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The vast peninsula separated from the Eurasian landmass by the Himalayas, is the size of Europe and home to some 1.89 billion people in six countries: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan (some add the Maldives).

Over centuries, the Mughal emperors, the Rajputs, the Muslim sultanates, the Sikh empire, the British colonialists, all left their imprints on the land and the people. The result is that modern South Asia can be a bewildering patchwork to the outsider. The variety of religions and cultures in the region is staggering. More than 450 languages are spoken in India; the mountain kingdom of Bhutan, with a population of less than a million, has some two dozen languages of its own.

If it can be bewildering, it’s also exciting. The history, the geography, the arts, the cuisine and, it must be said, the rivalries, make the region endlessly fascinating.

And it’s not all about the past. The burgeoning economies of the region fuel talk of the coming Asian Century. Bangladesh now has one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. India’s pharma and telecoms industries are world-class and it has a highly developed space programme.

Yes, there is still much poverty, and some political uncertainties, but there’s also huge optimism for the future. It’s the future that makes South Asia so exciting today.

Hidden gems in South Asia

Bhutan

Haa Valley trek

Pema Nidup
Pema Nidup
Experience

Although not far from Paro and Thimpu, the Haa Valley is one of the least-visited areas of western Bhutan. Indeed, its proximity to the Tibet border meant this region was only unrestricted to trekking as recently as 2001. This is another heavy-going trek which crosses several high passes but rewards you with incredible views over Tibet, Sikkim, and as far as Jomolhari to the north. You won’t see many other trekkers, but you might see occasional yak herders or even smugglers heading across the Tibet border.

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Bhutan

Gangkar Puensum trek

Pema Nidup
Pema Nidup
Experience

This is one of the most demanding treks in Bhutan and one I only recommend for the hardiest hikers. The route leads to ‘base camp’ of Gangkar Puensum – which at 7,570 metres is the world’s highest unclimbed mountain. The mountain is considered sacred and holds deep significance in our culture, and I see this as more of a pilgrimage than a trek. This is a remote and untouched region, but you’ll pass by occasional yak herders’ huts and tiny traditional villages. It’s a magical trek, but the distance, altitude and the often non-existent trail make it suitable only for experienced trekkers who are properly acclimatised.

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Bhutan

Chorten Trail trek

Pema Nidup
Pema Nidup
Experience

The Chorten Trail trek is actually a continuation of the more popular Druk Path trek from Paro to Thimphu. On the Chorten Trail, instead of stopping at Thimphu you continue onwards for another five days and head into the Punakha Valley following old trade routes through the mountains. Despite the longer distance and a max elevation of 4,210m at Simkota La, the ascent is gradual and it’s a fairly moderate difficulty hike suitable for most with decent fitness.

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Bhutan

Trans Bhutan Trail (Sherizampa to Drametse section)

Karma Rigsang Nima
Karma Rigsang Nima
Experience

The Trans Bhutan Trail (TBT) is a newly-restored trekking route that stretches for 403 km across the country from west to east. The trail follows a 16th century pilgrimage and trading route where travellers would be accommodated in isolated villages barely connected to each other let alone the outside world, establishing a tradition of Bhutanese hospitality that endures to this day. The trail can be completed as a challenging thru-hike, which takes around 36 days, staying at a mixture of campsites and guesthouses. The whole trail is spectacular, but it can be broken up into sections and my favourite stretch is the 12 km hike between Sherizampa to Drametse in Bhutan's eastern Mongar District. Most commercial treks focus on the west of Bhutan around the Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), Jomolhari and the infamous Snowman trek. Very few people venture east and this part of the country is far less developed for tourists. The village of Drametse has a 16th century temple and is the cultural centre of eastern Bhutan. You'll see herder camps and nomadic communities that are rarely visited by outsiders – if you're lucky you'll be invited in for a steaming cup of tea. You'll pass kids going to school, and farmers or traders making their way from village to village. It's on this section of the trail that you realise how important the original route was to lives and livelihoods in this still highly traditional country.

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Khumbu (Everest) Region

Pikey Peak Trek

Raj Kumar Khadka
Raj Kumar Khadka
Experience

This newly opened route in the Everest (Khumbu) region leads to Pikey Peak, which was regarded by Sir Edmund Hilary to offer the very best view of Mt Everest. Despite this claim to fame, Pikey Peak is hardly-known on the mainstream trekking circuit, drawing a fraction of the visitors who trek out to Everest Base Camp (from which you can't even see the famous mountain!) It's also an easy and relatively short trek for the Everest region, so I often recommend this one to guests who are keen on seeing Everest, but either don't have the time or the confidence to do one of the more challenging Everest treks.

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Ella

Hike the Pekoe Trail

Emma Boyle
Emma Boyle
Experience

Sri Lanka’s central hills are the gateway to the island’s picturesque tea country. The undulating forest- and tea-dominated terrain is a great way for families to bond while exploring by foot. Tour operators can organise guided day hikes in tea country. For something a little different take a look at the Pekoe Trail. This 186-mile trail winds its way through tea country from Kandy to Nuwara Eilya and was designed to foster slow travel within this historic and beautiful part of the island. The trail’s 22 stages are described clearly in an app and provide plenty of useful pointers so you can explore independently. Each stage takes between three to five hours and navigates pine forests, high altitude grasslands, lakes and swirling tea fields (including Loolecondera, Sri Lanka’s first tea estate, established by James Taylor in 1867). Stages can be hiked separately or combined by staying at local guesthouses. Stage 16 passes through Ella – where you can also go zip-lining – and, along with 15 and 17, are some of the easiest on the trail. Other family-friendly stretches include stage one (Kandy) and stage seven (Hatton).

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Arugam Bay

Surfing at Arugam Bay

Vidya Balachander
Vidya Balachander
Experience

On the remote south-eastern coast of the island, Arugam Bay is the last word when it comes to surfing in Sri Lanka. Counted among the top surfing destinations in the world, “A-Bay” boasts large swells that wash up to its shore from Antarctica and a number of right-hand breaks that are suitable for beginners as well as more advanced surfers. About 30 km from Kumana National Park is the country’s top bird sanctuary, Arugam Bay. The natural beauty here is stunning. Tucked away in a distant part of the island, A-Bay is a seven or eight-hour drive by car or an overnight ride by luxury bus from Colombo. Not yet as developed as the southern coast, A-Bay has just a handful of hotels. The best time to visit is between May and November. Hiriketiya, a horseshoe-shaped bay just 10 minutes from the town of Dickwella along the south coast, is a great testing ground for novice surfers. Regarded as one of the country’s most picturesque beaches, Hiriketiya is shrouded from view by a coconut grove. It has a year-round surf break that makes it ideal for those learning to ride the waves. The beach has a few shacks selling fresh juices and renting beach beds. Visit between December and April.

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Pigeon Island National Park

Diving at Pigeon Island

Vidya Balachander
Vidya Balachander
Experience

For snorkelling and diving, there are few better locations than Pigeon Island National Park, just off the coast of Trincomalee, a popular beach town on the east coast of the island. One of two national marine parks in the country, Pigeon Island is surrounded by shallow waters and an abundance of marine life, including corals, shoals of colourful fish, and even the odd sea turtle. The beach itself is narrow in parts and can get crowded at weekends and holidays with visitors who make the 1 km boat trip from Trinco (as it is fondly known). A number of private scuba operators along the Nilaveli beach in Trinco organise round trips to Pigeon Island throughout the day. The Nilaveli Private Boat Service, run by an association of local boat owners, also organises round trips at a fixed rate of LKR (Sri Lanka rupee) 2,000 ($13). You can also rent snorkelling gear for a small fee. Entry tickets to the park cost $10 per person and $8 for a group, and are available at the Pigeon Island ticket office on Nilaveli beach. Pigeon Island can get very crowded in the peak season, between May and September, so make sure you book a boat in advance.

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Tangalle

Hidden gems of the south

Vidya Balachander
Vidya Balachander
Experience

Despite its greater popularity, there are still plenty of unspoilt beaches on the southern coast. Most people don’t bother making the trek to Tangalle, which means that the beaches in and around this coastal town are among the most pristine you will find down south. Beaches between the towns of Galle and Tangalle are generally long, wide and sandy. Some of my personal favourites would be Kabalana, Mawella and the sublime horseshoe cove of Hiriketiya. A 10-minute tuk-tuk ride from Tangalle, Goyambokka beach boasts clean sands bordered by the country’s signature coconut palms, clean waters and an unhurried vibe. Large hotels are still few and far between in these parts, but a number of restaurants along the beach offer fresh seafood, beer and thambili or king coconut water. Closer than Tangalle but almost as untouched, Talalla is another beach worth visiting. A long, crescent-shaped beach partially hidden from view by a thicket of shrubby trees, Talalla is clean – if underdeveloped – and ideal for an offbeat holiday. A few shacks on the beach offer refreshments and you can also rent beach beds for a small fee. The currents here can be quite rough, so it is best to check conditions beforehand. Talalla is just over three hours from Colombo by car via the Southern Expressway, while Tangalle takes half an hour longer. The ideal time to visit both these beaches is between December and April.

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Jaffna

Casuarina beach

Vidya Balachander
Vidya Balachander
Experience

Only just opening up to outsiders after decades of civil war, the beaches surrounding Jaffna, at the northernmost tip of the country, are superb, isolated – and, at least for now, refreshingly non-commercial. Named after a grove of casuarina trees that border the shore, Casuarina is the best known of these beaches. With placid waters and a sandy stretch devoid of people, especially on weekdays, Casuarina makes for a perfect day trip from Jaffna. There are changing facilities, toilets and a few kiosks on the beach, but it would be advisable to bring your own picnic basket. There are hardly any hotels or guest houses in the area, so Jaffna might be your best bet for accommodation. Casuarina is about 20 km from Jaffna on the island of Karaitivu, which is connected to the mainland by a causeway. You can get there with a rental car or local bus from Jaffna; alternatively, a quality tour operator will be able to help with transport. Jaffna is easily reached from Colombo by road or train (it’s an approximately six-hour trip). The best time to visit is between May and September.

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Jaffna

Nainativu island

Vidya Balachander
Vidya Balachander
Experience

Of the many islands scattered off the coast of Jaffna, Nainativu – or Nagadeepa as it is also known – holds a special religious significance for Hindus and Buddhists. Believed to have once been home to a legendary tribe called the Nagas, Nainativu is best known for the Nagapooshani Amman Kovil, an ancient temple dedicated to Parvati, the consort of Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction. Nainativu’s importance is heightened by the fact that it is mentioned in both ancient Tamil and Buddhist literature. Apart from the temple, the island’s other religious attraction is the Nagadeepa Purana Vihara, which is counted among the holiest Buddhist shrines in the country. Legend has it that the Buddha visited the Nagadeepa Vihara on Bakmaha Poya, or the full moon day in April. Getting to Nainativu is an adventure in itself, and one that requires a degree of fortitude. The journey involves taking a bus or car from Jaffna to Kurikadduwan (KKD) jetty, some 36 km away, and then taking a ferry to the island. The ferries run at regular intervals but are notorious for being overcrowded, so keep that in mind when planning your trip. June and July are the most colourful months of the year to visit Nainativu – the temple hosts a 16-day thiruvizha festival during this period. Check the festival dates beforehand, and expect large crowds.

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Sri Lanka

Lesser-known train journeys

Emma Boyle
Emma Boyle
Experience

Travelling by train in Sri Lanka is a fun activity for the whole family. It is one of the cheapest ways to travel yet offers a rich insight into the Sri Lankan way of life. The most enchanting journey is along the Main Line, which weaves through the island’s dramatic mountainous region. Thanks to its incredible views it is also the most popular – sometimes uncomfortably so – route, particularly the long 5.5 hour journey between Kandy and Ella. My advice: either do it in reverse (quieter) or take fidgety youngsters on a shorter route, such as between Galle and Weligama on the ocean-glimpsing Coastal Line. Less touristy than the Main Line route is the service between Colombo and Jaffna. Once a lifeline connecting the two cities, the route was suspended for nearly 25 years during the country’s civil war. When the Yal Devi or Queen of Jaffna – an iconic train that plied the route for more than 40 years – resumed its run in 2014 after extensive track repairs, it became one of the most telling signifiers of the end of the war. This journey is the most memorable way to see the distinct shifts in the landscape as you travel to the country’s northernmost reaches. It offers you glimpses of nondescript villages, lush paddy fields and the arid northern countryside, inaccessible until recently. It is a journey that is likely to give you pause – and a break from the brochure-ready beauty of most of Sri Lanka. With its non-air conditioned coaches and vendors supplying a steady stream of snacks, the Yal Devi makes for a leisurely 10-hour ride. But if you’d prefer air-conditioned comfort, the speedy Inter-City Express is a better bet. The train service to Jaffna is a popular one, so it is advisable to buy tickets in advance from a railway station in Colombo (or in Jaffna, for the return trip). Tickets cannot be bought online, but a reputed travel agent should be able to arrange them for you. Don’t be tempted to travel first class, which isn’t as indulgent as it sounds. Second- and third-class carriages have better views (first-class trains are air-conditioned so you can’t open the windows) and offer a better chance of interacting with local people.

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South Asia travel guides

Best safaris in Sri Lanka
Guide

Best safaris in Sri Lanka

Vidya Balachander
Vidya Balachander

Sri Lanka’s natural heritage is one of the country’s biggest draws. With two marine sanctuaries, 26 national parks and a dazzling diversity of scenery and wildlife, Sri Lanka is one of the world’s ecological heavyweights.

Must-visit historical sites in Sri Lanka
Guide

Must-visit historical sites in Sri Lanka

Vidya Balachander
Vidya Balachander

Sri Lanka’s cultural landscape has been shaped by millennia of religious influences, global commerce and the legacy of colonial rule. While the central part of the country is dotted with

The best quiet beaches in Sri Lanka
Guide

The best quiet beaches in Sri Lanka

Vidya Balachander
Vidya Balachander

With 830 miles of coastline, Sri Lanka is virtually synonymous with surf, sand and sunny days on some of the best beaches on earth. If your idea of a perfect holiday is to snorkel, surf the waves or simply while away lazy afternoons under a giant umbrella—or you want a beach break after

Active adventure holidays in Sri Lanka
Guide

Active adventure holidays in Sri Lanka

Vidya Balachander
Vidya Balachander

Traditionally known for its rich history and quiet natural charm, Sri Lanka has more recently established itself as an adventure travel destination too. Whereas active holidays in Sri Lanka were once limited to pleasant hikes in tea country, adrenaline junkies of all ages and abilities can increasingly enjoy more boisterous pursuits including kitesurfing, whitewater rafting, and trekking.

Everest treks
Guide

Everest treks

Stuart Butler
Stuart Butler

Mount Everest, (8,848m) the highest mountain on Earth, exerts a magnetic pull on trekkers, mountaineers and armchair adventurers alike. The main Everest treks can be busy and, in my opinion, over commercialised, but for sheer awe nothing comes close to the trails threading through the Khumbu, the area around Everest.

The best Annapurna treks
Guide

The best Annapurna treks

Stuart Butler
Stuart Butler

For lots of visitors, trekking in Annapurna = trekking in Nepal, in particular the two blockbuster treks: the Annapurna Sanctuary and the Annapurna Circuit trek.

Upper Mustang treks
Guide

Upper Mustang treks

Stuart Butler
Stuart Butler

Beyond the highest Himalayan peaks, up on the northern border with Tibet, is Upper Mustang. I find trekking in Upper Mustang a world apart to the rest of the country; here it's less about the awe-inspiring scenery of most

Langtang Valley treks
Guide

Langtang Valley treks

Often visible from Kathmandu city centre, the Langtang Valley treks are some of the most accessible trekking in Nepal.

Manaslu treks
Guide

Manaslu treks

Stuart Butler
Stuart Butler

The hiking trails around mighty Manaslu (8,156m), the world’s eighth-highest mountain, have it all. Trekking in Manaslu takes you through steamy lowland valleys and fields of rice which give way to ice-coated passes stalked by leopards.

Dolpo treks
Guide

Dolpo treks

Stuart Butler
Stuart Butler

A vast and little-known area of western Nepal, Dolpo is a magical region of frozen desert, piercing blue skies and unnamed peaks. I find trekking in the Dolpo region a world apart from the

Trekking in Far Western Nepal
Guide

Trekking in Far Western Nepal

Stuart Butler
Stuart Butler

In terms of development, this part of Nepal comes at the bottom of almost every list, but for adventure, trekking in Far Western Nepal is near the top of the class. This is a landscape of deep, dank forests, sparkling sheets of water, lonely ice and snow-covered mountains, narrow canyons and ancient villages.

Kanchenjunga treks
Guide

Kanchenjunga treks

Stuart Butler
Stuart Butler

Way out in the east of Nepal a wall of rock and ice rises up over eight and half kilometres into the sky. This is Kanchenjunga and at 8,586m it’s the third highest mountain on Earth.

The best Makalu treks
Guide

The best Makalu treks

Stuart Butler
Stuart Butler

One of the great forgotten Nepal trekking routes, the strenuous two-week Makalu trek is one of my top recommendations for those seeking tranquil trails, getting

After the earthquake
Article

After the earthquake

David Ways

On April 24, 2015 at 11.56am, a devastating 7.

Sri Lanka: From Serendib to serenity
Article

Sri Lanka: From Serendib to serenity

Vidya Balachander
Vidya Balachander

Nowhere does the ancient and modern coexist as happily as in Sri Lanka. This is a centuries-old civilisation, but it is also a young nation enjoying a period of renaissance following a decades-long civil war.

Wild Sri Lanka
Article

Wild Sri Lanka

Vidya Balachander
Vidya Balachander

Sri Lanka’s natural heritage is one of the country’s biggest draws. With two marine sanctuaries, 26 national parks and a dazzling diversity of scenery and wildlife, Sri Lanka is one of the world’s ecological heavyweights.

Saving Pushkar's historic camels
Article

Saving Pushkar's historic camels

Mariellen Ward
Mariellen Ward

Pushkar is a small and peaceful town, one of the most sacred in India. It’s the site of one of the only temples devoted to Brahma.

Loved to death
Article

Loved to death

Karam Filfilan
Karam Filfilan

The Taj Mahal is one of the wonders of the world. The mausoleum, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century to house the tomb of his wife Mumtaz Mahal is seen as a symbol of love, while its 42-acre complex is admired as an exemplar of Mughal architecture and Indian history.

The arts and crafts of Rajasthan
Article

The arts and crafts of Rajasthan

Rachel Bracken-Singh
Rachel Bracken-Singh

Rajasthan is among the richest states in India when it comes to the quality of its textiles, artwork and clothing. But how do you ensure you’re buying authentic craftworks from responsible sources — and where can you visit local artisans?

Visiting The Historical Palaces & Forts Of Rajasthan
Guide

Visiting The Historical Palaces & Forts Of Rajasthan

Lakshmi Sharath
Lakshmi Sharath

Rajasthan is India’s royal state. Dubbed the ‘Land of Kings’, its rich history can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilisations of 2000 BCE, with excavations in Bundi showing prehistoric settlements.

Guide

Rajasthan's best national parks

Rajasthan’s rugged, dry terrain is dominated by desert. However, pockets of jungle and fauna exist in its national parks, two of which are home to the seldom spotted tiger.

Guide

What to eat in Nepal

Nepalese food is a blend of different cultures and traditions, with Chinese, Indian and Tibetan influences. Although not traditionally seen as one of the world’s foremost cuisines, Nepalese food is slowly becoming more recognised.

How To See India's Golden Triangle
Guide

How To See India's Golden Triangle

Lakshmi Sharath
Lakshmi Sharath

First, a fairly major caveat: only Jaipur is actually located within Rajasthan. Delhi and Agra (home to the iconic Taj Mahal), the other two corners of India's famous Golden Triangle, are outside the state's eastern border.

Guide

What to eat in Rajasthan

Rajasthani cuisine is well-known across India for its richness and abundance of spice. Its desert location plays a huge part in its food scene, with cured, pickled and dried foods all popular.

Guide

Rajasthan travel FAQs

All you need to know to begin planning your trip to Rajasthan. What currency does India have? How easy is it to exchange money?The currency of India is the Indian Rupee (INR).

The Journal Podcast #2: On the trail of Nepal's mystical yarsagumba
Article

The Journal Podcast #2: On the trail of Nepal's mystical yarsagumba

Karam Filfilan
Karam Filfilan

Known as the 'roof of the world', Nepal is home to some of the world's most famous mountains and awe-inspiring treks. However, there is more to this country than just Everest and Annapurna base camps.

The best time to trek in Nepal
Guide

The best time to trek in Nepal

Stuart Butler
Stuart Butler

October to November is the most popular time to trek in Nepal, with the weather at its mildest and the temperatures manageable. However, routes can be busy during these months and trekking lodges full, so make sure you plan your stops in advance.

The Best Time To Visit Rajasthan
Guide

The Best Time To Visit Rajasthan

Lakshmi Sharath
Lakshmi Sharath

The best time to visit Rajasthan is the cooler, drier period between October/November and February/March. This period avoids the peak summer months of April-June when temperatures soar and things become uncomfortably hot, and also the monsoon season of July-September, which can bring significant disruption.

In the land of Serendib
Article

In the land of Serendib

Ethan Gelber
Ethan Gelber

In 2004, my fiancée was posted to a yearlong volunteer job in Sri Lanka. I willingly joined her, inspired by the opportunity to explore this fabled South Asian island: Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Nation of Smiling People, ancient land of Serendib.

Who will save  India’s monuments?
Article

Who will save India’s monuments?

Somdyuti Datta Ray
Somdyuti Datta Ray

The Qila-i-Mubarak (Red Fort) in Delhi has been the seat of trials and bloodshed ever since its commissioning by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1638. Set in the walled city of Shahjahanabad, the red sandstone complex was the empire’s home of administrative affairs, of celebrating art and its artists, feasts and festivities.

Kerala’s ancient art forms
Article

Kerala’s ancient art forms

Karam Filfilan
Karam Filfilan

Look beyond Kerala’s houseboats, tea plantations and Ayurvedic retreats and you’ll see a more primal side to the state. Kerala is home to many different types of classical dance, built out of traditional religious stories and filled with dynamic performances and elaborate costumes.

Guide

When to visit Kerala

The appealing thing about Kerala is that it's a year-round destination, with things to do even during the rainy season.

Cruising Kerala's backwaters by houseboat
Guide

Cruising Kerala's backwaters by houseboat

Sharell Cook
Sharell Cook

The 'backwaters' is the name of the enchanting palm-lined waterways that are synonymous with Kerala. This 900-odd kilometre labyrinth of canals connects large regions of Kerala and was constructed centuries ago for transporting cargo, such as spices and rice.

Best Beaches In India—Other Than Goa
Guide

Best Beaches In India—Other Than Goa

Sharell Cook
Sharell Cook

Goa is world-renowned as India’s major beach destination, with everything from luxury resorts to makeshift huts, but its popularity has come at the cost of overdevelopment, Westernisation and a sometimes over-rowdy party culture. However, there is much more to India’s beach scene than trance parties and commercialised towns.

How to visit the holy Indian town of Maheshwar
Guide

How to visit the holy Indian town of Maheshwar

Sharell Cook
Sharell Cook

The holy town of Maheshwar sits alongside the sacred Narmada River about two hours south of Indore in Madhya Pradesh. It is often referred to as the "Varanasi of Central India" because of the many temples and ghats that line the river.

Experiencing India's great Kumbh Mela pilgrimage
Article

Experiencing India's great Kumbh Mela pilgrimage

Mark Stratton
Mark Stratton

The boatman’s face is swaddled by a scarf against the early morning chill as we drift amid a low silvery mist hugging the Ganges’ surface. We’re approaching the Sangam where the Ganges meets the Yamuna: a sacred confluence revered in Hindu mythology, where the nectar of immortality fell from the heavens.

Visiting Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle
Guide

Visiting Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle

Robin McKelvie
Robin McKelvie

Getting around Getting here is easy these days – you can access the Cultural Triangle from Colombo by car in around three hours. A car with a driver is recommended rather than a hire car due to the sometimes poor Sri Lankan driving standards.

What To Eat In Sri Lanka
Guide

What To Eat In Sri Lanka

Vidya Balachander
Vidya Balachander

Sri Lankan food is often compared to that of South India, and they do share some similarities in terms of ingredients and techniques. But Sri Lankan cuisine has a distinct identity, thanks to the communities and cultures that have shaped the country’s history.

Off the beaten track in Nepal
Guide

Off the beaten track in Nepal

Stuart Butler
Stuart Butler
Challenging Nepal treks
Guide

Challenging Nepal treks

Stuart Butler
Stuart Butler

You'd be forgiven for assuming that trekking in Nepal is some sort of endurance sport.

Easy treks in Nepal
Guide

Easy treks in Nepal

Stuart Butler
Stuart Butler

Despite being home to most of the world's tallest mountains, trekking in Nepal can – in places – be relatively easy-going.

Sri Lanka off the beaten track
Guide

Sri Lanka off the beaten track

Vidya Balachander
Vidya Balachander

Will I need a visa?Citizens of most countries (except Singapore, the Maldives and Seychelles) require a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit Sri Lanka. To apply for the ETA, visit

Sri Lanka With Kids
Guide

Sri Lanka With Kids

Emma Boyle
Emma Boyle

Sri Lanka is an excellent place to visit with kids of all ages, and it may not be as challenging or adventurous as you first assume. Firstly, and most importantly, Sri Lankan culture is famously welcoming and is particularly doting of children: your youngsters are guaranteed to be a hit wherever you go.

Bhutan trekking
Guide

Bhutan trekking

Bradley Mayhew
Bradley Mayhew

Bhutan promises a glimpse of the Himalaya that only a lucky few trekkers ever get to experience. The country has all the huge snow-capped peaks you'd expect along the border with Tibet, plus plenty of epic high passes, glittering turquoise glacial lakes and even the occasional snow leopard.

Trekking in Nepal
Guide

Trekking in Nepal

Stuart Butler
Stuart Butler

I clearly remember the day, thirty years ago, when walking down the street during my first visit to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, I looked up at the clouds towering above the northern end of the city and it suddenly hit me that they weren’t clouds at all but were the snow-capped peaks of the mighty Himalaya. A week later, and after three long days of walking, I stood within a giant amphitheatre of rock and ice, totally enveloped by those same mountains.

Alternatives to the Annapurna Circuit trek
Article

Alternatives to the Annapurna Circuit trek

Dil Gurung
Dil Gurung

The iconic Annapurna treks are a fixture in the

South Asia tours

Everest Base Camp
Nepal

Everest Base Camp

The classic route to Everest Base Camp
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Everest Base Camp Trek
Nepal

Everest Base Camp Trek

The classic route to Everest Base Camp
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Nepal

Annapurna & Poon Hill Sunrise Trek

A customisable trek to the Annapurna Sanctuary and Poon Hill
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Nepal

Annapurna & Poon Hill Sunrise Trek

A customisable trek to the Annapurna Sanctuary and Poon Hill
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Epic bike, hike and rafting adventure
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Forbidden Mustang

A trek through Nepal’s restricted Tibetan side
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Compass Holidays

Self-guided walking & cycling tours
India

Active India

Tailor-made luxury, cultural and active tours of India

Places to go in South Asia

Why Horizon Guides?

Impartial guidebooks

Impartial travel guides

Our guides are written by the leading experts in their destinations. We never take payment for positive coverage so you can count on us for impartial travel advice.

Expert itineraries

Expert itineraries

Suggested itineraries and routes to help you scratch beneath the surface, avoid the tourist traps, and plan an authentic, responsible and enjoyable journey.

Specialist advice

Specialist advice

Get friendly, expert travel advice and custom itineraries from some of the world's best tour operators, with no spam, pressure or commitment to book.