FALL DESTINATIONS FOR FOLIAGE IN ASIA

You might think of New England small towns, sweaters and coffee when you imagine a fall foliage tour. There are many places in the world where leaves change colors.

Consider adding a fall foliage destination to your itinerary if you’re planning a trip in Asia. Here are some great places to visit depending on where you’re going.

Mughal Gardens at Kashmir, India

The leaves of maple and chinkara in Kashmir begin to change vibrant colors by late September. The Mughal Gardens, in Srinagar, are one of the best places to see this transformation. The Mughal Empire built and designed these gardens between the 16th and 19th centuries. They are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Boat rides can be taken on the Dal Lake where visitors can see the trees in autumn colors along the shore.

Annapurna Base Camp, Nepal

This is the perfect place for hikers. The fall is the ideal time to hike because the monsoon has passed and the air is relatively clear. The Annapurna Conservation Area is made up of 118 mountains and villages. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek will take you through these villages. The leaves turn colors from late September to November and are blown by the wind onto the hiking trails, creating a colorful kaleidoscope. During the 11-14-day trek, travelers can choose to stay in local teahouses or tents.

Fragrant Hills Park, Beijing, China

Fragrant Hills Park, also known as Xiangshan Park or Imperial Garden, is a public park of 395 acres that was once an imperial garden. The park is situated at the foothills of the Western Hills, where the maple trees are a vibrant red in the autumn. Cable cars are used by tourists to see the Western Hills. Visit during the week from mid-October until mid-November to get the best experience. Visit during the Red Leaf Festival to join the crowds in their joy! There is also a hotel and imperial architecture in the park, as well as temples, gardens, and over 5,000 ancient trees.

Nami island, South Korea

Nami Island is located in the North Han River, just a few hours away from Seoul. It’s a fairy-tale village as well as an eco-park. It is a beautiful island all year round, but in the autumn it comes alive with colorful leaves. Visitors can stroll along Ginkgo Tree Lane or Metasequoia Lane. Nami Island’s great restaurants and its popularity as a Korean movie location are no surprise that it is a honeymoon destination! You can catch the colors from late September to early October.

Kyoto in Japan

Kyoto is a historic town in Japan that’s known for its fall splendor. The town’s colorful gardens, temples and shrines are landscaped in trees that reach their peak foliage from mid-to-late November. Visit the Hokan-ji Temple in the morning, then head to Eikando Temple and take a walk at midday. Drive along the Arashiyama Takao Parkway late afternoon.