Asia off the beaten track

Discover the lesser travelled moutains, landscapes and rainforests of the east, and experience truly traditional culture while you're at it

Asia is a bit like a good magic trick; a constant source of amazement and surprise that you’re never completely sure you understand. Just when you think you’ve reached the bottom you turn the corner to find your new favourite place. If we didn’t book a return ticket before we left I’m sure very few of us would come home again! There aren’t many well kept secrets in international travel; word of mouth spreads quickly and the guide books have a ravenous appetite for finding new places of interest. That’s where we can help; we’ll bring you 5 lesser-known wonders of Asia in an attempt to keep you one step ahead of the guide books and guarantee you a unique travel experience.

1. Bangladesh

Never has a country got such a bad press. If we’re honest, even the name ‘Bangladesh’ conjures up images of a struggling nation that’s a poor cousin even to its neighbour India, let alone the rest of the world. In truth Bangladesh is one of those places that can only make the news for the wrong reasons, like natural disasters and a shaky economy. There is no denying that this is a vulnerable country which falls victim to floods, cyclones and tornadoes on a regular basis, but behind the headlines lies a pastoral idyll as beautiful as any on Earth. The legendary Ganges River creates lush, fertile plains, marshy jungle and the largest mangrove forest in the world, as well as providing the life-blood to some of Asia’s most enchanting towns. This is a place well worth seeing with your own eyes. Try here www.bangladeshtourism.gov.bd if you want to explore the country more online.

2. Cherry blossom viewing Yoshino-Kumano National Park

The lifting of the gloomy winter skies is welcomed in Japan with the sort of reverence normally reserved for Gods and Emperors. Cherry blossom trees dot the country and spring brings a showering of confetti any bride would love to be married under. In April, enthusiasts escape the city and head for Yoshino-Kumano National Park, which is no eye-sore the rest of the year! Here, thousands of trees provide a cherry snow that drifts over the temples and makes you wish it could be spring all year. By the way, if there are any men out there thinking of proposing, this would be a good place!

3. Kashmir

Political unrest keeps Kashmir from being the first place on every travellers shopping list, and the difficulty of visiting has only fuelled the myth. To those who visit, Kashmir is as close to paradise on Earth as you can get. Crystal blue streams dodge flowering meadows while snow-capped mountains help frame your photo. The enclosed valley was carved by an ancient river, which has long drained away and locals still find coral and marine fossils on the ground here. Check the political situation before you leave because India and Pakistan still bicker over the place, but even with the little extra planning needed, it’s still well worth the effort. Remember to check a reliable website before you travel, such as www.fco.gov.uk.

4. Long Island in the Andaman Islands

With thousands of entrants, it’s a tough job to be crowned top beach in Asia, but these islands offer fairytale scenes without the crowds. If you’re never going to own your own island, take this opportunity to just pretend! There are no hotels and travellers have to bring their own supplies and camp out in the forests that line the white sand. It’s fairly common to enjoy these beaches alone; perhaps this is what all Asian beaches looked like before they were discovered. Step back in time and get here before this one goes the same way.

5. Lhasa

Also known as the Holy City or Place of the Gods, Lhasa is the heart of spiritual Tibet and it has grown in significance since Chinese occupation. Now, we know you’ve probably heard of Lhasa and it’s hardly a secret, but a combination of Chinese obstruction and a long hard trek mean you won’t be scrabbling tourists when you visit. It’s not especially photogenic in a picture postcard sort of a way and pictures of the hilltop Polata (the 13th Century winter palace) are especially austere. Its beauty is felt rather than seen though, and even those hardest to impress will be speechless. Try and come as soon as possible because the Chinese are reputedly keen to lure tourists here.

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