When you think of travelling to Asia, I bet the first words that come into your head aren’t ‘walking holiday’! In fact, many of us go to Asia for one of three things; food, shopping or lounging on the beach. However if you venture off the well-beaten tourist track, and instead explore a little more into the country surrounding the cities and beach resorts, you’re likely to discover some fantastic wildlife, and plenty of historical sites – you might even discover a private beach or two too! Of course, just remember any trek in a country you are not familiar with should be undertaken with caution, so bring a guide and take adequate safety precautions!
China’s Great Wall
You might initially be shocked at this suggestion, because it’s true, China’s Great Wall is crawling with tourists and it’s so packed, you can barely walk along it. However, if you venture away from Badaling and Mutianyu you can explore the 640km of wall that is unknown to most tourists. You can actually hike along this expanse of wall where possible, and you can camp on the wall too! Imagine what it would be like in the wilds of China for a camping holiday; secluded and faced with stunning views and extraordinary unspoilt villages and farmland.
Terelji National Park, Mongolia
Venturing across a cold and snowy landscape can seem unappealing at first, but this is an unmissable cultural experience; as you walk the barely used roads you’ll come across tiny settlements and see some of the rarest animals in the world. The great open plains are unlike anything else on earth, and you can break up your walk by staying with a Mongolian family in a traditional Yurt! The cold won’t be a problem if you have a pair of Dubarry Galway Boots however, and a good winter coat. Come prepared!
Haputale, Sri Lanka
Looking for a taste of home in the middle of the Sri Lanken mountains? Head to Haputale and trek part of the journey. You can find markets in this area selling English produce, and the area is surrounded by tea plantations that are still being processed by Victorian machines. It’s all reminiscent of the English occupation of this area back in the days of the empire, and it’s a little taste of history.
Photo by Francisco Diez, François Philipp and Indi Samarajiva
