The high life: 10 mountain escapes for non-beach lovers

Best for: colonial cottages, tea estates and trout fishing

Nicknamed “Little England”, Nuwara Eliya is perched nearly 2,000 metres above sea level. With its manicured gardens and fog-shrouded hills, it feels like a whimsical leftover from a bygone era. Stay in a grand old planter’s bungalow, take slow walks along Gregory Lake or sip Ceylon’s finest brews amid endless plantations.

Best for: terraced rice fields, ethnic culture and cool escapes

Sapa is the north’s crown jewel. Its sweeping rice terraces and mountain air are a world away from the southern lowlands. Home to diverse hill tribes like the Hmong and Dao, it offers travellers cultural immersion alongside scenic treks. Avoid the tour-bus clusters by staying in a sustainable ecolodge or guided homestay in the Muong Hoa Valley.

See more: Shy escapes: 9 quiet destinations for introverts who love to travel

Best for: slow travel, Shan culture and hot springs

Far from the crowds of Chiang Mai lies Mae Hong Son, a remote mountain province bordering Myanmar. It’s a place of wooden temples, hidden caves and steaming natural springs. Road trippers swear by the Mae Hong Son loop for its dizzying switchbacks, serene views and sleepy mountain villages.

Best for: breezy mornings, quirky farms and Thai-style chalets

Closer to Bangkok than Chiang Mai but with just as much chill, Khao Kho is a rising favourite for mountain escapes, especially among Thais seeking elevation without flying north. Here, you’ll find surreal fog seas at dawn, flower-filled cafes and alpaca farms—part kitsch, part charm. This is a good base for short, scenic drives and coffee with a view.

Best for: scones, strawberries and colonial cool

Long a beloved haunt of KL residents, Cameron Highlands still delivers on misty mornings and clotted cream afternoons. There are cooler corners and quieter trails still to be discovered beyond the usual tea tours. Think mossy forest hikes, rustic farmers’s markets and surprisingly good local steamboat spots.

Best for: soul-searching, forest bathing and high-altitude peace

The Land of the Thunder Dragon is Asia’s ultimate mindful mountain escape. With visitor quotas still in place, it offers serenity you won’t find elsewhere in the region. Hike to the famed Tiger’s Nest Monastery, dine on chilli cheese stew and let the rhythm of Buddhist prayer flags guide your pace.

Best for: starry campsites and sunrise above the clouds

The third-highest peak in the Philippines, Mount Pulag is a pilgrimage for nature lovers and stargazers. Located in the Cordillera region, it offers trekking routes for varying fitness levels. What makes it special? The “sea of clouds” phenomenon, often seen at sunrise from the summit. The scene is pure magic for early risers.

Best for: winter sports, mountain temples and cool summers

Though famous for hosting the 2018 Winter Olympics, Pyeongchang is more than just ski slopes. Like many mountain escapes, it invites meditation and peace. Its quieter months reveal forested hills, monastic retreats and hiking paths through Odaesan National Park. It’s where you can balance a day on snow or trail with a meditative evening in a hanok-style inn.

Best for: onsen villages, alpine hiking and fermented delights

Nagano’s mountains aren’t just scenic; they’re soulful. From the snow monkeys of Jigokudani to the Zenkoji Temple in the city centre, the region mixes spiritual tradition with natural beauty. Come for hiking in the Japanese Alps or skiing in Hakuba, then soak in centuries-old hot spring villages like Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen.

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