Best mountain destinations in Asia

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Asia contains the world's highest and most extensive mountain systems, with the Himalayas, Karakoram and Hindu Kush forming a vast elevated arc across the continent that includes every peak above 8,000 metres on earth. Beyond the headline ranges, Central Asian plateaus, the volcanic chains of Southeast Asia and the mountain spine of the Russian far east add further depth to a continent where elevated terrain shapes culture, climate and biodiversity across an enormous geographic area.

Trekking infrastructure ranges from the highly developed circuits of the most visited Himalayan regions to basic or nonexistent provision in remoter ranges that require fully self-sufficient expedition planning. Mountain cultures across the continent have preserved distinct languages, religious traditions and ways of life shaped by altitude and isolation, adding a cultural dimension that is as compelling as the physical landscapes.

Altitude sickness, extreme weather and remote terrain demand serious preparation across most of the continent's significant mountain destinations. Permit systems vary considerably by country and region and some areas require organised groups or licensed guides by regulation. Your money goes a long way across most of the continent's mountain regions making extended trekking itineraries practical even at the higher costs that remote logistics typically involve.