4 Best Hiking Spots in South Asia

A sia is a vast continent with plenty of different landscapes and hiking trails to offer outdoor enthusiasts. If you're looking for a heroic adventure, look no further than the best hikes in South Asia. From strenuous uphill climbs to rewarding downhill descents, soaring peaks, and fertile valleys, these routes will take your breath away –and leave you begging for more. So, pack your bags, grab your hiking boots and get ready to explore some of the most sightly and challenging trails on the planet!

1. Banaue Rice Terraces, Philippines

The Banaue Rice Terraces are the most crowd-pleasing tourist destinations in the Philippines. The terraces were carved into the mountainside over 500 years ago by Ifugao and are still in use today.

The best way to experience the rice terraces is by hiking them. From the easy and pleasant Bangaan Rice Terrace to the arduous but popularly scenic Batad Rice Terraces, you can take several different routes. The trail takes you through the rice terraces, makes you come face to face with the livestock, and up to a viewpoint where you can see the stunning scenery for miles around.

If you're wondering when the ideal time to hike the Banaue Rice Terraces is, the answer is anytime! The rice terraces are beautiful all year round. However, if you want to experience the 'mirror' phase, where the water in the rice terraces reflects the sky like a mirror, you'll need to visit between October and December.

2. Kawah Ijen, Indonesia

Indonesia hones 1700 breathtaking islands, and the natural attractions they offer are limitless. In 2021, roughly around 1.56 million travelers visited Indonesia, with the most popular islands being Java and Bali.

But there's one particular attraction often overlooked by tourists –Kawah Ijen. It is a volcano but that doesn't mean you should be discouraged; it's still possible to hike to the top!

A three-kilometer trek from the base camp in Paltuding, Indonesia, snakes two miles up a mountain in eastern Java to reach an odd-looking (and smelling) crater lake: Kawah Ijen. If you are a relatively fit hiker, the trek should take you around two hours. 

You'll see the sulfur miners on your ascent of Ijen, who are lightly masked individuals earning a pittance extracting sulfur from the crater. The best time to take over the Kawah Ijen hike is in April and October.

3. Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

The Cameron Highlands is a beautiful highland resort in Malaysia that's perfect for hikers of all levels. The region offers various hiking trails, from easy and short walks to multi-day treks.

One of the most loved hiking trails in the Mossy Forest trail. It's around three kilometers long and takes you through a mystical forest straight out of a fairytale. The course is covered in mossy trees, ferns, and lichens and is home to various wildlife.

If you're looking for something a bit more strenuous, the Gunung Brinchang hike is for you. It's the highest peak in the Cameron Highlands, and the hike will take you through a variety of different landscapes, from forests to open meadows. The trail is around seven kilometers long and takes about four to five hours to complete.

4. Doi Inthanon, Thailand

Beautifully fresh air, picturesque views, and an abundance of nature – Doi Inthanon has it all. When you add up all the reasons, it's no surprise that this national park is one of Thailand's most popular trekking spots.

Doi Inthanon is the highest peak in Chiang Mai at 8000 feet, so it's not for the faint-hearted. The hike to the summit is around 12 kilometers long and takes six to seven hours to complete. If you're looking for some easy and shorter trails, try conquering Kiu Mae Pan and the Ang Ka Luang Nature Trail. Both trails are around three kilometers long and should take approximately two hours to complete.

But the stunning views from the top are more than worth it. You'll be able to see a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding jungle, mountains, and rice fields.

If you're planning on hiking Doi Inthanon, the best time to go is between November and February, but don't forget to keep the jackets!

Conclusion

So, there's that, the best hikes in South Asia! Whether you're looking for an easy-breezy walk or a challenging one, there's something for everyone. If you're still unsure, hiking is like meditation. It allows you to connect with nature, clear your mind, and just be. So, get out there and start exploring!