Annapurna Circuit, Nepal
This is considered one of the most incredible hikes globally—and deservedly so. Stretching for up to 145 miles through the snow-capped Himalaya, the trek starts in Besisahar and ends in Birethanti, taking up to 20 days to complete. The trail takes you through some of Nepal’s most outstanding scenery, including rice paddies, forests, and mountainous and glacial terrain as you circle the great Annapurna Massif, one of the tallest mountains in the world. To reach the trail, you will need to fly from Pokhara in central Nepal from Kathmandu or take a scenic journey on a seven-hour bus directly to Besisahar from Kathmandu. The hiking season occurs in the spring and fall, with April, May, October, and November being the ideal months for attempting the trail; as these are popular months on the Annapurna Circuit, finding accommodation can be more challenging.
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Mount Huangshan, China
Also known as Yellow Mountain, Huangshan is one of China’s most famous national parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This misty mountain range and surrounding scenic areas are famous for its four wonders: wind-carved pines, the picturesque sea of clouds, granite peaks, and relaxing hot springs. There are several paths up the mountain, with the eastern stairs and the western stair, which are steeper but quieter, being the most popular options. Many people choose to camp at the top of the mountain or stay at a simple hotel near the summit to catch the sunrise. The mountain is easily accessed by bullet train from Shanghai or Hangzhou.