Ancient Wonders of Asia
The world’s largest continent is also home to many ancient cultures and diverse countries including India, Mongolia, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Japan. Here are a few ways to combine cultural, historical and outdoor adventure in Asia:
China—From Pandas to Palaces
Home to 2.3 billion people, 23 UNESCO World Heritage sites, and the 2008 Summer Olympics, China is a juxtaposition of old and new. It caters to Westerners like never before while offering aspects of ancient culture that continue to remain strong today. Beijing alone boasts the Forbidden City and Imperial Palace, Tiananmen Square, and the beginning of the 3,000-mile-long Great Wall—the only manmade structure visible from the moon. In northern China, visit Xi’an, the former capitol for more than 13 centuries, the starting point of the famous Silk Road trading route, and home to the tomb of Emperor Win Shi Huang Di and his 6,000 Terracotta Warriors. Try the amazing cities of Shanghai and Hong Kong for a cosmopolitan experience. Or seek out the Giant Panda in the central province of Chengdu. For a spiritual journey, visit Lhasa, the home of the Dalai Lama and China’s center of Buddhism.
India—Tigers & the Taj
India is home to the Hindu and Buddhist religions as well as rich cultural traditions, amazing cuisine, exotic wildlife and various terrain. Go bohemian or as 5-star as you wish. Visit the “Golden Triangle” to see the capital of Delhi, Jaipur (the “Pink City”), and Udaipur (the “Venice of the East”). Within this area you will find the Taj Mahal, the Amber Palace, India’s lake region, and the Rajasthan desert with its annual camel fair. Other areas of interest are the beaches of Goa, Mumbai’s Gir Forest (the last wild refuge for the Asian lion), and Rankhambore and Bandhavgarh national parks where you can go on tiger safari and ride atop elephants. The adventurous can also head north to Jammu and Kashmir for trekking and hiking among the snowcapped mountain peaks to the sacred sites of Amarnath, Aru, Lidderwat and more.
Thailand—From Bustling Bangkok to Pristine Beaches
An evermore popular destination in South East Asia, from its bustling capital, Bangkok (called “Krung Thep” by locals) to the epic white sands of some of the world's most beautiful beaches, Thailand caters to a diverse crowd. Snorkel or dive in warm waters, trek into the mountains, or cycle across the flat river valleys of the northeast followed by a stay at luxurious resorts or the “dollar-a-night” beach huts of days past. The rapid pace of change and increasing prosperity gives the country much of its vibrancy and its friendly people are more than willing to share it with you.
Nepal—Mountain Life at All Levels
Also known as the “roof of the world,” the tiny country of Nepal boasts the ten tallest mountains in the world—including Everest. But don’t worry a visit here does not require scaling the peak, though it does provide other adventures with a multitude of trekking opportunities and white water rafting (not to mention colorful cultures, animated cities and towns, and far-flung mountain villages). Life here revolves around an intermingling of ancient Hindu and Buddhist cultures and religious festivals. And Kathmandu, the capital, brings it all together in one vibrant city.