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Steve Thomas

Any list of the best hikes in Asia includes the obvious references to Everest, Bhutan and a variety of Nepal treks all listed as “must-do” walks.
That means people occasionally miss out on some incredible experiences elsewhere in the region.
So, from the awe-inspiring to the downright daunting, here are five treks that should be on your radar.
Fairy Meadows and Nanga Parbat Base Camp, Pakistan
At 8,126 metres, Nanga Parbat is the ninth highest mountain in the world, and the trek to the nearby Fairy Meadows and on to Nanga Parbat Base Camp is a great and accessible journey.
From lush green valleys and flowery meadows to glaciers, and ultimately the imposing sight of Nanga Parbat itself, this is a stunning trail.
With moderate hiking and good accommodation options and facilities along the route, most people take an easy three to five days to complete it at a steady pace.
Guides and camping kit are not mandatory, although foreign trekkers need to register at the local police checkpoint before starting out.
When to go: April-May, September-October

The Pinnacles, Sarawak, Malaysia
Nestled in the jungle-clad heart of Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, sits Mulu National Park. In the midst of this pristine rainforest is Mount Api, which is crowned with a small forest of limestone pillars, known as The Pinnacles.
Staring from the park headquarters you take local longboat up-river to start the trek, dropping in at Clearwater Cave on the way, one of the biggest cave systems in the world.
From the trailhead it’s a short hike to the overnight stop at Camp 5. Early the next day walkers scale the 2.4-km steep trail to the 1,200m high viewpoint over The Pinnacles.
This is a demanding and tough scramble through thick knit roots and slippery rocks and uses ladders and ropes in places. It takes between six and 10 hours to complete, and for those with good fitness levels this is an ideal three day, two night challenge.
A guide and permits are essential for this climb, which can also be done as part of a regular organised trek.
When to go: June-September.

Tiger Leaping Gorge, Yunnan, China
Tiger Leaping Gorge offers one of the most accessible and dramatic treks in China, and the 23-km trail with traverses its side is often touted as one of the most beautiful short treks in the world.
Guides and camping gear are not needed as the route is well marked and has many guesthouses along the way. The going is quite physical at first, as you climb up the valley side via the 28 Bends.
From there it’s an undulating traverse of the gorge with the jagged peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and intermittent views down into the Gorge to keep you company.
Most trekkers stop overnight at Halfway Guest House, which is further than halfway, and then continue on to Walnut Garden to finish.
When to go: between April-June, and September-October.

Mount Rinjani, Lombok, Indonesia
Look inland from just about anywhere on the island of Lombok and you will be faced by the towering Mount Rinjani volcano, which at 3,726m is the second highest volcano in Indonesia.
While Bromo and Ijen in Java are the most visited and trekked volcanoes in Indonesia, Rinjani offers a more rugged and wild experience for the fit and adventurous traveller.
There are several trails around Rinjani, and most will take a demanding three day, two night excursion. Joining a group to reach the crater and lake is the best option, whilst the leg up to the summit adds another day to the experience.
When to go: April-December.

Hampta Pass, Himachal Pradesh, India
There are many superb multi-day treks to be found all over the mountains of Northern India, and the moderate hike across the 4,270m Hampta Pass ranks as one of the most attainable and prettiest.
Staring from Jobra, the trail heads through the green and flowery Kullu Valley and then climbs over the pass into the barren and arid high mountain environment of the Lahaul-Spiti Valley.
While it is feasible to go without a guide, it is wise to join an organised group as camping gear and provisions are needed, and for safety reasons too.
When to go: June-September.


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A hiker stops to take in the view of Nangar Parbat. Photo: Shutterstock Images

A traveller stops to take a picture of The Pinnacles. Photo: Shutterstock Images

Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge. Located 60 kilometres north of Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, China. Photo: Shutterstock Images

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A hiker walks along the Hampta Pass Trek, Himachal Pradesh, India. Photo: Shutterstock Images

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From fairy meadows to high mountain passes, this is a list of treks we think should be on your radar for 2024


From fairy meadows to high mountain passes, this is a list of treks we think should be on your radar for 2024.


Asia travel