Sponsored content
From the snowcapped peaks of the Himalayas to the shimmering golden beaches of Sri Lanka, Asia is home to some of the world’s most beautiful and remote landscapes.
The continent is dazzling in its diversity and, despite its size, many of the most unforgettable journeys are only possible on foot. Exploring on two feet doesn’t just take you to spectacular summits; it allows you to appreciate your surroundings in a uniquely unhurried way. Being present, moving slowly, and savouring the scenery means your experience won’t only be more memorable, but meaningful, too.
To shine a light on the magic of a walking tour, we’ve partnered with Explore, a leading UK provider of small group trips. These are adventures for people passionate about travel – about going beyond the tourist experience to discover hidden gems and immersive cultures. With an expert guide to lead you, you can enjoy hassle-free travel, as well as insights into the history, flora, and fauna as you walk. And, with an average group size of 11, you can meet like-minded people and return with lifelong friendships.
Plus, if you book before 18th June, you can save 20% on Asia tours. So, what are some of the most unforgettable journeys in Asia? Here are six once-in-a-lifetime walks. You can also browse Explore’s full range of trips on their website using the button below.
1. Walk Japan - Kumano Kodo Trail
Futuristic yet timeless, urban yet bucolic, Japan is like nowhere else. If you’ve always been fascinated by the Land of the Rising Sun, Explore’s Walking Japan – Kumano Kodo Trail is a brilliant way to discover the beauty, history, and culture of this incredible country. Over 12 days, you’ll tick off the must-see sights, visit historic cities, and follow in the footsteps of samurai warriors as you hike along ancient trails.
Kick off with a tour of the capital, Tokyo, before heading to Matsumoto to visit its iconic castle. In Kyoto, tour tea houses and temples as you gear up for an epic four-day trek, the Kumano Kodo. This pilgrimage trail connects Shinto shrines and winds through glorious mountain scenery. During the hike, you’ll stay in traditional accommodation, tuck into authentic cuisine, and relax in a restorative onsen hot spring bath.
-
Explore Walk Japan - Kumano Kodo Trail*
Japan | 12 days | Accommodation Included
Small group adventures. Call 01252 888 746 to book.
2. Walking the Annapurna Foothills
Nepal might be best known for boasting the world’s highest peaks, but it’s also home to rolling lowlands, terraced fields, shady forests, and traditional villages. Some of the most breathtaking scenery is found in the Annapurna range, and, on Explore’s two-week Nepal tour, you’ll spend four days hiking through the quieter foothills of the Himalayas. The views from these summits are spellbinding.
You’ll also explore the characterful capital, Kathmandu, touring ancient temples and bustling bazaars, and sampling the fragrant local cuisine. In Chitwan National Park, you can search for the rare one-horned rhino, go bird watching and jungle trekking, and canoe down the Rapti River. There’s plenty of downtime, too, from relaxing by the lake in laidback Pokhara to enjoying free days exploring in your own way.
-
Explore Walking the Annapurna Foothills*
Nepal | 13 days | Accommodation Included
Small group adventures. Call 01252 888 746 to book.
3. Walking Sri Lanka
From virgin rainforests and sprawling highlands to lush paddy fields and pristine beaches, Sri Lanka is known for its stunningly varied scenery – and exploring on two feet allows you to see the best of it. On Explore’s two-week Walking Sri Lanka tour, you’ll hike through the island’s most magnificent landscapes, visiting ancient ruins, mist-shrouded mountains, colonial cities, and remote cloud forests.
Sri Lanka’s most iconic site is arguably the historic Lion Rock in Sigiriya, and climbing up this fifth-century ‘Sky Fortress’ is a highlight of the trip. But you’ll also take a pilgrimage up the spiritual Adam’s Peak, visit mysterious cave temples, enjoy a jeep safari, and spot wildlife in the UNESCO Sinharaja Forest Reserve. Kick back on the famously idyllic beaches before touring Colombo, Sri Lanka’s colourful colonial capital.
-
Explore Walking in Sri Lanka*
Sri Lanka | 14 days | Accommodation Included
Small group adventures. Call 01252 888 746 to book.
4. Walk the Great Wall of China
It’s almost impossible to understate what a feat of engineering the Great Wall of China is. Spanning over 13,00 miles, the wall winds its way through 15 provinces – and some of China’s most impressive scenery. Explore’s 10-day Walk the Great Wall of China tour takes you to the most celebrated stretches, starting at the Dragon’s Head, where the wall meets the Bohai Sea, and finishing in the rolling hills of Jinshanling.
This trip begins and ends in the capital, Beijing, so you’ll have plenty of time to delve into China’s history and culture, too; visit sites like Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, lose yourself in the old hutong alleys, and feast on authentic street food. Also on the agenda are visits to the Great Wall Museum and the famous Eastern Qing Tombs, and a boat trip beside the wall on the scenic Panjiakou Reservoir.
-
Explore Walk the Great Wall of China*
China | 10 days | Accommodation Included
Small group adventures. Call 01252 888 746 to book.
5. Walking in Kerala
Much of India is known for being fast-paced and colourfully chaotic, but things look very different in the south…particularly in slow, soulful Kerala. On Explore’s 11-day Walking in Kerala tour, you’ll travel from coastal Kochi through this sleepy state’s most sensational scenery, trekking over dramatic peaks, through forests and grasslands, and experiencing the unique culture of the famous backwater villages.
A particular highlight is trekking up South India’s highest mountain, Meesapulimala Peak, from where you can admire astonishing views. But you’ll also hike through the coffee and spice plantations in the Seven Malai Hills, wander through the tea estates of Silent Valley, tour the colonial streets of Kochi, and spot wildlife in Periyar National Park. You’ll finish with a relaxing cruise along the idyllic backwaters.
-
Explore Walking in Kerala*
India | 11 days | Accommodation Included
Small group adventures. Call 01252 888 746 to book.
6. Walking in Vietnam
If Southeast Asia is calling, few countries can compete with Vietnam. Home to exhilarating cities, jungle temples, breathtaking bays, and some of the world’s best cuisine, it’s almost impossible not to fall under this country’s spell. On Explore’s two-week Walking in Vietnam tour, you’ll travel from the capital, Hanoi, to Ho Chi Minh City, visiting all the must-see sights and sampling delicious street food along the way.
Explore the merchant’s riverside town of Hoi An on foot, venturing down narrow alleys, and tour historic Hue, with its famous citadel. Plus, explore the Mekong Delta and its lush paddy fields, visit remote tribal villages, meet locals and dine with them, and stay in a traditional stilt house. When you’re not walking, you’ll be relaxing; enjoy free time, as well as cruises along the otherworldly Halong Bay and Perfume River.
-
Explore Walking in Vietnam*
Vietnam | 14 days | Accommodation Included
Small group adventures. Call 01252 888 746 to book.
Final thoughts…
Travel is one of life’s greatest pleasures, but all too often, the experience is rushed. To really get to know a place, you need to move slowly, be in the present, and take time to savour your surroundings.
That’s why walking tours are one of the best ways to discover a destination. From rural treks that reveal a country’s true beauty to urban walks that allow you to connect with the culture, cuisine, and people, these types of trips are packed with memorable, magical moments.
Each of these Explore tours offers something unique. They travel to very different destinations, from the soaring mountains of Central Asia to the innovative cities of the Far East. But all promise unforgettable Asian adventures, and once-in-a-lifetime walks.
You’ll travel slowly and intentionally, appreciating your environment, enjoying authentic experiences, and forming meaningful connections with locals. Your tour leader won’t only show you the hidden gems, they’ll also help you delve into the culture and experience a destination as a local would. And, when you return home, it’ll be with memories that you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
To find out more about tours with Explore, head over to their website.
Have you been to any of these countries before? Are any of these trips particularly tempting to you? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.