Landscapes in Asia

Some mountain ranges just look more impressive and majestic than others. The remote Hindu Kush is among the most spectacular ones. Here, the valleys are deep and dark with white glaciers and snow-glazed jagged peaks soaring high above. As you descend into the Wakhan Valley from the Big Pamir, you get amazing panoramic views of this massive range that forms the border with Pakistan. The Hindu Kush has 38 peaks higher than 7,000 m. The highest is Tirich Mir (7,708 m) which lies entirely inside Pakistan, however the second highest is Mt. Noshaq (7,492 m) and that one is shared by Afghanistan and Pakistan. Previously, Mt. Noshaq was off limits, but now the summit can be climbed by experienced mountaineers while the base camp can be trekked by anyone. Hindu Kush is a very dramatic mountain range, with many 6,000+ m peaks that look exactly how mountains should look like – like Mt. Baga Tangi (6,513 m) pictured.

Afghanistan's highest mountain is Mt. Noshaq (7,492 m). It lies on the border to Pakistan and is also the second highest peak in the impressive Hindu Kush. Until recently, the mountain was off limits, but it is now open for climbers and trekkers. It's possible to trek to the base camp at 4,450 m from where there are spectacular views to several 7,000+ m peaks. The base camp trek is a four day trek (return) with start and end in the small settlement of Qazideh in the Wakhan Valley.

Though Boga Lake is beautiful, it is not so much the place itself than it is the journey to get there that is the real attraction. The trip from Bandarban is just stunning and takes you down the Sangu river and through what must be some of the finest hill country. Rolling green hills dotted with tribal villages, sloping fields and the occasional bamboo hut on stilts. The different tribes which inhabit the area are Marma and Bawn people, where the latter lives right at Boga Lake. The trip to the lake can be combined with a trek up to the highest mountain/hill in Bangladesh, Mt Keokradang (986 m... and not 1230 m as stated other places).

For travel information how to get there, check out the photo gallery.

It is a bit ironic that the longest beach in the world lies in muslim country where the ladies' idea of a beach outfit is a burqa, people swim fully dressed and certainly nobody sun bathes. This the-longest-beach-in-the-world beach does not just have one single name, instead every single stretch has a name of its own. The most famous parts are Laboni, also known as Cox's Bazar beach, Himchari, and Inani. The last one being the most charming of them all with local fishermen and boats looking like toy pirate ships. The beach is actually only the longest natural beach in the world, getting beaten badly by Cassino beach in Brazil at 240km long, but for some reason beyond us, Cassino beach does not officially count as one unbroken natural beach.

Chele La Pass is the highest road pass in Bhutan. The road leading to the pass from Haa valley must be a candidate for the most winding road ever. However, the road is in good condition and the scenery is just stunning. The pass itself is covered with prayer flags - and we mean covered. Walk up to one of the peaks for a great overview.

The Dochula Pass is a nice break on the journey from Thimphu to Punakha. On a clear day, you will have panoramic views of the Himalayes, including Bhutan's highest mountain Gangkar Punsun (7,564 m). In less perfect weather have a stroll among the 108 stupas (Druk Wangyal Chortens), which commemorate the falling soldiers during the 2003 military operation. The temple, Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, on the other side of the road has extraordinary detailed murals and some kalisikovs from the war (inside the mens-only room).

Lawala Pass is a less dramatic pass than Dochula and Chele La, but nevertheless with beautiful views of cloud forest (and probably clouds) to one side and green valleys to the other. The pass is mark with prayer flags and a stupa, which is under construction.

Boeng Yeak Lom is a pristine volcanic crater lake created some 700.000 years ago. It is a popular picnic spot for locals, and a refreshing dip into the clear, warm water can be done from one of the wooden platforms along its shore. The lake has a perfect round shape and though the information sign boosts its size to about 800 m in diameter and 50 m deep, it seems smaller. The crater rim is just a lush hill, and not an actual volcanic cone as some might expect. Boeng Yeak Lom is a refreshing sight in an otherwise dusty region.

The area around Kampot is dotted with salt fields. Here, ocean salt is harvested from flat fields irrigated with seawater. During dry season the salt crystallizes within days which then can get scraped together into piles for collection. It is a fascinating landscape when the sky's reflection in the flat squares is broken by hundreds of white cones. Salt production is hard work for the sun is fierce and there is no shade, so workers cover themselves from head to toe. So after a visit you might start to appreciate the salt for your eggs a bit more.

Emai Shan is one of the four holy Buddhist mountains in China (the others being Jiuhua Shan, Putuo Shan and Wutai Shan). It is a popular destination for Sichuan bound travellers, as well as locals - both tourists and pilgrims, though most of the first kind. If the weather permits, expect beautiful scenery of the lush mountains. Along the trails to the top (3099 m) there are monasteries, where it is possible to eat and sleep. It takes about two long days to walk to the top and one hard day down, but the journey can be extended or shortened as desired with use of the mountain buses and cable cars. Walking all the way is about 80 km return, so be prepared - also for monkey attacks.