I sifted through the notes on my phone and stumbled upon something I wrote during our Everest Base Camp trek in 2022. I had intended to keep a log of our adventures, but most importantly, to track our health, as it was our first time hiking above 2800 meters. I immensely enjoyed revisiting the journal, and I honestly would have forgotten about some of those experiences if I hadn’t written them down. Besides reminding me of how notoriously forgetful I am, it also made me think that maybe there’s someone out there who would enjoy sharing these adventures with me and, hopefully, help them plan their upcoming hiking trips in Asia.
Initially, I envisioned this blog as a virtual guidebook, packed with tips and tricks for every would-be adventurer. However, I realized that the internet is already flooded with detailed itineraries and practical advice. Of course, what good is a blog if it’s not useful? With that in mind, I decided to focus on something a bit more personal and, hopefully, engaging by telling you stories of the Asian hiking trails I have explored and sharing the incredible experiences they offer.
The Enchantment of Hiking in Asia
From the lush rainforests of Southeast Asia to the majestic mountains of the Himalayas, there’s a trail for everyone. On this blog, we will explore the top hiking trails in Asia, and hopefully, you’ll discover some hidden gems that you haven’t seen in your usual guidebook.
Here are some of the hiking trails that I have visited thus far, and I will write about them in the next blog posts:
Everest Base Camp, Nepal
One of the most iconic hikes in the world—the Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek in Nepal is definitely a must-do. We spent 14 memorable days journeying through the heart of the Himalayas, walking through beautiful Sherpa villages, crossing suspension bridges over roaring rivers, and marveling at the towering peaks of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse.
Yushan National Park, Taiwan
Yushan, also known as Jade Mountain, in Taiwan is the highest peak in East Asia. The trail takes you through stunning landscapes—from dense forests to rocky ridges, each step revealing a new facet of Taiwan’s natural beauty. Reaching the summit of Yushan was a great experience, standing above Taiwan and waiting for the sunrise to light up the horizon.
Mount Apo, Philippines
In the Philippines, Mount Apo stands as the highest peak and a beacon for adventurers. The hike to its summit is a journey through lush rainforests and volcanic landscapes. I have been to Mt. Apo thrice, on different trails. The trails can be challenging but accessible, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and adventure.
Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia
Mount Kinabalu in Malaysia is on my bucket list. As the highest peak in Southeast Asia, this mountain has been on my radar since I started hiking. The climb, I read, is not particularly tough but the panoramic views of Borneo stretching out below are memorable.
Mount Fuji, Japan
Mount Fuji in Japan is another mountain I aspire to climb, being one of Asia’s trilogy of highest peaks. This iconic mountain, with its beautiful cone shape, is a symbol of Japan and a magnet for hikers from around the world. The thought of hiking Fuji at night to reach the summit for sunrise fills me with anticipation.
The Journey Continues
There’s so much to tell and so much in Asia to show you. Let’s lace up our boots and hit the trails! From the peaks I’ve scaled to the ones I dream of, this blog is a chronicle of my adventures and a guide to help you prepare for your own. Whether you’re looking for tips, inspiration, or just a good story, I hope you’ll find it here. Let’s explore the best hiking trails in Asia together, one step at a time. 🌄
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