Asia Travelers Recommend

With one week in Nepal, you’ll have enough time to enjoy the cultural treasures of Kathmandu, get out into the surrounding hills and villages, and even take a scenic flight along the Himalayas. Here’s how to get the most out of a week in Nepal.

Days 1–3: Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The Kathmandu Valley contains several UNESCO World Heritage sites, which should be a top priority when visiting the Nepalese capital. On your first day, visit the sites closest to the central Thamel neighborhood: Pashupatinath, a Hindu temple and cremation ground; the Boudhanath Stupa, a Tibetan Buddhist pilgrimage site; and the hilltop temple of Swayambhunath Stupa. Continue the cultural exploration on days two and three by traveling to Patan and Bhaktapur, once separate kingdoms but now on the outskirts of Kathmandu. Home to the Kathmandu Valley’s indigenous Newar people, Patan and Bhaktapur are each full of temples, palaces, shops selling local handicrafts, and plenty of atmosphere. 

Days 4–6: Day Trips Outside the Kathmandu Valley

For a glimpse into rural Nepali life, strike out to nearby towns such as Nagarkot, Namo Buddha,  Panauti, and Dhulikhel. Nagarkot is especially famous for its sunrise views of the Himalaya; Namo Buddha has equally good mountain views and a Buddhist pilgrimage site; Panauti is one of the best-preserved Newari towns in Nepal; and Dhulikhel also has good views and many trekking trails. You can hike or mountain bike through the steep terraced farmland and forest, or just experience local village life, clear mountain views, delicious food, and Nepal’s diverse cultures. Visit all four towns or chill out in one or two, either staying at small guesthouses or homestays or returning to your Kathmandu accommodation each night. 

Day 7: Scenic Flight and Himalayan Views

Get up early to take a flight along the mighty Himalaya, including the highest mountain in the world, Everest. Travelers on a more generous budget can take a helicopter flight to Everest Base Camp, a truly memorable experience. Alternatively, check out the cable car at Chandragiri Hills in the southwest of the Kathmandu Valley, with sweeping views of the capital and, when the weather is clear, the Himalayas beyond. Take the cable car up and down, or hike one way. End the day—and your week in Nepal—at one of Kathmandu’s finest Nepali restaurants. There are many options in Thamel, as well as at some of the smarter hotels in other parts of Kathmandu. 

With three days in Harbin, you can do more than just experience the annual Ice and Snow Festival and the city’s Russian heritage. Enjoy a winter adventure to out-of-town attractions such as China Snow Town, Volga Manor, or the Yabuli ski resort, or, in summer, delve deeper into historic Harbin. Here’s how.

Day 1: Winter Wonderland

Winter or summer, start the day by discovering downtown Harbin. Ride the cableway over the Songhua River, which turns into a frozen playground come winter, complete with ice slides, ice rinks, ice bikes, and more. Soak up historic Russian architecture on Zhongyang Street and at the Russian Orthodox St. Sophia Cathedral. In winter, turn your focus to the Ice and Snow Festival. Start with the snow sculptures on Sun Island, then head to the enormous Ice and Snow World park to capture vast illuminated carvings as twilight falls; enjoy ice bikes, ice bars, and ice slides along the way. Summer visitors can join the fun at the indoor ice-sculpture gallery on Sun Island. Wrap up your first day in Harbin with a taste of Russia at one of the city’s Russian restaurants and, in winter, a stroll among the ice lanterns in Zhaolin Park.

Day 2: Off-Path Adventure

Winter is the time to discover the dramatically desolate landscapes of China’s far northeast on an overnight adventure from Harbin. Enjoy skiing at the Yabuli ski resort, along with inner tube rides, tobogganing, ice bikes, and snowmobile adventures; soak up the rural charms of the alpine village known as China Snow Town, which offers dogsledding, horse-drawn carriage rides, and fireworks; or head out to Volga Manor, a re-creation of a 19th-century Russian estate, complete with church, salon, and landscaped grounds. Look out for tours that combine two of these options into a single overnight adventure. If you’re visiting in summer, spend the day discovering the city’s two signature wildlife attractions: the Siberia Tiger Park, where big cats roam, and Harbin Polarland, with cold-climate animals such as Arctic foxes, penguins, polar bears, and beluga whales. Back in Harbin, dine on a dumpling feast at a restaurant such as Orient King of Dumplings.

Day 3: Historic Heritage

In winter, continue your snowy adventure to Yabuli, China Snow Town, or Volga Manor. In summer, delve more deeply into Harbin’s rich heritage. Discover the story of the Jewish community, which arrived from Russia in waves, fleeing anti-Semitic violence, war, revolution, and dictatorship, and once numbered over 20,000. Tours cover synagogues, cemeteries, and more. Then experience a sobering encounter with one of World War II’s lesser-known atrocities, the “medical experiments” that killed thousands of men, women, and children by germ warfare, freezing, vivisection, and more on a visit to the Unit 731 Museum. Lift your mood with a stroll through the Harbin Botanical Gardens, before you wrap up your visit with your choice of northeastern Chinese signature meals: hot pot or barbecue. Be sure to wash them down with the city’s namesake light Harbin Beer.

Two days in Harbin allows you time for more than just the vast ice sculptures and intricate snow carvings at the city’s celebrated Ice and Snow Festival. You can discover the city’s multicultural history, enjoy some signature wildlife experiences, and savor delicious cuisine. Here’s how to make the most of 48 hours in Harbin.

Day 1: Winter Wonderland

**Morning:**Start the day with a Harbin highlights reel. Ride the cableway over the Songhua River, and, in winter, enjoy slides, rides, and local games on its frozen surface. Then discover the city’s Russian heritage with a stroll down historic Zhongyang Street and a visit to the Byzantine-style St. Sophia Cathedral.

**Afternoon:**In winter, spend the afternoon and early evening exploring the Ice and Snow Festival. See the snow sculptures on Sun Island before the light fades, then head to the vast Ice and Snow World theme park to capture the ice sculptures at twilight. In summer, visit the indoor ice-sculpture gallery on Sun Island.

**Night:**Delve deeper into Harbin’s Russian history with vodka and Russian food at a restaurant such as Russia Coffee and Food, with its antiques and historic photos. Cap off the evening with a stroll along the Songhua River; in winter, don’t miss the illuminated ice lanterns in Zhaolin Park.

Day 2: Animal Magic

**Morning:**Particularly if you’re traveling with kids, spend the morning taking in one of the city’s two star animal attractions. See tigers, plus a wealth of other big cats, at the Siberia Tiger Park. Or admire cold-climate animals, including Arctic foxes, penguins, polar bears, and beluga whales, at Harbin Polarland.

**Afternoon:**Delve deeper into Harbin’s rich history. Choose to explore the city’s Jewish heritage, from synagogues to cemeteries, on a cultural tour. Alternatively, discover the cruel world of Japanese medical experiments during World War II with a visit to the heart-rending Unit 731 Museum.

**Evening:**There’s hot competition for the title of China’s best dumplings, but Harbin is definitely a candidate, with robust northern Chinese fare that’s very different from southern dim sum. Discover them at a dedicated dumpling eatery such as Orient King of Dumplings and wash them down with black tea or Harbin Beer.

The UNESCO–listed Taj Mahal is one of the most famous buildings in the world. Though you’ve almost certainly seen the white marble wonder in photos, the structure’s symmetry, scope, and obsessive detail can be appreciated only in person. Here’s how to experience the Taj Mahal and Agra from New Delhi.

Full-Day Tours

Situated 124 miles (200 kilometers) from New Delhi, Agra sits within day-trip distance of the Indian capital, and a full-day tour to the impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site is a good option if you’re pressed for time. Private or small-group tours often include visits to both the Taj Mahal and nearby Agra Fort. Save money with a small-group tour by train, or enjoy a more personalized experience with a private tour, including your own personal guide and transportation by air-conditioned private vehicle.

Multi-Day Tours

If you have more than a day to spare, you can explore the entire Golden Triangle on a multi-day trip from Delhi. After an in-depth Agra tour and Taj Mahal visit, journey to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. See the Jal Mahal floating on Man Sagar Lake, learn about the astronomical tools at the Jantar Mantar observatory, and snap some photos of the intricate facade of Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of the Winds. 

Things to Know

• Choose between an Agra day trip or multi-day Golden Triangle tour from New Delhi.

• Enjoy the value of a small-group tour, or opt for the flexibility of a private tour with a personal guide.

• Day trips to Agra can last anywhere from 12 to 18 hours, depending on the option you choose.

• Most guided tours include hotel pickup and drop-off in New Delhi.

Known for its annual Ice and Snow Festival, one of the largest in the world, the northeastern Chinese city of Harbin comes alive in January and February each year. The overwhelming majority of international travelers visit for the ice sculptures, but Harbin has more to offer. Here’s how to discover the city’s highlights in just one day.

Morning: City Strolling

Winter or summer, start the day by soaking up the highlights of downtown Harbin. Ride the cableway over the Songhua River; in winter, enjoy delights from ice slides and ice bikes to miniature tanks on its frozen surface, or try your hand at ice swimming. Next, discover Harbin’s Russian heritage as you peruse historic architecture on Zhongyang Street, the city’s longtime thoroughfare. Snack on wintry treats from candied hawthorn to Chinese-style ice cream as you wander. Finally, explore St. Sophia Cathedral, the Russian Orthodox edifice built in 1907, which towers surprisingly over this Chinese city.

Afternoon: Winter Wonderland

Afternoon and early evening are the times to enjoy Harbin’s signature experience, the Ice and Snow Festival. Wrap up warm, as temperatures can drop below -22°F (-30°C). Start with the Snow Sculpture Festival on Sun Island to view a wealth of intricate snow carvings best appreciated in daylight. Continue to the vast Ice and Snow World, and marvel as the brilliantly illuminated ice sculptures come to life when darkness falls. Enjoy drinks at ice bars, snacks from ice concession stands, plus ice slides, ice bikes, and even a ski run. During summer, the indoor ice-sculpture gallery on Sun Island provides a taster.

Night: Russian Flavor

The food scene in Harbin, a cosmopolitan city heavily influenced by both Russia and Korea, is one of China’s more diverse, with sausage and pickle firmly on the menu. Warm up for the evening over vodka at a Russian-themed eatery, such as Russia Coffee and Food, which serves up warming favorites from borscht to dumplings amid photos, portraits, and antiques salvaged from a Russian émigré’s estate. In winter, finish with a bracing stroll along the Songhua River, as the city’s illuminated sculptures come into their own. Don’t miss the opulent ice lantern display at Zhaolin Park.

The trek to Mount Everest Base Camp is on most hikers’ bucket lists, and the Khumbu region of Nepal—known for its spectacular mountain peaks and friendly indigenous people—is one of the most popular places to do so. Here’s what you need to know about getting to this trekkers’ pilgrimage site.

Highlights

• Push your body to the limits as you take in the spectacular Himalayan scenery of the Everest region.

• Enjoy the expertise of a local guide who can help you acclimatize and trek the best routes to the base camp.

• Spend nights in remote Himalayan villages like Gorak Shep, Pheriche, and Phakding.

• Watch the sunrise over the world’s highest peak from Kala Pattar.

• Taste local foods and learn about Sherpa traditions from the welcoming indigenous people of the region.

• Stop at cultural points of interest like Namche Bazaar, Sagarmatha National Park, and Tengboche Monastery.

How to Prepare

The trek to Everest Base Camp is not easy, so it’s a good idea to join a private or small-group trek with an experienced guide to help navigate the route, troubleshoot along the way, and offer insight into Nepali history and culture. While nothing will really prepare you for the extreme elevation—Everest Base Camp is located at 17,598 feet (5,364 meters) above sea level—cardiovascular training such as hiking, walking, and climbing (lots of) stairs will help get you physically ready for the trek through the Himalayas. Even with this, the altitude will be a factor in your expedition, so to avoid altitude sickness, give yourself some time to acclimate in Kathmandu before heading out on your trek.

Breathable layers are the best option for comfort, as the temperature can change quickly in the mountains, and sunscreen and sunglasses are a must for the bright sun at altitude. Be sure to break in your hiking boots before you arrive, and carry moleskin or another blister remedy for when the inevitable occurs.

When to Go

The best times to trek to Everest Base Camp are from the beginning of March to mid-May, and from the beginning of September to mid-November. In the spring, the mountains burst into color when the rhododendrons bloom, and the temperature is more moderate as the snow is melting from the mountains. In fall, the monsoons have cleared the air of dust, though the days are cooler and shorter.

Things to Know

• Everest Base Camp trek tours last between 12 and 16 days, and typically include meals, accommodations, and licensed guides and porters.

• Hiking poles are not required but can be helpful in alleviating pressure on the knees. 

• The trek to Everest Base Camp should be attempted only by those who are physically fit.

The modern city-state of Singapore makes a perfect home base to explore its Asian neighbors, especially the jungle and cities of the Malay Peninsula. For some great single- and multi-day trips to Malaysia from the island, here are some can’t-miss options.  

Malacca Tours

Like Singapore and much of Southeast Asia, Malaysia is a fascinating mix of ethnic groups and religions, and nowhere are these different influences more evident than in the historic city of Malacca (sometimes spelled Melaka). On a city tour of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed city, learn about the region’s colonial history at points of interest like the Red Clock Tower, Cheng Hoon Temple, Porta de Santiago (A Famosa), and St. Paul’s Church.

Johor Bahru Tours

Even closer to Singapore, just across the strait in fact, is the city of Johor Bahru. This booming frontier town features the familiar jumble of influences, evident in the Moorish-style Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque and Royal Mausoleum as well as the colonial English administrative building. Due to its proximity to Singapore, Johor Bahru can be visited in as little as half a day.

Legoland Malaysia Tours

Those traveling with young children (or young-at-heart adults) should plan to spend a day at the colorful Legoland Malaysia theme park. This kid-friendly, highly interactive amusement park has seven themed areas filled with rides, shows, and attractions. A day tour from Singapore typically includes hotel pickup and drop-off and admission to the park.

With three days in Jaipur, you’ll have enough time to see its most important palaces and temples, with time left over to explore the celebrated Amber Fort and take a day trip out to Pushkar or the Taj Mahal. Here’s one way to divide your time.

Day 1: Pink City

Spend your first day in Jaipur seeing the highlights of the Pink City, the old part of town named for its salmon hue. The most popular attraction in this part of town is the City Palace, where the titular royal family lives to this day. The part of the palace open to visitors includes courtyards, a royal hall with images of former maharajas, and a museum filled with royal ephemera. Next to the City Palace stands the Jantar Mantar, a royal observatory and UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with gargantuan astronomical instruments. Other Pink City highlights include the honeycomb-shaped Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, featuring some 953 latticed windows. Round out your day in the Pink City with some shopping at popular Bapu Bazaar, known for handicrafts and footwear, and Johari Bazaar, a great place to pick up bangles and fabrics.

Day 2: Forts and Temples

On your second day, head out to the Amber area on the outskirts of Jaipur, where the star attraction is the 16th-century Amber Fort, a gargantuan structure made of red sandstone and white marble. Highlights of the fort include the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors), filled with tiny mirror shards in a mosaic pattern, and the zenana, a series of frescoed rooms once occupied by the king’s wives and concubines. Right below the fort sits the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing, which focuses on one of the area’s most important textile crafts.

After Amber, head back into Jaipur to visit some of its most important temples. Start with Galtaji, dedicated to the god of the sun, Surya. It's often nicknamed the Monkey Temple for the large primate community that lives on its grounds. Finish your day of sightseeing with a visit  to the Birla Mandir, a contemporary, white-marble temple dedicated to Vishnu and his consort Laxmi.

Day 3: The Taj Mahal or Pushkar

Spend your last day in the area on a day trip. If this is your only chance to visit the Taj Mahal in Agra, it’s worth traveling the five hours each way. For something slightly closer, consider heading to the holy town of Pushkar, about three hours away. A beautiful lake sits at the heart of this desert-oasis town, and large numbers of visitors come here annually to bathe in its holy waters. Pushkar is best-known as the site of an annual camel fair, and the town is also home to one of the only temples in the world dedicated to the Hindu creator god Brahma.

Two days in Darjeeling gives you enough time to take in most of the must-visits, from tea plantations to the toy train, with time left over to dig a little deeper into the local culture of the region. Here's how to plan your time.

Day 1: Darjeeling Highlights

**Morning:**Wake up before dawn and head up to Tiger Hill on the outskirts of town to watch the sunrise over the Himalayas; you may even be able to see Everest on clear days. Tiger Hill tours typically also include a visit to the Ghum Buddhist Monastery nearby. 

**Afternoon:**Spend your afternoon visiting one of Darjeeling's many tea estates, where you can learn everything about tea production, from planting to processing. Many tours include the chance to visit tea fields, see the various stages of tea processing, and taste different types of tea. For added convenience, opt for a tour that includes round-trip hotel transfers.

**Night:**On your first evening, head to Chowrasta (aka the Band Stand), one of Darjeeling's main squares, for some evening people watching. Lined with benches and with great views over the hills, this pedestrian-only area has plenty of restaurants to choose from once you’re ready for dinner.

Day 2: Spiritual Life, Toy Train, and Dinner with Locals

**Morning:**A religiously diverse city, Darjeeling has many monasteries, temples, churches, and mosques. Spend your second morning learning about the city's different traditions, with visits to places of worship such as the Mahakal Temple, the Japanese Pagoda, and St. Andrew’s Church; look for tours that stop at holy sites or customize one of your own.   

**Afternoon:**One of Darjeeling's most popular attractions, especially with kids, is its "toy train," a narrow-gauge, 19th-century train that chugs all the way to Ghum, the highest railway station in India. Just note that it can fill up fast, so make sure to prebook tickets to avoid disappointment.

**Night:**On your final evening, consider signing up for a dinner experience in the home of a local family. These sometimes include cooking demonstrations or even classes, but the focus is often more on cultural interchange and the chance to sample delicious, home-cooked North Indian fare.

Topping the list of sights in and around Xian are the Terracotta Warriors, the Muslim Quarter and the City Walls. With a little more time, you can discover countless other sights including pagodas, mosques, markets, and museums. Read on for tips on how to get the most out of three days in Xian. 

Day 1: Ancient Xian

Start your time in Xian with an exploration of the city’s historical wonders. Begin with a morning trip to the star attraction, the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Choose between the value of a small-group tour and the flexibility of a private tour. To make the most of your day, consider combining a morning at the Terracotta Warriors with an afternoon tour of Xian’s other historical highlights. Cycle around the ancient city walls (among the best preserved in the world) or learn more about the history of the city and province at the excellent Shaanxi History Museum. After all that sightseeing, it’s time to sit back and relax during a Tang Dynasty Dinner Show, where you’ll be treated to a dumpling feast and colorful song-and-dance gala. 

Day 2: Modern City

You’ve taken a deep dive into Xian’s history, now it’s time to appreciate the modern city and all its multicultural appeal. Start with a visit to one of Xian’s newest attractions, the Xian Museum, then climb to the top of the neighboring Little Wild Goose Pagoda for panoramic views over the surrounding area. In the afternoon, consider learning more about modern Xian culture by taking a calligraphy class, kung fu workshop, or Chinese painting lesson at a local art museum. In the evening, head out on a food tour to experience the fusion of Muslim and Chinese flavors in modern Xian’s cuisine, a city highlight. Tour on foot or by tuk-tuk through the old city or the bustling Muslim Quarter.

Day 3: Outdoor Adventure

Now that you’ve seen the city, spend your last day taking in the surrounding countryside. Get an early start toward Mount Huashan, known for its steep and narrow paths and high mountain peaks. To make the most of your time, take a cable car to the summit, then explore the hiking trails, passing Buddhist and Taoist temples and numerous scenic viewpoints along the way. After a long day on the mountain, head back to Xian for your final night on the town. Enjoy the city’s nightlife on a bar-hopping tour of Xian, or for something a bit more low key, visit a local craft brewery for a refreshing pint and a toast to safe travels.

The sheer number of temples located in Kathmandu and the surrounding valley has earned it the nickname City of Temples. You could easily spend your entire Kathmandu trip hopping from one temple to the next. To help narrow it down, here are five you definitely shouldn’t miss.

Pashupatinath Temple

Located just east of Kathmandu on the banks of the Bagmati River, the Pashupatinath temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and is best known for its magnificent architecture. The two-story pagoda structure houses a sacred linga, or phallic symbol, of Shiva, making it one of the most important Hindu temples in Nepal and the most important Shaivite temple in the subcontinent. Pashupatinath is also the site of the most-used cremation spot in the Kathmandu Valley.

Bodhnath Stupa

Bodhnath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ranks among the most important and holiest Tibetan Buddhist sites outside of Tibet. The white 14th-century structure is said to house a bone from the Buddha’s body. Worshippers come here to circumambulate the stupa while spinning prayer wheels and praying to the 108 small images of the Buddha that surround the structure.

Swayambhunath Temple

Swayambhunath Temple, situated southwest of Kathmandu, is instantly recognizable by its golden spires with ominous-looking eyes painted on them. This Buddhist temple, nicknamed the Monkey Temple for its large population of resident monkeys, affords spectacular views of the city lying in the valley below.

Budhanilkantha Temple

Off the main tourist circuit, Budhanilkantha Temple centers around a 16-foot (5-meter) statue of the reclining Hindu god Vishnu in the middle of a pool of water. You’ll likely find more local devotees than tourists at this holiest of Hindu temples in Nepal, and at a busy period, visitors are treated to a glimpse of day-to-day worship at this traditional temple.

Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple

If you happen to be in Nepal during a full moon, plan to visit Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple, situated just outside the city center. On every full moon night, this temple on the western shore of the Bagmati River hosts a free classical music concert using traditional instruments like tabla, flute, and sitar.

Thanks in part to the Silk Road, Xian has long ranked among the world’s greatest cultural capitals, and it remains a hotbed of multiculturalism and Chinese history. While there’s enough to see and do in Xian to fill a week, a single day is enough to see its main highlight, the Terracotta Warriors. Here’s how to make the most of your day. 

Morning: Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the reason most travelers come to Xian in the first place. Get an early start for the hour-long drive to this 2,000-year-old mausoleum complex with its life-size Terracotta army. Learn about how the famous figures were made and about Emperor Qin Shi Huang, who inspired them. After exploring the three excavation pits, don’t miss the exhibition hall where the intricate bronze horses and chariots are housed. Choose a private tour for even more flexibility. 

Afternoon: City Sightseeing

Now that you’ve seen Xian’s star attraction, take the afternoon to visit one or two other points of interest. You could walk or ride a bike atop the historic city walls, browse the food stalls and souvenir shops of the buzzing Muslim Quarter, dig deeper into Xian history at the Shaanxi Museum, climb the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, or visit the remains of a 6,000-year-old village at the Banpo Museum. Save time on transportation by combining these into a guided tour, or head out on your own to explore the city. 

Night: Dumpling Feast

No trip to Xian would be complete without an evening spent feasting on Chinese dumplings while taking in the song, dance, costumes, and choreography of the city’s famed Tang Dynasty Dinner Show at the Tang Dynasty Palace theater. Alternately, treat your tastebuds to a dinner of succulent street foods—soup dumplings, noodles, savory pancakes, and the city’s signature barbecued meat skewers—during a night tour of the Muslim Quarter.

Standing 29,030 feet (8,848 meters), the iconic Mt. Everest, which sits on the Nepal-Tibet border, is the tallest mountain in the world. Catching a glimpse is a high priority for many travelers to Nepal, and you can do so several different ways from Kathmandu. From easy to strenuous, here are a few options.

Day Tours

The only way to see Everest on a day trip from Kathmandu is to take a scenic flight. Sightseeing airplanes run when the weather is good, and offer beautiful views of a large sweep of the Nepali Himalaya. For safety reasons, though, you can’t fly too close to Everest in a plane. For a real close-up, take a helicopter tour, some of which stop for breakfast on the way in small settlements in the Everest region.

Multi-Day Tours

No vehicular roads lead to Everest on the Nepal side of the border—the only way to reach the mountain is to trek there on foot. The most popular route is the Everest Base Camp trek: fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, then trek for about 12 days there and back. On the way, you’ll stop at Sherpa villages such as Namche Bazaar and Khumjung. Quieter alternatives are the Three Passes trek and the Gokyo Lakes trek, both of which offer views of Everest. If you’re short on time, you can trek one way, then hop in a helicopter back to Kathmandu.

Things to Know

• Everest is called Sagarmatha in Nepali, and Chomolangma in Sherpa.
• As the crow flies, Everest is only about 100 miles (160 kilometers) from Kathmandu; however, many hills and mountains sit in between. It’s rare but sometimes possible to see a sliver of Everest from Kathmandu on clear days.
• The most common ethnic group in the Everest region are the Sherpa people, Buddhists who originated in Tibet. You’ll see Buddhist monasteries, stupas, and prayer walls along the trekking route to Everest Base Camp.
• If trekking to Everest—or taking a helicopter that stops en route—know the symptoms of altitude sickness. Be prepared to turn back at any point, as altitude sickness can turn deadly.
• Although it’s not mandatory, it’s a good idea to trek with a guide in Nepal. They can keep you safe, secure your accommodation along the way, and tell you about what you see.

With two days in Xian, you’ll have enough time to explore beyond the Terracotta Warriors and essential city sights. Learn more about the city’s history at one of its excellent museums, and treat your tastebuds to its multicultural cuisine. Here’s how to get the most out of your 48 hours in Xian.

Day 1: Essential Xian

**Morning:**No trip to Xian would be complete without a visit to the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Get an early start for the 1-hour drive to the site, where you can explore the three excavation pits and learn about how the life-size figures were made and discovered. 

**Afternoon:**Back in Xian, take in the Old City from one of the best vantage points, the top of its ancient city walls. If you want to make the entire 8.5-mile (14-kilometer) circuit, hop on a bike; alternately you can walk a portion of it on foot to get a better sense of its immense size. For added value and convenience, combine the Terracotta Warriors and a bike ride along the walls into a single tour.

**Night:**All that sightseeing is likely to work up an appetite. Luckily, Xian is a city that knows how to eat. As the sun goes down, head out to explore the culinary landscape with a walking or tuk-tuk tour. Sample local delicacies from street vendors, such as steamed pork buns, barbecued-meat skewers, or pita bread soaked in lamb soup.

Day 2: Historical Xian

**Morning:**Kick off your morning with a visit to one of the city’s top attractions, the Shaanxi History Museum, where the enormous collection tells the story of Xian and the surrounding Shaanxi Province. A visit to the museum can be combined with another top landmark, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, in a half-day tour.

**Afternoon:**Continue your deep dive into Xian’s long and storied history with an afternoon visit to the Banpo Village archaeological site. Walk among 6,000-year-old ruins of a neolithic village—thought to be one of the oldest human settlements in China—to learn more about how some of China’s earliest residents lived.

**Night:**End your Xian trip with dinner and a show. Choose between the classic combination of a dumpling feast and Tang Dynasty Dinner Show, or head to the historic Huaqing Palace for an epic love story known as The Song of Everlasting Sorrow. Book a tour with hotel pickup and drop-off for a hassle-free final evening.

Sri Lanka’s southwestern resort of Bentota beckons travelers with more than sandy beaches. There’s easily enough to keep you busy for three days, from boat rides on jungle rivers to game safaris, whale-spotting cruises, and tours to historical and scenic gems such as Kandy and Galle. Here’s a 3-day itinerary that lets you pack everything in.

Day 1: Get to Know Bentota

Bentota borders lush countryside and wildlife-abundant rivers, so start by communing with nature at the magical time of sunrise. Board a kayak and glide along the mangrove-flanked River Madu to see birds, monkeys, and other creatures as a guide offers insight and pointers. Alternatively, discover the art of Sri Lankan food on a morning cooking course. Visit an alfresco kitchen and learn to drum up local curries and other dishes to savor for lunch. 

Sightseeing tours are also popular. Choices include village tours by tuk-tuk, car, and open-top VW Beetle—or rural bike rides—to see temples, rubber plantations, and a sea turtle conservation project on the beach. Otherwise, dive into Bentota Lagoon’s water sports. Sample four activities with equipment and instruction provided—taking off on a Jet Ski, tube, banana boat, and mangrove cruise. If you’re interested in angling, instead sign up for a lagoon fishing trip to catch species such as mangrove jack and snapper.

Day 2: Cities and Cultural Gems

Devote your second day to Sri Lanka’s colonial-era and cultural hot spots. Venture south to Galle to admire Portuguese- and Dutch-built Galle Fort—a walled enclave offering cobbled lanes, museums, mansions, and a lighthouse. Or head for Nuwara Eliya, a 19th-century hill town founded as a British summer retreat. Tours typically showcase its colonial-era bungalows, tea plantations, and the nearby Ramboda waterfalls. Another option is Kandy, a former royal capital in Sri Lanka’s hill country. Explore the Temple of the Tooth UNESCO World Heritage Site and other sights such as Peradeniya Botanical Gardens and tea plantations. Whichever you choose, going with a guide gives you the advantage of historical commentary, hassle-free sightseeing, and door-to-door transport from your hotel.

Day 3: Wildlife Watching

Earmark today to experience as much of Sri Lanka’s wildlife as possible. Tour Udawalawe National Park, known for its elephants, by 4WD, or take a safari in Yala National Park in search of leopards, elephants, birds, and monkeys. Alternatively, if you’re here between November and April, consider a whale-watching expedition. Cruises leave early morning from the south coast town of Mirissa to view blue and other species of whales in their natural habitat. Day trips from Bentota include dawn transportation to Mirissa and a boat ticket, so you can skip transport hassles or the need to overnight in the town.

The central Chinese city of Xian, famous for its massive Terracotta Army, also enjoys one of the world's longest and richest culinary histories. Once the departure point for the Silk Road, Xian has hosted myriad religions and cultures, each influencing the city’s gastronomic traditions. Here are a few dishes and activities you won't want to miss.

Must-Try Dishes

Xian's most iconic dish would have to be yangrou paomo, an unleavened flatbread, similar to pita, soaked in a rich, spicy bowl of mutton soup. The same bread makes an appearance in the dish rou jia mo, a popular street food made by stuffing stewed pork into the bread. Xianbing, another popular snack, can be described as a savory pancake stuffed with beef and green onions.

Noodles are ubiquitous throughout China, but Xian's biangbiang noodles are unique. These thick, wide noodles are hand-pulled and often served with lots of hot peppers, garlic and Chinese vinegar. And while Shanghai is better known for dumplings, Xian gives the city a run for its money with guantang baozi —soup dumplings stuffed with lamb or beef and served with a vinegar and chili dipping sauce. For a late-night meal, nothing beats chuan'er, or skewered beef and lamb kabobs; they're cheap, tasty and the perfect accompaniment to a cold beer.

Must-Do Experiences

• Head to Xian's Muslim Quarter, considered by foodies to be the best place to find a tasty meal, for a food-centric tour of the neighborhood on foot or by tuk tuk.
• Set aside an evening to attend one of Xian's famous dumpling banquets, where you can feast on local flavors while watching a Tang Dynasty dinner show.
• Try your hand at a cooking class for a great introduction to the foods of Xian. Take a hands-on approach and learn how to make regional dumplings.

With three days in Jaisalmer, you'll be able to explore the city's historic fort and mansions, overnight in the Thar Desert, and try out local food, and you’ll still have time left over to explore the historic Jain Temples in Osian. Here's how.

Day 1: Jaisalmer Fort and the Sam Sand Dunes

Start your Jaisalmer trip with a visit to the desert city's most important attraction: Jaisalmer Fort. Also known as the Golden Fort (Sonar Quila), this 12th-century fortress is a popular stop on most city tours, and a guide can help navigate its narrow lanes. Inside, you’ll find Hindu and Jain temples and historic homes, some of which have been converted into hotels or guesthouses. Later, make your way out to the Sam Sand Dunes in the Thar Desert for an overnight excursion; some tours stop at local villages along the way. Take a sunset camel ride followed by dinner and a live folk dance performances before calling it a night.

Day 2: Havelis and Food

Enjoy breakfast followed by a camel ride through the desert dunes before heading back to Jaisalmer and its Patwon Ki Haveli, the largest of a cluster of five old city mansions, or havelis, located near the Gopa Chowk entrance of Jaisalmer Fort. Dating to the 19th century, these intricate homes feature carved columns, arches, and balconies, along with frescoed murals and mirrorwork. Depending on how much time you spend at the havelis, you may want to head to nearby Gadi Sagar, a picturesque reservoir and a popular place for pedal boating to watch the sunset. When night falls, head back into town for a food-focused walking tour of the city, and fill up on local snacks before turning in for the night.

Day 3: Onwards to Osian and Beyond

On your last day, get up extra early and head to the town of Osian, a desert settlement about a 4-hour drive from Jaisalmer. Osian is famous for its ancient Hindu and Jain temples, most of which date from around the 8th to 11th century, including the Sachiya Mata goddess temple. While Osian can be done as a day trip from Jaisalmer, many visitors come here on their way to other Rajasthan cities, particularly Udaipur or Jodhpur. Some tour operators offer transfers from point A to point B between Jaisalmer and other cities, with guided visits to Osian along the way—an economical option given the long distances involved.

Comprised of 99 islands (five more at low tide) on Malaysia’s western coast, Langkawi is the postcard image of a tropical paradise. With Langkawi Island as a base, travelers come from around the globe to explore the archipelago, both above and below the water. These are some of your best island-hopping options.

Highlights

• Set sail for Langkawi’s outlying islands along the coast of Kuala Perlis aboard a 2-masted yacht.

• Zoom around the islands, rocky outcrops, and hidden bays of the Andaman Sea aboard a Jet Ski.

• Explore the undersea world of Pulau Payar Marine Park or the colorful coral reefs off Koh Lipe.

• Enjoy a barbecue lunch cooked onboard a boat or on a remote beach.

• Go for a swim in Dayang Bunting Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the country.

• Spot dolphins, flying fish, and birds of prey as you explore the archipelago.

• See the region from two perspectives with a longboat tour of the islands and a ride on the Langkawi Cable Car.

With three days in Singapore, you have enough time to check off the must-see sights, soak up the city-state’s unique culture, get out into nature, and even try out a few fun-filled activities. From daredevil thrills at theme parks to wildlife-viewing experiences, here’s how to make the most out of your 3-day Singapore sojourn. 

Day 1: Essential Singapore Sights

Today is the day to see Singapore’s most famous sights. A hop-on hop-off bus tour or an amphibious water-and-land tour provides a good introduction to Singapore and views of key city attractions, from the Singapore Flyer wheel and the half-lion half-fish Merlion statue to the 3-towered Marina Bay Sands.

Come afternoon, it’s time to explore Singapore’s ethnic enclaves. Take a guided tour of Chinatown, Little India, or the Islamic-influenced Kampong Glam. Then continue your sightseeing with some bargain-hunting at the bustling Bugis Market or by catching the Garden Rhapsody light show at Gardens by the Bay. For dinner, head for Albert Centre at the back of Bugis Market, where street food vendors sell Asian and Indian cuisine, or for Satay by the Bay at Gardens by the Bay, which has about 30 stalls offering everything from biryani to barbecued seafood.

Day 2: Thrills and Spills

Singapore offers thrills aplenty with several theme parks within easy day-tripping distance of the city. Families hoping for a day of fun may want to make the journey to Legoland in neighboring Malaysia, where more than 70 rides and attractions, a waterpark, and Miniland—which features Lego-built miniatures of well-known landmarks—await. 

For a no-passports-needed day trip, head to Sentosa Island. Here, Universal Studios offers a fix of movie-themed magic, while Adventure Cove Waterpark is packed with slides, rides, and watery attractions. 

That evening, chat with a local family over a home-cooked dinner made by your host. Dine on chili crab, rice, vegetables, and soup in their home in a residential area of northeast Singapore, and hear first-hand about life in the island-city-country.

Day 3: Wildlife and High-in-the-Sky Views

Swap the urban bustle for a quiet morning in one of Singapore’s nature-filled spaces. Just a 15-minute boat ride from the mainland, the neighboring island of Pulau Ubin is unspoiled and undeveloped. Join a kayaking trip and paddle around the mangroves, scanning the waters for otters and pods of pink dolphins. For guaranteed wildlife sightings, visit the excellent Singapore Zoo, the River Safari wildlife park, or Jurong Bird Park.

For your final night, finish on a high note with a special sky-high experience. Enjoy dinner with a view of Singapore’s sparkling skyline on the Singapore Cable Car on Mt. Faber, or feast on street food at a down-to-earth hawker center. Then head for the rooftop observation deck at Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, which affords 360-degree views of the Gardens by the Bay and the dazzling Singapore skyline.

Dubbed the Pearl of the South, Phuket is one of the world's most famous beach destinations.Thailand's largest and most visited island, the hot spot revolves around and thrives on tourism yet retains a spark of the real Thailand. Here are some of the best ways to spend three days in Phuket.

Day 1: Exploring the Island The best way to get an introduction to the island and check out the downtown scene is by taking a morning tour with an English-speaking guide who can tell you all you need to know about your new surroundings. In the evening, be dazzled by the Las Vegas-style Simon Cabaret Show, or combine dinner and a Thai cultural show at FantaSea, where the whirling, swirling, vivid display of Thailand's exotic heritage delight viewers.

Day 2: Get Active

After your introductory day out on the island, it’s time to get out there and get moving. A vacation in Phuket definitely means dipping your toes in the gorgeous blue water, but you can also opt to take the plunge on a rafting adventure. Go for a rain forest canoe ride down the Sok River in the island's interior, or explore the mysterious tidal caves of Phang Nga Bay by canoe.

Day 3: The Surrounding Waters If yesterday's activities didn't include enough water-fueled action for you, you're in luck. Phuket is surrounded by exquisite groups of islands, all easily seen on a day trip. Ride a speedboat to Krabi, famous for its snorkeler's wonderland of limestone caves and white-sand beaches, or see Koh Phi Phi for yourself—some say its the region's most beautiful island group. If you'd rather sail more leisurely, ride a ferry to the nearby islands for some free time to swim, snorkel, and soak up the sunshine.

Phuket is Thailand’s flagship beach destination, benefiting from year-round sun, sandy beaches, and lush jungle. With two days to explore, there’s time to cruise the coast, explore the islands, and take in the highlights of the mainland. Here’s how to spend two days in Phuket.

Day 1: Sunbathing and Sightseeing

Morning: Start early to avoid crowds and watch the sunrise from Promthep Cape on the island’s south coast. Continue to two of Phuket’s most popular attractions—the hilltop Big Buddha and temple of Wat Chalong—either independently or on a tour with the ease of a guide to lead the way.

Afternoon: Kata Beach and Karon Beach are two of the best beaches on Phuket. Grab lunch and cocktails at a beachfront restaurant; take part in water sports such as surfing, snorkeling, or stand-up paddleboarding (prebook for a seamless experience); or relax on the beach.

Night: Continue sightseeing into the evening on a sunset cruise around Phang Nga Bay, which typically includes dinner as you sail around islands off the coast of Phuket. Alternatively, head to Naka Night Market, held on weekend evenings in Phuket Town, where you can dine on Thai street food and shop for souvenirs.

Day 2: Island-hopping in Phang Nga Bay

Morning: Set sail on a day trip to Phang Nga Bay by speedboat and discover some of Thailand’s most beautiful islands. Depending on the tour itinerary, visit the Phi Phi Islands and Maya Bay, where Leonardo DiCaprio movie The Beach was filmed; cruise to James Bond Island; or swim and snorkel around Racha Yai and Racha Noi islands.

Afternoon: After a day at sea, head to Patong Beach to browse the shops along Bangla Road or relax with a cocktail at a beachfront bar. The beach town is also home to numerous spas, where you can get a traditional Thai massage or reflexology foot massage.

Night: Spend your final night in Phuket watching a show or cabaret. The Siam Niramit show tells Thailand’s history through a music, dance, and theater production. Alternatively, the Simon Cabaret is one of Thailand’s most popular and longest-running cabarets, with transgender performers taking to the stage for a Las Vegas-style extravaganza.

Three days in Udaipur will allow you not only to experience some of the city’s beautiful palaces and lakes, but will also leave you time to go out and explore some of the temples and forts in the surrounding area. Here’s how. 

Day 1:Highlights of Udaipur

Spend your first day in Udaipur checking out some of the city’s classic sights, many of which are near or directly on the banks of Lake Pichola in the center of town. Start with a visit to the sprawling City Palace complex, which features 11 interconnected palaces along with a museum and a sparkling gallery chock-full of fine European crystal. From here, head over to Jagdish Temple, right by the main entrance to the palace, perhaps stopping to shop at some of the many handicrafts boutiques that flank the road between the two attractions. Jagdish Temple is known for its intricate architecture, notably around 100 pillars carved with scenes from Indian mythology. In the afternoon, head out to Monsoon Palace, high on a hill on the edge of town; it’s a great place to watch the sunset over the city.

Day 2: Temples and Mansions

Start your second day with a trip out to Eklingji, a temple complex situated in the holy town of Kailashpuri, about 14 miles (22 kilometers) outside Udaipur. The site has around 100 temples of all sizes; most are made of marble or granite, and many feature beautiful carved exteriors dominated by carved arches and pillars. The oldest date back to the 10th century. Many are dedicated to Eklingji, a popular form of Lord Shiva that's long been venerated by the royal families of the area.

In the afternoon, make your way back into Udaipur to visit the Bagore ki Haveli, a grand haveli (city mansion) overlooking Lake Pichola. This 18th-century building features 100 or so rooms, a large number of which are decorated with period furniture. Others have been transformed into galleries full of ephemera (including what is allegedly the world's largest turban). Stay for a puppet show or dance performance, held here most evenings.

Day 3: Ancient Forts

The region around Udaipur is notable for its beautiful architecture and stately forts. Spend your last day exploring one of the most notable, the 15th-century Kumbhalgarh, one of six historic forts that collectively comprise the UNESCO World Heritage Hill Forts of Rajasthan. Kumbhalgarh is noteworthy for having the second-largest wall on earth and is surrounded by the protected Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. Kumbhalgarh can easily be visited on a day trip and is usually combined with a stop at the Ranakpur Jain Temple, which was built around the same time as the fort. The temple's most notable feature is its 1,444 marble pillars, each of which features its own unique look.

Alternatively, head out to Chittorgarh, also one of the six Hill Forts of Rajasthan. Likely built in the seventh century, the fort is the largest in India, encompassing around 700 acres (283 hectares), and is big enough to merit an entire day exploring.

Ever since Psy showed us his Gangnam Style, K-pop has been taking the world by storm. Spend some time in Seoul and you’ll hear the up-tempo tunes everywhere you go, but here are some of our favorite experiences for diving deeper into Korean music and pop culture.

Highlights

• See a live K-pop show or hologram concert.

• Learn to dance like your favorite K-pop stars with a professional dance instructor.

• Tour the filming locations of some of Korea’s most famous TV shows.

• K-pop tours can last anywhere from two hours to a full day.

K-Pop Concerts

One of the most popular ways to experience K-pop in Seoul is by seeing a live performance. Visit the set of Mnet, a Korean music television station where you can attend a taping, tour the studio, and see top singers perform live and up close. Visit the CJ E&M Center, Korea’s number-one entertainment company, where you can watch a live show and listen to chart-topping songs by top K-pop stars and idols on M! Countdown. If you can’t make it to a live studio show, experience the next best thing at Klive. This innovative venue features hologram performances by some of the genre’s biggest stars, including Psy, 2NE1, and Big Bang.

TV Tours

Korean pop culture extends beyond music into the realm of television. See where some of Korean TV’s most famous shows and scenes— My Love from the Star, Winter Sonata, and The Moon That Embraces the Sun, to name a few—were filmed by touring the sets and filming locations.

Though autumn in Thailand tends to be a bit wetter than other months, traveling in this offseason means cooler temperatures, and smaller crowds in the streets of Bangkok, temples of Chiang Mai, and beaches of the Thai Islands. Here are some ideas for the best things to do in Thailand during the fall.

• Find your bliss during a yoga retreat on the banks of the Kok River in Northern Thailand.

• Cycle from Chiang Mai to hill tribe villages and Chiang Dao caves on a bike tour to Chiang Rai.

• Warm up at the Mae Ka Chan hot springs en route to the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet.

• Shop for local ingredients at a Bangkok market before learning the art of Thai cuisine during a hands-on cooking class.

• Go island hopping through the Phi Phi archipelago to see some of Thailand’s most spectacular beaches.

• Soak up the sights of Bangkok aboard a dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River.