5 Treks, 10 Days Or Less: Asia, Part Four

March 13, 2015

by Melissa Rush
5 Treks, 10 Days Or Less: Asia, Part Four

Home to the Earth’s summit, Asia’s the place for high-altitude mountaineers. Yet the continent is filled with striking sights well below 8,000m. From Everest basecamp to the wild lowlands of Hong Kong, Asia’s treks bring big vistas even without employing oxygen tanks. 

Everest Base Camp Trek 

Location: Nepal
Miles Traveled: 40 miles
Highest Elevation: 17,650 ft.
Difficulty: Difficult

The journey to Everest’s base is spectacular. If summiting the behemoth is out of bounds, simply gazing skyward at over 29,000ft is awe-inspiring. Along the way, groups pause in Namche Bazaar to acclimate and absorb the vibrant, hospitable local culture.   

Best For: Those that dream of the top of the world (without the $50,000+ price tag)

Note: While only 40-miles long, this one breaks our 10 days or less target for good reason. Added days are required to acclimate prior to arrival at base camp (elevation 17,650ft). 

MacLehose Trail

Location: Hong Kong
Miles Traveled: 62 miles
Highest Elevation: 1,800 ft.
Difficulty: Difficult

The landscape is strikingly varied on the hike through Hong Kong’s quiet New Territories. Beaches, tropical mountains; this trek showcases the oft forgotten wilderness of Hong Kong. However, views don’t come easy. Prepare for tough and constant elevation shifts of over 1,000ft.  

Best For: Hikers looking for a peaceful Hong Kong outside the bustling metropolis.  

Mount Kailash Pilgrimmage

Location: Tibet
Miles Traveled: 32 miles
Highest Elevation: 19,000 ft.
Difficulty: Moderate

         

This trek carries spiritual significance for five different religions. While the mountain itself remains unclimbed, the 32-mile pilgrimage—called Kailash Kora—around the base is stunning. Complete with spots for uninterrupted meditation near waterfalls, prayer flags at 18,000 feet and sacred caves, consider it a spiritual and physical journey. Stop for a swim in Lake Manasarovar, one of the highest lakes in the world.     

Best For: Soul-seekers

Yoshida Trail

Location: Japan
Miles Traveled: 8 miles
Highest Elevation: 12,389 ft.
Difficulty: Moderate 

This path leading to the summit of volcanic Mount Fuji is unlike any other trek in this series. One of the most traveled in the world, Mount Fuji is summited by over 300,000 visitors annually. Look at the sheer volume of people as a unique, unforgettable cultural experience; hikers often top-out with 1,000 others.  All trails are accessible via public transit and food carts abound.  

Best For: Being part of the vibrant human race. 

Kuala Tahan

Location: Malaysia
Miles Traveled: 34 miles
Highest Point: 7,175 ft.
Difficulty: Moderate

This trail summits Gunung Tahan, the tallest mountain in the Malaysian Peninsula. Located in Taman Negara National Park, the surrounding rainforest is lush and scenic so trekkers encounter frequent river crossings. This is still a wild place; hikers share the trail with wild elephants, monkeys and, on rare occasions, tigers. 

Best For: Those looking for a Jungle Book-like adventure 

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