Dao Cheng Xian (China)

It was a well kept secret until 1931, when the American explorer Joseph Rock published an article in the National Geographic about his trip to the region. If you're just going for the day, have a soak in the hot springs and visit the Maji Temple, where monks and pheasants live side by side.

If, on the other hand, you're planning to stay for a few days, then you should tour the Yading Nature Reserve and immerse yourself in this 'Land of Snows'. With its high-altitude prairies, hills, wheat fields and small, Tibetan villages, the Daocheng Valley is nature at its best. Whether you're a hiking fan or enjoy horseback riding, you can head up to the snowy peaks of three neighboring mountains - Chenrezig (6,032m), Jambeyag (5,958m) and Chanadorje (5,958m)