24 days in South Asia Itinerary

Some of Asia's longest rivers run through Bangladesh, forming the world's largest and most fertile delta. In addition to the Ganges, sacred to Hindus, hundreds of other waterways rank among the top tourist attractions in Bangladesh, offering access to lengthy beaches, islands, coral reefs, and the biggest mangrove forest in the world. In this densely populated country, giant urban centers house many different ethnic groups, creating a patchwork of cultures that makes this part of the world so intriguing to tourists. Consider beginning your tour of Bangladesh in Dhaka, a hectic city packed with old temples and swanky eateries serving a growing population of international expats.

It may very well be fair to call India "incredible," given its mind-boggling diversity of landscapes, climates, cultures, and languages. The world's largest democracy, and second only to China in terms of population, India contains majestic peaks dusted with glistening snow, sun-drenched beaches, ancient hand-carved temples, and sprawling cities jam-packed with people, vehicles, and animals. Many tour India during the country's devotional festivals, which range from immense parades that convert cities into giant performance stages, to simple farming fairs dedicated to relatively obscure local deities. Whenever you choose to vacation in India, make sure you see some of the country's World Heritage Sites, which include the legendary Taj Mahal and Chilika Lake, the planet's second-largest lagoon.

Occupying territory inhabited since prehistoric times, Pakistan saw more than its share of ancient invaders, from the Bronze Age civilizations that thrived in the Indus Valley to the armies of Alexander of Macedonia. Each culture left a deep mark on the country's cultural heritage, shaping its religious traditions, art, and cuisine. Because of continued political instability in the region, few casual travelers consider a trip to Pakistan for pleasure, yet the intrepid explorers who do will discover a land blessed with numerous natural and cultural treasures. While thriving cities lie in the country's south, the remote and rarely visited north remains a wild frontier of soaring mountain ranges, which include K2, the world's second-highest mountain.