17 Hiking in Asia Trails You’ll Want To Complete

Teacake Travels is reader supported and all content is provided for free. This post may contain affiliate links. If you click one, I may earn a commission at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting me!

Hiking in Asia is so much fun! There really are some gems to be savoured here, with the best hiking stretching across China, India, Bhutan, South Korea and Vietnam to name just a few!

Hiking Asia is something my fellow travel blogging buddies love just as much as me, so I asked them to put their favourite routes forward. From beginner hiking trails to the most difficult awesome hiking trails out there, this list is for you!

You’ll find each hike and trek’s difficulty level below, the time it takes, a description of what you’ll see plus some really useful essential tips. Get your boots on. It’s time for hiking Asia.

Blogger Alice looking at Chinese Mountains
Hiking in Xingping

The Chadar Trek ♥ Ladakh ♥ India

Recommended by Pashmina from The Gone Goat

Imagine treading through deep waters and walking on a thin layer of ice in -30 temperatures. That was my experience of the Chadar Trek; one of the wildest treks tagged by National Geographic in 2012 in Ladakh, India! It is also known as one of the most popular winter treks in India.

Hiking in Asia
The Chadar Trek in Ladakh, India

Difficulty Level

This is one of the most difficult treks in India. The distance on foot is around 105 km. On average, you’re covering 15 to 17 km every day. Plus, you’ll be facing harsh temperatures and camping spots.

How long it takes

Around 9 days.

What you will see and experience

Like a walk in a frozen dreamland, the Chadar Trek has a unique way of displaying the frozen beauty of the Himalayas. The journey leads off from Ladakh to the snowbound villages of the Zanskar Valley. One of the most interesting sights is that it falls under a route that takes you along traditional winter trading trails connecting Padum to Ladakh along the frozen Zanskar river. You even gain insight into the remote cultures of Zanskar and Ladakh and. There’s a chance you’ll be able to connect with the local Zanskaris and even spott snow leopards if you’re lucky.

I remember exchanging panicked glances with my trek mates every time we stepped on an unsteady slab of ice, ready to break at any time. Wearing eight layers of thermals and coming from a tropical country, it was way harder for my body to adjust to the harsh environment but that didn’t matter anymore when I was greeted by the region’s stunning landscapes.

Essential Tips

Get your visa for India here

‘Chadar’ refers to a blanket of ice and can only be accessed during the coldest months from January to February. The region remains closed off for eight months to a year due to heavy snowfall.

You must pack an incredibly warm jacket, sleeping bag and sturdy hiking shoes.

Book your 9 day Chadar Trek here

LOOKING FOR THE BEST TREKS IN NEPAL?

Click here to read the ultimate guide to trekking Nepal.

Includes Annapurna, Everest Base Camp, Mera Peak and Poon hill amongst others!

Lenin Peak ♥ Kyrgyzstan

Recommended by Joan Torres from Against The Compass

Lenin Peak, a 7,100-meter mountain, is the second highest mountain in the Pamir range and the third in the former Soviet Union. The peak is located in both Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan but you start to trek from Kyrgyzstan. Massive glaciers, contrasting colors and, basically, jaw-dropping scenery, make me believe that this is one of the best trekking experiences I’ve ever had.

Hiking in Asia
Lenin peak in Kyrgyzstan

How long it takes

2-4 days.

The base camp, which is already at 4,000 meters above sea level, is easily reached in half a day from the village of Sary Mogul and the advanced base camp, which is at 5,100 meters, is around 6 hours from the base camp but be aware that, since there are a lot of ups and downs, the total ascend is around 2,000 meters.

Difficulty Level

Moderate – Difficult: depending on whether you hike the peak or head to just the advanced base camp!

The Lenin Peak is particularly famous, more than any other 7,000-meter summit, and the reason is that this is the easiest 7,000-meter mountain to climb in the world, as it doesn’t really require any hard climbing experience but you can reach the top by foot.

Still, you need to be an experienced climber, so regular travelers should not attempt to go to the top.

However, the advanced base camp, which is located at the bottom of the more than 2000-meter ice wall that takes you to the top, is highly feasible for any reasonably fit traveler, and it is fairly quick to reach.

What you will see and experience

From the village to Sary Mogul you go through a massive arid plain, one alpine lake, plenty of green rolling hills, several glaciers, rivers, and of course, continuous views of a 7,100-meter peak.

Essential Tips

Do not attempt this if you are not fit. You need to have some trekking experience behind you.

It takes time to get used to the altitude: bring plenty of water and take breaks when you need to.

Book your 8 Day Kyrgyzstan Trekking Trip here

Tiger Leaping Gorge ♥ Yunnan ♥ China

Recommended by Liz Smith from Peanuts or Pretzels

Located north of Lijiang, China Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest gorges in the world, and it is home to one of our most memorable treks. However, it’s a bit off the main highway and in a remote area – so you will need to do some advanced planning if you want to hike the area.

Hiking in Asia
Tiger Leaping Gorge China

Difficulty Level

Moderate on the middle route / more strenuous on the high road.

How long it takes

1 to 2 days depending on the route you choose.

What you will see and experience

Heading north from Lijiang, you have a couple choices for visiting the gorge. The first option is to enter the gorge in the town of Qiaotou by hiking the “high road” path – a hike that can take a day or two (depending on your route & speed) and you can stay overnight at guest houses along the way.

Another option is to hire a car at the entrance ticket office in Qiaotou to drive you into the gorge, where you can drop off your gear at a guest house and then spend a couple days doing various day hikes in the area. Maps are available at the ticket office as well as at guest houses. Keep in mind that these maps are quite rough and the paths are not very well marked, which can be confusing. So take appropriate precautions and bring supplies.

Trekking in this area takes you through local mountain villages, carefully terraced farm land, and gives amazing views of high mountain peaks, including the famous Jade Snow Mountain!

By far our favorite hike that we did in Tiger Leaping Gorge was the Middle Gorge Hike. This hike takes you far down the steep mountain all the way to the famous “Tiger Rock” in the middle of the river – where the legend says that the tiger leaped across the river, giving the area its name.

Bali Hiking
Sidemen Rice Terrace, Indonesia

Essential tips

The lower hike is said to be made by locals, which is why you find some of them along the path charging “tolls” to pass by. It’s annoying, but we decided to just deal with it, because the hike was truly one of the most memorable we’ve ever taken.

Want to go with a group? Book your Tiger Leaping Gorge 2 day trip here

Magome to Tsumago ♥ Nakasendo Trail ♥ Japan

Recommended by Sarah Carter from ASocialNomad

As hiking trails go, this combines an amazing history, fabulously well maintained trails and a great cultural aspect! Located in Japan, the Nakasendo trail linked Kyoto to Tokyo and was used during the Edo period by the Shogun to help rule the country: tax collectors went about their business using the trail that linked postal towns!

Hiking in Asia
Tsumago to Magome, Japan

How long it takes

The Nakasendo trail is 530 kilometres long and there were originally 69 postal stations located on the route. If you want to walk it today it will likely take you around 3 weeks. However, the most popular part of the trail is the day hike from Magome to Tsumago, which is around 5 miles / 8 km.

What you will see and experience

Along the way stay in ryokans and the traditional post inns, where you can relax and explore Japanese culture and hospitality. You’ll also find traditional tea houses in which to take refreshment en-route too!

Essential Tips

The local tourist office can make the hike even easier for you as they provide a luggage forwarding service between the two renovated post towns.

Spring and Autumn are the best times to walk the Nakasendo trail, avoiding the heat of summer and the potential snow of winter, as the trail does pass through high country.

Want to go with a guide? Book your hike here

Mestia-Ushguli trekking ♥ Caucasus ♥ Georgia

Recommended by Manouk Bob from Bunch of Backpackers

The Mestia-Ushguli trek is one of the most popular treks in Georgia, due to it beauty, accessibility and comfort. This four day trek will take you through the mountains of the spectacular Svaneti region in the Caucasus!

Hiking in Asia
Mestia-Ushguli trekking, Caucasus, Georgia

Difficulty Level

You need a basic level of fitness.

How long it takes

4 days.

On average you hike around six hours per day, after which you can spent the night in one of the village’s family-run guesthouses.

What you will see and experience

During the trek, you pass through mountain passes, villages with the ancient Svan watch towers, powerful rivers, glaciers, and colorful meadows.

The trek starts in the village of Mestia, which is the biggest town in the Svaneti region. From Mestia, you can also do several day treks or take a cable car up to the mountains. The trek ends in beautiful and remote Ushguli, which is the highest inhabited village of Europe.

At the guesthouses in the evening, you can enjoy the Svan hospitality and home-cooked Svan food, which of course, tastes even better after a long day of walking.

Essential Tips

On average you will spend about 20 euros per day on food and accommodation.

You can also opt to camp along the way and extend your Svaneti trekking with the Mazeri, Guli Pass and Kuraldi Lakes. (like I did).

Make sure to bring some basic snacks (nuts, candy), as there are no shops on the route.

Book your 6 day Mestia to Ushguli trekking trip here

Wadi Ghuweir Trail ♥ Jordan

Recommended by Claire Evans from The Adventurous Flashpacker 

I’m not quite sure what I was expecting from hiking in Jordan, but it certainly wasn’t anything as incredible as the hiking in the Dana Biosphere Reserve. Hiking in Dana is a real treat with beautiful landscapes, rugged hiking trails, and very few tourists.

Wadi Ghuweir in Dana Jordan
Wadi Ghuweir in Dana Jordan

Difficulty Level

The hike is relatively flat and isn’t tough fitness wise, but there are a few technically challenging sections where a little rock scrambling is required.

How long it takes

Take your pick of the hiking trails throughout the nature reserve, ranging from a couple of hours to several days. The Wadi Ghuweir Trail is a one way 14km trail (give or take depending on your drop off and pick up locations), and takes around 6 hours, makeing the most of Dana’s otherworldly beauty.

What you will see and experience

The hike starts in the valley below Shoubak, around one hour drive from Dana Village, and ends near Feynan, around two hours drive back to Dana Village.

The Wadi Ghuweir trail winds through a long siq surrounded by soaring canyons and rock formations, and moves onto an open valley filled with tropical lush foliage. Water runs through the entire length of the hike, ranging from a small trickle to flowing water that you need to wade through.

Essential Tips

I recommend taking a guide and wearing hiking shoes with good grip for the rocks.

Don’t forget to factor in transfer times, which can be unexpectedly long in Dana due to the lack of main roads.

The best time to hike Wadi Ghuweir is in spring or autumn. Exercise caution in the wet season, as the valley can experience flash flooding.

Khao Ngon Nak ♥ Krabi ♥ Thailand

Recommended by Ferna Mae Fernandez from Everywhere With Ferna

A solo hike in Khao Ngon Nak situated in the heart of Krabi, Thailand is one of the short treks that one should do when in the country. This is the best trek I did exploring the town, with a 3.7km in distance on a craggy trail. However, one must not underestimate the journey, especially in humid and very warm weather!

Hiking in Thailand
Khao Ngon Nak, Krabi, Thailand

How long it takes

It took me 2 hours to delve into this activity but this is also because I paused on every station to take some photos!

What you will see and experience

Making your way there, you’ll see all types of different trees standing still where the colors mesmerize you! Look out for the unique red-orange colored trees stationed among the green environment. The noise of the birds echoing and the crickets never ending chirrups become your companion along the journey.

Essential Tips

For all of you who love information, there are plenty of information points along the way to enrich your hike. The letters are in Thai and English so it’s easy for locals and tourists alike to understand.

The boulders on the last 500m are the ones that are hard to maneuver! The slopes and sandy places will extend the time it takes to reach the peak.

The peak is the best station and really stunning because of the Andaman view along the limestone karsts.

Please do bring lots of water and maybe a can of soda to keep you hydrated. The weather will drain your energy.

Make sure you wear a light and dry outfit.

Read about the full hike here.

Great Wall of China ♥ Jinshanling ♥ China

Recommended by Karolina Patryk from Lazy Travel Blog

Just 130 kilometers northeast of Beijing is the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall of China, which is possibly one of the best treks in the world. Located right smack between the Gubeiku and Simatai sections, Jinshanling consists of both the restored and unrestored portions of the wall.

It is also the most beautiful portion of the wall with the greatest number of distinctive watchtowers that are about 10 to 12 meters high! The least crowded among all the other sections, the Jinshanling Wall is also a viewpoint that provides breath-taking sights.

jobs in china for foreigners
The Great Wall of China

Difficulty Level

Moderate.

How long it takes

5 hours once you reach the wall.

Essential Tips

The Jinshanling Wall is around 2 hours drive from Beijing and the best way to get there is by hiring a driver through the WeChat and WeChat Wallet apps, which will set you back around 900RMB.

If you are staying with a hotel, you can get the reception to arrange one for you as well.

Another option is to take the direct bus from Wangjing West Bus Station which departs Beijing at 8 AM and returns at 3 PM. Although it is a cheaper option, costing around 32RMB each way, the downside is it is only available during the peak season from April to November.

From April to October, the wall is open from 6 AM to 6 PM. During the off-season, from November to March, the wall is open from 7 AM to 5 PM. The price of admission is 65RMB during peak season and 55RMB during off-season.

Want to go with a group? Book your Jinshanling Great Wall hike here

Tiger’s Nest ♥ Bhutan

Recommended by Harsh Gupta from Wanderers Hub

The Tiger’s Nest Monastery, popularly known as Paro Takstang, is an iconic religious site in Bhutan that is perched precariously to a rock cliff 10,240 ft overlooking the Paro Valley. For anyone visiting Bhutan, trekking to Tiger’s Nest Monastery is a given!

Hiking in Asia
Tigers Nest Monastery in Bhutan

Difficulty Level

Moderate.

It is best to be mentally prepared for the trek uphill as it can get strenuous at some points.

How long it takes

Around 5-7 hours.

At a medium pace, it’s easier to climb to the top well within 3 hours. Frequent trekkers can easily finish this trek well within 2 hours. But, set aside a full day for the Tiger’s Nest hike as it will take 5-6 hours easily for the round trip hike, plus additional one hour to tour the monastery.

What you will see and experience

The journey uphill is soul-stirring and at the same time rewarding for the views it offers are breathtaking. You will notice red-robed monks praying and singing along the way and many prayer flags will keep your spirits up.

The scenery becomes even more pretty as you climb higher and gain elevation.

Essential Tips

Make sure you wear proper hiking shoes and are fully clothed at the monastery (knees and shoulders covered).

Bring along some refreshments and plenty of water for this trek.

Remember – do it slowly and experience complete immersion in the cultural heritage of Bhutan.

Book your epic Tiger’s Nest Bhutan experience here

Jebal Shams Mountain ♥ Oman

Recommended by Rahma Khan from The Sane Adventurer

Oman is one of the most naturally diverse countries in the Middle East. The Jebal Shams Mountain in Oman is a part of the Al Hajar Mountain range and it is the highest peak in the Arabian Peninsula standing at 3000 meters above the sea level! It attracts lots of local trekkers and adventure-seekers from the neighboring countries; however, despite being a great trekking trail, the mountain has still not gained enough popularity in the region. The trek is called the Jebal Shams trek (Jebal Shams means the mountain of the Sun in Arabic).

Hiking in Oman
Jebal shams trek in Oman

Difficulty Level

The trail is rocky and challenging at some points where the route gets extremely narrow.

How long it takes

2 days.

It is a short two days trek which can be completed in a single day as well if you have a good fitness level.

What you will see and experience

The trek passes by small villages and Bedouin houses in the mountain which are surprisingly still untouched by civilization. You will always be accompanied by the mountain goats on the trek which is owned by the local shepherds on the mountain. The sunrise and sunset views from the main viewpoint of Jebal Shams are incredible! After all, who wouldn’t like to see the sunrise or the sunset from the top of the mountain of Sun?

Essential tips

There are no shops or tea houses on the mountain so it is important to pack enough supplies to last two days on the mountain.

Ganden-Samye trek ♥ Tibet

Recommended by Annalisa Franceschini from Traveling With Magpies

Regardless of having to get a visa and a guide to take you through it all, don’t be discouraged. This is one of the most popular treks in Tibet, and it’s totally worth the hassle!

Hiking in Tibet
Ganden-Samye trek, Tibet

Difficulty Level

Moderate to Difficult.

The Ganden Samye trek demands a moderate-difficult physical effort and allows you to spend time on an untouched landscape at more than 5000 meters of altitude.

I needed to sip oxygen from a small tank on the second day of walking, and I had to rest more often than expected.

How long it takes

The Ganden-Samye trek in Tibet takes 4 days and covers about 80 kilometers on the highlands, an hour drive from the city of Lhasa.

What you will see and experience

The trek retraces the traditional pilgrimage of the Tibetan monks and devotees from Ganden Monastery to Samye Monastery. These are two of the most important sanctuaries for Tibetan buddhism, and are still operating today.

During this trek you will have the special chance to meet the Tibetan nomad population. Tibetan nomadic herders spend the summers in tents made from yak coat, picking up medical herbs while the yaks are grazing free in the valleys. The Tibetan guide walking with you will help you to visit their tents and know about their customs. The Ganden-Samye trek is my most treasured travel memory, and I can’t wait to do it again.

Essential Tips

The Tibetan agency that you’ll pick to arrange your travel permits will hire porters with yaks to carry your camping gear, food, oxygen, and everything else they will find necessary.

Similarly to all the activities concerning travels to the Tibet Autonomous Region in China, to be able to do this trek, first you need to apply for a Chinese tourist VISA.

You’ll also need to hire an official travel guide to escort you through the whole trekking journey. I recommend you get the support of a Tibetan travel agency to go through all the process.

Kalaw to Inle Lake ♥ Myanmar

Recommended by Ben McLaughlan from Horizon Unknown

If you’re looking for a multi-day trek in Myanmar, Kalaw to Inle Lake is a perfect way to not only get beautiful vistas of lush fields and rice terraces but to also meet interesting and colourful characters in the local communities.

Hiking in Myanmar
Kalaw to inle Lake, Myanmar

Difficulty Level

Moderate

How long it takes

3 days.

What you will see and experience

From the small town of Kalaw in Myanmar begins the three-day trek to Inle Lake. Meeting and staying with local families as the trail winds through green fields and rice Terraces is what makes this trek so memorable.

Many locals you encounter along the way are farmers tending to their crops, but they never seem too busy to stop, wave and smile as you continue along the exhausting hill-side trail. Many stops are impromptu and are for soaking in the scenery.

Essential Tips

Usually, trekkers hire a guide as the trail is usually not well marked and it’s easy to get lost. Having a guide is a great insight into local life around the communities in the area too!

Snakes aren’t uncommon along the track. During my three days, my small group only saw one, but my guide said he sees them all the time in the fields and laying on the trail.

There are quite a few rest stops for food and a break along the walk allowing you to refuel.

Sun protection is also a must as most of the track is uncovered.

Book your 4 day trek here

Mount Hallasan ♥ Jeju Island ♥ South Korea

Recommended by Carine & Derek from We Did It Our Way

It feels like hiking is Korea’s national sport so it’s no surprise that climbing Mount Hallasan is a must. It’s the country’s highest peak and Jeju island’s most prominent landmark. Luckily, it’s also a beautiful hike. We couldn’t recommend this trail enough. If you’re an avid hiker, or even slightly sporty, you will love this. It’s also pretty cool that you can say you’ve climbed to the top of Korea’s highest peak!

Hiking in South Korea
Mount Hallasan Hike, Jeju, South Korea

Difficulty Level

Moderate.

The trail is a mix of stairs, paving and rocks. However, the last ascent to get to the top is quite rocky, and steep.

How long it takes

8 hours in total.

The Seongpanak Trail is 9.6 km long, and takes about 4 hours each way (if you are semi-active).

What you will see and experience

In 1970, Mt Hallasan was declared a national park, and it’s easy to see why. There are over 1,800 plants and 4,000 species of animals and insects that call this mountain home! You can see them from any of the five hiking trails. In the fall, the leaves turn to beautiful shades of vibrant reds, oranges and yellows, so even if you don’t see any animals, the fall foliage is enough to make you swoon.

We picked the sunniest fall day to climb this 1,947.06 m mountain – the goal was to have a clear view once we made it to the top! Then we chose the longest, but most popular trail, Seongpanak Trail, one of the only 2 trails that takes you up to the peak of the crater.

We absolutely loved this trek. Not only were the views along the way breathtaking, but we made so many friends along the way. Each Korean we would pass along the way would greet us with a friendly ‘Hello’; a custom we’ve gotten used to hiking various trails in Korea. Being as cheeky as we are, we would always greet them back with ‘Annyeong haseyo’ (Hello in Korean). They thought this was hilarious, and would want to talk and walk together for a while, which made us even happier!

Essential Tips

Make sure you bring snacks, lunch, and water with you. It’s a long hike.

Also bring a bag to carry your trash with you because there are no bins along the way.

Get started early enough because you have to clear the main checkpoint by 1pm and start descending by 2:30 or 3pm, so you don’t end up hiking down in the dark.

We learned the hard way that just because it’s a sunny day at the foot of the mountain, it doesn’t mean you will have a clear view at the top. Once we finally made it to the crater, we were greeted by thick fog. At least the views along the way were breathtaking!

Book your transfer to and from Hallasan National Park here

Amarnath cave ♥ Jammu ♥ India

Recommended by Somnath Roy from Travel Crusade

One of my best treks that I ever tried in life was the steep ascent from Baltal to Amarnath (the Hindu Holy cave of Amarnath) where you can see the ice shivling. The trek is a huge ascent with lots of twists and turns that can make any traveller speechless. The Amarnath trek happens every year in June in India. It calls many pilgrims and other like minded travellers from around the world.

Hiking in India
“DSC_001-18” by Praveen Ramavath is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Difficulty Level

Challenging! Expect an arduous climb, high elevations and adverse weather.

How long it takes

1 day to get to the top.

It is recommended to stay overnight and return the next day after you have finished sightseeing. The trek is a 19km uphill ascent from Baltal with stops at Sangam and Panchtarni.

What you will see and experience

People choose to trek here as it rejuvenates the body and mind and teaches us a unique way of enjoying life by actually being a wayfarer! The shrine within the cave here is considered to be one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism. Tourists of all ages including children and the aged come from different corners of the world to view the majesty and brilliance of this natural formation. Once you reach the cave, you will see the ice shivling which represents a form of Lord Shiva.

The trek at Amarnath is one of the fascinating moments that’s happened in my life and I cherish every moment of it.

Related Reading: The best places for women to travel to in India

Essential tips

The ice shivling only lasts for a month and half here, after which it starts to melt down. Don’t miss it! Visit between July and August.

Find out more about how to register here

Sapa ♥ Vietnam

Recommended by Jess Drier from Unearth the Voyage

One of the best places in the world to go on a trekking adventure and see some amazing scenery would be in the northern hemisphere of Vietnam in a little mountain town called Sapa. Sapa is home to the Hoang Lien Son mountain range which is actually the tail end of the Himalaya mountains.

If you are looking to conquer a peak, Fan Si Pan is Vietnams highest peak, and Sapa is the best place to start your trek up this mountain.

Hiking in Vietnam
Trekking in Sapa Vietnam

Difficulty Level

There are many different treks with a range of different difficulties you can take from Sapa. Most people opt to hire a guide as the trails can be a little difficult to follow.

How long it takes

For Fan Si Pan peak: account for 3 days of steep, uphill trekking to get to the top!

What you will see and experience

Trekking in Sapa is one of the best treks in the world because of the scenery along the way. The trails take you through amazing cascading rice terraces and there are constantly gorgeous views of the mountains. Along the way, you walk through local villages home to the Hmong, Dao and Tay tribes living in the area. You will get a great sense for how these hill-tribe people live by talking with your guide and observing their day to day life.

Essential Tips

It is extremely common when trekking in Sapa to arrange a homestay tour from Hanoi or Sapa which typically includes a guide that takes you trekking and a 1-3 night stay at a locals’ home.

Keep in mind when trekking anywhere in the Hoang Lien Son mountains, the weather can get quite cold and it is often rainy. Hiking through rice fields and terraces during the rainy season can be quite treacherous so it is best to plan your trip during the “dry” season in September or October. Even if you go in the dry season, it can still rain, so be prepared by bringing the proper hiking boots and gear to endure wet weather.

Either way, trekking in Sapa is amazing and you will enjoy your time in rain OR shine!

Book your 2 day Fansipan trek here

Find more Sapa trekking options here

Tikona Fort trek ♥ Maharashtra ♥ India

Recommended by Priyadarshini Rajendran from Glorious Sunrise

Tikona fort is in Lonavala, a lovely hill station in Maharastra, India. It is a small fort, now in ruins, at the top of a mountain. The trek to the top is a magical experience, especially in monsoon season as you will find yourself lost in the green wonderland within minutes!

Hiking in India
Tikona trek, India

Difficulty Level

Easy to moderate.

There are two paths that you can take on this trek, one is easy and the other is a moderately difficult one.

How long it takes

Around 1.5 hours with all photo stops included.

What you will see and experience

You will need to take a taxi from Pune to Tikona Peth where you find the trek’s base camp. From there you will walk through green fields where you find villagers in colorful saris and lungis working in the fields along the way. Slowly, make your way up the hill enjoying the slight drizzle falling from heaven.

Mid-way through the trek, you will find a small temple and a pond surrounded with dense foliage. As you move up the narrow stairs to reach the top, you will see that the views of the surrounding valley are splendid!

Essential Tips

In monsoon season it can get slippery, but if you take care to use shoes with good grip and general precautions, it really is the best season to enjoy this trek.

In general, July to February is ideal as it can get quite dry and hot in the summer months of March to June.

Sidemen ♥ Bali Rice Terrace Trekking ♥ Indonesia

Recommended by Mo from Travelust 101

Fancy some Bali hiking? Bali is an island that never ceases to amaze me. Even after living on this Island of the Gods for five years, there continues to be endless things to do, from surfing, snorkeling, hiking, temple hopping, scuba diving, chasing waterfalls, and so much more! If you are a nature lover, Bali is an ultimate paradise.

Among many outdoor activities, one attraction that draws visitors from all over the world is Bali’s breathtaking sceneries of perfectly sculpted, lush rice terraces. While you can go trekking in almost every rice field, I recommend that you explore off-the-beaten-path Bali to escape the crowd and experience the authentic island life.

One region of Bali that I recommend for rice field trekking is Sidemen!

Bali Hiking
Sidemen Rice Terrace, Indonesia

Difficulty Level

As easy (or hard) as you want to make it. Tell your guide what you want.

How long it takes

As quickly or as long as you want. Tell your guide what you are looking for.

What you will see and experience

Despite the massive tourism that has commercialised the island, Sidemen has remained off the tourist radar and represents quintessential Bali of quaint, picturesque farm villages. Even though Sidemen is located just an hour outside of busy Ubud, the traditional and authentic lifestyle of Sidemen will make you feel like you have transported back in time.

Essential Tips

Although it’s possible to trek around the village on your own, you should hire a local guide for an intimate cultural immersion. A local guide will take you through the rice fields and farmlands that you will not be able to find or get through on your own. I was so glad to have my guide Wayan, who not only led me through some challenging terrains but provided me with so much expert insight into the farming culture of Sidemen.

You can book a trekking tour through your accommodation in the main town of Tabola in Sidemen.

If you decide to trek in Bali rice fields, be sure to slather on some sunscreen, put on comfortable sneakers and take plenty of water with you!

Looking for more cool hikes in Bali?

Check out this sunrise Mount Batar trek!

This Sekumpul Waterfall Hike rocks too!

ULTIMATE HIKING IN ASIA PACKING LIST

Best backpack for hiking and travel

Osprey Aura AG 65 for women

Osprey Aether 70 for men

Best hiking accessories

Hiking shoes

Trekking poles

Waterproof jacket

Water filter bottle

GoPro Hero 7 Black

Solar charger

Powerbank 

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance! Get a quote here

Visas

Check visa requirements for your destination here

Are you ready to go hiking in Asia?

There’s some brilliant hikes and treks in here which we hope you decide to take on too! Which one is your favourite on the list? Is there a hike which you love but which we’ve missed off the list? We would love to hear about it!

Related Reading

Try this Dazhai to Pingan hike in China!

The Ultimate Nepal Trekking List

Try These Epic Hikes in Africa!

Comment Below

Add your questions, thoughts and suggestions and we’ll reply.

Pin Me

Leave a Comment