Covering a wide range of countries and cultures, Asia has no shortage of interesting cities and stunning culinary highlights. But the continent also has some impressive natural attractions, some more remarkable than others.
Whether you want to hike the conical hills, admire the surreal rainbow limestone landscape, or go on a multi-day hike to the sparkling Himalayan lakes, you will find it all in one of the natural wonders on display. Dive in and enjoy!
7. Lakes Gokyo, Nepal
A stunning alternative to the popular Everest Base Camp hike is the Gokyo Ri climb through the turquoise waters of the Gokyo Lakes. Formed by the enormous Ngozumpa Glacier, six lakes span more than 10 km of land and make up the largest freshwater lake system in the world.
Weather permitting, towering Himalayan giants such as Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang can be seen atop Gokyo Ri. The views of the stellar Everest, for which you do not need to pay taxes on the limited infrastructure of the base camp itself, are part of what makes this trek especially attractive.
How to get there: Book a hike to the Gokyo Lakes with a travel company in Kathmandu with a short flight to Lukla.
6. Chocolate Hills, Philippines
During the rainy season, these conical hills are green rather than chocolatey, but once the rains stop, the Chocolate Hills darkens. Composed of approximately 1,776 mounds protruding from Bohol Island, the hills are a national geological monument of the Philippines. Geologists speculate that the karst rocks eroded in unison and formed hills, leaving behind a landscape now covered in particular flora.
Several local legends offer more colorful explanations. Among them: two giants met in battle, throwing stones and sand at each other until they were tired of fighting. What is left after them? Perfectly formed Chocolate Hills.
How to get there: From Tagbilaran, the capital of Bohol, book an excursion to the hills or visit on your own by taking a bus to Carmen, and then walk 10 minutes from the main road.
5. Mount Kelimutu, Indonesia
Despite its remoteness, Mount Kelimutu's lunar landscape and shimmering lakes make this trek truly worthwhile. Located on the island of Flores, Kelimutu is widely known for its three crater lakes, each with its own pool of different shapes. Geologists have been studying the crater for some time due to its chameleon properties.
Over the years, each lake changes color as it comes into contact with mineral-rich underwater fumaroles. An unexpected element of visiting Kelimutu is that you don't know in advance what color the lakes will be when you climb the volcano.
How to get there: Mount Kelimutu is located in Flores, End is the nearest town. The easiest option is to fly from Western Flora (Labuhanbao) to End. Bus lovers can get closer to the mountain by taking a bus to the small town of Moni.
4. Zhangye Danxia National Geopark, China
The term Danxia Geopark describes not only the mountains of the Zhangye Danxia Natural Geological Park near Zhangye, China, but also some other areas of China. Each was formed millions of years ago when tectonic plate movements and sandstone weathering created these magnificent vistas. The banding of Danxia rocks is the result of crumbling limestone as the stones shrink over time.
In 2010, UNESCO recognized six landforms as a World Natural Heritage Site (Danxia, China). The relief of Zhangye Danxia is the largest, covering over 1000 sq.m. Several viewpoints offer scenic glimpses of the surrounding rainbow cliffs.
How to get there: Zhanye, in China's Gansu province, is the nearest city. You can take a taxi from Zhanye to the park. Day trips through Zhanye are also possible.
3. Son Dong Cave, Vietnam
Located in Phong Nha Kaeng National Park, Son Dong Cave is one of the largest in the world, its main cave is large enough to accommodate a Boeing 747. The wide, fast river, which eventually tunnelled in the ground, formed the Son Dong Cave, which is named translated from Vietnamese as "mountain river cave". Ho Khan, who took refuge there during a storm, discovered Shondong in 1991.
Lost until 2009, the cave is now open to tourists. The proposed developments, including the cable car, have raised environmental concerns. At the moment, only Oxalis Tours is licensed to conduct excursions through Son Dong Cave.
How to get there: Oxalis offers multi-day expeditions for $ 3000. An alternative for those in the area is Thien Duong Cave (Paradise Cave) in the same national park. Buses run to Phong Na from Dong Hoi and from Hanoi.
2. Detian Falls, Vietnam-China border
Similar to Niagara Falls, located in the United States and Canada, Detian Falls is located on the border between Vietnam and China. Surrounded by karst rocks and green forest, the twin falls descend down the levels to the Quaychon River.
While the vertical drop in water is negligible, the width of the cascades is impressive. Swimming is prohibited, but you can take small bamboo rafts all the way to the edge of the falls. During the hot rainy season from May to September, Quayshon floods, greatly increasing the flow of water.
How to get there: On the Chinese side, the falls are three to four hours' drive from Nanning City, with a daily bus leaving from Langdong Bus Station in the city. Day trips can also be arranged through Nanning. On the Vietnamese side, the falls are about 225 miles from Hanoi, and buses leave from My Dinh Bus Station to Cao Bang City. From there, a second bus will drop you off at the falls.
1. Jigokudani Valley, Japan
Located on Hokkaido Island, the Jigokudani Valley is part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park near the city of Noboribetsu. The region is famous for its healing thermal onsen hot springs, which can be found in hotels in the city or in outdoor mineral pools.
A more sulfurous option is Hell's Valley, a 24-acre geothermal crater left over from the eruption of Mount Kuttara thousands of years ago. The city has established boardwalk around the valley, allowing people to wander through its many steam caves and geysers. Don't miss the Oyunuma Brook natural foot bath, a healing spring in the park.
How to get thereA: The train leaves from the station in Noboribetsu, there is also a bus from the hot springs.
We recommend watching:
In this video, you will see the most beautiful footage of 10 incredible natural wonders and learn their history.
