Best Hikes in South Asia

10 July, 2024 By Dambar Khadka

South Asia is one of the best places for trekking, hiking, and, most importantly, getting close to nature. Several hiking spots in South Asia will give you a sense of accomplishment. In this blog, we will check out some of the best hikes in South Asia. One of the best factors for hiking in South Asia is the opportunity to explore diverse landscapes quickly.

From the warm, subtropical, lush jungles of India to the snowy peak alpine mountains of the Mustang region, you will hike in different types of terrain, such as the Himalayas, Highlands of Srilanka, Western Ghats, rainforests, barren landscapes, and others. Some significant hiking places in South Asia are Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Sanctuary Nepal, Mount Kailash, Pekoe Trail, Laya Gaso, and The Great Wall of China. So, in this blog, we will talk about some of the best hikes in South Asia and what makes them so unique.

Top Hiking Destination in South Asia

Everest Base Camp, Nepal

Everest Base Camp is among Nepal’s best trekking spots, if not the world. It lies in the Khumbu region of Nepal, amid the Himalayas, and takes you closer to the tallest peak in the world, Mount Everest. It also takes you to the cultural immersion of Nepalese villages, where you will see many Sherpa people and learn their culture.

Everest base camp

Everest Base Camp Trek takes you over an altitude of 5300m and typically takes 14 to 20 days to complete. One of the major attractions of the EBC trek is the majestic views of the mountains like Mt Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Cho-Oyu, Ama Dablam etc.

Gokyo Lakes Trek, Nepal

If you have heard about the Everest Base Camp Trek, it is one of the easiest treks in the Khumbu region. However, if you want to take on some challenge, look no further than Gokyo Lakes Trek in Nepal. The stunning trek of Nepal takes you to the three passes of the Khumbu region in Renjo La Pass, Cho La Pass, and Kongma La Pass, along with the majestic blue Gokyo lakes and Gokyo Valley Trek.

Gokyo Lakes Trek, Nepal

You will trek in Nepal’s stunning terrains that will change when you climb altitude. From the sub-tropical vegetation of lower Terai to the temperature forests of Kathmandu to the hilly region rhododendron forests of trails, and finally to the snowy forests of the high altitude. Gokyo Lake Treks can be included in the Everest Base Camp Trek, and they usually are so that it will take approximately 19 to 22 days to complete the Gokyo Lakes trek.

Annapurna Circuit, Nepal

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a popular hiking route in Nepal. It features some of the world’s tallest mountains, beautiful glaciers, and diverse landscapes. The trek takes over two weeks and includes overnight stays in comfortable tea houses. The Annapurna region starts from Pokhara, about 6 hours west of Nepal’s capital Kathmandu. The small city sits on the shores of Phewa Lake. It’s the starting point for trekking in the Annapurna Massif.

Annapurna Circuit, Nepal

The trek involves staying in local guesthouses, making it a tea house trek. You start in forested valleys at 900 meters and climb to Thorung La, the highest point at 5416 meters. The landscape changes as you go higher up the valley. Every day, you see more and more of the vast Annapurna Massif mountains, and the environment becomes more rugged and alpine. The villages balance out the wild mountains. The guesthouses are cozy and warm, and you’ll be served endless cups of tea.

Langtang Valley, Nepal

Langtang Valley Trek is another majestic short-form hike in Nepal. The Langtang region is located very close to the capital, Kathmandu, so if anyone wants a quick 6-7-day trek in the hidden region of Nepal, they can explore the Langtang Valley Trek. The Langtang trekking trail takes you to the majestic hilly area of Nepal. What makes the Langtang Valley trek so unique is that, despite being among the short and easy treks, it provides an equal Himalayan thrill and a chance to explore new culture, as in other treks in Nepal. Some major attractions of the Langtang Valley trek are Langtang Lirung, Kyanjin Gompa, Kyanjin Ri, Tserko Ri, cheese factory, etc.

Langtang Valley, Nepal

Mount Kailash, Tibet

One of the best hikes in South Asia, if you like mountainous adventure, is in Tibet, the neighboring country of Nepal. The Mount Kailash trek takes you to the magnificent height of 6638m. Just like most hikes in South Asia, Mount Kailash is also the epitome of religion for Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, etc. The place Kailash is considered sacred for Hindu pilgrims as it represents the home of Lord Shiva. While some embark on the Mount Kailash trek for religious purposes, others can witness the beautiful landscapes and experience the adventure of a lifetime. The major attractions of the Mount Kailash hike are Yam Dwar, Mansarovar, Ashtapad, etc.

Mount Kailash, Tibet

Kharta Valley, Tibet

Kharta Valley Trek is one of the best trekking destinations in South Asia. It is also among the most challenging hikes in Asia as you explore Tibet’s magnificent but remote areas. The majestic Kharta Valley trek takes you to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, and Lhasa, the largest city of Tibet. Some major attractions of the Kharta Valley trek are Norbulinkha Palace, Sera Monastery, Deprung Monastery, Jokhang Temple, and Potala Palace. It is one of the most extended treks in the world, taking approximately 24 to 25 days on average, which is no strange as you will experience complete sightseeing of Kathmandu and Tibet.

Kharta Valley, Tibet

Pekoe Trail, Srilanka

One of the best hikes in Asia is the Pekoe Trail in Sri Lanka, where you experience majestic views of the mountains and tea fields. The Pekoe Trail is a hiking route in the hilltops of Sri Lanka known for its tea plantations and beautiful natural scenery. It passes through forests, waterfalls, and tea estates, providing an excellent experience for nature lovers and hikers. You can also meet local communities and learn about their culture and traditions. The Pekoe Trail offers a sustainable travel experience in Sri Lanka, where you can explore its stunning attractions and immerse yourself in its rich cultural heritage.

Pekoe Trail, Srilanka

Laya Gasa, Bhutan

One of the best hiking destinations in South Asia is Bhutan, where you can experience one of the best long scenic treks, Laya Ghasa. The trek takes you to the border of Bhutan, where you will witness some stunning views of landscapes, mountains, and villages. Some major attractions of the Laya Gasa trek are the Jhicu Drake and Jomolhari peaks, high mountain passes, their wilderness, the settlements of Laya, Tigernest Monastery, and Paro and Thimpu. The average time to explore Laya Gasa is 18 to 20 days. So if you love a wilderness trek in the remote area of majestic Bhutan, you do not want to miss this experience.

Laya Gasa, Bhutan

Curzon Trail, India

Among Southeast Asia’s best hikes is India’s Lord Curon Trial, or the Curzon Trail. It is named after Lord Curzon, the first to trek the trail. The majestic trail takes you through the Nanda Devi Sanctuary and the rivers, waterfalls, and streams in the Garhwal trekking division of the Himalayas. The trail lies at an elevation of over 44mm and is popular among the trekkers of European and American countries.

Some mountain views you can see or explore during your Curzon Trail in India are Hathi Godhi, Drona Giri, and Nanda Devi peaks. You can reach the Kuari trek in two ways: via the Curzon Trail from Ghat through Ramni and the other from Auli Bugyal through Gorson Top, which is generally avoided by trekkers in the winter. If you take the Lord Curzon trail, you can see the royal twin peaks of Nanda Devi, Kamet, Dronagiri, and Hathi-Ghodi Parvat. The trail is rich in rare Himalayan flora and fauna.

The Great Wall of China, China

The Great Wall of China trek is one of the best trekking destinations in South Asia and one of the new eight wonders of the world. It takes approximately 8 to 9 days to complete. It is one of the best hiking destinations every trekker wants to tick off the bucket. The Great Wall of China is approximately 6000m long, and the trials are zig-zag as it passes through peaks and valleys.

The Great Wall of China, China

The Great Wall of China takes you to majestic places with stunning mountain views and many places that work as the perfect backdrop for trekking. Some major attractions of the Great Wall of China trek are the Mutianyu Great Wall, Badaling Great Wall, Jinshanling, Mutianyu—Simatai, etc. You will also have some free time to explore the majestic cities of Beijing, including Tienman Square and the Forbidden City.

Preparation and Tips for South Asia Hiking

South Asia is a majestic place for hiking and trekking. You can explore many places where you will experience adventure, thrill, and excitement. However, you have to prepare for the hikes beforehand. Here are some tips for preparing for your South Asian hikes.

  • Carry proper equipment and clothing for your hiking.
  • Plan and prepare the appropriate time and weather for your hike.
  • Plan and implement adequate acclimatization, especially at high altitudes.
  • Respect local culture and tradition and always ask permission.
  • Try various street foods, but make sure they are hygienic.
  • Always plan your budget, and don’t spend unnecessarily.
  • Visit temples, monasteries, ghumbas, and caves where many pilgrims and monks spend their time for meditation and yogas.

Safety Measures and Health Considerations

The hike to South Asia is exceptional as it gives you an adventure that will last forever. However, it is also essential to stay safe and healthy while hiking in South Asian countries. Here are a few safety measures and health considerations you must be wary of during the trek.

  • Issue travel insurance and permits that are necessary before the beginning of your trek.
  • Always hire guides and porters, especially during your hike to the mountainous country of the South Asian region.
  • Be wary of the accommodations and meal services you will get during your hikes.
  • Avoid hiking in adverse trekking seasons, such as monsoons and winter, as they are not ideal for your experience or health.

Cultural Experiences Along the Trails

South Asia is the synonym of culture, which means during your trek, you will pass through the trails where you will experience incredible cultural diversity. You will witness the ancient traditions of various countries in actual life. Along the paths of India, you will see pilgrims singing and dancing and chanting the names of the gods and goddesses. The cultural experience can also be obtained by tasting local and delicious cuisines. Furthermore, the people of South Asian countries are susceptible to their cultures and traditions and are also famous for their hospitality. South Asian countries have different cultures and traditions, so immerse yourself in them whenever you visit them.

Conclusion

Hence, these are some of the best hikes in South Asia. South Asian countries like Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, China, etc., are known as trekkers’ paradises. The hiking experience in these countries differs, but the best time, weather, and temperature are generally similar to their geography.

We have provided ten of the best trekking destinations in South Asia. These trekking spots are unique in different ways. For example, Nepal is popular for Himalayan trekking, whereas India is famous for ocean and beach trekking. We hope you book your next South Asia trek and experience the adventure of a lifetime.

FAQs

What country has the best hiking spot in South Asia?

The best hiking spots in South Asia are in countries like Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Great Wall of China Trek, Mount Kailash Trek, and Kharta Valley Trekking.

Which is the most challenging trekking spot in South Asia?

Some of South Asia’s most challenging hikes or treks are Mount Kanchenjunga, Mount Dhaulagiri, Mount Kailash, etc. These treks become more difficult because of the region’s altitude, weather, temperature, and remoteness.

Which trek in Nepal is the best?

The best trek in Nepal is different for different people. Some of the most popular treks that the trekkers enjoy are Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, and Langtang Valley Trek.

Is solo trekking banned in Nepal?

Solo trekking is banned in some parts of Nepal, such as Annapurna, Langtang, and Manaslu; however, it is still permitted in Everest.

What is the highest elevation of the Great Wall of China Trek?

The Great Wall starts at the Bohai Sea and reaches the highest point of 1,439.3 meters above sea level.

Dambar Khadka

Dambar Khadka, a passionate adventurer and the founder of Boundless Adventure Nepal, has spent his entire life writing about nature and Nepal's developing tourism business. Dambar's passion with nature and its different cultures began as a child in Nepal's stunning landscapes. He began writing following successful treks and expeditions across Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan. Dambar Khadka created Boundless Adventure Nepal in 1992 to share the majesty of the Nepal Himalayas with the rest of the planet. As an explorer and writer, he is committed to responsible tourism and cultural connection, allowing readers and adventurers to immerse themselves in Nepal's enchantment through his works.

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