National Parks in Asia
Bishkek has a gorgeous backdrop of snow capped mountains. Within an hour you can go from staring at drab Soviet era monuments in downtown Bishkek to be trekking on a mountain side, gawking at cragged peaks and crossing mountain streams. One of the most easily accessible areas is the Ala-Archa Canyon about 40 km south of Bishkek. There are several great trails which can be done as a day trip, including the six hours loop in the wooded and pretty Adygene Valley. Otherwise, there are plenty of multi-day trails leading up to passes, glaciers, and peaks (climbing gear and skills needed), where Semenov Tianshanskii (4,895 m) is the highest.
Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is probably the most accessible national park in Mongolia - but don't take "accessible" too literally, as this is Mongolia where a track of ruts is considered a road. The park is particularly known for its wild beauty with forest, streams, hot springs, and characteristic boulders. The wildlife includes bears and many rare bird species, but it's unlikely that you see any without an effort. There are plenty of tourist ger camps, where trips further into the park can be done on horseback.
Sagarmatha National Park is on the Natural World Heritage List and covers an area of approximately 1,150 km² in the Himalayan mountains. The park's mountains have heights ranging from 2,800 to 8,840 m (Mount Everest peak), and it is this area you trek through if, for example, you go to Mount Everest Base Camp. You get nothing less than a breathtaking moment when, after many hours of hard trekking - typically from the town of Namche Bazaar, you spot the first sight of the Everest mountain range and Mount Everest itself. The best time to trek in this area is in October, when you will have the best chances of fine weather and sunshine.
The Deosai plateau range from 3,500 m to 4,500 m, and is the second highest in the world. The national Park is home to both Snow leopards, Himalayan Ibex and Himalayan brown bears, though you will probably just see Himalayan golden marmots. Besides the beautiful alpine landscape, Sheosar Lake and the high altitude road pass at 4,180 m are the main attractions.
The Khunjerab National Park is located to the extreme north of Pakistan along the border to China. It's best known for being home to snow leopards, but the huge national park (5,544 sq. km) is the natural habitat for several endangered species, like Marco Polo sheeps, brown bear, Blue sheep, Tibetan wild ass and Himalayan ibex. Due to the high elevation of 4,000 m or more, the flora is equally unique. The high altitude road crosses the Khunjerab Pass (4,693 m) before ending at the border to China, which is an attraction of itself.
It is a bit of a miracle that this pristine slice of dense jungle is not more visited, considering it is only a few hours drive north of Phuket. All the big game are advertised to roam the national park, but the chance to see a tiger, leopard or sun bear is probably pretty slim. A wild elephant on the other hand is not impossible. The park's pride-worthy botanic attraction is the world biggest flower, Rafflesia (Rafflesi kerrii). This giant flower (50-90 cm) is both rare and weird (smells of rotten meat) and blooms only in dry season from January to March. There are several trails throughout the park to waterfalls and viewpoints. You cannot sleep inside the park, but the guest houses right outside are famous for their treetop bungalows.
Approaching Ba Be National Park feels like a journey into a lost world. When reaching the rim of the karst limestones that enclose Ba Be lake, you will be met by a landscape that is the source for Asian scroll paintings. A dark lake with mist hanging heavy over the flat surface with green foliage clinging to the steep cliff sides and an intense silence (if you turn off the engine). The lime stone mountain range surrounding the lake is full of caves, where Puong Cave is the longest (300 m). Don't limit your roaming to the lake only for there are fine small walks too. Though Ba Be is a national park there are villages along the shore who can offer home stays and boat rentals.