The best walking and hiking destinations in Asia

Written by: Gina Lawrence - Digital Content Executive at Explore Worldwide
Published: 11 September 2025

Asia is a continent of diverse trekking experiences, from Himalayan peaks to lush jungles and volcanic trails. It appeals to walkers of all levels, from casual hikers to seasoned trekkers, with a sufficiently huge criss-cross web of scenic trails that it caters to all tastes. Walking holidays in Asia can be iconic summits, lowland paths between rural villages, serene pilgrimage trails or rarefied mountains vistas – whatever you want them to be.

Here are some of our favourite walking and hiking destinations in Asia and why we love them – and why we think you’ll love them too:

How could we start anywhere but the Himalayas? The youngest and highest mountain range on Earth is a crown of jagged snow-capped peaks calling any hiker, with a litany of historic and iconic routes fit for any bucket list walkers.

Everest Base Camp trek

Follow in the footsteps of the explorers on route to Everest Base Camp, passing beneath dancing prayers flags, past watchful stupas and dramatic glaciers to reach the world-famous spot. Unlike many others, we don't use internal flights in Nepal – we continue the route by vehicle or foot, meaning more incredible trekking.

Annapurna Sanctuary

Another tick for the hiker’s wish list is the Annapurna Sanctuary trek, winding between the mountains to reach Annapurna Base Camp, a heart-stoppingly beautiful natural amphitheatre surrounded by Annapurna I, II, and III – some of the tallest mountains in the world.

Pokhara

Quieter than Kathmandu, Pokhara’s quiet streets are the perfect post-trek wind-down, with charming cafes to choose from and the snowy peaks reflected in the waters of the lake.

Why we love it

What’s not to love? Besides the welcoming hospitality of the sherpa people and the unique teahouse accommodation, there’s the incomparable mountain sunrises, the ever-changing scenery, and the immense sense of personal satisfaction found at the end of a trek of this magnitude. Nepal is a must for good reason.

From alpine trails to serene forest paths, Japan is a premier hiking and walking destination. Its well-maintained routes, rich cultural heritage and seasonal beauty makes the country ideal for nature lovers and avid walkers alike. 

Kumano Kodo Trail

Amidst the towering trees of Japan’s secluded forests, the Kumano Kudo winds its way between ancient shrines in one of the world's most fascinating pilgrimage routes. You’ll follow in the footsteps of Imperial Japanese Emperors and ordinary citizens on this historic journey.

Onsen towns

Traditional hot spring towns abound in Japan. From deep inside the earth, hot mineral waters bubble forth and have long been associated with health and wellbeing as well as pure relaxation. Just be sure to ask your guide about onsen etiquette first.

Why we love it

Hiking in Japan is a perfect balance of the natural and the spiritual. As well as the beautiful shrines and famous Tori gates, the chance to stay in local ryokan and sleep on iconic tatami mat floors gives you a true insight into Japanese rural life. Visiting Japan in autumn means more stunning foliage to take in along the way, too.

Vietnam may not be the first Asian country to spring to mind for walking, but don’t let that fool you. This is an ideal destination for walkers, and what it lacks in mountains it makes up for in limestone karst scenery, striated terraces, and lush jungles.

Mekong Delta

Vietnam’s famous lush and fertile Mekong Delta is the perfect place to explore at walking pace. You’ll be able to enjoy the little things – the small villages overlooked by swaying coconut palms, sampling the cottage industries,

Pu Luong nature reserve

Limestone cliffs, biodiverse forests and terraced fields – get ready to fall in love with northern Vietnam. We include a unique homestay in traditional stilt houses with the Thai ethnic minority tribe, ensuring the income from tourists stays in the local community, and giving you a full day walk in this stunning reserve.

Why we love it

One of the best ways to experience rural Vietnam is on two feet. Travel slow, and you’ll quickly find yourself falling in love with the varied countryside and its wonderful people. Not to mention Vietnamese food – fast, fresh, and bursting with flavour, this is fantastic fuel for your days’ walk.

Significantly less frequented than many hikes on this list, Kyrgyzstan is one for the hikers who crave the space and silence of remote mountains; expect snow-capped mountains, deep green gorges and the surreal red mountains, but not crowds.

Lake Issyk Kul

This is no ordinary lake. The second largest alpine lake in the World, it is over 100 miles long and just shy of 40 miles wide – and despite being 1,600m above sea level and surrounded by mountains, it never freezes even in the sub-zero depths of mountain winter.

Tien Shan

The ‘Celestial Mountains’ of central Asia are underrated and unspoilt, straddling the borders of China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. These heavenly peaks are simply stunning – and perfect for walkers wanting to get off the beaten track.

Why we love it

The Tien Shan act as a window into nomadic life – we’ve included encounters with nomads still practicing the ancient art of eagle hunting, and spend a night in a traditional yurt on the shores of Lake Issyk Kul.

China is as varied as it is vast, from terraced rice fields to the rolling hills of Jinshanling. The patchwork of landscapes alone is enough to entice any walker, but walking the Great Wall is a must-do in its own right.

The Great Wall of China

Running across the breadth of China for some 21,200 kilometres, the Great Wall of China is an icon – a surging, serpentine ridge that surfs the rolling hills taking hikers from one stunning viewpoint to another. Discover more fun facts about this ancient marvel of engineering here.

Jinshanling Great Wall

One of the most scenic sections of the Great Wall, and also one of the quietest, this is the perfect place for trekkers to explore. There’s a fair chance you might have Jinshanling all to yourself! The undulating wall is a mix of ruined and restored sections, so you’ll see the wall in all its states. The route is punctuated with watchtowers, strategically placed for perfect views over the incredible scenery – providing shade and an excuse to stop and drink in the landscape.

Beijing’s Forbidden City

This monumental palace complex was off limits to all but the elite of Chinese society for 500 years, earning it the moniker the Forbidden City. Now, experience the thrill of entering the Forbidden City yourself and imagine life as an ancient Chinese emperor.

Why we love it

Walking in the footsteps of history, along an engineering marvel of the ancient world, is an incredible experience. Hiking the Great Wall of China is the only way to see it as Chinese imperial soldiers would have – at eye level. But it’s also an epic vantage point across the landscapes that surround it as you connect each beacon-topped scenic lookout to the next.

The teardrop-shaped island of Sri Lanka has so much to offer travellers. On top of its natural beauty with rainforests and sandy beaches, Sri Lanka’s lush green tea plantations and spice gardens that line the hillsides mean it is full of variety in its scenic splendour.

Knuckles Mountain Range

The Knuckles Mountain Range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is popular with walkers because of its cascading waterfalls, varied trails and rich biodiversity. So named because of its distinctive shape (like a closed fist), you’ll need a guide to walk here (it’s a legal requirement) and for some areas a permit too. Explore of course will sort those out for you in advance.

Adam’s Peak

A sacred mountain, sunrise from Adam’s Peak is a bucket list moment for many walkers. The summit is 2,243 metres above sea level, making it a physical challenge shared by many of the pilgrimage goers heading for the top in search of the famous footprint. Expect this one to be busy – the camaraderie of shared experience is part of this peak.

Horton Plains

The breathtaking plateau of Horton Plains National Park is known for its dramatic scenery, most notably World’s End – a dramatic inland cliff. Here in the cloud forest, you’ll find more than 50 species of birds, including the endemic Sri Lankan Whistling Thrush – famously shy, but with a beautiful song.

Why we love it

Sri Lanka delivers when it comes to diverse landscapes packed into a small space. Here you’ll find all the scenery you could envisage and more, along with Buddhist traditions, religious inclusion and spiritual summits.