Best eco-tourism destinations in Asia
Best eco-tourism destinations in Asia
High-altitude nature preserves and protected mangrove zones across Asia
One Himalayan kingdom's deliberately restrictive, high-value tourism policy funds conservation and limits environmental impact by design, a model considerably different from neighbouring countries. Island reserves elsewhere offer a different, species-specific approach to the same underlying principle.
The destinations on this list range from nationally regulated, high-value tourism models built around environmental protection to specific wildlife reserves funded directly through visitor fees and research partnerships. Both prioritise impact over visitor volume.
Checking required permits and minimum spending requirements matters considerably for destinations with nationally regulated tourism, where policy is structured very differently from most of the region. Independent certification schemes can help confirm genuine environmental credentials. Packing layers also matters considerably given the temperature swings at higher elevation. Most permits require booking well in advance.
Lists by region
Country
Bhutan
Himalayan monasteries, dzongs and trekking trails
Since the 1970s the kingdom has measured progress by Gross National Happiness, an idea from its fourth king, while its constitution says at least 60 percent of the land must stay forest. Hikers on the Druk Path trail cross high ridges and alpine lakes with prayer flags and few other travelers.
National Park in Japan
Daisetsuzan National Park
Japan's largest national park, in Hokkaido
In the center of Hokkaido, the largest national park in Japan has volcanic peaks, alpine meadows and hot spring valleys that the Ainu people called the playground of the gods. Hikers climb Asahidake, 7,516 feet, on trails past steaming vents while brown bears roam the forest below.
National Park in Japan
Shiretoko National Park
Brown bears and drift ice in Hokkaido
The Shiretoko Five Lakes trail has a raised wooden walkway across ground where brown bears feed, with views of five lakes below the mountains. In February drift ice from the Sea of Okhotsk floats off the coast while people in dry suits walk on the ice.
Island in Japan
Yakushima
Ancient cedars, mossy forest and waterfalls
About 40 miles off the southern tip of Kyushu, the round island has mossy forests of yakusugi, cedar trees more than 1,000 years old, while rain falls often. Hikers follow an old logging railway track to Jomon Sugi, a cedar at least 2,000 years old.
National Park in Japan
Kamikochi
Clear river valley beneath the Hotaka Range
Like a small corner of the Alps, the valley has the clear Azusa River and Taisho Pond, where dead trees stand in the water. Kappa Bridge is a wooden footbridge with views of the Hotaka peaks while private cars are not allowed so hikers arrive by bus and the valley stays quiet.
National Park in Japan
Chūbu-Sangaku National Park
Northern Alps peaks, snow walls and onsen
An English missionary named Walter Weston climbed these peaks in the 1890s and helped make the name Japanese Alps and the sport of mountain hiking popular. Today hikers sleep in huts along high ridge trails while in spring the Tateyama road in Toyama is cut between snow walls up to 60 feet high.
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