Walking Solo: Asia Hiking Trips for Singles

Singlehood blesses you with a unique opportunity to explore nature’s beauty on your own. If you want to go on a hiking trip, some of the best trails are in Asia—home to old civilizations and diverse cultures.

In this article, I share with you backpacking tips, reasons to hike in Asia, and the most wonderful hiking trips for singles in the region.

5 Reasons To Hike in Asia

I can give you unlimited reasons on how a hike in Asia will rock your world, but let’s discuss my top 5. They’ll surely entice you to plan a trip to the continent. 

1. Breathtaking Natural Landscapes

From the snow-capped Himalayan mountain ranges to jungles around Angkor Wat to stunning coastal views with towering limestone cliffs at Ha Long Bay, Asia is home to a diverse range of terrains that highlight nature’s bountiful wonders. 

Here’s an extra tip: If you have a penchant for the macabre, ask locals about strange and terrifying places. Some trails, like the Aokigahara Forest (also known as the suicide forest), have a haunting beauty with its thick foliage that few dare to explore.

2. Rich Cultural Heritage

Asia has diverse ethnicities so you’ll find different people living in peace with one another. In India alone, you’ll find a variety of religions and festivals. 

If you want to indulge all your senses, check out the Indus Valley Civilization which holds significant proof of technologically advanced and highly cultured people as well as 7 UNESCO world heritage sites in the bowl-shaped Kathmandu Valley in Nepal.

You can also try cuisines born out of diversity and hike to destinations like Mungyeong Saejae – Korea’s Most Underrated Hiking Spot to expose yourself to new flavors.

3. Varied Hiking Experiences

Asia caters to hikers of all levels. For instance, it only takes one hour to reach the peak of Padar Island in Komodo National Park. For a bigger challenge, the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in China has many tracks you can choose from. 

For the experienced trekker, I can’t recommend Chadar Trek in India enough. Only those with good health and excellent stamina can handle this arduous journey.

4. Wildlife and Biodiversity

Asia is exceptionally biodiverse. From the giant panda to the continent’s largest land-dwelling mammal—the Asian elephant, to the 6 surviving tiger species, and Indian rhinoceros, there’s a lot to marvel at. There are also many National Parks in South Korea that will allow you to see the beauty of different plant life. If you’re lucky, you may spot some of them during your hike. 

5. Spiritual and Mindful Journeys

Hiking awakens your spirituality. It’s a humbling journey that tests your willpower and develops resilience. For a more spiritual trek, find your way to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery to experience Bhutan’s magic. You can make the experience more immersive by living with the locals where amenities are scarce but the company is supreme. While there, try yoga and the ancient healing practiced by the local community.

Top Hiking Trips for Singles in Asia

Asia offers many hiking trips for solo travelers around the world. One look at my top 5 hiking tours for singles will show you why. 

Sapa, Vietnam

Singles’ backpacking trips through the scenic rice paddy fields, surrounding mountain slopes, waterfalls, and cross bridges in Sapa will reinvigorate you and give you a new thirst for life.

Located in Lào Cai Province in northwest Vietnam, this fascinating hiking destination allows you to commune with nature, climb the roof of Indochina (Mount Fansipan), and explore its fascinating colonial history. Guided tours and homestays are your best bet if you’re looking for an immersive cultural experience. 

Mount Qixing, Taiwan

Also called Seven Star Mountain, Mount Qixing is the highest dormant volcano in the Beitou District of Taiwan. But don’t worry, its last recorded eruption was 700,000 years ago. The effort will earn you magnificent 360-degree views of the surrounding area with the triangulation stone at the peak.

While the hike is steep, concrete and rock stairs, rest stops, and signs that warn you of upcoming elevation make it easier to manage.

Mount Fuji, Japan

Mt. Fuji towers over Japan with an elevation of 3,776 meters, beckoning all adventure seekers to its peak. There are 4 main trails that take you to the summit. If you opt for a multi-day hike, you can rest at a hut to prepare yourself for the next leg of the journey. Once you’re at the top, you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable sunrise that can give you a new lease on life.

While it’s considered a beginner-friendly adventure, take extra precautions and consider getting a guide, particularly if you’re prone to lightheadedness and altitude sickness. 

Annapurna Circuit, Nepal

The Annapurna Circuit is one of the top ten challenging hikes to try in Nepal.

The trek can be rough and takes 12 to 21 days to complete. Adding to the challenge is the daytime temperature which can drop to -10 degrees Celsius. So, if you’re heading this way, pack smart and prepare for altitude sickness. 

Mount Huangshan, China

While the consensus is that Mt. Huangshan is one of the hardest walking tours for solo travelers, I have to say that it isn’t that bad. 

You’ll need 4 days and an additional day to take in the wonderful views. Choose from three routes: the Western Route, Eastern Route, and West Sea Grand Canyon Hiking according to your level of expertise and you’re set to see its strange pines.

Singles Backpacking Tips

As a single going on a backpacking trip to new places, here are some of my tried-and-tested tips:

Pack Light and Efficiently

Pack smart and pack light. If you end up carrying too many non-essentials, you’ll struggle with the weight of it and may end up offloading some of your possessions mid-trek. On the other hand, if you neglect to bring items you really need, your hiking experience may suffer or you may have to worry about buying these items in a foreign place where you aren’t familiar with the lay of the land. 

So, plan to wash and reuse clothing. Opt for thin layers instead of wooly and bulky garments. Wear sturdy and lightweight shoes and focus on performance fabrics. 

Get Organized With Compartments

Find a padded backpack with compartments to organize your belongings efficiently. This way, you can always find what you need pronto. Having separate storage spaces also ensures that any fragile items won’t get damaged as you traverse different terrains. 

Bring Essential Gear

Carry a universal adapter, extension cord, and a power bank, so you never run out of juice. Other must-haves include some form of navigation—don’t just rely on your phone because the network can be trippy at high altitudes. Bring matches, knives, a gear repair kit, a headlight, a water purifier bottle, a raincoat, a light emergency bivy, ready-to-eat food, toiletries, and a first aid kit. 

Consider Seasonal Needs

While the focus should be on packing light, don’t leave behind absolute necessities. For example, if you’re going to an area with extremely cold temperatures, thin layers will only take you so far. You’ll likely need insulated jackets and gloves for colder nights and a balaclava or ski mask. 

Summer, in my opinion, is the best time to travel—especially if you’re considering the weight of your backpack. Since the focus is on breathable essentials, everything is much easier. Just remember to bring some mosquito repellent lotion and you should enjoy the pleasant weather.

Balance Weight Distribution

You’ll be carrying your pack for hours and maybe even days at a time. It’s vital that you load it in such a way that the weight is evenly distributed. This can help your walking form and make it easier on your shoulders to support the weight.

Think about how to evenly distribute the weight between the top, central body, lower compartment, and outer pockets. 

Conclusion

Going on hiking trips for singles is one the most fulfilling things you can do. But don’t forget to prioritize safety. Getting a guide to go with you or joining a group is always a good idea. Also, always tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back just in case something happens. As an added safety net, get travel insurance. You can also read my post on Top 10 Destinations for Solo Female Travel in Asia for more guidance.

While the rate of hiking accidents is low, it’s best to be prepared for any eventuality. You’ll have peace of mind and the empowering assurance that you’re being a responsible traveler and hiker.

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