If you want to go to Asia, you do not need to go to the most common destinations like Tokyo’s Disney Land or Hong Kong’s Disney Land. Not only do the most frequently visited destinations in Asia cost more for tourists, but they are also over crowded. You would rather go visit those places in off-season. So, where can you go in Asia where you can absolutely immerse yourself in the unknown? Where can you go and admit that you were the first of your friends to visit that place? Well, Asia is a colossal continent. There is no dearth of finding off the tourists’ map. What are they? Here are some less- frequently visited destinations in Asia.

The first place that comes to my mind is Gokarna in Karnataka. This quaint beach destination is home to one of the most eco-friendly hotels in the world, which produces its own energy, harvests all the rain water it receives, and treats and reuses the waste water in the hotel. Though staying in this hotel will come at a very steep price, the money spent would nevertheless be worth it. Apart from this hotel, there are various other cheaper accommodations along the beach. There are five beaches of which two are smaller and remote. Staying along the beaches in a group would be perfect if you would want to have an isolated vacation for your group. Since this is also a religious place, finding alcohol would be tough. However, you can immerse yourself in Hindu spirituality here. There are many temples of Hindu deities, and this place is also mentioned in many religious texts. If you don’t want to go to the overcrowded Goa, then Gokarna is the place for you.

If China is just too overcrowded by tourists for you, then you can try another country that is a not very far from it- Mongolia. This country is as exotic as exotic can get. The capital Ulaanbaatar is the only place with an international airport, and where you can find elements of modern civilization. This landlocked country has managed to retain its traditional way of life through the centuries. Outside the capital, you can experience the life of nomads, one of the few remaining in the world. You can live their lives and in their traditional tent-like homes that can be dismantled as it may be convenient. This country boasts of pristine natural zones that are called national parks. You can find mountains, mineral water lakes, exotic birds and animals all in one place. Apart from national parks, you can also visit Buddhist temples or learn horse riding. Horse riding is a skill that the Mongolians master. And yes, you can visit the places where the most famous Mongolian- Genghis Khan- has stepped on- his birthplace, his supposed location of burial, etc.

If you are a war enthusiast, the there are many interesting destinations in Asia- from the war relics in Vietnam to those in Cambodia. War tourism is on the rise. Here, you can check out bunkers, underground tunnels, weapons used and preserved; and also try your hand at shooting. And though there are no such things to see in Afghanistan, you can try visiting the country for its natural beauty that has remained untouched by relentless warring in the past. Tourists are slowly returning to war-ridden places like North Korea and Afghanistan.