The ideal places to hunt snow for winter lovers in Asia

If you are not looking to escape the chill of winter, but instead want to take in wondrous snow-covered views while exploring some of Asia’s best destinations, you will find that and more by heading to one of these spectacular places.

Photo @fswildvet

Sapporo, Japan

There are many places in Japan to experience snow, but one of the most popular is Sapporo. This city has a lot of ski resorts only 20 to 60 minutes ride away by car, so, adding that to your day trip itinerary would be bearable.

If you are a beginner, you could try sledding or snow-tubing, on the other hand, if you are not interested in snow games, you may want to time your visit during Snow Festival which usually takes place in February. Despite the freezing cold temperatures, more than 2 million people go to the Hokkaido capital to witness the snow come alive annually and Japan is well-known as one of the snow countries in Asia.

Mongolia

Looking for a snowy place that is unique and far the flocks of tourists? Why not pack your bags, and head to Mongolia in winter? With its majestic landscapes and countryside covered in white, snow seekers will absolutely find their bliss in this pristine and untouched land. For bona fide adventurers, Mongolia can help you unleash your wild side with its mishmash of outdoor thrills, such as canoeing, horseback riding, mountain climbing and skiing.

Harbin, China

The “Ice City,” as Harbin is known, hosts one of the world’s largest snow and ice festivals, the Harbin International Ice Festival. Held throughout much of January and into February, it features some 1,500 larger-than-life ice structures that shimmer with multi-colored lights. Every year there is a different theme, varying from mythical beasts to famous landmarks from across the globe. Harbin and the surrounding area also offers some of the best winter sports opportunities on the planet, including skiing and snow boarding.

Lhasa, Tibet

If you do not mind, or perhaps even revel in, extreme winters, by heading to Lhasa you will enjoy the breathtaking beauty of one of the world’s most jaw-dropping snowy wonderlands with fewer crowds and cheaper hotel accommodation. While it will be cold, it will not be nearly as chilly as you might think, particularly as December and January are dry months and the high-altitude sun is almost always in abundance, making it feel warmer than the temperature would have you believe.

You can also enjoy festivals, like the Monlam, or Great Prayer Festival, in which monks and artisans create colorful butter sculptures for burning during the Butter Oil Lantern Festival. If you are here for the Tibetan New Year, Losar, you can celebrate with the locals by watching dance performances at Potala Palace and even hanging up prayer flags on the temples and mountain tops.

Sapa, Vietnam

Being surrounded by many top summer destinations like Bali, Phuket, and Boracay, it may come as a surprise to you that Vietnam also experiences snow! Even though snowboards and toboggans are not commonplace to Vietnam, you will surely fall in love when what used to be green fields of rice in summer turn to white during the winter.

Beijing, China

Traveling to China during winter? China’s capital gets pretty cold in December, with the average temperature sitting around negative 2 degrees Celsius. Besides being a low-tourist month (you can enjoy super affordable fights and hotels in December in Beijing), you likely find snowfall in this city during Yuletide getaway.

Most of the city’s ski resorts open their doors, when December sets in, meaning you can try your hand at tobogganing, snowboarding and skiing. If you are lucky to catch some snow during your visit, make your way to The Summer Palace, for breathtaking snow views. And do not forget to check out the world renowned Great Wall of China, to enjoy elevated view of its snowy surrounding landscapes.

Shimla, India

Fabulous for a nature retreat, Shimla is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, while monkeys roam freely along the overhead cables, casually watching the shoppers below. It enjoys snowy winters thanks to its northern latitude, making it an ideal place to escape the intense heat that so many other cities in India endure.

Nearby at Wildflower Hall, you will find a haven for ski enthusiasts seeking refuge from crowded, overly commercialized resorts. This premiere mountaintop resort will make you feel as if you are stepping into the pages of a fairy-tale with its gorgeous vistas of endless forest and snow-capped mountain peaks. Spend your days taking part in whatever winter sport suits your fancy, and indulging in holistic spa treatments, complemented by more extraordinary views.

Read more: 7 Asian dishes you will love during winter

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7 challenging mountains in Asia not for amateur climbers

Being on top of well-known mountains is always the goal of every climber out there. If you are a professional climber, perhaps one of the mounts mentioned here will somehow be your next target.

7. Mount Huashan, China

Starting with something low but not quite the easiest, Mt. Huashan is located in the Shanxi province of China and has a reputation for having the world’s most dangerous hiking trail. The most famous part of this mountain isn’t the very top but a path of narrow, wooden planks haphazardly bolted onto the mountainside. Other than getting that hair raising selfie on the edge of this mountain, it also boasts breathtaking scenery through the trail. 

6. Mount Apo, Philippines

Located between Davao city and Cotabato province, Mount Apo is the highest mountain in the Philippines & a potentially active volcano. Attracting trekkers from all over the world, expect an array of landscapes — from an endless rock face to lush green forests, mossy swamps to volcanic structures. The first campsite is also where the Mainit hot springs can be found where trekkers are welcome to take a dip.

5. Mount Rinjani, Indonesia

If you’re looking for a little more thrill, how about having a go at climbing an active volcano? In fact, Mount Rinjani last eruption happened very recently in August 2016 causing flight disruption around the area. However, once the ash settles, it very quickly continues to be a popular hiking route in the area. Visitors often take on a 3-day trekking route to the crater rim, down to the famous crater lake where you’ll find turquoise blue waters. If you’re feeling adventurous, continue all the way to the summit of the volcano for a panoramic view over the crescent shaped crater lake, Segara Anak.

4. Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia

Despite being closed for 3 months after it was hit by a 6.0 magnitude earth quake back in June 2015, Mount Kinabalu remains on many bucket lists as it’s the tallest mountain in South East Asia. Although the more scenic Mesilau route is now deemed inaccessible, the shorter Timpohon route still stands strong. Trekkers usually split the climb into 2 days — arriving at the base camp then starting again at 2am to catch the sunrise at the peak.

3. Mount Khuiten, Mongolia

Mount Khuiten is the tallest peak in Mongolia and considered as one of the most remote and untouched regions in the world. So remote that it takes a couple of flights, a 400km drive from the nearest airport and a 17km trek to reach the base camp of Mount Khuiten — only then does the climb really begin. A challenging climb up on varied terrain — endless green lands to thick snow and barren rock faces. It takes about 9 days to acclimatise and reach the peak, requiring 15 days for a round trip.

2. Annapurna, Nepal

At over 8,000m above sea level, the Annapurna is the 10th highest mountain in the world but ranked as one of the most dangerous to climb, even beating Mount Everest! It has a shocking fatality rate of 40% but those fit for the challenge can take part in an exciting trail run.

The Annapurna Marathon, Annapurna 100 and Annapurna Ultra Mountain run are popular choices amongst adrenaline seekers. Participants of the marathon get to experience beautiful landscapes and views of the surrounding mountains.

1. Mount Everest, Nepal

But of course, a worthy mention would be none other than the highest mountain on Earth. The one height every mountaineer aspires to check off their bucket list — who wouldn’t want to be at the highest place on earth at some point in their lives right? Located on the border between Nepal and Tibet, there are 2 ways to tackle this mountain — one from the southeast of Nepal and the other from the north in Tibet. Surprisingly, the dangers this mountain presents aren’t in its technical climb but the extreme weather and life threatening altitude sickness. 

See more: A journey to Himalayas

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8 snowy destinations in Asia for mountain and winter lovers

When people talk about Asia, some of the first things come to mind are the spectacular islands, crystal clear waters, beach parties, or anything that you can incorporate into summer and tropical weather. While this is not surprising as this is what Asia, particularly southeast part is mostly known, tourism wise, did you know that Asia can also be a great destination for a snowy getaway? Here is a list of some of the best snowy destinations in Asia for those who love the winter.

1. Sapporo, Japan

There are many places in Japan to experience snow, but one of the most popular is Sapporo. This city has a lot of ski resorts only 20 to 60 minutes ride away by car, so adding that to your day trip itinerary would be bearable.

If you’re a beginner, you could try sledding or snow-tubing, on the other hand, if you’re not interested in snow games, you may want to time your visit during Snow Festival which usually takes place in February. Despite the freezing cold temperatures, more than 2 million people go to the Hokkaido capital to witness the snow come alive annually and Japan is well-known as one of the snow countries in Asia.

See more: Visit Japan in Winter

2. Yunnan, China

The second one is Yunnan Province where the small mountain range of The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain – one of the most beautiful snow places in Asia is located. Soaring throughout the headwaters of the Yangtze River, this mountain range is famous for their far-fetched views and is a portion of a high altitude nature reserve.

3. Yongpyong, South Korea

Another place to go if you are looking for some ice adventure in Asia is Yongpyong, South Korea. This place has a lot to offer for those who are looking to go skiing or snowboarding. You will find a trendy ski resort on the slopes on Mount Balwang. Some other popular activities here include floodlit night skiing and a cross-country hiking. Just like in Sapporo, they also hold a snow festival every February.

See more: Best winter activities in South Korea

4. Sapa, Vietnam

Being surrounded by many top summer destinations like Bali, Phuket, and Boracay, it may come as a surprise to you that Vietnam also experiences snow. Even though snowboards and toboggans aren’t common places to Vietnam, you will surely fall in love when what used to be green fields of rice in summer turn to white during the winter.

Sapa located in northwestern part of Vietnam is now becoming more and more popular among visitors from all over the world. The natural beauty of rugged mountain ranges along with the interesting cultural diversity of the ethnic minorities living in the regions is what attracts many tourists here all year round. 

5. Taichung, Taiwan

Another unpopular winter destination is Taiwan. Located in Heping District, Taichung, Xueshan or Hsuehshan or all known as Snow Mountain is the second-highest peak in the country standing 3,886m. This mountain is often ignored by many tourists who opt for Mt. Jade hiking as it is the tallest one. However, Snow Mountain offers a more scenic and interesting hike.

Hiking here is pretty safe even during the winter and the scenery is spectacular. However, you have to make sure to sign up months prior if you are planning to hike as they limit the number of hikers during the snowy season.

6. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

A few hundred miles away from Beijing, Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar is another place ideal for all the winter lovers out there.

If you’re an adventurous soul who wants to try something exciting, you are able to enjoy snowboarding and skiing just outside the city at the mountain called Bogd Khan Mountain, which is a protected mountain range that lies in the southern part of Ulaanbaatar. Keep in mind, though that temperature here tends to be very low. During the months of November to March, the temperature can get as low as -35°C, positioning Mongolia as one of the coldest snowfall countries in Asia.

7. Putao, Myanmar

Another country in Southeast Asia where you can experience snow is Myanmar. Famous for Bagan and Inle Lake – pictured above – what might not be so well-known are its snowcapped mountain ranges. Putao which is located in the northernmost town of Kachin State is a dream place for nature lovers. The region also has some of the tallest mountains in this part of Asia, one of which is Khaka Bo Razi, standing splendidly tall at 19,296 ft.

8. The Himalayas mountain range, Nepal

The Himalayas is a landmark of the earth. This mountain range is the most famous and also the most beautiful mountains in the world. Dates back to 80 million years ago when dinosaurs still exist, The Himalayas is the youngest and highest of its kind.

Every year, The Himalayas attract thousands of adventure seekers, nature lovers, and explorers who follow innumerable trails among wonderful forests and icy peaks searching for prehistoric monuments and spectacular panoramas. Himalayan mountains show an exhilarating range of mountain backdrop that will surely take your breath away. You will be stunned with various snowcapped mountain peaks, ever popular alpine grazing land, several stunning lakes, numerous high glaciers, and some of the gorgeous snow-fed rivers.

Source Internet