Do you yearn for clear skies, deep blue sea, dense forest and the feel of fresh air? If your ideal vacation is more than just relaxing in the hotel café and partying in a crowded bar, then we have what just you need. To help us compile some incredible holiday destinations for nature enthusiasts, we at The Week spoke to Baikuntha Prasad Adhikari from Asian Heritage Tours and Travels in Nagpokhari, Kathmandu. Read on to find out about the adventures that are waiting for you in our South Asian neighborhood.
Lake Kelimutu-Indonesia
This place certainly offers one of the most spectacular wonders of nature. The mountain shares three lakes with the same name ‘Kelimutu’ which means the boiling lake. Each lake has its own distinct color and a name given by the locals. “These lakes are a part of Kelimutu national parks and are renowned for their aesthetic beauty,” says Adhikari. “The colors of the lakes also keep changing periodically. And the change in color of these three lakes are independent of one another which makes this place even more fascinating,” he adds.
Kelimutu area is also surrounded by forests that have a unique range of floras. There are redwoods, edelweiss and casuarinas besides the regular pines. For those who like trekking, there is also a trekking route through the forest.
Getting there
From Kathmandu you must fly to Kuala Lumpur and then to Jakarta. The most convenient way to get to these mountains from Jakarta is to take a flight to a city named Ende. The national park will only be 66 kilometers away from there.
Mai Khao Beach-Thailand
This beach is deserted most of the time, which makes it possible for you to walk for kilometers without spotting a single person. With white and pristine sand, this 10-kilometer long beach is serene and peaceful. “Thousands of sea turtles come to this beach every year to lay their eggs,” says Adhikari. “Nature lovers will definitely enjoy exploring this area as there are a variety of sea creatures,” he adds.
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The leatherback turtles found in this beach are the largest breeding turtles and can be easily distinguished from regular sea turtles. The best time to go to this place is during January when the turtles are hatching their eggs. There are very few man made attractions in this place which makes this destination even more beautiful.
Getting there
Kathmandu has a direct flight to Bangkok. From there, you must take a flight to Phuket international airport to reach this beautifully secluded beach.
Gobi desert-China
The word ‘Gobi’ means very large and dry. The landscape of this desert comprise of barren gravel and rocky outcrops. However, this desert is the largest in Asia and comprises a large variety of species. The temperature rises to above 40°C during summers and drops as low as -40°C during winters. The species present in this region are well-adapted to survive in extreme climate.
Snow leopard, black-tailed gazelle, Gobi viper, jerboa, Gobi bear and Bactrian camel are some of the iconic species found in this desert. Gobi is also known as a cold desert with frost and occasional snow on its dunes. You can also explore Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, experience camel ride with local nomads, and view the largest sand dunes in Magnolia. “The dunes make a particular sound during windy days. So they are also known as the singing dunes,” says Adhikari.
Getting there
The best way to get to get to Gobi desert in China is to take a flight from Kathmandu to Beijing. From Beijing, you can take a flight to Bayannur from where you can rent a taxi to Gobi Desert.
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park-Philippines
Located about 80 kilometers north of the city Puerto Princesa, Palawan is a protected area of Philippians. The highlight of this place is the Puerto Princesa Underground River that runs under a cave and demonstrates magnificent formation of stalactites and stalagmites. The river flows directly underneath St Paul Mountain Range and is eight kilometers long under the cave. This is the longest underground river of the world and also one of the few that flows directly into the sea. “If you are a person who loves exploring nature, you will be excited to know that this cave also has a second floor. This means that there are small waterfalls inside the cave that will not fail to amuse you,” says Adhikari.
The river also has an incredible ecosystem that have adapted to their unique niche underground. “The underground cave has giant spiders, crabs, fish, and snake. You will also be able to spot giant bats and swallows,” adds Adhikari.
Getting there
The easiest way to get there is to take a connecting flight from Kathmandu to Manila via Bangkok. From Manila you must take a flight to Puerto Princesa city.
Cardamom Mountains-Cambodia
Cardamom Mountains located in the Koh Kong and Pursat province of Cambodia are said to be the most pristine and attractive wilderness area in South East Asia. This place is densely covered with lush virgin rainforests and the Cardamoms extend over and area of 4,420,000 hectares. The forest is rich in natural resources and has 30 indentified large mammals, 30 small mammals, 450 birds, 60 reptiles and 30 amphibians.
Malaysian sun bear, pleated gibbons and Siamese crocodiles are some varieties of mammals found here. This place is isolated due to its remoteness and difficult terrain. Hence, these forests have their core virtually undisturbed. “With huge variety of habitats, high elevation marshes and backwater rivers, you will surely fall in love with the natural beauty this place has to offer,” says Adhikari.
Getting there
You must take a connecting flight from Kathmandu to Bangkok and then to Phnom Penh. From Phnom Penh, there are buses that will take you to Cardamom Mountains.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands-India
“These islands are actually a nature lover’s paradise. They have so much more than just beaches. You can explore nature, learn about the indigenous culture, and have an outstanding aquatic life experience,” says Adhikari adding that the beauty of this place also lies in the blue lagoons, exciting wildlife, tribal culture and their delicious cuisines. Try snorkeling in Andaman where you can see the underwater marine life and the rarest of corals. Another exciting spot at these islands is scuba diving where you can swim amongst exotic fishes. Undersea walking is also an extreme adventure sport here.
Getting there
You first need to take a flight or a bus to New Delhi in India from Kathmandu. From New Delhi, you can fly to Port Blair via Chennai International Airport.
