The Lonely Planet have announced their top 10 countries to visit in 2017, and this list includes some of Asia’s most magical and mysterious destinations. At number 5 is the mountain kingdom of Nepal, at number 7 the spectacular natural beauty of Mongolia, whilst at number 9 is the mysterious, golden-templed Burma. Let’s have a look at each of these incredible destinations in a little more detail…
Nepal
With a geography that ranges from tropical plains to the world’s highest peaks, Nepal is a country that is packed full of adventure. Long popular as a place to go trekking amongst the mighty, snow-capped Himalaya, it is also home to lively, ancient cities, national parks replete with a magnificent range of wildlife and an incredible wealth culture and history. Enclosed by its mountains, Nepal’s relative isolation has protected its culture, leaving it mostly untouched from outside influence until relatively recently – if you’re looking for an authentic cultural experience, this is one of the best places to find it. Whilst delving into the past, exploring temples and palaces are an essential Nepal experience, it is also the perfect place to pursue something a little more action-packed. This can be anything from spotting rhinos on safari in the tropical Tarai, to trekking the Annapurna circuit to white water rafting on some of Nepal’s many rivers. One of the ultimate destinations, it’s easy to see why Nepal is on the best of travel list for 2017!
Mongolia
Mongolia is considered by many to be the ‘last frontier’, a country famous for its vast and majestic emptiness and endless skies. With lakes, mountains and desert alongside the famous steppes, this unique and visually-gifted land is one of the last places that you’ll find nature quite as pristine and quite as wild. The practices of the past are still very much present, with nomad families still roaming the plains tending their livestock – on a trip here you can experience their generous hospitality and spend a night in a family ger, if you wish. Capital Ulaanbaatar is a city on the rise, with new hotels and developments growing rapidly. This is a good place to get to grips with Mongolia’s history, but to really experience the country’s majesty you need to spend as much time in the wilderness as possible. Venture through the Gobi Desert, experience the seemingly-endless reaches of the plains, meet the eagle hunters of the Altai mountains and find serenity at Lake Khovsgul – this is the true Mongolia.
Burma
Described by Kipling as “unlike any land you know about”, the name ‘Burma’ still has the ability to invoke the golden age of the Orient. Officially called Myanmar since 1989, but still lovingly known as Burma to some, this country right at the heart of Asia and long closed off to the world is now a rich tapestry unfurling to show its treasures to the world. If you want to catch the country in its current, virtually untouched state, now is the time to go – the huge influx of foreign money that is now pouring into the country means things are going to develop fast. The people, however, remain wonderfully warm and friendly, often smiling the sort of smile that lights up their whole face, and living their lives at a relaxed, simple pace. Temples are the big attraction here – there are plenty of them, the most famous place to see them being the incredible Bagan, where thousands are scattered across the river plains of the Irrawaddy, and whilst it is easy to get ‘templed out’ this is the very best way to see Burma’s rich culture in action. For a taste of the Southeast Asia of the past, head to Burma now!
Oh and…
Oman appears at number 8 on the Lonely Planet list. Why not fly Oman Air on your Asia Inspirations adventure and add a stopover in the beautiful and characterful city of Muscat.
If you’d like to visit any of these fantastic destinations, get in touch with our Asia Inspirations experts, who’ll work with you to create your perfect itinerary.