3 Asian Winter Wonderlands
By Kelli Luu | 08 Nov, 2025

Discover three of Asia’s most beautiful winter wonderlands, South Korea, Kyrgyzstan, and Kashmir — where culture meets snowy magic.

If you’re ready to plan your next winter vacation, these three Asian countries are offering itineraries full of culture and excitement that will make the flight worth it. 

Our first stop is South Korea.

Winter in Seoul is magical. The Seoul Winter Festa in December features stunning light installations and lantern shows or attend an iconic ice fishing festival. South Korea is home to many ski resorts that offer sledding, skiing, and snowboarding activities and if you head over to Seoul Plaza or Olympic Park, outdoor ice skating rinks light up the city. 

Winter is the off-season for tourists in South Korea, so it is peak timing for smaller crowds and even lower flight prices. For a breathtaking adventure, take a ferry to Nami Island where you can make an adventurous move and try out the zip line so you can see the scenery covered in snow from above. 

Moving over to Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan is a unique destination for those looking for a true winter wonderland excursion. 

The cold temperatures make Kyrgyzstan an ideal place for snow sports. Visit Karakol resort to go snowboarding in the morning and relax in the hot springs at night. Horseback riding near the Chong-Kemin mountain range is another popular activity for anyone excited to see snowy landscapes. Then after a long day of being outside in the cold, warm yourself up with a bowl of beshbarmak, a traditional noodle dish. 

If you’re craving an authentic and cultural experience, spend the night in a yurt underneath the stars and don’t miss the eagle hunters in action. Their hunting traditions express a deep bond between human and nature and have been kept alive for the future generations. Whether you are exploring frozen lakes or camping under constellations, winter in Kyrgyzstan is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. 

Up in India’s northernmost region, Kashmir is another winter paradise that should be on your travel radar. 

With a view of the famous Himalayas mountains in every angle, Kashmir will make every photo look like a scene out of a postcard. Gulmarg is one of Asia’s number one ski destinations with the world’s highest gondola ride being the center of attention. Book a stay in a houseboat on Dal Lake surrounded by snow-covered willow trees and take a beautiful ride along the partially frozen bed of water. 

Beyond the natural beauty, Kashmir is full of culture. Explore the street markets where you can find handwoven shawls and even saffron, the most expensive spice in the world. In Kashmir, any activity will capture the essence of India’s beauty and heritage, so book your flight so that you can wake up to the sound of prayers echoing through the bright white valleys.