The best places to hike in Asia, according to Time Out
Lace up your boots, because we're going hiking. It's arguably one of the best ways to experience a destination – whether it's a short trek or a multi-day route, hikes bring you up close with cultural sights and natural attractions. And hey, you'll more than likely to meet a like-minded tramper along the way.
Time Out's network of travel experts and editors have walked all over the world to round-up a definitive list of the best places to hike. These encompass spiritual routes criss-crossing Spain and Portugal, 40-day sojourns through the Middle Eastern desert, and spectacular coastal trails atop dramatic sea cliffs in Hawaii.
But the mother of all hikes in Asia? The Nakahechi Route, or the Imperial Route of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kumano Kodo network. Walking the ancient pilgrimage route is a spiritual experience: you'll cross "mossy forests, mineral hot springs and centuries-old wooden shrines dedicated to 'kami' (nature spirits')", says Time Out Travel contributor Dana Cape. Our recommendation? Block out three to five days to complete this trek, and settle your accommodations along the route early because they book out fast.
One other hike in Asia makes it to the list, and it's another one from Japan. It's the Gotemba Trail, and if that sounds unfamiliar, then you can simply know it as the Mount Fuji summit trek. This 19.4km round-trip takes you to the top of one of the most iconic volcanoes in the world via "four main routes of differing difficulty ranging from 4,600 to 7,900 feet". Only attempt this hike in early-July to mid-September when mountain is snow-free (and safer to hike). Otherwise, this is one you can complete without a guide.
These hikes in Japan stand alongside other spectacular tramps like The French Way, Camino de Santiago in Europe and The Jordan Trail in Australia on Time Out's list. For all 20 best places to hike worldwide, top sights, and travel tips, check out complete round-up here. And if you're just interested in Asia, we have a handy guide to the most incredible treks in the region too.
These are the top 20 hikes in the world, according to Time Out:
The French Way, Camino de Santiago
The Lycian Way, Türkiye
West Highland Way, Scotland
The Nakahechi Route, Kumano Kodo, Japan
The Great Ocean Walk, Australia
Kungsleden, Sweden
The Jordan Trail, Jordan
Mount Snowdon, Wales
Kalalau Trail, USA
Dientes Circuit Trek, Chile
Gotemba Trail, Japan
Waitukubuli National Trail, Dominica
Whale Trail, South Africa
Wales Coast Path, Wales
Mount Meru, Tanzania
Ratikon High Trail Hut-to-Hut Circuit, Austria/Switzerland
Coast-to-Coast Path, England
Maria Island, Australia
Paria River Canyon, USA
Tour du Mont Blanc, Switzerland/Italy/France
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
8 hours ago
- Metro
Britain's best island is 'the most underrated place in the world'
For the sun-soaked Channel Islands, to the rugged landscapes of the Outer Hebrides, Britain has countless islands well worth a visit. But with so many options, which one do you pick for your next getaway? New research has found the answer and, after comparing over 40 British islands, Anglesey, the largest island in Wales, was declared the best in Britain. The study looked at various factors, including weather reliability, UNESCO sites, historical properties, Michelin-starred restaurants and whether there's a vineyard or distillery, to experience local produce. Locals and tourists have long been singing Anglesey's praises, citing 'stunning' coastal scenes as far as the eye can see, and the 'panoramic views' of Snowdonia on the mainland. Other visitors have dubbed the island 'ridiculously beautiful' and the most 'underrated place in the world.' Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. So, rather than hopping on a flight to Spain or Greece this summer, why not try Anglesey instead? Anglesey's crowning glory is its beaches. One of which was recently named the country's best coastal hidden gem. Just south of Holyhead lies Trearddur Bay, which a new study has praised as one of the 'most prestigious' beaches in Anglesey. From 'crystal clear waters' to its 'quiet' reputation, you'll never have to compete with swarms of beachgoers for a spot. While you're in the area, try the Ocean's Edge Restaurant, The Driftwood Bar & Restaurant or the Sea Shanty Café for lunch. The latter sits on the beach and serves up classic fish and chips, seafood, including scallops, moules frites, and tasty Thai fish cakes. Beer battered cod fillet with homemade chips, tartare sauce and mushy peas costs 19.45, while a small plate of mussels in white wine, garlic and cream with toasted sourdough is £11.50. Though quite pricey, diners say it's worth it. The eatery is currently the number one restaurant in Trearddur Bay on TripAdvisor. Rave reviews include the 'food and service being second to none,' and the 'highlight' of one family's trip. If you're more into rock pooling, head to the nearby Porth Diana Beach. Famed for its clear still waters and soft sands, many visitors also enjoy snorkelling and scuba diving here. Holidaying with your pooch in tow? The beach is dog-friendly year-round. @ Welcome to Newborough Beach (Llanddwyn Beach) in Anglesey, Wales 🫶🏼 This beach is where the clear blue sea meets a picturesque forest, incredible mountains and wild horses roam across lovers island (Ynys Llanddwyn)🌲 Ynys Llanddwyn is where legend says that the well is home to sacred eels who can predict whether couples will remain together and be successful in love 🤍 When I visited I couldn't believe this was in the UK. It's quickly become one of my favourite places and one of the most special to me 🫶🏼 It truly is a bucket list summer destination 🌅 Make sure to save this for your next trip to Wales 🤍 #wales #ukadventure #uksummer #visitwales @Wales 🏴 ♬ Outro by m83 – 𝙡𝙤𝙡𝙖 If you've not guessed by now, Anglesey is the ideal destination for outdoor lovers. Once you've peeled yourself from the comfort of the beach, amble along the Anglesey Coastal Path, which spans 135 miles. Key locations include the walk from Holyhead to Trearddur Bay. For avid climbers, this can encompass a trek up Holyhead Mountain and a descent to the famous South Stack Lighthouse. Another highlight is Llanddwyn Island, a small but dramatic island off the west coast of Anglesey. There's also the epic views of the Menai Strait, where architecture enthusiasts can marvel at the 19th-century Menai Suspension Bridge, which connects the island to the mainland. History heads, no trip to Anglesey is complete without a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Beaumaris Castle, which the Telegraph, in their research, called 'remarkable'. Dating back to 1282, it's known as the 'greatest castle never built.' The impressive remains were constructed as part of Edward I's campaign to conquer North Wales, but with money issues and trouble looming from Scotland at the time, building work ceased by the 1320s. Adults can explore the grounds for £10.50. Children up to 17 cost £7.30. A family ticket can be purchased for £33.60. This permits two adults and up to three kids. Anglesey's landscape also makes it the ideal location for spotting wildlife. Tours are available, where you can get up close and personal with seabirds, seals, and other marine life. Perhaps the most famous is a trip to Puffin Island, a bird sanctuary and nesting site for breeding seabirds. An 80-minute cruise with Seacoast Safaris is £19.95 and takes you past the monastic ruins of St Seiriol and the old semaphore station. Of course, you'll get to see plenty of puffins, too. If adventure is calling, why not try your hand at coasteering? According to TripAdvisor, this is the best way to explore the Anglesey coastline. But it's not for the faint-hearted: for £70, you'll spend three hours cliff jumping, wild swimming, rock climbing, and scrambling along the coast. If you're a newbie, don't worry, as all tours are tailored to skill and experience level. Fancy a tipple? Llanfairpwll Distillery is known for its award-winning craft spirits, including gin and rum. They offer a guided tour for £15, where you can taste the products and see how they're made. A little more expensive at £75 is the Spirit Making Experience, which allows you to make your own vodka, rum, or gin to take home – a great souvenir idea. Word of warning: don't expect your summer holiday in Anglesey to be constant bright sunshine with Mediterranean-style heat. We are in the United Kingdom, after all. But, if you do manage to catch good weather while on the island, temperatures during June, July and August can range between 18°C and 20°C. Not boiling hot, but warm enough to go for a dip in the sea, sunbathe on the beach, or enjoy a comfortable stroll along the coast. During winter, temperatures can drop to 8°C, with highs of 11°C in November. Ultimately, what time of year you visit Anglesey depends on your travel preferences. If you're yearning for a beach day, you're better off sticking to the summer months. But if it's history, wildlife, and wild walks you're after (and you don't mind wind and rain), it likely doesn't matter too much. From London, it's a little tricky to get there. If you're heading to Anglesey by car, the drive will take around 5 hours and 30 minutes. Once you get to North Wales, near the Bangor area, take the Britannia Bridge over the water. The A55 takes you directly to Anglesey. More Trending By rail, take the direct train from London Euston to Holyhead – the historic port town and largest on the island. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes. A one-way ticket without a railcard at 8am on Friday 27 June costs £50. For those arriving from closer cities like Liverpool and Manchester, the journey will be less intense. Driving takes between 1 hour and 50 minutes to just over two hours. On the train, it's a little longer. From Liverpool Central, you have to change at Chester and then onto Holyhead. One-way tickets generally cost around £23. As for Manchester (either Victoria or Piccadilly), you can go direct or change at Chester. Prices range between £21 and £31. The Telegraph's report named the Isle of Wight Britain's second-best island. Sitting 12 miles off the coast of Portsmouth, this unique diamond-shaped island has a lot to offer. This is something I can confirm, because for the last four years, I've called this tiny patch of paradise home. From azure waters, golden sands, and subtropical microclimates, to tuning into French radio and spotting dolphins frolicking off the coast (none of which you'd associate with the UK), the Isle of Wight is a truly magical place. Especially in summer, which is when this 147sqm stretch of land comes to life. Alongside rugged coastal paths, chalky cliff tops and shimmering bays, there's also a thriving creative community dedicated to putting this special place on the map. Read Metro's Sophie-May Williams' guide to the Isle of Wight here. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: 'Enchanting' European city is a hidden gem with £1 pints and new £18 Wizz Air flights MORE: I stayed at Switzerland's only beach resort, the perfect escape from a chaotic world MORE: Unassuming UK village is a surprising must-visit for foodies with 'exceptional' restaurants
Daily Record
13 hours ago
- Daily Record
Quiet Scottish city named 'cultural powerhouse' - and it's a must-visit for bookworms
Stirling has been named as Scotland's best city for culture, according to new research - and it's a must-visit for bookworms and history buffs alike Stirling has been hailed as Scotland's cultural capital, according to recent research. A study commissioned by rail company LNER revealed that the city offers the most enriching cultural experiences for visitors. The research scrutinised 71 towns and cities across Scotland and England, focusing on five travel themes – family-friendly, sustainability, culture, outdoor experiences, and food. Relying on data from reputable sources such as the Theatres Trust, Companies House and UNESCO, it took into account a broad spectrum of factors - including the number of museums, theatres, historic sites, UNESCO listings, art and music events, and even bookshops. All data points were then adjusted for population size and weighted to generate a final score out of 100. One top city in England and one in Scotland were selected for each travel theme. Stirling was bestowed with the title of Scotland's 'culture capital', sharing the honour with its English counterpart, Cambridge. The findings showed that Stirling boasts the highest number of bookshops per capita in Scotland – with 16.5 per 100,000 people. It also hosts an impressive volume of art (84) and music (58) events per capita. Lastly, the city's seven diverse and high-quality museums – encompassing history and the arts, with standout venues like the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum – clinched the accolade. LNER has proclaimed Stirling as the leading cultural destination, stating: "With its fairytale skyline and deep historical roots, Stirling is a city where Scotland's story comes vividly to life." The company praised the city's size compared to its cultural influence noting: "It may be small in size, but it's mighty when it comes to cultural impact. With one of the highest numbers of museums, bookshops, historic sites and events per capita in Scotland, this historic city is a cultural powerhouse packed into a walkable, picturesque setting." LNER's Commercial Director, David Flesher, commented on the city offerings by saying: "When you're choosing where to go, it's not always easy to know what a city is really best at-especially if you're trying to plan something special. This research helps take out the guesswork and shows what different places have to offer." He further expressed his hopes that their guide would aid travellers in decision-making: "We hope this guide helps people make more informed choices, whether they're planning a day trip or a longer summer break. There are so many brilliant destinations on our route, and this is just one more way to celebrate them." Meanwhile, nearby Falkirk sealed the title of ' best destination for families', with LNER adding: "Nestled between Glasgow and Edinburgh, Falkirk is a lesser-known Scottish gem that's brimming with outdoor adventure, striking landmarks and family-friendly fun." Elsewhere in Scotland, Aberdeen secured the title of 'best destination for sustainability'. Inverness was named the 'best destination for outdoor enthusiast'. Edinburgh won the award for 'best destination for foodies'.
ITV News
2 days ago
- ITV News
Trump's new travel ban set to come in to effect on Monday
President Trump's new travel ban is set to come in to effect on Monday, restricting travel to the US from 12 mainly African and Middle Eastern countries. The move comes amid growing tensions in the US as Donald Trump continues delivering on his election promise to increase immigration enforcement. The order banning travel from certain countries was signed by Trump on Wednesday and applies to citizens from: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. It also increases travel restrictions on people from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela who are outside the US and don't hold a valid visa. Mohammad Sharafoddin, his wife and young son walked at times for 36 hours in a row over mountain passes as they left Afghanistan as refugees. They had hoped to one day bring their niece to the US to join them - from Monday that will no longer be possible as Afghanistan joins a list of 12 countries restricted from travelling to America. 'It's kind of shock for us when we hear about Afghanistan, especially right now for ladies who are affected more than others with the new government,' Mohammad Sharafoddin said, referring to the country's Taliban rulers. 'We didn't think about this travel ban.' The new ban does not revoke visas previously issued to people from countries on the list, according to guidance issued Friday to all US diplomatic missions. Travelers with previously issued visas should still be able to enter the U.S. even after the ban takes effect. Many immigration experts say the new ban is designed to beat any court challenge by focusing on the visa application process and appears more carefully crafted than a hastily written executive order during Trump's first term that denied entry to citizens of mainly Muslim countries. "We don't want them," says Donald Trump as he signs the travel restrictions executive order. In a video posted Wednesday on social media, Trump said nationals of countries included in the ban pose 'terrorism-related' and 'public-safety' risks, as well as risks of overstaying their visas. He also said some of these countries had 'deficient' screening and vetting or have historically refused to take back their citizens. Trump also tied the new ban to a terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado, saying it underscored the dangers posed by some visitors who overstay visas. The man charged in the attack is from Egypt, a country that is not on Trump's restricted list. US officials say he overstayed a tourist visa. The ban was quickly denounced by groups that provide aid and resettlement help to refugees. 'This policy is not about national security — it is about sowing division and vilifying communities that are seeking safety and opportunity in the United States,' said Abby Maxman, president of Oxfam America, a nonprofit international relief organisation. Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro's government condemned the travel ban, characterizing it in a statement as a 'stigmatization and criminalization campaign' against Venezuelans.
