Asia Central y Extremo Oriente: Los destinos de naturaleza y montaña

Mt Fuji, Japan

Mt Fuji is an emblem of Japan that dominates the region west of Tokyo. Climbing the mountain is a tradition with sacred overtones, while many visitors are content to view the mountain from its foothills. Hakone is the most famous spot to view Mt Fuji but the scenic Fuji Go-ko region offers similar views and fewer crowds.

On clear days in winter, Mt Fuji (Fuji-san in Japanese) is visible from as far as Tokyo, 100km away. When Japan’s highest mountain (3776m) is capped with snow, it’s a picture-postcard perfect volcanic cone. However, for most of the year you need to be very close, and even then the mountain is often covered in haze or cloud. Autumn and spring are your next best bets for Fuji-spotting.

Climbing the mountain is best with a guide, providing details of the cultural history of the mountain with two-day pilgrim tours. Also available are one-day off-season guided ascents (June to October, weather permitting).

Lake Ashi, Japan

Lake Ashi, or Hakone Lake, Ashinoko Lake, is a scenic lake in the Hakone area of Kanagawa Prefecture in Honshū, Japan. It was created 3,000 years ago by a volcanic eruption this lake is now cruised by boats year round. It is a crater lake that lies along the southwest wall of the caldera of Mount Hakone, a complex volcano. The lake is known for its views of Mt. Fuji and its numerous hot springs.

Lake Ashi, Japan

Things to do:

• Take the aerial tram 
• Hakone Ropeway to The Great Boiling Valley 
• Walk around the lake 
• Enjoy a cruise on a pirate ship across the lake

The Gobi Desert

The Gobi is a large desert region in Asia. It covers parts of northern and northwestern China, and of southern Mongolia. It is an astonishing region blessed with true remoteness and rugged beauty. It is best experienced through a series of day walks, jeep rides and a camel trek with local nomads, whilst staying in traditional 'Ger' camps with Mongolian families.

The Gobi is made up of several distinct ecological and geographic regions based on variations in climate and topography. One is the Eastern Gobi desert steppe Ecoregion, a Palearctic ecoregion in the Deserts and xeric shrublands Biome, home to the Bactrian camel and various other animals. It is a rain shadow desert formed by the Himalaya range blocking rain-carrying clouds from the Indian Ocean from reaching the Gobi territory.

Top things to do:

• Explore Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, named for the mountain range which flanks the eastern half of the park. 
• View the largest sand dunes in Mongolia at Khongoryn Els 
• Experience a camel ride with local nomads 
• Stay in local Ger camps

Ger Camp, Gobi Desert