Adventure Holidays In Asia

Does the thought of defying the laws of gravity on steep cliff faces, tearing down white water rapids, cutting through the sea on a sailboard, or getting up close and personal with nature on foot interest you? Asia , the world’s largest continent, offers a bewildering choice of experiences for adventure sports enthusiasts. From the clean-swept beaches of Sri Lanka to the spectacular landscape in Vietnam with its limestone islets, Asia’s natural wonders include the pristine jungle scenery in Cambodia, the snow-clad mountains and vast inhospitable deserts of Iran, the Takla Makan desert oases in China, the dazzling coastline of India, unrivalled high mountain scenery and breathtaking views in Pakistan, the rugged forested hills fringed by waterfalls in Laos, and the Japanese Matterhorn and Mt Fuji.

Made up of forty-four countries and assorted island dependencies, significant features of Asia include the world's tallest mountain, Mt Everest in Nepal , at 8,850m, and the world's most populated countries, China and India . Highlights for adventure sports enthusiasts include the great rainforests of Borneo , which offer a multitude of exciting hikes and treks, and the depths of the equatorial rainforest at Mulu National Park , which is home to the largest caves on earth. Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in SE Asia, offers climbers magnificent views across North East Borneo while Bhutan, one of the most isolated countries on earth, offers unrivalled trekking opportunities through high passes and spectacular peaks, to higher pastures overshadowed by the magnificent summits of Chomolhari and Jichudrake.

Not to be outdone, the setting for a trek across the Inilchek Glacier in Kirghizstan is incomparable. Lying between the mighty Peak Pobeda, the Inilchek Glacier is reached by passing through verdant alpine valleys, past rushing mountain streams and over high grassy pastures. If water sports are more your thing, tackling the white-water rapids of the Bhote Kosi in Nepal as it flows down from the high mountains to the plains of India is not to be missed. Similarly, Thailand ’s world-famous beaches and warm waters of Krabi and Koh Phi Phi offer up hidden lagoons and secluded beaches perfect for a range of activities. Kite surfing, paragliding, skydiving, hang gliding, surfing, windsurfing, snowboarding, rock climbing, kayaking, white water rafting, mountain biking and scuba diving can all be practiced in Asia.

Top adventure destinations include the Philippines , Thailand and Vietnam .