Nepal is Asia’s top destination when it comes to winter adventures because it’s home to Mount Everest. It needs no introduction, but snow is ever-present in the world’s highest point, though it’s not a place for tobogganing. Those who want to explore beyond Nepali slopes are in for a treat, as Asia has other snowy destinations.
Not anybody knows this, but it also snows in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, an enticing prospect for those who want to explore new winter wonderlands. From the orient to the central nations, Asia won’t disappoint lovers of the cool breeze and powdery snow.
10/10 Sapporo, Japan
Japan is a popular destination for snow lovers, and unlike Nepal, tourists can ski their hearts out in this East Asian country. Winter fans probably heard about it: the city is home to the world-renowned Sapporo Snow Festival, popular for its hundreds of snow statues and ice sculptures. The city once hosted a Winter Olympics, and its Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium is now a recreational area for those who want to fill their adrenaline cups. That’s Sapporo, a place where snow is so powdery.
9/10 Yongpyong Resort, South Korea
Located in Pyeongchang, Yongpyong is one of South Korea’s top ski and snowboarding resorts, as it should be because it’s the country’s largest. The resort has 28 slopes for beginners and experts. Its “Extreme” slope is not for the faint-hearted because its average angle is 15 degrees. Meanwhile, there are 15 cable lifts and a gondola, taking guests on a scenic journey before they hit the slopes. What makes the resort unique is it hosts other leisure activities like a zip line, luge, cable cars, sleds, a mountain coaster, an entertainment hall, shopping areas, and even a sauna.
8/10 Taichung, Taiwan
Taiwan’s highest mountain is Yu Shan (also known as Mount Jade), and as such, it’s the most popular among hikers. Trekkers who want to stay away from the crowd trying to conquer this Asian destination’s highest point might as well visit Taichung. The city is home to Snow Mountain (Xueshan), the second-highest peak in Taiwan. The area is often overlooked, and those visiting it for a winter hike are afforded scenic views – maybe even more breathtaking than the ones in Mt. Jade.
7/10 Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Another East Asian destination, Mongolia, aims to attract those who want a peaceful winter adventure. Even before landing in the capital Ulaanbaatar, travelers will already see that majestic mountain that overlooks the city. That’s Bogd Khan Mountain, declared by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve. During winter, the snow-capped peak entices visitors to commune with Mother Nature as they should because the mountain not only offers scenic views but a chance to spot critters, too. The snow of Mongolia won’t disappoint.
6/10 Almaty, Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is a Central Asian nation made known to many by the comedy movie Borat. Initially, the country condemned the film for its supposed negative portrayal of Kazakhstan. When the sequel arrived, the government, surprisingly, used the character Borat’s catchphrase for their tourism slogan: “Kazakhstan. Very Nice!” Those visiting this welcoming nation for snow should head to Almaty, where they can experience “4 seasons of the year – from winter to summer – in one single day.” The city has ice skating rinks, ski areas, and hiking trails that make for a wonderful winter getaway.
5/10 Sapa, Vietnam
It comes as a surprise to some that it snows in Vietnam, specifically in the town of Sapa (also spelled as Sa Pa). When searching photos online of this destination, it’s common to see mountains and valleys covered in greenery, hence the surprise of some that snow visits the area. During winter, the town turns green to white, attracting those who want a chill hike up Mount Fansipan or Ham Rong Mountain. Vietnam’s winter wonderland is a place of awe.
4/10 Papua, Indonesia
If many are surprised to know that it snows in Vietnam, more so when they see a photo of Indonesian snow. Indonesia is known for being tropical, so it comes as a shock to some that it has its version of a winter wonderland. The ice-capped mountain called the Carstensz Pyramid or Puncak Jaya is located in the province of Papua and is also the highest point in Oceania. The snow in this Southeast Asian destination is not as majestic as in the Himalayas, but they are as unique. The area is threatened by climate change, so it’s wise to visit it while the snow is still there.
3/10 Golan Heights, Israel
This list gets more surprising because the following entries talk about snow in the Middle East, starting with Israel. To reiterate, yes, it snows in Israel, specifically in Golan Heights. Mt. Hermon Ski Resort, surrounded by a nature reserve, is the place for winter fun in the Holy Land. Beyond the mountain, Jerusalem is also visited by snow, though rare, and it says goodbye after a couple of days. Skiers, however, can rest easy knowing the skiing spot in Golan Heights is there to serve their adrenaline needs.
2/10 Hajar Mountains (Oman And United Arab Emirates)
Oman and UAE share the Hajar Mountains, where snow is shy, and only appears from January to February. Also known as the Oman Mountains, this wonder of Mother Nature is a scenic spot to enjoy the views of the coastal plain and the desert, all the while feeling the cold breeze of the mountaintop. Fog-permitting, Hajar is the perfect seat to take in the sights and sounds of eastern Arabia. As they say, it “feels like Switzerland” when it snows in the Hajar Mountains.
1/10 Wadi Rum, Jordan
Desert snow? Jordan offers just that in the peaceful Wadi Rum. It’s amazing to realize that from December to February, the sandy area turns white, making any snowball fight possible. There are only a few days of snow in this desert, so tourists might as well time their visit when the coldest breeze starts to conquer the landscape. It’s a good conversation starter when travelers experience waking up in a desert during winter and being welcomed by camels. Wadi Rum knows how to wow, indeed.
