If you’re an American, a fall foliage trip might evoke specific images of sweaters, coffee, and small towns in New England. But leaves change color worldwide, and there are far-flung places where you can witness the magic of the changing seasons in a new and exciting setting.
If you are planning a trip to Asia for the fall, consider elevating it by fitting a foliage site into your itinerary. Here are some beautiful sites to visit, depending on your destination.
Mughal Gardens in Kashmir, India
In late September, leaves of the maple and chinkara trees in the Kashmir region of India begin to turn vivid colors. One of the most stunning places to witness this transformation is the Mughal Gardens in Srinagar. These gardens were built and designed by the Mughal Empire in the 16th through 19th centuries and are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visitors can enjoy boat rides on the Dal Lake, where they can see trees in fall colors lining the shore.
Annapurna Base Camp, Nepal
If you’re into hiking, this is the place to visit. Fall is the best time to hike in Nepal because it is after the monsoon season and the air is fairly clear. Annapurna Conservation Area consists of 118 named mountains with villages throughout, and the Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes travelers through the villages. From late September through November, the leaves change colors and the wind blows them onto the hiking paths, creating a kaleidoscope of color. Travelers can stay in tents or local tea houses during the 11 to 14-day trek.
Fragrant Hills Park, Beijing, China
Also known as Xiangshan Park, Fragrant Hills Park is a 395-acre public park that used to be an imperial garden. It is located at the foot of the Western Hills where its maple trees turn a fiery red in autumn. Tourists flock to the site, riding cable cars to get an ideal view of the hills. Because it is so heavily toured, try visiting on a weekday from mid-October to mid-November for the best experience. Or embrace the crowd’s joy and visit during the Red Leaf Festival! The park also includes a hotel, imperial architecture, temples, landscaped gardens, and more than 5,000 ancient trees, so there is plenty to see.
Nami Island, South Korea
A few hours from Seoul in the North Han River sits Nami Island, known as both a fairy tale village and an eco-park. The island is known for its year-round beauty, but it shines in autumn, where visitors can walk along Ginkgo Tree Lane and Metasequoia Lane to see colorful leaves. With its great restaurants and popularity as a Korean film location, it’s no wonder Nami Island is a destination for honeymooners! Visit from early through late October to make sure to catch the color.
Kyoto in Japan
If you’re looking for a single fall vacation spot, consider Kyoto, a historical town in Japan known for its autumnal splendor. Hitting its foliage peak from mid- to late-November, the town is full of gardens, temples, and shrines that are landscaped with colorful trees. To name just a few, visit the Hokan-ji Temple at sunrise, head to the Eikando Temple for a mid-day walk, and drive along the Arashiyama Takao Parkway in the late afternoon.
