Photo by: Matthew Flynn

The world’s highest mountains and some of the most isolated jungles can be found in Asia. Rare wildlife and indigenous tribes sit lost amidst the outermost regions of the world’s most densely populated areas. Treks lead to isolated Buddhist temples deep in the Himalayas and to the ruins of ancient civilizations across Siam.

  1. Annapurna Circuit, Nepal The 186 mile, three week Annapurna circuit is considered the best hike in the world by many. It’s not technical or overly difficult, but gets you up close to some of the highest mountains in the Himalayas.
  2. Great Wall, China There are dozens of places to hike the wall, but the section from Jinshanling to Simatai is said to be best. The 7.5 mile route takes you across some of the walls most dramatic scenery.
  3. Hong Kong Seventy-five percent of Hong Kong’s 679 square miles are wild and undeveloped. That said there are literally dozens of trails leading through rich flora and fauna.
  4. Ratanakiri, Cambodia Cambodia’s northeastern frontier is worlds away from the hordes of Siem Reap. Isolated tribes, elephants, tigers, and the rainforests of Virachay National Park can all be found here.
  5. Ladakh Range, India The hills and Buddhist monasteries around Leh are only for the acclimatized hiker. The barren landscape and cultures here seem more Tibetan than Indian, with more yaks and sheep than cows and monkeys.
  6. Mount Maluan, China Shenzhen’s Mount Maluan is a mystical area of waterfalls, lush forests, and clear streams.
  7. Rara National Park, Nepal A high altitude lake surrounded by snowy peaks is this little hiked gem reached only via a two week trek.
  8. Gunung Tahan, Malaysia Tigers, leopards, elephants, and the Sumatra rhino share your trail in the lush virgin rainforest in West Malaysia.
  9. Manali to Malana, India The world’s oldest democracy, Malana, has strict rules against any physical contact with outsiders. It’s a 4-day trip over several high Himalayan passes, prime hashish growing territory.
  10. The North, Thailand This lost region of hill tribes near the Burmese border near Pai and Chaing Mai is a fascinating look at a Thailand few get to see.

Click here for Top 10 Hiking / Trekking Vacations in Australia and the South Pacific