In our series of 500 Journeys of a Lifetime we travel to Asia.
From the Taj Mahal to the Great Wall and from Halong Bay to Borneo, here are journeys you should put on your bucketlist.
1) India - Taj Mahal
The moment you set eyes on the Taj Mahal, you know you are seeing an edifice unlike any other. India is like that - it stirs the soul, it challenges your conceptions, it changes you. (Heck, it may turn you upside down!) One of the great architectural wonders of the world, this incredible edifice in Agra should be visited by anyone at least once in their life. Visit the Taj Mahal.
2) Bhutan - Tiger's Nest Monastery
In a land where the Buddhist tradition ensures a respect and reverence for nature, the archetypical image is that of the Tiger's Nest Monastery clinging to the side of a cliff. Journey to the Tiger's Nest Monastery
3) Trekking in Nepal
Between the soaring peaks of the Himalaya and the steamy expanses of India, Nepal is a nirvana for hikers, trekkers and lovers of mountains. Some of the world's best and most iconic trails lead you to Everest Basecamp.
4) Temples & scenery in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka: splendid temples, ancient ruins, welcoming people and flavourful food are all to be found within this small country. Search for elephants, leopards and water buffaloes, walk among tea plantations and waterfalls to rainforest-covered peaks and take a spectacular train ride through the highlands. Take me to Sri Lanka
5) Myanmar - Temples of Bagan
Both the sheer size (67 sq kms / 26 sq mi) and the hundreds of temples and stupas at Bagan will impress you. But it is the sweeping vistas - of balloons rising over the plains at dawn and of pink, red and orange sunsets at day's end, that will remain with you forever. Take me to Myanmar
6) Cambodia - temples of Angkor
There are few experiences on earth matched by the setting of the sun at Angkor Wat, the famous temple complex in Cambodia, a stunning blend of spirituality and symmetry. Take me there
7) China - The Great Wall
Built to keep foreigners out of the Celestial Kingdom, the Great Wall is now one of the major drawcards of China. Walk its ramparts for a few hours or for a few days, this monument to engineering will impress you.
See the Great Wall on a sightseeing journey or a walking trip.
8) Vietnam - Cruise Halong Bay
A breathtakingly beautiful country, Vietnam is at once incredibly exotic and utterly compelling. Gaze over the surreal limestone islands of Halong Bay - like the scales on a dragon's back, this surreal jumble of limestone cliffs rises up from the ocean's surface high into the sky. Board a traditional junk, sit back and enjoy the amazing scenery. Take me to Vietnam
9) Travel the Silk Road
The ancient Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva conjure up images of unimaginably wealthy oases linked by caravans, of imperial politics and incredible architecture. Beautiful turquoise domes and towering minarets grace the skyline while down below everyday life goes on in markets and cafes from years gone by. Take me to Uzbekistan or let me journey the entire Silk Road
10) Eye to eye with orang-utans in Borneo
Endless deep green jungles, stunning mountains and one incredibly blue ocean. And coming eye to eye with orang-utans is an experience you will not soon forget. Whether you see them being fed in a semi-wild location such as Sepilok, or in their natural habitat, this will be a true highlight of your visit to Borneo. Let me see my cousins!