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Asia

Description 

This page is home to all of the Asian countries, Middle Eastern countries East of the Suez Canal (Turkey is located on the "Europe" page), and Northwestern Pacific Islands such as Japan. Pacific Islands nearer to Australia, such as Indonesia can be found on the "Australia" page.

The largest continent, Asia is a varied land with vast climbing opportunities. Home to the highest point on Earth (Mt Everest at 29,028 feet), and the lowest (The Dead Sea, at 1312 feet below sea level) this is certainly a land of contrast. Despite a population density nearly double the world-average, many corners of Asia remain relatively unexplored, especially by climbers. Add to the mix a constantly changing political landscape, and any trip to Asia is guaranteed to provide an adventure to remember.

Asia's claim to fame is surely the 14 towering 8000 meter peaks of the Himalaya & Karakoram. However, Asia has plenty to offer the casual climber, such as world-class vacation sport-climbing on the limestone cliffs of Tonsai and Vang Vieng, intimidating Deep Water Soloing in Vietnam, and granite bouldering in Hampi. The extensive limestone of China has also recently attracted the attention of many western climbers.

Getting There 

Commercial Air travel to Asia is fast & convenient, though can be expensive. A rental car is unnecesary for most Asian destinations. Public transportation in the form of train, bus or commercial plane is plentiful and relatively inexpensive. Ground travel can be time-consuming, but for a slightly higher fare its sometimes possible to get a bed.

Travel Information 

• A valid US passport will be required for all travel to Asia. Details on how to obtain a passport can be found here.

• Visa requirements vary from country to country, and can be quite complicated for some destinations. To ensure your trip goes smoothly, visit the US State Department's Country Specific Page at the early planning stage, for precise info regarding visas, vaccinations, or any other requirements. Not all Asian countries are considered "safe" by the standards of the typical tourist. The State Department provides detailed information & travel advisaries on the Contry Specific Page. Gather as much data as possible, and use your own judgement.

• Immunizations are a key consideration for any travel to Asia. Talk to your doctor about specific immunizations required for your destination, or better yet, visit a Travel Clinic that specializes in pre-travel vaccinations & consultation. Most such clinics do not require medical insurance, and offer reasonably priced walk-in services that even dirt-bag climbers can afford. This website can help locate a Travel Clinic near you. When seeking medical advice, its always a good idea to do some research yourself before you trust everything the doctor tells you on his/her way to the golf course. The Center for Disease Control has a great website to help you decide which vaccinations are a good idea.

• Some trips require special permits, particularly mountaineering expeditions in the Himalayas. These requirements are complicated & different for every country.

• Refer to each countries page for details on the local currency. Current exchange rates can be found here.

Helpful Hints 

• Never get involved in a land war here!

The Classics

Featured Route For Asia

First Corner 5.12a  International : Asia : ... : {13} School Gate

An incredibly fun sport climb for any venue, and certainly one of the best here. This climb has a little of everything, overhanging jugs, slapping of aretes, hidden pockets, technical footwork, and if you stay belly to the bolts (harder) even some flaring jams. The grade will depend on how directly you do the route, but will be in the 5.11 range.Climb up past 2 bolts to a technical crux, where a taller climber can clip the third bolt before risking it (be mindful of the rocks behind you). There ...[more]   Browse More Classics in International

Photos of Asia Slideshow

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