All that’s left is for you to walk the walk on the Great Wall of China, Japan’s Nakasendo Trail and a couple of Nepal’s most epic adventures – yes we’re talking the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp. Don’t forget your yak wool socks.
1. Nakasendo Trail, Japan
The paved paths along the Nakasendo Trail have linked Kyoto and Tokyo since the 8th century and modern day travellers are in for a real treat on a three to five day walking holiday. Walk from one traditional ryokan inn and minshuku guesthouse to the next as you experience the peace and tranquillity of Japan, with plenty of rejuvenating soaks and bowls of miso amidst the mountains.
Best time to go: April to November
Our top selling trip: Japan self guided walking holiday, Nakasendo Trail
Read more: Nakasendo walking trail
Best time to go: April to November
Our top selling trip: Japan self guided walking holiday, Nakasendo Trail
Read more: Nakasendo walking trail
2. The Great Wall of China
Swap Beijing's bright lights for the smoothed stone steps and crumbling watchtowers of the Great Wall of China as hike the lesser-visited, wilder sections to the east. Traditional guesthouses and village homestays allow for authentic cultural insight as well as access to the best preserved Jinshanling and Gubeikou sections, that date back as far as the Tang and Ming dynasties.Best time to go: April to October
Our top selling trip: Great Wall of China walking holiday
Read more: Great Wall of China travel guide
3. Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail, Japan
Take a path less ordinary as you follow in the footsteps of 11th century pilgrims and seek out the three sacred shrines set amongst the mountainous terrain of Japan's Kii Peninsula. Choose between the Nakahechi, Kohechi or Iseji routes all of which feature forests of bamboo, moss-covered stone paths and nights in traditional ryokan inns, as well as the obligatory soak in hot spring baths.Best time to go: April to November
Our top selling trip: Kumano Kodo Trail self guided walking holiday
Read more: Kumano Kodo Walking Trail
4. Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal
Acclimatise, ascend and experience Everest from an area synonymous with Himalayan hiking history. After the colourful chaos of Kathmandu, you'll be ready for the teahouse traditions and awe-inspiring landscapes from Lukla to Namche Bazaar to Tengboche via Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp (5,364m). Take your time to acclimatise over a couple of weeks as part of a small guided group.
Best time to go: August to May (avoiding rainy June and July)
Our top selling trip: Everest Base Camp trek, Nepal
Read more: Everest Base Camp travel guide
Best time to go: August to May (avoiding rainy June and July)
Our top selling trip: Everest Base Camp trek, Nepal
Read more: Everest Base Camp travel guide
5. Kerala and Western Ghats, India
From beaches and backwaters to spice plantations and hill stations, walking holidays in Kerala are the best way to experience southern India without the crowds. A two week trip with guides, porters and full service wild camping, allows for the ups and downs of Kerala and the peaks and plantations of the Western Ghats so prepare for a variety of gradients as you start to go with the flow.Best time to go: October to March
Our top selling trip: Kerala walking holiday in India
Read more: Kerala travel guide
6. Sri Lanka
Walking south of Sigiriya rock fortress will take you through the Knuckles Mountains and past tea plantations, rice paddies and rolling plains to hill station hotels and colonial bungalows which provide comfy overnight lodgings. Combine high altitude railway rides with midnight walks to Adam’s Peak and elephant safaris in Yala National Park on a two week walking holiday in Sri Lanka.Best time to go: July to April
Our top selling trip: Sri Lanka walking holiday
Read more: Sri Lanka walking holidays travel guide
7. Sikkim and Darjeeling, India
Head into the Eastern Himalayan foothills and tiered tea plantations of Sikkim and Darjeeling and you'll find yourself trekking along the contours of Tibet's Chumbi Valley. Make your way to mountain peaks for sunrise and expand ecclesiastical horizons at fortified mountain monasteries. Sikkim's steep slopes are awash with as many wildflowers as Darjeeling has glowing green tea leaves.
Best time to go: March to June and Sept to Nov
Our top selling trip: Darjeeling & Sikkim trekking holiday
Read more: India walking holidays travel guide
Best time to go: March to June and Sept to Nov
Our top selling trip: Darjeeling & Sikkim trekking holiday
Read more: India walking holidays travel guide
8. Annapurna Circuit, Nepal
Take your time to appreciate the Annapurna Circuit on a walking holiday and let the forested valleys, rolling hillsides and snow-capped Himalayan peaks of Nepal knit neatly into place. Rocky paths, high altitude passes and the world’s deepest river gorge make this epic adventure not for the feint hearted but with the right amount of acclimatisation you’ll have every opportunity to experience all of the Annapurna from Kathmandu to Pokhara via the Kali Gandaki River.Best time to go: All year round
Our top selling trip: Annapurna Circuit 16 day holiday, Nepal
Read more: Annapurna Circuit travel guide
9. Western Bhutan
Time a walking tour of Western Bhutan to coincide with the country’s spring or autumn Buddhist festivals and you’ll discover dzongs (fortified monasteries and temples) in full pageantry, and get a unique glimpse at the cultural traditions that were once hidden from the rest of the world. Steep steps to ancient monasteries and hikes through rhododendron forests combine wonderfully well with easy walks through rice paddies and glorious village gardens filled with fruit and veg.Best time to go: All year round
Our top selling trip: Western Bhutan walking holiday
Read more: Bhutan walking holidays travel guide
10. Kyrgyzstan
Beginning at the open air bazaars of the Kyrgyzstan capital Bishkek, a trekking holiday in Kyrgyzstan can take you into the Tien Shan Mountains, the domains of nomadic herders. They can see you camping on the shores of pristine alpine lakes frequented by local eagle hunters. Or they can see you mounting up on horseback for the day, spending the night in a welcoming yurt camp. In other words: expect high adventure.
Best time to go: May to September
Our top selling trip: Kyrgyzstan trekking holiday
Read more: Kyrgyzstan travel guide
Best time to go: May to September
Our top selling trip: Kyrgyzstan trekking holiday
Read more: Kyrgyzstan travel guide
More Asia articles
Read our guide to find out when the monsoons set in, which festivals to attend, and for tips from our friends in the know.
Our guide does its best to provide responsible travellers with a balance of rated, underrated and overrated things to do.
Make the most of your time in Asia by studying our map highlighting our favourite places to go.
Travelling on a budget doesn’t mean that you have to dust off your old backpack and dig out your 1980s hostelling handbook.
From the fattest of noodles to the stickiest of rice to the fun-nest of foodie tours.
Find out where to watch wildlife, as well as the benefits this has for communities living around the habitat of endangered species.
Taking your family to Asia will be a total joy. Here’s why you should go for it.
Listening and learning from local people and our travel experts is the way to get the best travel advice.
Find all of our Asia guides in one place, for particular countries and styles of travel, such as cycling.
